CJS gala matsutake parable

I was asked to say a few words of thanks to David Emerson for spending some time with the CJS group last evening. I did this in the context of a parable...

We have a few acres on a lake north of Whistler. Every year in the fall around this time, on the property at the lake, our attention is drawn to a physical manifestation of the concept of excellence. For us it is one of the year’s highlights. Not just for something that is good, but for something that is great.

It is matsutake 松茸, and as many here will know, the Japanese have a saying that captures this sense of the superlative - kaori matsutake, aji shimeji 香り松茸味しめじ.

In the search for this excellence, timing is everything. It’s easy to be in the right place, but if it’s not the right time, you’ll come up empty.

Even if you are in the right place at the right time, unless you know what you’re looking for, you’ll walk right by it.

Some of us have been walking in the B.C. woods for many years - in Tourism - in Resources - but are just now beginning to explore new areas where there is *kaori matsutake*. I’m talking about Technology. I’m talking about Aerospace.

David Emerson's presentation tonight was bold and comprehensive and I thank him:

For reminding us that we are in the right place and that now is the right time.
For reminding us what it is that can be ours if we stoop down and pick it up, and
For reminding us that there are other changes afoot in the woods as well:

- That we should not just sell stuff, but engage in reciprocal direct investment,
- That we should work to manage global value chains and networks,
- That we should invest in physical and human capital footprints in strategic markets.

Thank you David for reminding us to think strategically and to think boldly - if a bit differently - in our walk through these woods this fall.