SEPTEMBER OFTEN MARKS NEW BEGINNINGS in the academic world, with back-to-school routines commencing the day after Labour Day. As we sharpen our pencils and prepare to get back to business after our summer vacations, we are also getting ready for our new volunteer year at CFA Society Toronto.

This year, we will have the added benefit of being able to incorporate the valuable feedback our members have provided to us from our 2020 CFA Society Toronto Member Survey. Thank you to everyone who participated in helping to shape the Society’s suite of current and future member services.

The 2020 CFA Society Toronto Member Survey was put into the field from May 1 to June 8 with the purpose of determining the best ways to move forward in satisfying the unique needs our members within Toronto’s investment community. The survey results have been carefully analyzed by Society leaders and will provide us with the foundation for our upcoming new strategic plan in early 2021.

Autumn is also a time of reflection at CFA Society Toronto, where we look back and show our gratitude. As many of you know, our dedicated volunteers are the backbone of the strong community we enjoy here in Toronto. We are fortunate to have over 350 volunteers who serve our membership through committee, advisory, and other special project initiatives. I would like to extend a warm welcome to all new volunteers and to those who are joining us for another term, along with a sincere thank you to everyone who has completed their term and are moving on to new endeavours.

As part of our ongoing efforts to celebrate some of our most passionate volunteers who have gone the extra mile, we created the Volunteer Spotlight Award to recognize their contribution and commitment to the Society’s mission and vision. In the 2019–2020 period, we celebrated two outstanding volunteers: Vikram Iyer, CFA, for his contributions to the mentorship committee where, through his work, he has demonstrated the high standards of professionalism embodied in the CFA designation; and Ashley Warburton, MFin, CFA, for her contributions on both the Industry Relations and Corporate Governance and the Member Communications Committees in highlighting the value of the CFA charter and being an advocate for diversity within the finance industry. Congratulations to Vikram and Ashley for your leadership and inspiration!

As we move into our new programming year, with a continued focus on e-learning, I would like to thank all our volunteers for their patience, kindness, talent, and dedication during these uncertain times. I look forward to the exciting and new ways we can work together!