WINTER HAS MARKED A TIME OF PROGRESS and change for CFA Society Toronto, our financial community, and Canada. The year 2012 saw a record 618 new charterholders join the society, increasing our membership to an all-time high of over 8,000 investment professionals. We were able to celebrate with 255 of our new charterholders at our Annual Charter Recognition Reception this January. Welcome to all of our new members and congratulations to our new charterholders.

On December 11, 2012, over 1,200 members and their guests attended a luncheon with Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney for his last speaking engagement of the year in Toronto. Those who attended were able to gain insight from the Governor on the heels of his departure for his new role with the Bank of England.

On  January  16,  2013,  our  members’  commitment  to  professional  and  personal  development went beyond New Year’s resolutions as members participated in our fifth Annual Professional Development Day. Members were provided with an arsenal of tools allowing them to elevate their careers to a higher level. Top Industry practitioners and keynotes shared insights on industry change and future opportunities. They also taught high-demand skills, including strategic thinking, team building, gaining influence, and selling skills.

We are thrilled to announce our partnership with 7city learning as a preparatory provider for CFA exam candidates. 7city is also working with CFA Society Toronto to provide a larger breadth of programming, giving members access to comprehensive and advanced practitioner training. The Professional Skills Division specializes in advanced education training on a whole range of topical subjects. 7city is creating a Lifelong Learning Continuing Professional Education (CPE) online portal for CFA Society Toronto members.

Our commitment to our members continues with a wide breadth of spring and summer programming to suit a variety of continuing education needs. Our newest professional development calendar is now available, and our events page online is updated regularly to provide our cutting-edge training and exciting networking opportunities for our membership.

As always, we value your feedback. If you have any suggestions or ideas to assist us in furthering our important board priorities of Programming and Outreach, please do not hesitate to reach out to anyone at our Management Office, the Board of Directors, or me.