Letter from the President: A Year of Opportunities and Community Engagement

Alissa Hurley, CMM, CED President, MPI Toronto Chapter

Hello MPI Toronto Chapter Family,

As someone who has been a part of this incredible community for over 20 years, I’m thrilled to address you as your President. The journey we've been on has been transformative, to say the least. Today, I want to talk about our current landscape and how we can forge ahead.

First off, let’s celebrate our resilience. Face-to-face meetings are booming, surpassing 2019 levels and showing promise for 2024. That said, we can't ignore that the pandemic shrunk our workforce. We’re all juggling busy schedules while trying to catch up. It's a unique challenge, but one that we can overcome together.

As we navigate this busy landscape, we have three main goals: 

1. Raising Awareness: We’ll spotlight our industry as a rewarding career option.
2. Attracting New Members: Fresh energy and perspectives are vital for our growth.
3. Education & Networking: We'll continue offering valuable learning and networking events to help us all grow professionally.

I know what you're thinking: "How do we get all this done when we're already strapped for time?" The answer is simple: We simplify.

We’re focusing on what truly matters to you. That means hosting events closer to your neighborhoods and concentrating on activities that make the most impact. We want to respect your time while also delivering value.

Here’s where you come in. We need volunteers, and not just any volunteers—microvolunteers. Whether you can give a day or just a couple of hours, every contribution counts. With a significant number of new members, your involvement can be the welcoming gesture that makes all the difference.

In closing, let’s make this year a memorable one. I can't wait to see you all at our upcoming events. Let's embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead with optimism and community spirit.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we'll make this a year to remember for the MPI Toronto Chapter.

Alissa Hurley, CMM, CED
President, MPI Toronto Chapter