It's hard to believe that we are already at the middle of February. This is shaping up to be a very exciting year for the FPA here in MA. Thanks to lots of hard work by past Boards and Presidents, our chapter stands out nationally by almost any standard of measurement. Based on size, involvement, activities, and contributions to the community, the MA chapter has much to be proud of. Our volunteerism is without peer.
We are blessed with an incredible Board of Directors, highly committed and involved, who are leading us to new activities and involvement. Each director leads a committee of dedicated volunteers who are working to come up with new and productive projects to help us promote our profession and the association.
We are all aware of the need for the public to understand what a financial planner is and what makes them unique. To that end, your association is working with a public relations firm to help promote our members and their accomplishments and expertise to the general public. Check out the work that is being done on the Boston Globes' website, www.boston.com. The FPA is now an accredited contributor to the blog on that website. Members of the FPA Public Relations group as well as members who have been through our media training are providing additions to the blog, highlighting our involvement and knowledge.
Our website and technology are state of the art. Stay in touch with what's going on at www.fpama.org
In partnership with Boston University, we have a joint Career Night planned for April that will bring together member firms and individuals who are seeking a position in our field. Last year's event was a hand's down success and we expect an even larger turnout this year.
Nominations are open for the Financial Planner of the Year award. You need to be thinking about who to nominate for this prestigious award.
We recognize the need to provide opportunities and experiences for younger members. Often, work constraints make it challenging for them to attend daytime events. We are planning specific activities directed at "NextGen" members and potential members to provide networking opportunities and events that are more conducive to their schedules.
Our governmental affairs committee keeps a close eye on bills in the MA legislature that may affect our profession. In the future, it is out intent to make sure that FPA members are there to testify at the state house whenever any bill affecting us holds a hearing. We are building our communication links to members of the state legislature to help them understand who we are and what we do.
Rather than sitting on our laurels regarding pro-bono work, new projects are in the works. Our existing programs with the MA National Guard and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, continue to work very effectively. A new project with the Lawrence Community Works is being developed.
For those of you who attended our February meeting, you noticed a new excitement in the air. We have changed venues to make meetings more widely accessible. We are holding to our high standards for speakers. But....we're adding new dimensions and levels of excitement to the meetings that will enhance your experience.
Be sure to save the date and register for the 2104 FPA Annual Conference on May 14th to be held at the Four Points in Norwood. It will be a full day of great speakers, networking, renewing acquaintances, and learning.
We have openings on all of our committees for those of you who would like to get involved and help us. We are the face and voice of the financial planning profession in MA. Come join us and help make a difference.
As the year progresses, I will keep you updated.