While it seems like only yesterday that I began my term as IMA President, I am very proud of our progress in advancing the strategic goals I shared with you in my first President’s message - Educate, Grow, Lead and Govern

Over the last year, we worked to ensure our members have access to current best practices and training relevant to our industry. In partnership with the International Property Tax Institute, we offered ten live, online webinars, attended by over 600 professionals from across Canada.

We successfully offered the first year of our Fast Track Designation Program, that saw 45 new A.I.M.A members and 73 new M.I.M.A members successfully complete their accreditation journey. I know you will all join me in celebrating the success of all the members that took on this professional and personal challenge.

We also offered our third consecutive Virtual Fall Symposium. Attended by over 300 professionals across Canada, the symposium provided a forum for industry leaders from Coast-to-Coast to come together and discuss trends and provide updates on leading industry topics. These ongoing investments in professional development and education, continue to support our members while positioning them as recognized experts in the field of property assessment and related functions.

With the 2023 membership year now underway, I am happy to report that we are continuing to grow our IMA community across Canada, welcoming new members from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Alberta, while continuing with high renewal rates from our current members.

The IMA Board and Executive continues to stay focused on our key strategic goals. Earlier this year, we announced our reciprocity agreement with the Alberta Assessors' Association (AAA) through which our corresponding accreditations are recognized as transferable and transportable. This is a significant step towards standardization of the Assessment profession in Canada. This, and other collaborations with stakeholders across Canada, support the continued growth of our profession.

The IMA Board has also been busy revisiting our governance model with an eye to ensuring that it meets the future needs of the association and our members. Stay tuned for more governance updates, geared towards streamlining work for all our Districts, being announced at our upcoming Annual General Meeting.

I look forward to connecting with members at upcoming District meetings, our Annal General Meeting and, finally, the opportunity to meet in person and collaborate, connect and learn during the IMA’s 64th Annual Conference in Kingston. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our IMA Board of Directors for their strategic leadership and the IMA office team, whose hard work and dedication continues to ensure our members always come first. It has truly been my honour to work with you over the last year.

Education and professional development have been an important part of my career in assessment, and I have been a proud member of the IMA for many years. I can personally speak to the value this association brings to the assessment and taxation community and it has truly been my privilege to serve our members as President. I encourage you all to take advantage of volunteer opportunities with the IMA this year and help us continue to grow our profession.