How’s it going?
I’ve been getting that question a lot as we are already finished with a quarter of the year! I had high hopes for our chapter this year and so far it has been great progress and exciting to see the energy we have in our members. A major theme for the 2016 Board of Directors year is IMPACT. We have discussed the impact that FPA has on members, community and the profession and continue to keep that top of mind in the work being done. There have been great things so far this year that solidify the commitment that FPA of MN has to this focus. I wanted to highlight some of them.
Education
The chapter meetings so far this year have been really great! The speakers are bringing topics that are interesting and new to the crowd. Special thanks to our programs committee for working so hard on organizing the engaging content and presenters.
There has been a task force working on spreading the highly rated chapter meetings beyond the third Tuesday timing. The meetings are being video recorded and there is a Virtual Learning Center online for access beyond our monthly gatherings. There are also new offerings with the season pass now including the webinars and a stand alone webinar season pass serving up savings to our members.
Future of the Profession
The career development committee hosted another successful Career Day on February 26th. This was the 10th annual event, including interviews, round table discussions, panel presentation and a keynote speaker. The attendees and volunteers had a day of discussion and reflection around the profession of financial planning. I personally was happy to be a part of the day and think back to my first FPA experience which was at the first FPA MN Career Day in 2007 as an attendee!
NexGen has been continuing their efforts of building a community within the FPA for younger members. The committee works to create opportunities for growth, education and networking. The K’Nex Series is open to all members and brings topics that are not focused on CFP® CE credits but rather topics around personal and professional development. I highly encourage checking one out, watch for the invites!
Advocacy
The 3rd annual Advocacy Day was held at the Minnesota Capitol on March 9th. There was a great discussion and valuable connections made with the Department of Commerce and legislators. It is important we strengthen connections with regulators and legislators so we can be looked to as a trusted advisor and resource on topics that impact our profession and consumers.
Enhancing Membership
There are a number of initiatives that are focusing on enhancing the membership and outlining the value of FPA membership.
One of these initiatives is the Chapter Guide Program. This program is an effort to help new members feel at home in our chapter. Members are matched with new members during the first year of membership to make connections and share what is going on in our chapter to fully integrate into our membership. If you are interested in being a guide please let a board member know!
Jeanna Fifer, CFP®
952-926-1659
Cahill Financial Advisors
jeanna@cahillfa.com
FPA - Connect
