I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our members and volunteers; with special thanks to our leadership team and board of directors, for coming together and creating what has been another exciting and impactful year! Here are just a few highlights of the innovations and transformative changes that have taken root at PMI-CTT this year:

Membership:

• As a member, you belong to an organization that has grown by over 10%and represents an increasingly diverse cross section of the communities we serve. Now at over 800 members, we can boast measurable representation outside of our traditional financial services/insurance and technology roots to include an increasing number of project professionals from the construction, automotive, high tech/manufacturing, municipal government and academic/student sectors. Their perspectives and industry influences have enriched our events, framework and tool discussions and has broadened our lens into what our profession can offer to our clients. Our leadership team and board has been fortunate to welcome many new members and their influx of new ideas, energy and enthusiasm has allowed us to expand our offerings and provides a solid foundation for continued growth and improved programming in 2019 and beyond!

Program Innovation and Improved Chapter Visibility:

• Our evolving academic outreach programhelped to inspire a talented team of University of Waterloo Project Management students working with Dr. Peter Carr, to enter and successfully win 1^st place in the province-wide Max Wideman Project Management Competition in Toronto this year;
• We were privileged to welcome PMI Fellow Peter Monkhouseto our second Professional Development Day event in September, sharing his perspectives on the new PMBoK 6^th Edition and specifically how we as PM’s can apply the adaptive tools and techniques in the accompanying Agile Practice Guide to our own professional process. Another PDD highlight included a panel discussion with PMO leaders from local industry sharing their expertise about the role, evolution and value of Program and Portfolio Management Offices;
• Our Symposium team, working hand in hand with our leadership and board members, introduced a new format and expanded scope including more leadership, program/portfolio focused and agile frameworkofferings than ever before. By partnering with engaging speakers and attracting high profile sponsors, they delivered one of the most successful Symposiums in our Chapters’ history.

Looking ahead to 2019, I see more transformative change and continuous improvement occurring at the Chapter level as well as opportunities to celebrate our profession:

• In 2019, the Project Management Institute will celebrate 50 yearsof leading, inspiring and engaging  project management professionals around the globe. At PMI-CTT, we will join in these celebrations and invite you to check on our web site (www.pmi-ctt.org) for opportunities to engage in honouring our past and looking forward to our future as a profession;
• Our primary focus continues to be on providing membership value. As part of our work to understand your individual needs and formulate a future state vision to meet the diverse definitions of value that our growing membership holds, we will be looking to engage with many of you directly over the coming year to solicit your input and ideas. If you are approached by a member of our team to participate – say YES! If you are not approached but would like to be an active contributor to the future growth and development of your PMI-CTT Chapter, I invite you to reach out to me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 
• Finally, I would like to say thank you to all of youfor allowing me to represent your Chapter within our Region and on a global scale over the past year and half as President. This role has been and continues to be incredibly enriching both personally and professionally. As I reflect upon the relationships, experiences, the passionate membership and gifted volunteers that are PMI-CTT, it is clear that I have received far more from this experience than I can ever reciprocate. In my closing months, I will continue working with the leadership team to build the foundation for future growth, enhanced programming and increased member value. 

Wishing all of you, your friends and families, a joy filled holiday season and continued success in 2019!

Dale Van Looyen

PMI-CTT President