As we approach the end of our fiscal year, I want to recap our accomplishments and plans for the future. 

We’ve had a successful year. While we budgeted for a small surplus, we ended up with significantly more than that, in part due to increased membership and sponsorship. Thanks to our new members and sponsors, we improved our advertising and course revenue, placing us in a stronger financial position going forward. 
 

Our lunch & learn sessions continue to be varied, informative and successful. Topics have ranged from funding options for condo corporations and building condo communities to waste diversion and recycling. Attendance has been at capacity for most sessions, sometimes with a waiting list. Near the end of the year, we started offering hybrid sessions, both live and via Zoom, to allow more of you to attend. The sessions are free to our members and have little effect on our bottom line.

We continued our Presidents’ and Treasurers’ forums, offering two of each during the year. These sessions, which offer a forum for condo board presidents and treasurers to interact with others in their positions, have always been entertaining and fascinating. I am always amazed at some of the conversations, questions and answers. I feel everyone benefits greatly from speaking to those working in similar positions.
 

Last year’s Annual General Meeting at Assiniboia Downs was a great night. While I didn’t win anything in the races, congratulations to those who did. I certainly enjoyed meeting everyone and speaking face-to-face with our members and sponsors. “Race Night” lived up to the expectations.
 

Ten of our board members attended the National Leaders Forum in Halifax, N.S., this year. I have participated in the NLF three times, taking away a bit more each year. Besides what I learn at the National Council and Executive meetings, I am able to chat one-on-one with other chapter presidents and directors. We exchange ideas and find out what others have been successful at, always bringing something back to our chapters.
 

Our Membership Committee has been hard at work contacting prospective members. As I mentioned, membership has increased, and the committee has set a target of 50 new members. I have no reason to believe they won’t be successful.

The Education Committee has already planned lunch & learn sessions beginning in the fall, including one at which I will speak. They fill up quickly, so as soon as registration opens, go for it. I’d hate for anyone to miss out. 
 

The Norwood Hotel is the site of this year’s AGM on Sept. 19. Our AGMs are always significant events, and I know the committee will do a fantastic job planning to entertain everyone. I would love to see a terrific turnout. We are looking to fill a couple of board positions, so if you are interested, please put your name forward. If not, maybe you can help by volunteering.

We recently completed our budget planning and have included marketing in the budget, something we haven’t done before. We would like to sponsor some events outside of CCI and do some promoting to attract more members and sponsors. We need to get our name out to the outside world.
 

I want to give a big shout-out (and a hug) to two of our directors who will not be returning to the board next year. 

Maureen Hancharyk, our past president, who served as president of the Manitoba chapter for many years, will not seek re-election this fall. Maureen has dedicated herself to CCI and condos in general for quite some time. I also appreciate her mentoring as I took over the role of president. I know the entire board and members wish Maureen success as she continues her other endeavours.
 

Duane Rohne has been the chair of our Communications Committee for the past couple of years. He has led the team to produce our quarterly newsletters. His tireless work has made News and Views one of the best CCI newsletters in the county. Thanks are simply not enough considering the amount of work he and the committee put in.

Even though Maureen and Duane will not be part of our board next year, their dedication remains, and I’m sure we will be able to turn to them for advice and help. They have even mentioned they may be willing to volunteer. Let’s hope they do, as that could  only make us better.
 

I see all the hard work that directors, volunteers and committee members put into making CCI Manitoba a great, successful organization. They devote their time and care about the condominium community. We all look forward to more success in 2024-25, and I  can’t wait for the New Year to begin. 
 

Have a great summer, and see you at our AGM.