Is it possible that we have nearly completed another year?  2009 will certainly be a year that most of us will want to forget, but I think it will be remembered by all of us for quite some time.  We all experienced challenges in our businesses that were unprecedented and many lessons were learned. 

"09" was a very successful year for FICAP.  We completed our first full year under the leadership of our new executive director, Michele Stropoli.  Our membership has stayed strong as we have exactly the same number of members now as we had to start the year, an exceptional accomplishment considering that most associations experienced member losses of 50% or more.  In addition we held a very successful and unique convention in July, continued with timely, pertinent, and free educational events like the Credit Management program in October.  We provided scholarships to five exceptional students, enjoyed two golf tournaments and a clay shoot. A new Future Leaders goal group was created, and a mentorship program was implemented in that goal group to further assist in preparing future leaders in our industry.  Your PAC was active even in a non-election year, and in February we saw the first issue of "In the Mix" our monthly e-news letter.  Additionally your association has followed the lead of its members and has undertaken a concerted and successful effort to eliminate unnecessary expenses.  While all these accomplishments were happening, most of the groundwork was laid to make 2010 a very exciting and successful year as well.  As you can see your association is alive, well, and vibrant and your membership dollars are hard at work to serve you and our industry.

Enough with the facts and figures.  It is truly a wonderful time of year.  I hope, as you are no doubt very busy during this time that you have an opportunity to enjoy the season and to spend time with family and friends.  As we search for that perfect gift for those we love, and secretly hope someone is doing the same for us, I hope all of us will seek out a family or individual who truly needs a helping hand and fulfill a need in their life.  Oddly enough it will be one of the best gifts we receive all year.  "Seek joy in what you give...not in what you get." Unknown

I wish all of you and very Merry and Memorable Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. 
 
 
               
Gary Clements
President, FICAP