Executive Message

My two year term, with the first year as Assistant Director of Finance and then this year as Director of Finance for the CSEG, ends this March. I have enjoyed the opportunity to serve the society and you over these two years. I leave you in capable hands as our current Assistant Director of Finance, Larry Wellspring, who will take over my role in March.

At the CSEG we look back over the year in review as we plan for the new year ahead. In the finance area we will be budgeting for the new year and closing the books on the current year. We look to be on track for another good year for the CSEG financially forecasting another solid surplus. The CSEG runs most of its programs on a breakeven basis, although this can swing from a small loss to a small profit depending on how the attendance and advertising revenue compares to our forecast. We have been extremely efficient managing all the major programs. Jim and Sheryl in the CSEG office run a very tight operation so administration costs are well under control, and we were able to keep all programs from 2012 pretty much intact. Our main revenue generators, in addition to our membership fees, are the annual joint convention (CSEG, CSPG & CWLS) and the DoodleTrain week in October. The convention has two paid staff to run the day to day tasks although it is the many volunteers who plan, organize and staff most of the convention activities that lead to its success. We also benefit from corporate donations such as classroom space. I am very pleased that the course offerings (23) and attendance (400+) are up this year.

With the continued success of our events this past year, we are examining where and how to utilize our surplus funds again this year. The CSEG executive will decide the allocation at our December meeting. In previous years this has been given to the CSEG Foundation to build up their reserve. The Foundation has been steadily increasing our reach across Canada through activities like the Canadian Distinguished Lecture tour and university scholarships.

I would like to reach out and thank the many volunteers, Jim and Sheryl, my colleagues on the CSEG executive, and wish Larry continued success on this committee. If any of you are thinking of possible New Year’s resolutions, consider volunteering or participating in more of our events. I am sure you will agree they are a great way to share knowledge and learning, as well as an opportunity to broaden your network.