IMA's new direction for 2003. (Letter from the President-Perspectives).

IMA's Board of Directors recently approved an updated and clear Strategic Plan. This plan has five parts/goals: (1) To increase IMA's membership; (2) To increase participation in IMA certification programs; (3) To increase professional development offerings and learning opportunities; (4) To

The Board also approved a financial plan that supports these strategic initiatives. This plan leads IMA to match current revenues and current expenses, which frees investment income to provide a margin of safety to cushion the impact of external events like the ones that we have experienced this year.

Kim Wallin led the Committee on Member Services to create a new chapter payment plan. This plan was circulated widely as it was being drafted and was changed several times in response to members' input. Chapters that align with the Strategic Plan will earn more money than those that don't.

The Ad Hoc Committee on Governance, led by Brian McGuire, created a new Board composition that was also approved. Starting on July 1, 2002, the Board will be composed of 24 Vice Presidents representing each council and one member from each of the following areas: academia, electronic information technology, students, international, Former Presidents. Two members will represent targeted membership groups, and three members will represent CMAs or CFMs. Also, up to four At-Large National Directors will be appointed. IMA's Chair, President, President-Elect, and Executive Director will also be members of the Board. All Former Presidents will be members, with the one vote previously mentioned, and the president of the Stuart Cameron McLeod Society will serve without a vote as has been the tradition.

This will create a governing body of about 50 people. The expectation is that this smaller group will have more dialog and make better decisions.

In addition, the Executive Committee has been expanded to include all of the Committee chairs along with the Former Chair, Chair, President, President-Elect, and Executive Director. The expectation is that these changes and this new structure should improve communication and participation within IMA.

The Board agreed with these plans, but the magic is in their execution. Our market is in turmoil today. We can turn this confusion into an opportunity, and this plan gives us the foresight to do so.

As a member of IMA, ask yourself the question, "How can I help reinforce or implement these plans?" The Committee structure is unchanged, so any ideas that you have can be submitted in writing to the appropriate committee. To locate our committee members and chairs, use the IMA website at www.imanet.org.

The future looks bright for us as an educational association. Let's continue to invite prospective members to our functions and introduce them to the IMA way.

It will change their lives. We know because it has changed ours!

You can contact Bob at bob@griffinshine.com.