CEO Update
I hope that you are keeping well during these extraordinary times.
As you work to support your members and the health of your organizations, CSAE continues its advocacy efforts on behalf of the sector. As mentioned in last Friday’s update, we encourage you to participate in the federal government’s consultations regarding the wage subsidy (CEWS). The deadline to do so is Friday, June 5th. You can view CSAE’s submission here.
CSAE continues to press the government to secure targeted support funding to protect the sector. We are in the process of scheduling meetings with various departments to address the gaps that make it impossible for many associations to receive the support needed to remain viable.
Thanks to your participation in our initial impact survey and the supplemental Pulse surveys conducted with The Portage Group, we have data to support our advocacy efforts. We are currently building stories that further advance the position of many of our association and business members. I welcome your involvement in this effort: should you wish to add to the narrative, please send me an email indicating your interest.
As the COVID-19 crisis continues, CSAE is joining a small group of sector leaders, including the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and the European Society of Association Executives (ESAE), to discuss the positive impact that associations are making around the world, particularly in this difficult period.
Here at home, we are monitoring the national and provincial situations as we begin to see restrictions lift. CSAE’s local network councils are instrumental in keeping a watchful eye on the progression. Council chairs will be meeting early next week to discuss how to continue providing value to members across the country.
Until we can meet in person once again, you have access to many opportunities through CSAE to converse, learn and share in the virtual space. I have truly enjoyed discussing what’s on your minds during Talk Tuesdays, and invite those of you who have not dropped by this video chat to join me for some friendly faces and conversation.
Boards and senior management need to collaborate effectively now more than ever to strategically position their association for a strong future. The upcoming Governance Forum with Dr. David Weiss provides senior staff officers and their board members a unique chance to establish their working relationship and determine how to navigate today’s challenges and emerge from this crisis in a strong position. Adeptly facilitated across three, 90-minute working sessions (June 11, 18 & 25th), this outstanding program features breakout sessions where you will do focused work for your own association. Thank you to sponsors Halmyre and D2L for their continued support of this event.
CSAE’s Trillium network’s popular Summer Summit program has transitioned to a virtual event, providing association professionals across the country the opportunity to take part in timely and relevant learning over four days: July 16, 17, July 23 and July 24th. Read more and register today.
Unprecedented. The name of CSAE’s conference reflects the spirit of the day, and will be unlike any annual conference we’ve experienced yet. Register today for our virtual conference to connect and learn with focused Think Tanks designed for collaborative discussion and solution development. Businesses can be part of this year’s unique virtual Showcase, accessible to all conference attendees 24/7 from June until December.
Stay informed about all of CSAE’s online events by visiting the calendar here.
As we move into the summer season, I hope you find ways to enjoy the outdoors safely and take some time to smell the flowers, both literally and figuratively.
Tracy Folkes-Hanson
President & CEO
