 |
Dear NIRI-SV Member,
We ended the last term with the wind at our backs as the NIRI Silicon Valley chapter was named the Best Overall Chapter-Large Chapter at the NIRI National Annual Conference in San Diego. Our chapter also received two Chairman's Awards, for sponsorship and social media programs, and the award for Best Member Services-Large Chapter. To say that last year was a great year for our NIRI Silicon Valley chapter would almost be an understatement.
However, as we begin the new term, we're facing an increasingly uncertain and unstable macroeconomic environment. It's not yet clear if we've weathered the storm, or if we're heading into another challenging year. The NIRI Silicon Valley chapter is very fortunate to enter this climate with a strong and capable Board of Directors that is committed to providing members with the tools to face the many challenges IROs face. All eligible board members returned for another year of service, and to further strengthen the chapter, we expanded the board to include two new positions - Professional Networking and Roundtables.
In these uncertain times, it's important that we maintain a sense of direction and purpose, so it's fitting that this year's theme is "Charting the Course." As IROs, we have all been exposed to working in industries undergoing tremendous change, organizations with ambiguity, and plans with moving targets. So, we can appreciate the importance of having a clear strategy to achieve our goals as well as making course corrections when conditions warrant. It is under these conditions that IROs can demonstrate their value to an organization, and we hope NIRI SV can be a beacon in the journey.
During summer planning sessions, your Board created a schedule of relevant and informative monthly programs, including our traditional Lobster Feed to kick-off the season in September, our December holiday charity event and our award-winning Annual Spring Seminar - a Silicon Valley hallmark. Along with timely new additions to the program calendar, we will, as in past years, offer a professional development path, including our mentor program, designed to pair veteran IROs with those interested in expanding their knowledge.
New for this year are the two new exciting additions I mentioned earlier. In response to membership feedback, we will formalize our roundtable efforts to hold more and regular roundtables for senior IROs as well as a basics track for those newer to Investor Relations. Additionally, in recognition that good things can happen when good people come together, we will hold a number of professional networking events focused on gathering members in informal settings to share best practices as well as good times.
Sponsors remain an integral part of our NIRI chapter and we continue to seek out special opportunities for each to highlight their products and services. Adding to our success through the years, volunteers have made important contributions to the Silicon Valley chapter. We encourage those members interested in participating to get involved.
The goal of the Board continues to be to serve our membership, so as always, please feel free to reach out to any board member with your suggestions or comments. I am looking forward to seeing each of you at NIRI Silicon Valley events throughout the year.
Regards,
Ken Bond
President
|
