Navigating the new reality of working from home and staying active, connected and productive while balancing it with personal commitments and demands is challenging in today's rapidly changing environment. The COVID-19 is affecting every aspect of our lives and work — in ways never before experienced. One thing that has not changed is CIPMM's commitment to our communities and our mission-critical work to continue delivering the knowledge and advancing our profession. Supporting our communities during this time remains our top priority. Together, we remain strong. At CIPMM, we try to turn the current crisis around and make the most of this unexpected situation, and look at it as a new opportunity rather than a disadvantage. We have been challenged to re-think and re-design our activities and events to support our communities today and in future. Now, more than ever, technology, new skills, professional development, advocacy and sustainability play significant role. The CIPMM Board of Directors continues maintaining its strong focus on strategic direction for the organization, while adopting to quickly pivot and adjust to best serve the immediate needs and interests of the CIPMM communities and to maintain resiliency in spite of the current situation. You can continue counting on the dedication of the CIPMM Board, partners, volunteers and staff, working together to find innovative ways to deliver knowledge and information! We are stronger together. The CIPMM Board took time to identify new strategies and to explore new ways of providing our communities with relevant and meaningful professional development opportunities. We strongly feel that now is the time to invest into professional development and agile workforce. We can't afford neglecting the importance of the professional development of our workforce and valuable connections. The continuous learning is essential to the long-term effectiveness of the procurement and materiel management operations. The best asset of any organization is its people. The informed workforce is properly positioned and equipped to make smart decisions that will be essential to the continued success of any organization and maintain the public's trust. Investments into professional development of the workforce continue to be important. Keep an eye out for an upcoming new CIPMM Webinar program that will run virtually from June to November 2020, and will be free of charge to attend. The topics will focus on the mental health, leadership skills, core competencies, and procurement and materiel management content. Although, the webinar program is already taking shape, we invite you also to submit your proposal before June 30th, 2020 if you would like to present a webinar on any hot topic. Please take a note on some further updates on the upcoming CIPMM events and Save the Date!
- CIPMM Regional Workshop in Vancouver, originally scheduled for April 8th, has been moved to November 25th, 2020. The flexible cancellation policy for this event is in place in recognition of the current situation. We will continue to monitor the advisories closely and will notify you of alternative arrangements if necessary.
- CIPMM 2020 National Workshop has been moved to December 1-3rd, 2020. The flexible cancellation policy for this event is in place in recognition of the current situation. We will continue to monitor the advisories closely and will notify you of alternative arrangements if necessary.
- CIPMM Regional Workshop in Winnipeg will take place on April 21st, 2021.
- CIPMM Emerging Trends Symposium will take place on May 5th, 2021.
- CIPMM Fleet Workshop got moved from October 26-27th, 2020 to May 26-27th, 2021.
- CIPMM 2021 National Workshop will take place on September 27-30th, 2021.
We will continue answering your emails and getting back to your voicemails. We appreciate your patience during this unprecedented time. Thank you for your continued support as we work together through this challenging situation. Enjoy the beautiful weather and sunshine. Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay in touch with us, Carolyn Montague CIPMM President |