Chris Rivers, CFP®
President’s Message
We
began 2019 on uncertain terms on many fronts. The outlook for markets was shaky
entering the year, as we had just experienced a significant downturn in
December, giving back gains made earlier in the year and ending up in the red
for the first time in several years. Within the FPA, a massive national
overhaul of the structure and operation of the FPA was in the works, with
significant implications for our chapter.
Who
would have thought, 12 months later, that those would seem distant memories?
Markets rallied recovering what was lost in December and pushing higher. While
the future is as uncertain as ever, it is clear forecasts of a crash to start
the year did not come to pass.
On
the FPA side, thanks in no small part to the voices of so many in our chapter,
the proposed changes to FPA have been slowed and softened, and a more measured
approach is being taken. Beginning next year, a number of chapters around
the country will undergo a beta-test of the FPA’s proposed changes, to better
assess a path forward that we can all agree upon. We chose as a chapter not
to participate in this beta test, as we felt it would be more of a disruption
than a benefit to our membership. You will hear more next year about
progress on this front.
In
November several board members attended the FPA’s Chapter Leadership Conference,
to hear updates to the OneFPA plan and more importantly to network and share
ideas with volunteers from around the country. On top of that, at the
conference our chapter was honored with two Outstanding Achievement Awards. One
for the Why We Work video recording sessions held at the 2018 Winter Symposium,
and one for the introduction of a technology sponsor package.
As
we head towards 2020, and I hand the reins over to Parker Trasborg, I would
again encourage everyone to get involved and engage with our chapter.
When I first volunteered for the board many years ago, there was competition
for any open board position. Over the past several years, that dynamic has
changed, and we are eager to find new volunteers, new viewpoints, and new
energy for our board.
If
you think you don’t have the time, talk to a board member about their
experience next time you’re at an event. I think you’ll find the time
commitment is reasonable and the benefits are significant. If volunteering
for the board doesn’t seem right, there are plenty of other ways to get
involved. Many of our board members need help during the year, planning
programs, contacting members, or otherwise coordinating FPA events. Most of us
have an hour or two a month we could spare to connect with our colleagues and
boost the profession.
Last
but not least, please give us as much feedback as you can. The more we hear
from you, the better we can tailor chapter activities to elevate your
experience.
Coming
up shortly, On December 5th we have our annual membership meeting
and luncheon. We have two speakers lined up addressing timely topics. First,
Harlan Accola will be presenting advanced applications in reverse mortgages and
retirement planning. He’ll be followed by economist Terry Clower from George
Mason University, presenting a local and national economic review and outlook.
No
December message is complete without a mention of the Winter Symposium. The
Symposium will be held Friday, January 24th, at a new location – the
Tysons Marriott. We are excited to be headed to a new venue, and we have
a lineup that you won’t want to miss.
We
have Lourdes Gonzalez from the SEC presenting the view from regulators.
Tech guru Bill Winterberg will talk about the tech augmented advisor, while
Jennine Garrelick from MFS will speak about the future of women in the
industry. In addition, we have fabulous speakers lined up
discussing nextgen talent, ESG investing, brain health, and the Federal
Reserve. Registration is live, so sign up now to get the early bird rate
before it expires.
Thank
you once again for your engagement with FPA NCA this year. We have a lot to
look forward to in 2020, and a thriving community that makes this one of best
places in the country to be a financial planner.
All the best,
Chris
Chris Rivers, CFP®
2019 FPA NCA President
CRivers@AFMFA.com
