Dear PAAC members, colleagues and partners,
For many, the word “unprecedented” defined 2020. For Public Affairs Practitioners, it was “precedent setting” that defined the year. The challenges are enduring, but so is the determination and resiliency of our members. The 28,262 Federal Communications Reports filed with the OCL in 2020 is a testament to our industries adaptability. As incoming President of the Public Affairs Association of Canada, I am committed to serving our growing membership with the same dogged determination.
2021: Building Digital Resiliency
For PAAC and our members, evolution is not an option, it is the onlyoption. Building on 2020 key learnings and the new foundations they cemented, PAAC continues to adapt advocacy efforts and member focused initiative to meet digital realities. In a recent Microsoft Canada Survey, 56% of respondents say the pandemic has provided the catalyst their organizations needed to adopt new technologies and new ways of working.
The 32% of PAAC members who hold a Directors title will require solutions that differ from the 27% of members who are early in their careers. Data driven insights will drive the strategic thinking across our organization, to produce curated solutions and opportunities for our members.
In 2021, our members can expect frequent announcements on new initiatives, information rich resources and digital innovations driven by member’s needs, regulatory responses and market demands. Our mandate is to provide members with responsive solutions to distinct challenges.
2020: Leadership in times of crisis
On January 19, PAAC members attended the 2021 Annual General Meeting. The recent successes of PAAC Volunteers, the Executive Committee and Board of Directors were quantifiable. I encourage those who were unable to attend to read the official meeting report and its many highlights.
To Ryan Eickmeier, PAAC National President 2018-2020, thank you for your ongoing leadership in what continues to be a pivotal moment in the association’s 37-year history. To our current and outgoing Chairs, Executives and Directors, thank you for championing the many impactful initiatives over the course of your terms.
To our 2021-2022 National & Chapter Board members, it is a sincere honour to lead this team of tenured professionals, Nationwide. I applaud those recently elected who join the Association as first term Directors, Chairs & Executives committed to our collective vision.
In closing, to PAAC members across Canada, thank you for your vote of confidence. Here’s to another year of setting precedent.
Sincerely,
Alexandria J. Shannon
President, Public Affairs Association of Canada
