Dear Members,

Kathy Milne President of CAGT

2009 has proven to be a challenging time in Canada; however, it appears that we have weathered the economic storm. While many economists believe a turnaround in 2010 is likely, challenging conditions are expected to remain for the coming months. Fortunately, Canada has a number of structural strengths that should allow us to manage through this period of economic weakness better than other countries.

We started off the season at our October 6^th 2009 dinner meeting with an Economic Update - Impact on Consumer Bankruptcies with our guest speakers, Grant Bishop, Economist, TD Bank Financial Group and J. Douglas Hoyes, CA, CIRP, CBV – Trustee.

Together, they brought forward the changes within our economic landscape, past, present and what to look forward to in the Canadian future. They shared information, including; our financial system is the strongest in the world, Canadian households and businesses are in much stronger financial positions than in most other industrialized countries—largely because our lending practices and housing markets avoided the excesses that occurred in those other countries and the fiscal position of governments in Canada remains structurally solid.

They both represented a wealth of knowledge within our community and we were excited to have them present to our audience of both members and guests.

For our November 4^th 2009 dinner meeting, we enthusiastically partnered with Credit Canada in support their Credit Education Week Canada event for its third (3^rd) year. I was privileged and honoured to MC the event again this year and was given the opportunity to share with the audience, information surrounding our association.

The evening was held at the prestigious Royal York Hotel and attended with honoured guests and featured well known Canadian, Mike Holmes of Holmes on Homes fame. The evening was enjoyed by all and considered an all around success.

Details surrounding both of these events can be found on the CAGT website and in this edition of our newsletter.

Today, more than ever, the success of our meetings relies heavily on the strength of program content and presentation. That's because speakers do more than just convey the overall meeting message. We look to them to provide insights, awareness, and cutting-edge information in an energetic, motivational, entertaining, and professional manner. We do our best to consider the needs of our audience and appreciate your comments and suggestions.

Please continue to share and distribute our newsletter links and information flyer emails throughout your organizations. Your feedback is essential to ensuring that we communicate what you want to hear.

As 2009 is nearing an end, now is the time to look forward to the upcoming Holiday Season that you spend with family and friends and relish the memories for years to come.

Warmest wishes are extended to you and your family for the season ahead and we look forward to seeing you in 2010.

Sincerely,
Kathy Milne, President
Credit Association of Greater Toronto