As the new fiscal year begins, I want to take a moment to reflect on a few of the accomplishments of the past year. First and foremost, the Twin Cities Chapter continues to be one the strongest in North America and has again achieved ‘Platinum’ status, the highest honor awarded to individual Chapters. This status is based on the Chapter Achievement Program measured by the National Office of the Institute of Internal Auditors for service to members, service to the profession and Chapter Administration. 

Over this past year we offered nearly 30 roundtables, a dozen training programs, and expanded campus outreach efforts.  We continue to look for opportunities to enhance the variety of educational opportunities and identify new ways to reach members. Through these efforts, and an improving economy, we saw increased attendance at Chapter programs and roundtables, many of which sold out in a few days. Following the decline in membership of over 9% in the previous year, I am happy to report our membership has stabilized; and, in fact, we saw a slight increase this past year.

 

As I begin my term as Chapter President, I am excited to be surrounded by a great group of Officers and Governors who are committed to delivering great service to the membership and profession. The coming year will be especially momentous as the IIA celebrates its 70^th Anniversary. Our mission, “Progress through Sharing,” is as relevant today as when it was adopted in 1955. Our goal as a Chapter is to provide the educational and networking opportunities to support our mission.  Although the economic outlook contains many uncertainties, from Euro zone debt concerns to soaring commodity prices, I look at this as an opportunity for all internal auditors to raise their game. At the IIA Leadership Conference in April, the key theme was the importance of staying relevant to leadership. We do that as a profession by understanding our respective organizations, advising management on key risks and continuing to deliver expanded value.