In April, 2009, the GFOABC announced the implementation of a Professional Development Incentive Plan that awarded points, carrying a monetary value, for use in registering for Association conferences and workshops. The plan was made possible based on a very healthy financial position at that time when outside funding support was more readily available.

While GFOABC continues to be financially sound, we are working to achieve annual balanced budgets which will not be possible with the retention of the PD Incentive Plan. On April 27, 2017, the Board approved a phase-out plan that contains the following key components:

• Points will continue to be earned throughout 2017 as usual
  • 1 point per paid full day program; .5 point per paid half day; 2 points for paid conference registration
  • Webinars and Boot Camp enrollment do not qualify for points
  • Each point has a value of $40
• Awarding of points will be discontinued for programs/conferences after January 1, 2018
• Points may be used for any program presented prior to the 2018 annual conference being held in Kelowna as long as the value of the points covers the full cost of the program
• Any points remaining for a local government may be used in full or partial payment of conference fees for the 2018 annual conference
• Points remaining after the 2018 conference will no longer have a cash value and the liability account will be written down on GFOABC’s books

While the Board recognizes the merits of the PD Incentive Plan in promoting continuous learning for our members, the decision was made in 2016 to financially commit to the hiring of a full-time program manager. This is consistent with the GFOABC Strategic Plan number one core priority of developing excellence in the provision of educational opportunities for members. The results of our recent survey, as well as one-on-one discussions with members, will greatly assist in informing our 3-Year Development Plan.

You can look forward to many new programs over the next few years to both help in your day-to-day responsibilities as well as in your professional development that will prepare you for emerging and future challenges.

Want to know your local government’s points balance? You’ll find this information when logging in to www.gfoabc.ca/MemberLINKon the GFOABC website.