In many ways, 2002/03 was a challenging and exciting year. Markets were down, the state of world affairs was uncertain, and we all experienced the increased military operational tempo.

Through it all, our Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency (CFPSA) and all who work in the world of non-public funds (NPF) - each of you - have succeeded in maintaining an excellent level of service to the military men and women of the Canadian Forces (CF) and their families. I know this because almost weekly, I receive letters or phone calls from Commanders and others at the base/wing and unit level, explaining the positive impact of our services, programs and activities.

"I am happy to report universal and overwhelming praise, support and appreciation from the members of my crew (for the show tour) … the effect on morale of the Ship's Company was electric." Cdr G.H.A. Hatton Commanding Officer HMCS Montreal

We have proven ourselves to be accommodating, flexible and able to adjust to the pressures of the marketplace and the changing needs of our clients. The challenge before us is to continue to do so. We must be ready with plans to meet emergency situations and the greater support required should the operational pace become even greater.

At any given time, Forces are deployed in about 17 locations. During busy periods, our CF members and their families need to know about our Mission Information Line. If you don't know the 1-800 phone # (hint: 866-4546), at least know that it's on our web site and where to find it. Reassure our CF members and their families that peace of mind is only a phone call away.

Reassuringly, in spite of uncertain times, the season of spring has most certainly sprung - and with it, the anticipation of the new direction and challenges is once again upon us.

In this edition of Apropos, you will read about how CANEX is gearing up to meet the challenges of an increasingly competitive marketplace. You will also learn about some changes SISIP has adopted in response to the changing needs of our CF members and their families. And you will meet Asfia Sultan, our new Human Rights and Harassment Prevention Advisor to my office - a newly created position that demonstrates the value and importance CFPSA/NPF places on respecting employees.

As we all launch into work-plans and plant the seeds of this year's projects, I encourage you to reexamine:

• How your work supports the objectives of your unit/division and ultimately, our customers,
• How you can be more effective and efficient, and
• How you and all of us are adding value for our clients.

Just over a year ago, at our agency's national conference in Ottawa, I asked over 500 participants to make three personal and three professional commitments. Those of you present will recall that all employees attending stood up and gave their personal pledge. I would ask you today to reflect if you accomplished what you set out to do. If you have, I invite you to share your successes with me (geci.john@cfpsa.com), as well as with others if you so wish. If you partially accomplished the objectives, what will you do to complete the task? If you forgot about your goals, perhaps you could reconsider and recommit to accomplish them or change your priorities. Lastly, what can you do to ensure that this time, you will accomplish the new priorities, both personal and professional? By marrying personal goals with organizational objectives, everyone wins, especially our clients.

As an organization and as individuals, taking stock of our actions over the year always makes good business sense. It also gives me a chance to thank you and recognize your outstanding contributions. In going forward, we embrace spring and focus on the year ahead, we plan how we're going to renew our commitment - and we do it all again...even better.

Photo Credit: Marion Grobb