This past year again demonstrated how the MFEA continues to provide compelling value to mutual fund companies and their executives, and why I am so committed to this unique organization.

 Taking a leadership role for our industry, the MFEA created an entirely new, one-of-a-kind event—the Distribution Technology Summit—which brought together the brightest distribution and digital strategists. This highly successful event identified best practices in a rapidly emerging field and is another of many examples of how the MFEA is willing to respond to the changing needs of its members.

 We also saw the Executive Councils continue to evolve, identifying and bringing together the best practices in the fund industry. The highly lauded STAR Awards program received a record number of entries and was expanded in 2012 to include categories for mobile apps and websites as well as an Overall Digital/Technology award.

 I’m excited to see what new initiatives MFEA will identify this coming year that will provide compelling value to its members and reinforce its role as an industry leader. Your membership allows you and your company to continue being a part of this exclusive industry group committed to remaining relevant, adapting to change and enhancing direct value to mutual fund marketers, distributors and their firms. I look forward to working with you in the coming year.