Synaxis

Dear members, colleagues and friends,

When I accepted the position of network president in November 2005, I was filled with feelings of pride and enthusiasm, which, four years later, are still with me. 

Pride, because our business group is one of a kind and rests on the values of sharing, openness, integrity: Synaxis is an entrepreneur support group that is managed and run entirely by  and for our members! The involvement of each and every one of us in Synaxis is a gift that we give to each other, because, together, we are building a priveleged place where we can grow as entrepreneurs, and as a result, grow our companies as well. 

Enthusiasm, because our results speak volumes: our members like their network! Here are three points that illustrate that happy conclusion: 

• The rate of membership renewal: from 55% in 2004-2005 to 78% in 2008-2009! Current members are, on average, in their fourth year of membership (4.2 now, 2.4 four years ago), and we still have active members in every cohort since 1996!
• Recruitment of new members by word-of-mouth: approximately 15% of our new members in 2005 were referred by members. In 2009, the proportion rose to 35% (and the trend became more defined: 42% of this year's new members were referred by current members).
• Attendance at the general assembly: in 2004-2005, it just reached quorum; this year it was more than double, and given the excused absences, would even have been triple if not for the strains on our calendars in October.  

Over the past four years, we have worked hard to rise to the challenge of creating a sense of belonging and involvement among a membership that exploded very quickly. We refocused our efforts on our mission and our members' needs, thanks to a major improvement in communication and the collaboration among members and the volunteers on the Board of Directors. In all, we have:  

• Radically transformed our communication and publishing tools by favouring those that are professional and interactive: the Web site is the best example, and the LinkedIn discussion group is a new and promising path. 
• Adjusted our activities to match member expectations and available resources: your participation is the best recognition of the work we've accomplished.
  
• Systematically invited members to get involved in leading activities and managing the network: work teams, surveys, and reflection groups support and energize the directors.
  
• Profoundly revitalized the Board of Directors to ensure that it truly reflects members and their concerns.
  
• Worked to implement safeguards and mechanisms to guarantee the continuity of the network. 
• Opened the network to the outside, through new alliances and partnerships. 

I would like to pay tribute to all those who played a part, from near or far, in brining this new momentum to Synaxis. Remember that we are all volunteers, and only part-time: we can be proud of what we have created. With patience, a good bit of openness, imagination and enjoyment, we can surely push the limits! Today, we have all the signs of being an energetic and welcoming network that is full of potential and is recognized for its professionalism. "Strength in unity" is an adage that serves us well.

Ensuring continuity means keeping the flame alive, or renewing energy without losing values and meaning along the way. For the second time in our network's lifetime, the time has come to pass the torch to a new president. I wish the 2009-2010 team incredible success and wholeheartedly invite each one of you to be part of the adventure by getting involved.  

Thanks to all of you for your interest and for your support over the past four years. Thank you for your extraordinary commitment to building a network in our image... together! 

Best regards,