On behalf of the RMA Board, I would like to thank all who have registered for this year’s virtual conference. This year, is a different conference, yet still, your association has managed to raise the bar once again. Even though we are virtual this year, we have more speakers and topics than ever before.

We have also made it possible to network in an educational networking environment through the unique and innovative Whova App on your desktop or mobile phone.

Like in other years, in attendance will be representatives from the major financial institutions, retailers, recovery experts, suppliers, governments, call centres and credit executives from most segments of the industry.

A hit from last year, the Debt Seller/Debt Buyer panel will bring together experts in the field in a formal discussion about key aspect of our industry.

The conference would not be possible without the kind and generous support of our sponsors. With their unwavering support of the RMA, Equifax will co-host the event with us as the Title Sponsor. Thank you to our Champion sponsors this year. This impressive list includes MetCredit, Harrison Pensa, National Loan Exchange, PRA Group Canada, Progressa and Canaccede Financial Group. I would also like to thank our Gold Sponsors; Amplified Analytics, Balbec Capital, Canadian Tire Bank, Collect! Credit and Collection Software, Commercial Credit adjusters, Consolidated Recovery Group, EOS, First Canadian Debt Solutions, General Credit Services, InDebted Canada, International Field Services, Notice Connect, Razor Capital, Repay, s2h Business Information Systems, Score Statistical Consulting and Solutions by Text. I encourage our members and industry colleagues to take some time to review the details of our sponsors on the Whova app. There you will find presentation materials, contact information and a chance to connect directly with all of them.

Our Passport Program this year is focused on visiting the exhibitors to appreciate and learn about their services.

You will use the “Passport” a bit differently this year.

• To participate you will have to “like”, “leave a comment” and “click” on 'Deals & Offerings' buttons in the Whova App in order to obtain a stamp.
• To qualify for the draw, you have to visit a minimum of 12 exhibitor booths and follow the three steps mentioned above.
• The main prize will be 2 nights of accommodation at the Hilton in the Falls and registration at the 2021 RMA Conference in the Fallsview Casino & Resort in Niagara Falls!
• The second prize will be an 8th gen Apple iPad

Don’t miss out on these awesome prize opportunities.

RMA Canada is a growing organization. The dedication of the volunteer team that oversee the operations of the organization is appreciated. I would like to acknowledge the executive team, Vice President Lindsay Kirk (Canaccede Financial) Blair DeMarco-Wettlaufer (Kingston Data and Credit) our Secretary and our Treasurer Jason Rolfe (Commercial Credit Adjusters).

Remaining Board members: Anthony Sabatelli (Rogers Communications), Brian Costello (FCT), Calista Gall (TransUnion) Daniel Bazan (Progressa), Frank Bodzay (PRA Group), Jim Shaw (EOS), Louis Fortin (Score Statistical), Mark Daprato (Canacedde Financial), Michael Ohler (Consolidated Recovery Group), Steve Cook (Credit Bureau Services Canada), Scott Kimberley (PC Bank).

I would also like to extend our thanks for the assistance and support of Patrick Dion, of Dion Consulting, in the development of the relationships with the government entities.

Please join me in thanking them for there dedication this year to the RMA programs.

I also wish to thank the conference committee, Mark Daprato (Chair), Scott Kimberley, Julie Trautmann, Elizabeth Francisco, Blair DeMarco-Wettlaufer and George Preece, who have put together a world class event again this year, well done.

Throughout the conference, I invite all attendees to reach out to myself and other board members. Your input is invaluable to future RMA events. I am glad you chose to join us at this year’s virtual conference and we are excited to keep building with and for you – our members, along with welcoming those who are non-members and invite them to join RMA Canada in the weeks to come.

Thank you.

Jeffery Pilon

President