VCP Transition Update

The FSSIG Board met in Chicago the weekend of June 13 to complete our draft of the "Community of Practice Agreement." The "COPA" is a 1-year business plan that will guide our transition to becoming the "Financial Services Industry Community of Practice". (Note the addition of the word "Industry," as this helps distinguish ourselves from the Controller's office and accounting businesses.)

We are still on target for a 2009 transition to the new model.

For additional information on this topic, please see PMI's announcement of this strategy.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Request a FSSIG Membership Lapel Pin

As a token of the FSSIG's appreciation for your participation in the SIG, we would like to send you a lapel pin. We encourage all members to wear the pin at PMI^® chapter and international events and to look for, and network with, other FSSIG members wearing their pins. Show your pride in the FSSIG!

Request a FSSIG pin
Be sure to include your mailing address.
________________________________________________________________________________________

We're Looking for Contributors to the FSSIG Newsletter!

We're looking for individuals to contribute articles or news items to the FSSIG newsletter,
The Project Exchange:

• Write an article telling us about your experiences with financial services-related projects
  (PMPs can earn PDUs for articles they have written).
• Contribute an interesting article or news item that you have found.
• Share your knowledge and experiences with others by providing useful tips.
• Direct us to informative PM and financial services-related web sites.

Deadline for July 2009 newsletter submissions: July 15, 2009

Submit to communications@pmifssig.com.

Is Troubled Asset Plan Really Gone for Good?

There is a growing concern that without a program to buy troubled assets from banking companies, financial institutions remain vulnerable if the economic crisis worsens. Register at American Banker to download the complete article>
_________________________________________________________________________________________

China Construction Bank opens first branch in U.S.

China Construction Bank's board chairman Guo Shuqing, Richard Neiman, superintendent of banks of New York State Banking Department, Chinese Consul-General to New York Peng Keyu, and Fan Yifei, vice governor of China Construction Bank attend the opening ceremony of the New York branch of CCB in New York, the United States, June 5, 2009. Read the complete story>
_________________________________________________________________________________________

Banks Hope To Get OK To Start Repaying TARP Loans

Several large banks, including JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs and American Express, hope they're about to get clearance to begin returning $65 billion of taxpayers' money. Read the full story>
_________________________________________________________________________________________

Are Layoffs Looming at Your Company?

Four financial red flags that may indicate your employer is in trouble.

Project Management and the Economy

For those in the project management profession, the current tough economy is also a time of opportunity. Governments around the world have announced large stimulus packages loaded with new projects. Organizations are turning to project managers to help deliver innovative strategies that can boost the bottom line.

Even the PMO (project management office) is getting a makeover. Once mainly a project regulator, PMOs are becoming more active participants in organizational strategy and the drive for results. But all of this has to be done with less time, fewer people and increased scrutiny.

Project Management and the Economy is your hub for resources on the profession and the turbulent economy. Check back often for information on everything from how to remain professionally competitive to regional economic spotlights.

E-mail your thoughts to Economy@pmi.org. Tell us what have you experienced and what are you learning about work, challenge and opportunity in the current economy. _________________________________________________________________________________________

Registration Now Open for PMI® Global Congress 2009 -
North America

Knowledge and networking conference for professionals involved in projects

Registration is now open for PMI® Global Congress 2009—North America and PMI SeminarsWorld® Orlando!

During these economic times, it is more important than ever to invest in your professional development. Join thousands of project professionals this October for the conference that will connect you to the information and resources to take control of your next project and your career.

Register by the 23 September advance registration deadline and save nearly $250! Learn more and download a letter to share with your employer when asking for support to attend congress.