The Marketing Research and Intelligence Association (MRIA) Canadian not-for-profit association representing all aspects of the market intelligence and survey research industry shut down on July 31, 2018. Founded in 2004 from the merger of the Canadian Association of Market Research Organization, the Canadian Survey Research Council, and the Professional Marketing Research Society, the MRIA included some 1,800 member practitioners, small to large research houses, and buyers of research services. The industry the MRIA represented accounts for almost three quarters of a billion dollars in research activities annually. The MRIA was a very active association offering many high quality professional development opportunities, vigorous government advocacy, a certification program, and rigorous codes of conduct and ethics. 

A number of CES members were also members of MRIA and the closing of this organization is a loss to the sector.  This news causes us to reflect on how our organization is set up to serve members over time.  CES is committed to strong financial management in order to maintain services to members, with an emphasis on a balanced operating budget, valued support from over 100 member volunteers to provide exceptional professional development and a highly-attended annual conference, as well as maintaining relationships with committed sponsors.  CES proudly continues to offer high quality professional development, credentialing and members services for evaluation professionals, academics and students.

It is with sadness that we report the closing of MRIA, and with humility that we focus on the sustainability of CES to continue serving members.