An end of year message from UPP President Barbara Zvan

2021 was a year of great significance for many, and for us at UPP. While the pandemic certainly brought – and continues to bring – its challenges, I saw the UPP community and world at large adapt, connect, overcome and band together in incredible ways. Just six months ago, more than a decade’s worth of collaboration and passion culminated in the launch of our Plan. I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved and grateful to our UPP family, Board of Trustees, Joint Sponsors and partners for their tireless efforts to bring us to where we are today.

While this year brought many firsts, a poignant one for me was having the first (of many) conversations with members about their aspirations for UPP. As a jointly sponsored pension plan, our members are one of our strengths and will help shape who we become. We are grateful to have heard from so many members in the lead up to our launch about their investment values, and most recently, about their hopes and expectations of their service experience. We look forward to continued dialogue in the new year on the important topic of responsible investing – a core UPP value and condition for long-term pension security.

With an exciting road ahead of us, we will hit the ground running in 2022, ready to continue building this Plan its bright future. But in the meantime, it’s time to collectively exhale and relax, recharge, reflect and find joy – whether it’s a laugh with a loved one or sitting down with a good book.

Happy holidays and be well.