As 2025 draws to a close, the global economic landscape has been marked by significant challenges and uncertainties. Trade tensions have cast a long shadow over international markets, creating an environment of unpredictability for businesses navigating cross-border operations. Meanwhile, the real estate market has shown signs of softening, reflecting broader shifts in consumer confidence and investment patterns. Rising inflation and unemployment rates have further complicated the economic outlook, contributing to a general sense of caution among investors and consumers alike.
Against this backdrop of economic uncertainty, companies have had to adapt swiftly, balancing resilience with innovation to sustain growth and meet evolving demands. This review reflects on how these factors shaped our journey throughout the year and sets the stage for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
🌍 Business Highlights
- The sale of Linktivity & Custom Tables to Act! marked a significant milestone, reshaping our portfolio.
- Day-Minder was introduced, helping users keep their schedules in line—because sticky notes only go so far.
- Act! celebrated its 38th birthday, reminding us that software can age gracefully, unlike some of us.
- The launch of Act! Advantage gave customers new tools and us new bragging rights.
- We unveiled the Keystroke Campaign Dashboard, relit the torch with the relaunch of Project Management, and bid farewell to Act! Connect Link.
- Act4mail, Day-Minder, Campaign Dashboard, and DataGuard were bundled free with Orange Care, proving that sometimes the best things in life really are free.
- Act! Premium v27 launched, further cementing our role in shaping the product’s evolution.
- We waved goodbye to Windows 10, a faithful companion that overstayed its welcome.
- And perhaps most importantly, we donated 50,000 meals to help feed Canadians, a reminder that business success is best measured by the impact we have on others.
👥 Team Transitions
- Jason and Dhia moved on to new chapters, while Herve joined sales and Lucas administration, bringing fresh energy to both departments.
- Craig and Katerina stepped into new responsibilities, growing impressively into their roles.
- Together, the team played a pivotal role in improving Act! through Advantage, v27, mail merge enhancements, and custom table improvements.
🏢 Office & Operations
- After serving us faithfully since 2017, the Kitchener office will close its doors in a few weeks. It’s bittersweet, but fewer expenses mean more room for growth.
🎂 Personal Notes
- On a personal level, I joined Vic in the pantheon of the elderly by turning 60. The milestone was celebrated with family, friends, and the occasional boating mishap that further accelerated the aging process (and the expense column). Jetski adventures and “unexpected costs” became recurring themes—proof that life’s balance sheet isn’t always predictable.
🔮 Looking Ahead
We can’t look back without looking forward. 2026 promises more opportunities than ever:
- A fully built‑out Act! Advantage product with upgrade paths across three tiers.
- The upcoming Alltimate product, poised to open new markets.
- A leaner operation, a stronger product lineup, and renewed optimism.
The outlook for 2026 is bright. We’re entering the new year with momentum, resilience, and just enough humor to keep us sane.
As an optimist, I foresee good things in the coming year, but for now, we look forward to spending extra time with family and friends during the holiday season. On December 13th, we will gather in Toronto for our annual company dinner, celebrating personal friendships and professional accomplishments, while presenting our year-end department awards.
We sincerely hope the same for everyone reading this message. Victories are sweeter and defeats softer when shared with loved ones.
