Channel Counties Chapter
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Archive for the ‘President’s Message’ Category
January 31st, 2012
By Gail Anikouchine
Volunteerism has been a part of society’s fabric for more generations than we can count. From coaching and mentoring youth to assisting seniors striving to maintain their independence, and from participating in task forces to solve problems to governance committees strategizing a community’s future, volunteers have contributed great successes.
Still, I was amazed by the volunteerism of past chapter president Joe Lanza, whose efforts to bring clean water to a small town in Kenya was featured in the December 2011 issue of California CPA.
Why volunteer? Most benefits of volunteering are intangible, often relating to feelings of accomplishment or having a sense of contribution to community—local or global. Volunteering allows us to transform our lives by giving of ourselves; we can choose where to expend our energy with great enthusiasm and passion. We can develop new skills (maybe then we will not need to be the treasurer on every board) that contribute to our personal growth, as well as have a positive impact on those around us.
As I write this President’s Message, the CalCPA Nominations Committee will be convening. This committee provides one with a unique opportunity to assist CalCPA in selecting professionals who will further the profession. Each chapter has at least two positions on the CalCPA Council. The committee selects additional members who would like to serve on Council, some of whom also seek a CalCPA Board position, such as chair or treasurer. In addition, the committee selects people to recommend to the AICPA Council for its selection. Everyone has a quest to serve the profession.
For a statewide committee, the time commitment is minimal and the impact is phenomenal. The Nominations Committee conducts phone interviews of some candidates and meets annually in January in conjunction with CPA Day at the Capitol and the January Council meeting in Sacramento to interview candidates, deliberate and select the slate for presentation to the membership. I found this a rewarding experience and I encourage anyone who would like to serve to contact chapter program associate Rita Williams.
Interested in other volunteer opportunities with less travel? We always have opportunities on our many discussion groups and event committees. These committee volunteers greatly impact our profession by providing opportunities to network, learn, help students, achieve, grow and have fun. Volunteer this month; the committees convene after April 17 to give you a carrot to get through tax season.
As we enjoy the last few days before tax season, remember that we do balance work and life—just not necessarily in the same eight weeks of busy season.
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September 27th, 2011
By Gail Anikouchine
Such a whirlwind of activity. Possibly unique among CPAs in public practice is the compressed timeline for extracurricular activities. We do not have blackout days and times as much as we have blackout months and weeks, leaving us approximately six months to do it all. That “it” is not just participating in our chapter’s fund-raising and networking activities, but also working on our strategic plans, continuing our education, and, most importantly, cultivating our relationships.
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September 2nd, 2011
By Gail Anikouchine
Summer’s fog will soon turn to Autumn’s glorious weather which brings to mind school and students. When wasn’t the best weather the same week as school started? With the start of school, accounting students will reaffirm that debits are on the left and credits are on the right—and will have the opportunity to complete the CalCPA scholarship application due in early October. Please encourage any accounting students in Santa Barbara and Ventura to apply to help defray recent fee increases. Our scholarship committee will review applications to select those to receive awards Nov. 15.
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July 27th, 2011
By Gail Anikouchine
I would like to congratulate Bartlett, Pringle and Wolf for receiving CalCPA’s Firm Public Service Award at the recent CalCPA Council meeting. The BPW partners and staff have provided countless volunteer hours to CalCPA committees and the board, both at the local and state level.
It’s no secret that networking provides many benefits. The chapter has a great event Aug. 25—the ABC mixer—which provides an opportunity to hone your networking skills in a great environment—the beautiful Coral Casino! Attorneys, bankers and CPAs will “Link up” and meet “Face-to-Face” to “Chirp” about activities better than you will find on “the Tube.”
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June 28th, 2011
By Gail Anikouchine
Independence Day commemorates a multitude of activities in the early part of July 1776, ranging from the legal separation from the Kingdom of Great Britain on July 2 to John Hancock’s signature on the Declaration of Independence on July 4. Being independent, we were no longer subject to or influenced by another’s authority. To celebrate, we have gatherings of family and friends with fireworks, parades and picnics.
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June 2nd, 2011
By Gail Anikouchine
June gloom follows May gray—but your CalCPA membership can be a bright spot. CalCPA’s mission includes promoting the integrity of the CPA profession and contributing to the success of its members.
As a member, you can develop and enhance your leadership and organizational skills by participating on committees and the board of directors. By attending events (and talking to the other attendees), you can expand your network of resources to tap when in need of a sounding board. You can practice public speaking (sometimes the “P” of a CPA) by introducing speakers at the discussion group. These three opportunities, of the many available, often contribute to career advancement and professional growth.
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May 4th, 2011
By Gail Anikouchine
As I was growing up, September always represented a fresh start with endless opportunities to meet new people, be inspired by new teachers and open new doors. As a CPA and with the sometimes-daunting challenges that April 15 brings, I now find that May is the new window to possibilities.
I write this now, seeking the light that is pouring in through the window (hoping no train is attached, as it is still the dark side of April 15) and which will take us to May, the beginning of our chapter’s 2011–12 fiscal year. As we start the year, I want to thank Tricia Krout, our 2010–11 chapter president, for her fine example of leadership and strength in a challenging year.
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April 4th, 2011
By Patricia K. Krout, CPA
As we are working on the final weeks before the individual deadline of April 15 (this year extended to April 18), I hope we have all figured out the new tax credits and changes brought about by the enacted tax legislation—or in the case of California, what wasn’t codified.
I have mixed feelings about this time of year. On the one hand, I enjoy meeting and catching up with clients I may see only once or twice a year. On the other hand, the long hours and lack of sunshine take their toll. Overall, I believe the effort is worth the struggle, or we wouldn’t be in this business of helping clients. I hope you all feel the same.
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January 4th, 2011
By Patricia K. Krout, CPA
Happy New Year! Now that we have cleaned up from the holidays, it’s time to review the past year, identify the areas in which we excelled, the areas where we can improve and incorporate changes into our daily life.
As I look back at the year as your chapter president, I am proud to say that we have accomplished all of the goals I established for the year.
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November 19th, 2010
By Patricia K. Krout, CPA
It’s hard to believe December is upon us. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and happy holidays, with the hope that you will be able to enjoy time with family and friends.
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