Recognizing Commitment

By Jenny Bolsky, CPA

CalCPA recently held a special dinner to honor the volunteers who do so much for our organization: the Los Angeles technical committee and discussion group chairs.

The dinner, attended by CalCPA CEO Loretta Doon and CalCPA Chair Greg Burke, among others, demonstrated our appreciation for the dedicated volunteers who lead these groups. Our chapter’s nearly 30 technical committees and discussion groups address a broad spectrum of topics that CPAs want and need to expand their knowledge, increase their technical expertise and connect with fellow professionals. Chairing a technical committee or discussion group requires time, energy and commitment. What this effort gives back is an opportunity to build relationships with top professionals in accounting, auditing, tax and related fields. Some of our leaders have been performing this labor of love for close to 25 years. They have some interesting stories to tell about their experiences as group leaders, from receiving guidance in starting an accounting practice to helping connect a fellow professional to someone who could assist with a difficult career move. Those stories illustrate some of the advantages of participating in the numerous events that CalCPA offers.

The chapter’s technical committees and discussion groups provide one of the most accessible benefits of CalCPA membership. Subject matter ranges from specific technical topics in audit and tax, to technology, management of an accounting practice and young and emerging professionals. Our groups and committees offer top-quality CPE at a very reasonable cost, as well as provide access to the best professionals from a variety of institutions and agencies.

Our chapter is always working to identify new technical topics delivered in a variety of geographic areas to benefit our members. Chapter board members Mark Pribble and Beth Bayer recently teamed to launch the Torrance Discussion Group, which serves members who live and work in the South Bay. In the San Fernando Valley, we have joined forces with the SFV Bar Association to create a new CPA/Attorney Discussion Group.

When you think of what CalCPA can do for you, please consider the myriad discussion group and technical committee meetings that take place each month. In these difficult economic times, the reasonable member cost of CPE at a chapter discussion group or technical meeting can’t be beat. (A while back I met a CPA who gets all of his annual continuing education by attending these groups!)

We host meetings all over the greater Los Angeles area, covering a broad range of topics important to the practicing CPA. Whether you require a few hours of CPE to renew your license, education on a technical topic or an opportunity to exchange ideas with your peers, technical and discussion group gatherings can meet your needs.

I encourage you to go online and review upcoming technical committee and discussion group meetings.
— Jenny Bolsky, CPA

This entry was posted on Friday, May 22nd, 2009 at 3:31 pm and is filed under President's Message. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.