San Francisco Chapter

13_pres_sm_0_0 Here is my wish list for 2011:

May all members of the federal government learn to work together for the betterment of the United States and its people.
May our state representatives set aside their personal agendas and work to re-establish California as a destination state where businesses and individuals are proud to locate.
Failing the first two items, may there be an avenging angel who will knock some sense into our elected officials and make them all play nice together!

A Bright Future

November 30th, 2010

13_pres_sm_0_0 The chapter’s New-Member Orientation Nov. 17 featured our scholarship and YEP of the Year Award presentations. We had 65 new members in attendance and made our best efforts to encourage them to get involved in our committees, consider a board position or participate in our advocacy efforts. There was a lot of energy in the room and I was encouraged by the student and candidate members.

Bright Future

November 1st, 2010

13_pres_sm_0_0 CalCPA sponsored a table at the Financial Women’s Association of San Francisco Financial Woman of the Year event Sept. 30, where FWA presented its scholarship awards. Two undergraduate and six graduate women were awarded scholarships, as well as mentoring as they complete their education and emerge as professionals.

A Focus on New Members and YEPs

September 28th, 2010

13_pres_sm_0_0 Do you have an emerging professional within your firm who you think has the qualities to be nominated for the 2010 Young & Emerging Professional of the Year Award? Well, now is the time to focus on nominating that individual. I would like nothing more than to have 20 or more nominations to review Nov. 1. The qualifications are those of any excellent employee who is classified as a one- to five-year professional and who has demonstrated emerging leadership, civic responsibility and made a difference to you and your team. Just tell us about your nominee. You can download a nomination form online. The award will be presented at our New-Member Orientation event Nov. 17 at the Nikko Hotel.

Call to Action

August 27th, 2010

13_pres_sm_0_0 Summer has arrived in San Francisco. After one of the coolest August I can remember, the last few days have seen sunshine and record heat. I sometimes wish we could just have 75 degrees and sunshine every day. And if it must rain, it would only be at night. OK, so I would like Camelot.

Local, State Happenings

July 28th, 2010

By Karen Pfau-Martinez, CPA

13_pres_sm_0_0 We are well into our summer months now. I traveled back to Indianapolis recently and experienced very warm weather and great summer nights. I have been in San Francisco for 30 years, but I still miss my warm summer nights.

Expect Great Things

June 29th, 2010

13_pres_sm_0_0 I am happy to report we had a very successful chapter planning conference. I was so pleased to see many committee chairs participating in our discussions. I want to thank all of you for taking the time to make the chapter viable and providing relevant topics for our members. We have some good programs coming up this month; make sure you check them out under “Chapter Events” on the right. We expect great things from our energetic group.

Avenues of Participation

May 25th, 2010

13_pres_sm_0_0 In keeping with my theme from last month, here are a few ways that our chapter is trying to entice you to participate in the next few weeks.

Our chapter Installation Luncheon June 17 is an excellent way to get acquainted with other chapter members. This event is being held at One Market Plaza with an excellent menu. Our keynote speaker is Lisa Pantages, vice president of finance for the San Francisco Giants. She is going to tell us that the Giants are going all the way this year! Or maybe not. We also honor long-term members at this event. It is truly one of my favorite events of the year. Why would you not want to come?

In Good Hands

April 15th, 2010

By Jamshed Behram Gandi, CPA

So it comes to pass: my last chapter president’s message. It has been quite a ride; a journey that will stay with me in my fondest memories.

Along the way, we had several accomplishments, mainly brought about by selfless individuals who continue to serve our chapter. We now have a Tax Committee under the able leadership of Laura Ross, chapter vice president. We also plan to renew our Real Estate Committee within the next few months. The MAP Committee had several meetings during the year to help the practitioner community in San Francisco address succession planning, an issue that I expect to play a major part in shaping the next decade or so. For me, the highlight was CalCPA’s 100-year anniversary with San Francisco playing host to the pomp, pageantry and revelry.

Ring Out the Old and Bring In the New

January 29th, 2010

By Jamshed Behram Gandi, CPA

A new year has dawned, and I sincerely wish our members, board of directors and all at CalCPA a very happy new year. I am sure that the next 12 months will bring a new set of issues, challenges and changes. As the saying goes, “The only constant is change.”