Bankers, Lawyers and Accountants Assemble at Utica Chapter Dinner
High Attendance at Popular Chapter Event

By Marietta E. Gentles

The Utica Chapter held its annual Bankers, Lawyers, and Accountants Dinner at the Yahundasis Golf Club in New Hartford, N.Y, on Feb. 5. The well-attended event drew 150 attendees despite inclement weather. Shown from left to right: Chair of the Utica Chapter Corporation with Bankers and Bar Committee and dinner John A. Barone, President of Trenton Technology, Inc. and Guest Speaker Albert Mazloom, NYSSCPA President and Utica Chapter Member Jo Ann Golden, Utica Chapter President-Elect Deborah L. Fitzgerald and Utica Chapter Secretary David J. Wojnas.

Held at Yahundasis Golf Club in New Hartford, N.Y., the event continued its reputation as being a successful gathering of diverse professionals. Utica Chapter Corporation with Bankers and Bar Committee Chair John A. Barone has chaired the dinner for over 20 years, making sure that the three groups are treated to informative presentations from a diverse selection of guest speakers. The line-up of distinguished speakers at past dinners has included presidents and CEOs of local corporations and local congressmen, which has made the Bankers, Lawyers, and Accountants Dinner one of the Utica Chapter’s most anticipated events.

Albert Mazloom, president of Trenton Technology, Inc., in Utica, gave an interesting presentation about the history of the local computer industry. During his speech, he told the story of a promising local businessman, George Cogar, who formed his own company and was in discussions with a major company to form a high-powered technological industry in the Utica area, before his tragic death in an airplane accident.

The event attracted many members as they took the opportunity to socialize and network with other local professionals in different industries. New York State Society of CPAs President and Utica Chapter member Jo Ann Golden attended the dinner and gave rave reviews of its success both in the past and present. Arthur Wasserman, one of the oldest active members of the Utica Chapter, was also in attendance, as well as a long list of chapter members and local professionals. Attendees enjoyed the gathering; many stayed and talked in spite of the fact that the event took place during one of the many snowstorms that has visited upstate New York.

“I think every time we have one of these events it shows the creativity that exists in our community. In spite of our very upstate location, there are a lot of exciting things going on in our community,” Golden said.

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New Members in Industry and Commerce Committee Lays Groundwork for Successful Year

By John J. Lauchert Jr.

Six members in industry from the Utica Chapter met on Sept. 5, 2002, for a breakfast meeting to organize the chapter?s new Members in Industry and Commerce Committee. Attendees at the meeting included myself, who will serve as chair, Joan W. Compson, of Carbone Auto Group, Mary P. Helmer, of Price Accounting & Tax, Diane Laraby, of Mohawk Limited, Sandra E. Steele-Riordan, of AmeriCU Credit Union, and Eric A. Torgersen, of Chenango Memorial Hospital.

The committee members decided to hold four two-hour breakfast meetings. Each meeting will be chaired by a different committee member and will feature a guest speaker. Topics will be relevant to members in industry.

The first Members in Industry and Commerce Committee meeting took place on Oct. 8. Future meetings are scheduled for November, February and April, after the tax deadline, and will be announced as they draw near.

In establishing goals for the committee, the members agreed on the need to provide members with the opportunity to enhance their own professional skills. Additionally, the committee will collaborate with the Buffalo and Rochester chapters for the Upstate Members in Industry Conference, to be held in the spring of 2003.

Attendees at the Sept. 5 meeting were given a list of local industry members to help foster networking and committee participation. Mailings for future meetings will be sent to all individuals on the list. So far, there are approximately 60 individuals listed. If you would like to be included on this list, or would like to verify that you are on it, please contact Utica Chapter President Elizabeth A. Park at (315) 724-2145 or epark@rfcpa.net. Include your name, affiliation, e-mail address, and telephone or fax numbers.

John J. Lauchert Jr., vice president of finance with ECR International Inc. in Utica, is chair of the Utica Chapter?s Members in Industry and Commerce Committee.

Refer to future Chapter Newsletters in The Trusted Professional newspaper for more information on the Utica Chapter's upcoming events, and look for your invitations in the mail.

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The Utica Chapter held their organizational meeting on June 5 at Hotel Utica. Shown from left to right are the new 2002-2003 chapter officers: David J. Wojnas, Secretary, Deborah L. Fitzgerald, President-Elect, Elizabeth A. Park, President and Robert R. Ritz, Treasurer.