Manhattan/Bronx Chapter

(This issue's message was written by J. Michael Kirkland, former Manhattan/Bronx Chapter President)\

Small Business Incentive Program a Success
By J. Michael Kirkland
Past Manhattan/Bronx Chapter President

If a program is successful, why not try it again? That's precisely what our chapter did on Sept. 23, when the Manhattan/Bronx Chapter held its third evening CPE program, "A Guide to the Federal, State and Local Incentive Programs Available to Small Businesses in New York."

The program was hosted by long-standing Society supporter Raul A. Hiraldo, vice president of Citibank's Commercial Banking Group. The Manhattan/Bronx Chapter and its membership was extremely grateful for Citibank's continued interest and support of our programs and events.

The event featured a compilation of information about a number of assistance programs available to the New York business community on a local, state and federal level, describing their various qualifications, eligibility, benefits and fees. A diverse range of written material was also distributed to audience members, copies of which can be acquired by e-mailing me at the addresses provided at the bottom of this message.

All of the speakers were brilliant. They included the aforementioned Mr. Hiraldo, Manhattan/Bronx Chapter member Arthur Schwartzman, Alexandra Soller, with the New York City Dept. of Small Business Services, Heidi Springer, with the New York City Economic Development Corp., and Madeline Marquez, with the Business Initiative Corporation of New York.

The event got full attendance and so was a great success, with the board receiving several positive comments regarding the speaker and program content. The attendees were active in their participation, as they had numerous questions and requests for follow-up information. Because the event was so well received, Citibank and all the speakers have agreed to return next year as well; we've already begun preparing our 2010 program, which will provide updated materials reflecting new developments in government and funding. We also intend to have sufficient time for a panel discussion.

A professional economic development planner can help you and your clients develop a strategy to take advantage of the available government incentives to take your clients' businesses to the next level, as well as identify the full use of existing tax incentives for which they can qualify.
As always, if you have any feedback on this program, or have suggestions on future chapter events, please contact Chapter President Todd Ichihara.

If you were not able to attend, we look forward to seeing you at our future events. Remember that the New York accountancy reform law is in effect. It is now a requirement that all New York CPAs take regular CPE.

Contact J-Michael Kirkland at j-michael.kirkland@db.com.

Todd Ichihara
Manhattan/Bronx Chapter President

Todd Ichihara,Manhattan/Bronx Chapter President, can be reached at ichiharat@coned.com.

For a complete listing of FAE courses in the Manhattan/Bronx area click here.

Click here to go to the NYSSCPA's main chapter page.

Click here for a complete list of events for the Manhattan/Bronx Chapter

Chapter members in the news — click here

Events

Save the Dates: NBA Game Outings
When: Nov. 4, Nov. 7, Nov. 11 and Nov. 21.
Click here for more information and a full listing of games available, with cost.

Save the Date: How to Turn Charitable Planning into a Competitive Edge
When: Dec. 8, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (Check-in begins at 5:30 p.m.)
Where: Fidelity Services (350 Park Avenue)
Cost: $10 members, $15 non-members
CPE: 2 (Specialized Knowledge and Applications)
Course Code: 29150007

Save the Date: Holiday Networking Event
When: Dec. 16, 6-8 p.m.
Where: The Galway Hooker (7 East 36th St., between 5th and Madison)
Cost: $20 or one new unwrapped toy
Contact: Sue Burke
Click here for more information

Save the Date: CPA Ethics Update 2009 - part 2
When: Jan. 14, 2010 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.(Check-in begins at 5:30 p.m.)
Where: FAE Conference Center
CPE: 2 (ethics)
Cost: $20 members, $25 non-members
Course Code: 29150008

Manhattan/Bronx Young CPA Networking Cruise and Breast Cancer Fundraiser

Manhattan/Bronx area Young CPAs got together for a night of food, drink and fun at a networking night held aboard a cruise ship on Sept. 16. Read all about it, and view photos, here.

NYSSCPA Student Career Day

Members of the NYSSCPA's Manhattan/Bronx Chapter instructed area young people about what it's like to be an accountant during the chapter's annual student career day, sponsored by the Promoting CPA CareersCommittee. Photos from the event can be found here.

Chapter members are seeking volunteers for other career days as well. Each Spring Manhattan /Bronx Chapter members attend High School Career Day's where they share their professional experiences with young people, and make them aware of the diverse career opportunities in the accounting profession. It is a rewarding experience that only takes a few hours. We need volunteers from industry and business, public accounting, forensic accounting, government, information technology and consulting, tax and financial planning, as well as education to help us attract the next generation of accounting professionals.

If you are interested in volunteering, please send an e-mail to margo.hamner@db.com or mbajusz1@earthlink.net. The personal satisfaction you will gain is immeasurable.