Down to Business
Syracuse Organizational Meeting Rings in New Fiscal Year

By Stephanie R. Myers

After a lunch consisting of salad, mixed fruit, rolls and cookies, the Syracuse Chapter, whose officers gathered on May 23 at noon in the offices of Testone, Marshall & Discenza LLP in Syracuse, got ready to begin their organizational push for the next year.

Around-the-table introductions were made, and incoming Syracuse Chapter President Gail Kinsella, who noted that the chapter “has become increasingly active,” presided.

The group launched into a discussion of the upcoming chapter events for the year. The COAP program, Kinsella noted, is in its third year. Jaimee Benson, of Testone Marshall & Discenza LLP, who along with Terry McCarthy is cochair of the event, has been working to help put the event together, which will take place June 2729 at Le Moyne College.

On July 10–12, the NYSSCPA Annual Leadership Conference will be held at the Sagamore. Other events planned for later this year are the Summer Sizzler event in August; the Town Meeting, Ethics CPE Session and Student Awards Dinner in October; and the Nov. 11 tax conference and a Young CPAs event, also to take place in November. In addition, the Young CPA Committee is also planning a food and toy drive through the holiday months of November and December.

Society staff members Bill Pape and Joyce Lewis, and Steve Valenti also attended the meeting from New York City.

“We’re here to make the burden of organizing easier,” Pape said.

Valenti added that “one of the most important things we’ve been looking to do is bridge committees and chapters.”

During the meeting, Kinsella provided member accomplishment forms for firms to fill out. The forms will provide an easy way to publicize the honors, good works and accomplishments of members.

“It’s a great way to give good recognition for member activities,” Kinsella said.

Kinsella emphasized the need to work with young people and promote the profession.

“If we don’t address the needs of the profession now, in 10 years there’s going to be no one to look over our shoulder,” she said.

The group also outlined chapter goals for the upcoming year. Some aims include outreach to firms that support chapter activities, and networking with not-for-profit organizations “and those that might be interested in working through membership,” Kinsella said.

Another goal outlined at the meeting was finding a way to continue to expand support for minorities. Specifically, the COAP program is a great way to get students who might not have considered college to see it as an option, the group noted.

Bill Pape, the Society’s director of member relations, mentioned the recently launched CPAs on Boards program and a new free job posting site that will soon go up through the Society’s Web site.

Lauren Kincaid, the outgoing Syracuse Chapter President, said that she enjoyed the closeness of the group.

“The camaraderie and the involvement I’ve had with some of these folks have done a lot for my personal and professional career,” Kincaid said. “The key is to just get involved in any aspect.”

Kinsella said that she hopes to continue to unite members.

“I anticipate connecting more people in our chapter at all levels,” Kinsella said. “It’s about connecting people and having fun while we do it.”