Stay in Touch

By Mitchell Gusler, Rockland Chapter President

Recently, I received an e-mail from a chapter member asking when our golf outing was going to be held. I felt bad, since he was inquiring about an event that had taken place several weeks ago. Our golf outing was not a secret. It was listed in The Trusted Professional and was also posted on the chapter Web site. We sent flyers by snail mail, and still this one member never got the word. Please visit our Web site at http://www.nysscpa.org/leadership/listing.cfm?ID=1004&App=150. You might find something of interest in our chapter.

Just when I think I have heard or seen everything, something new comes along. The New York Blood Center has started a frequent-donor program called the “Red Cell Advantage.” There is always a steady need for blood donors in our area, especially during the summer. If this announcement helps, then all of us benefit. A couple of years ago, Immediate Past President Dave Friehling and his wife, Robin, organized a chapter blood drive. The turnout was less than anticipated. Let’s hope this incentive does the trick.

The phrase “tax gap” has been hyped by the media for some time now. I have seen stepped-up efforts by various taxing authorities in order to close this gap. It’s also one of the topics at the Mid-Summer Tax & Issue Resolution Symposium that we are presenting in conjunction with Rockland Community College. This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions about what is happening and what we can expect. The date is Aug. 14 at Rockland Community College. Eight hours of continuing professional education is being offered for just $99. If you have not received information, contact me or call (888) 807-4525, ext. 4151.

A short reminder that our networking evening of fun will be held on Dec. 3 at Casa Mia Manor House, featuring the comedy of Rockland’s own Johnny Lampert.

Also in December, the chapter will be hosting an entrepreneurial contest for the second time, at Rockland Community College. Teams from local high schools and colleges are invited to submit business plans. (There is a separate competition for the high school and the college level.) Any chapter member wishing to volunteer half a day to be a judge should contact me. I would especially like a chapter member who is not in public practice to join our team of judges.

Mitchell L. Gusler can be reached at mgusler@rifkincpa.com.