Incoming Chapter Presidents Get Ready for 1999­2000

Incoming NYSSCPA President Alan E. Weiner invited the 11 incoming chapter presidents to participate in a conference call on March 2. Having learned from his predecessors how important it is to work with every segment of the NYSSCPA population, Weiner intends to schedule periodic conference calls to enable chapter presidents to communicate with one another and gain knowledge that may not be available otherwise. In prior years, chapter presidents met officially as a group once during their term. It was then up to each chapter president to discuss items as they arose with the Society president.

As with any meeting of a large group, some were unable to take part. However, six of the 11 incoming chapter presidents did participate, and they received valuable information. The conference call presented an opportunity for chapter presidents to get updates about the Society's plans and actions. Members can contribute to the success of the conference call if they attend their next chapter meeting, tell their chapter president that they are in favor of this method, and give ideas for topics to advance in the next conference call.

Participants were enthusiastic about meeting by phone. Two of the incoming presidents commented that their boards gave overwhelming approval because the call allowed them to "meet" without having to take time away from billable hours to travel to the NYSSCPA office in New York City.

A hot button was attendance at chapter meetings. Suggestions to increase attendance included arranging joint meetings with local professional organizations such as the Institute of Management Accountants, bankers' organizations, and local bar associations; having a featured speaker (Westchester, for example, had Sparky Lyle at one of its meetings); scheduling chapter meetings from 8 to 10 a.m. and offering CPE; and honoring local CPA firms. New ideas are always welcome. Members should communicate them to their chapter president.

A possible outgrowth of this meeting is expanded use of the conference call for committee meetings. Although the NYSSCPA office is in New York City and most committee meetings take place there, the Society is still one group; and over the years, management has sought ways to increase committee membership from across the state. The Society continues to develop the conference call as an alternative for those who cannot attend meetings in person. In addition, the NYSSCPA liberalized its travel reimbursement policy for committee members coming into Manhattan from upstate, effective June 1, 1999. For travel reimbursement and conference call participation information, contact NYSSCPA Committee Manager Nereida Gomez at (212) 719-8358 or (800) 633-6320, and then follow up by joining a committee--it's not too late.

Other topics discussed during the conference call included formation and use of a chapter speakers bureau for enhancing the image of the CPA among middle and high school students, senior citizens, and nonprofit groups; advertising campaigns; and chapter public relations committee activities.