Wrapping Up a Presidency

Wrapping Up a Presidency

By Patricia G. Wright, Brooklyn Chapter President

To the members and friends of the Brooklyn Chapter of the NYSSCPA, it was just a year ago this time that I bid you good-bye, but had to withdraw it. However, now it is 2005, and the real thing is happening. As I say good-bye and welcome our new President Warren Bergstein to the helm, I know that, with your support, the Brooklyn Chapter will be always be a beacon in the community of Brooklyn.

I just want to recap some of the things that make Brooklyn a strong chapter. In 2004, we had two-hour CPE seminars beginning in September through December, and members and friends were able to broaden their knowledge in the areas of tax updates, ethics, retirement planning, estate planning and asset building. We partnered with the Manhattan/Bronx Chapter and the Hudson Valley Bank in sponsoring two of our monthly seminars in the New York City area. Washington Mutual Bank in Brooklyn assisted in the sponsorship of our annual tax seminar. Due to these joint ventures, our members were able to share the knowledge of our illustrious presenters and at the same time network for business opportunities. Many thanks to JP Morgan/Chase, who sought the recommendations of our membership for quality work when needed by their customers.

We raised money to help with breast cancer research, and walked in this great effort to help find a cure and foster awareness. Our plan is to participate in this great cause for 2005, so I invite you to keep reading The Trusted Professional and the Brooklyn Chapter website for future dates.

In January 2005, we partnered with the IRS for our annual tax seminar. The attendance was great and surpassed our expectations. As always, we are thankful for the support of the IRS and the wonderful staff who make this possible, and the Long Island University Accounting Society for their support in hosting our seminars. Anticipating an increase in future registration, we are actively seeking a larger venue for our next seminar, which we are planning for December 2005. We will keep you posted when the date and place are finalized.

The Brooklyn Chapter and Long Island University will partner for the fourth year of COAP, which is a resident program scheduled for June 27 to July 1. In the program, 25 high school students share an exciting and informative time of learning, bonding and sharing this experience with their peers and family. We visited area high schools to demonstrate to students the importance of an accounting career.

And finally, in my continued effort to ensure that our young people are equipped for the work force and that the accounting profession has the best graduates, I taught a group of eager young students at LIU lessons in QuickBooks. As always, please take time out whenever you can to make a difference in the life of a young person.

Thanks to my board and the staff of the NYSSCPA for their support in making 2004–2005 a great year. I will remain very active in the Brooklyn Chapter and other areas of the profession. Please do not forget to visit us on the web, but above all, please support Warren Bergstein and the new board in making our chapter a beacon of light in the community of Brooklyn.
I hope you had a prosperous tax season. Until next time, thank you all for your support.

Patricia G. Wright can be reached at p_wright@starrllc.com or 212-759-6556.