Committees Have a Challenging Job

Committees Have a Challenging Job

By Mark P. Stone, Nassau Chapter President

The Nassau Chapter has a tradition of strong leadership and an active membership that dates back to the chapter’s first president, T. Robert Sullivan, in 1953. Admittedly, I did not know who Sullivan was until I looked at the installation dinner guidebook that lists every past Nassau Chapter president. I probably should have known, since I have been reading the same guidebook for the last 10 years. Whether it is Sullivan or the 53 presidents that followed, I have quickly come to one conclusion: I am humbled to be associated with a committee structure and a board of directors that keep the tradition of the Nassau Chapter going strong. I am well aware that I am one of many that served as president and at the conclusion of the term, the president steps down. I am also well aware that what really keeps the chapter going strong is the committee chairs who constantly strive to meet our membership’s needs with new and innovative programs.

Another part of the tradition of the Nassau Chapter is imbedded in our constant striving to bring in new members. If you did not get an opportunity to attend one of the organizational meetings that occurred in May and June, I encourage you to look over the list of our committees and reach out to the chair. Each of the committees has a challenging job, and would unquestionably welcome new opinions and new talent who might be willing to write, speak or get involved in any way. Let’s face it, the only way that the Nassau Chapter will remain active is if the committees continue to get fresh ideas and new talent. Further information regarding the meetings and the chair to contact can be found in the Nassau Chapter link located in the Society Web site (www.nysscpa.org) in the May 2008 edition of the newsletter.

As for recent events, the Estate and Financial Planning Committee headed by Lynne Fuentes and Elizabeth Eckert held its 26th Annual All-day Estate and Personal Financial Planning Conference on May 3. As always, this was an invaluable seminar for a technical area that has great uncertainty due to past and proposed tax law changes. On June 6, the Community Affairs Committee, headed by Roy Massa, held the Ellen Gordon CPAs 4(a) Cause 5k charity run/walk to benefit Island Harvest, a food pantry for the poor. Needless to say, this event is fantastic publicity for the CPA logo. Lastly, on June 30, the Bankers Committee, headed by Frank Scala, was to hold the Annual Golf Outing, which has always been a hit.

Mark P. Stone can be reached at mstone@mwellp.com.