The Suffolk Chapter has had a very successful year, and much of the success revolves around our newly expanded subscription plan. Traditionally, our subscription plan covered four chapter meetings at a total cost of $99. This year, we doubled the number of chapter meetings covered by the subscription plan to eight and raised the price to $199. We know that CPAs cannot resist a bargain. The subscription plan is an effective way for CPAs to get involved in their chapter and their profession (each meeting costs under $25). We allow subscription plan holders that cannot attend one or more of the eight meetings to send another representative from their firm or company to attend in their place.
The eight chapter meetings now covered by the subscription plan are as follows:
Cooperation with Attorneys
More than half of the listed meetings have already taken place, with an average attendance of over 100 people per meeting. The strong attendance figures reflect the hard work of our committee chairs and members, as well as the events’ excellent speakers.
Outside of the subscription plan, the chapter runs three Saturday technical seminars. In November 2000, we held the half-day Estate Planning Conference and the daylong Accounting and Auditing Update. In December 2000, we held the daylong Tax Conference. Attendance at these events has been declining over the past several years and the chapter is currently exploring different ideas to increase attendance.
We have a very active Young CPAs Committee that ran a successful Golf Outing in September and a wonderful Toys for Tots Drive in December. More than 40 firms participated in this year’s Toys for Tots Drive, resulting in a record of more than 2,000 toys being donated to the U.S. Marine Corps for distribution to needy Long Island families. The committee has also been instrumental in our High School Visitation Program. Last year, Suffolk CPAs visited 16 Suffolk County high schools and talked with students about the many opportunities that a CPA has in today’s world.
Our Small Business Committee actually goes into the community and provides a forum for small-business owners to meet with chapter members, bankers, and other professionals. The forum consists of roundtable discussions on finance, labor, and technology topics.
Upcoming events include our highly successful Bankers/CPAs Golf Outing on May 7, 2001, which always draws a sell-out crowd. On June 29, 2001, we have 300 seats reserved at Suffolk County’s new minor league ballpark to watch the Long Island Ducks play ball. Prior to the game, we have reserved the picnic area for up to 300 CPAs and family members. A great time was had by all at last year’s event.
