By Phillip E. Goldstein, Mid-Hudson Chapter President

As I reflect on our accomplishments during the past year, I can’t believe that my term as president is coming to an end. When I began my term, I shared with you that my goal was to make a difference in my community, our profession and our chapter. I believe we have done just that by providing a variety of events such as the Networking Day at Saratoga Racetrack, the New York State Society of CPAs’ Officers Visitation and Ethics CPE aboard the River Rose, an authentic Mississippi paddleboat, the Bankers, Attorneys and CPAs Dinner that featured F. Lee Bailey as our keynote speaker, The Toys for Tots Campaign, the first and second Annual Legislative Breakfast and Briefing, the Management of Accounting Practices Breakfast and the Young CPAs Committee’s networking events. In addition, this year the chapter also provided an unprecedented number of high-quality continuing professional education (CPE) courses, which were held right here in the Hudson Valley.

None of the events outlined above could have happened without the continued support, hard work and dedication of the members of the Board of Directors and the committee chairpersons. Members of the Board of Directors and committee chairs received a small token of my appreciation for their continued commitment to our chapter and the Society at the annual Officers’ Nomination/Installation/Scholarship Dinner and Golf Outing on May 19.

Another important group of people that I need to thank for their continued support, dedication and hard work are the partners and team members of my firm, Levitan, Yegidis and Goldstein, LLP. I would especially like to thank the administrative staff, Kathleen Imhof, Debbie Kearns, Jeannie Hudson and Peggy Millich, for doing an outstanding job at coordinating various chapter events.

The Second Annual Legislative Briefing and Breakfast for chapter members took place on May 9 and 16. We believe these events are important as they provide the membership with up-to-date information on legislative issues which affect not only the accounting profession but, more important, your livelihoods. I am encouraging all members to participate in these events.

I would like to thank the membership and the local bankers and attorneys for supporting the Mid-Hudson Chapter’s Spring Reception, which was held at Torches Restaurant on April 30. This networking event provided an opportunity for chapter members to celebrate the end of tax season as well as meet with bankers and attorneys from across the Hudson Valley to discuss current business issues. In addition to a fun evening, the $10 donation from attendees helped increase the amount of this year’s Scholarship Awards, which now include recipients from colleges throughout the Hudson Valley. I would like to share with you that 100 percent of the donations received at the Spring Reception were given to the chapter’s Scholarship Fund.

In closing, I would like to wish President-Elect Deborah L. Bailey Browne and the incoming members of the Board of Directors and committee chairs the best of luck for the coming year. My hope is that she has as much fun serving the chapter as I did.