By Bill Dresnack, Rochester Chapter President

I have been a member of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants since 1987. I began my career with the Jericho office of Touche Ross & Co., moved to their Rochester office, and then worked briefly for Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co. (can anybody remember those pre-merger firm names?). I am currently an associate professor of accounting and business law at SUNY College at Brockport, and I will become the chair of Brockport’s Department of Business Administration and Economics on Sept. 1.

I became active (defined as “more involved than just attending meetings for Continuing Professional Education”) in the Rochester Chapter about six years ago, after finding myself involved in a variety of informal projects with officers of the chapter. I chaired the Educators’ Committee and have served as a director, the vice president and the president-elect of the chapter. My continuing involvement is due to one simple fact: The chapter, and the Society as a whole, represent an outstanding group of dedicated members and staff, offering great opportunities for professional development, networking, and socializing.

Before discussing the upcoming year I would like to thank the 2002–2003 officers, directors, committee chairs and members, and all other active participants of the Rochester Chapter. The past year’s activities further proved why this is such a great organization. From our CPE to the golf outing to our community service activities, the chapter continues its history of dedicated professionalism and community commitment.

As incoming president, I have a tough act to follow. But I do have a few goals that are critical to the chapter’s ongoing success. First, I hope to continue the history of offering outstanding CPE programs for our members. Despite the proliferation of other sources of CPE, I believe the Society’s programs continue to offer world-class discussion leaders and lecturers who provide state-of-the-art presentations and reference materials. I have attended seminars and workshops offered by other providers and I have tried on-line courses and mail order catalogs. The Foundation for Accounting Education remains the best.

I also hope the chapter and the Society are able to maintain and expand upon recently increased activity in influencing and reporting on legislation affecting our profession. In the last few years, the chapters have become more proactive in seeking relationships with their districts’ state legislators. The Rochester Chapter has hosted a well-attended formal discussion with our legislators on potential professional liability and the potential impact of legislation that might affect how we practice. As the state Senate and Assembly consider and debate several bills addressing, among other issues, professional misconduct, reportable acts and licensure requirements, chapter members should take a more proactive role in voicing their opinions and sharing their expertise. It is our profession; it is up to us to ensure that laws affecting it are appropriate, reasonable and not unduly burdensome. I would like the chapter to host another function at which our members are able to express their views to our legislators.

My two other goals are interconnected. I would like all chapter members to become active in the chapter and, in turn, to recruit others to become active as well. College enrollments in accounting have decreased lately, and the recent scandals have not helped. There are many talented high school and college students who might appreciate learning more about opportunities and careers in accounting. If more of our members take an active role in the chapter, we will be able to sponsor activities to attract these students and provide them with information about the exciting and glamorous world of accountancy. But it is up to all of us to take up that challenge. This year’s officers, directors and committee chairs are eager to work with new and potential members. So come on, join the party!

I look forward to another electrifying year of fun-filled, professional activities. Hope to see you there!