September 2000

2000 Leadership Forum

Concerns Over XYZ Overshadow Most Discussions

The proposed XYZ designation and the uniform accountancy act were two hot topics at the NYSSCPA’s second annual Leadership Forum in late July.

The XYZ credential, which is an international designation that accountants, lawyers and other professions can hold, is expected to be taken up by the American Institute of CPAs in October. The topic was raised by members and discussed at virtually every session.

Another topic that generated great interest was the potential effect of the Uniform Accountancy Act on other disciplines.

Approximately 94 chapter and Society leaders and staff attended the Society-sponsored event held here at the Hudson Valley Resort on July 23-25.

President P. Gerard Sokolski kicked off the meeting on Monday with an update on professional and Society issues.

Executive Director Louis Grumet led a brainstorming session attended by Membership Committee Chair Carol Lapidus and chairs from across the state. Issues of concern included more grass-roots outreach to increase member involvement.

In addition to general sessions there were two different track meetings: one for chapter representatives and one for state Society committee chairs. Altogether, 32 committee chairs and 40 chapter leaders registered, as well as Society officers and several board members.

Recreation included a complimentary golf clinic on Monday afternoon. The group lesson was pronounced a success by all participants, and the afternoon golf tournament winners received prizes. During the Monday night entertainment, "Murder at Café Noir," a prize was presented to the "detective" who guessed the "murderer."

Next year the annual conference and leadership forum will be held jointly as the Annual Leadership Conference, scheduled to take place June 10 - 12 at the Hershey Resort.