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| January, 2004 | The
Monthly Newspaper of the NYSSCPA |
Vol.
7, No. 1 |
Past presidents honored at 70th anniversary Celebration
The Rochester Chapter held a 70th anniversary celebration and holiday party on Dec. 8, at Midvale Country Club in Penfield, marking the chapter’s Dec. 8, 1933, charter. In addition to the anniversary recognition, the occasion served as a holiday party for chapter members and guests, and as a food drive for FoodLink.
The keynote speaker was Tom Richards, a leader in the Rochester business community. Tom is a former partner of the law firm of Nixon Peabody LLP, and is “retired” CEO and Chairman of Rochester Gas & Electric. But rather than retire to the golf course, Tom has become the voluntary Chairman of Greater Rochester Enterprise (GRE), a public-private community economic development partnership.
Tom is also a member of the Rump Group, which chose its name from the Rump Parliament, which served England in the mid-17th century. That group served during a time of transition and economic difficulty, not unlike some aspects of life today in Rochester.
Tom’s presentation focused on the initiatives of GRE and the Rump Group, and how members of the chapter could support and contribute to their efforts. Tom encouraged Rochester-area CPAs to contact their legislative representatives and share their views pertaining to the GRE Rump Group reports (available at www.GreaterRochesterEnterprise.com and www.RumpGroup.org, respectively).
Tom is well known in the Rochester community as an effective, nonpartisan business leader. The chapter membership was thrilled to have him as a keynote speaker.
Additional discussion focused on the history and culture of the Rochester Chapter. Current President Bill Dresnack provided some data and information about the chapter and the Society in 1933, as well as other important events occurring that year. For example, did you know that 1933 saw both the formation of the Securities and Exchange Commission with the passage of the first Federal Securities Act, and the release of King Kong, starring Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong and Bruce Cabot?
Several Past Presidents, including Dick Mengel of Mengel, Metzger, Barr and Co. LLP (1986–1987), Bob Fox of Eldredge, Fox & Porretti LLP (1983–1984) and Clark Smith of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (1981–1982), shared their thoughts on the Society and the profession. Chapter President-Elect Steve Chatwin then provided some plans for next year as the chapter looked to the past, present and future.
The evening concluded with some fine piano playing by Dan Sullivan, CPA, of Schiffeli, Bernardi & Russo LLP, and the wonderful echoes of Frank Sinatra as performed by Frank Barbato. Kudos to Past President Michelle Cohen, President-Elect Steve Chatwin, Secretary Bonnie Chiappone and Young CPAs Committee Chair Derek Duncan for organizing and coordinating a terrific event!
