By Maurice Berkower

Bankers, CPAs and small-business owners gathered in early November for a lively discussion of entity selection, compensation and fringe benefit planning and other topics affecting accountants and their small-business clients.

The informal gathering, jointly held by the New York State Society of CPAs’ Committee on Cooperation with Community Businesses and Atlantic Bank of New York, drew 65 people for hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and presentations by three experts.

Atlantic Bank CEO Thomas M. O’Brien, tax expert Roger D. Lorence and NYSSCPA member Lawrence M. Lipoff spoke at the Nov. 6 event at the South Street Seaport, moderated by committee Chairman Arthur Koplowitz.

While O’Brien gave an overview on the state of the economy, Lorence, of Eichler Bergsman & Co., LLP, discussed buy-sell agreements and entity selection alternatives. Lipoff, of Perelson Weiner LLP, presented information on various deferred compensation and fringe benefits plan options.

The speakers ignited much interest among audience members, who asked questions on specific topics and gathered for smaller group discussions following the presentations. Small-business owners were especially intrigued by the options available in entity selection and compensation and fringe benefit planning.

Participants were generally pleased with the event.

The committee would like to thank Atlantic Bank for hosting the event, and specifically Vice Presidents Dominick Tesoriero and Ninetta Dafnos for making the evening a huge success.