John H. Higgins 2004-2005 MACPA Chair of the Board

Over the past decade, challenge and change have become part of the fabric of the accounting profession and the MACPA. Sometimes those challenges and forces of change come from outside the profession, such as legislative and regulatory initiatives. Others are inspired by and championed within the profession – by our members who are passionately involved in moving the profession forward. At the recent Members Advisory Forum in Lansing, we heard about both external and internal changes (see our cover story).

I’d like to share with you some information about a recent initiative within the MACPA to tap into the knowledge, concerns and needs of our members. Working with an outside consultant, the MACPA leadership has gathered feedback from focus groups to help us delineate our role in this ever-changing environment, identify and clarify member information needs and pinpoint how we can best serve our members.

Early results show us that specialized communication tools – like The Business Edge – news targeted to members in business and industry – effectively provide valued information to niche groups within the membership. And, while many of our members frequently access the MACPA web site for information, they really want to hear more about the activities, events and efforts supported by the MACPA. Clearly, we have a commitment to meet the challenging information needs of all members.

Another way the MACPA is changing to meet member needs is through development of a new format of web-based CPE. While online educational programming has been around for a while, the newest generation is live, web-based CPE. Recent feedback showed us that a large number of members are interested in this new format.

In these new web seminars, participants experience real-time interaction with a “live” instructor and other students through conference-call audio as well as through electronic polling mechanisms. This innovative programming essentially brings you into a virtual classroom, even though you are sitting comfortably in front of your home or office computer.

The biggest advantage of live, web-based CPE is the elimination of travel time and expense, while maintaining the benefits of a face-to-face seminar with an experienced instructor.

As plans for live, web-based CPE move forward, consider participating in upcoming webcast programs or in one of the dozens of live, web-based seminars being planned for the fall.

Your participation and feedback are drivers of change and crucial to our success. And, you help us keep on target in moving the profession forward.

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