New additions to MACPA’s Spring Members Advisory Symposium brought fresh perspectives on the profession and the economy to a record-setting audience of more than 280 participants. A highlight of the daylong conference, held at the Lansing Center on May 7, was the opportunity to hear from Jeff Thredgold, one of the country’s most articulate economists.
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Symposium Auction Benefits
Accountancy Scholarships |
| Picture Highlights from the Spring Members Advisory Symposium | |
 Barry Melancon Presents at the Spring Members Advisory Symposium |
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 Carla Sledge stands with the U.S. Army, Dewitt Recruiting Station, Color Guard after Singing the National Anthem |
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 Benjamin Bankes Stops by the Symposium during Peggy Dzierzawski's Presentation |
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 Students from Oakland University joined Barry Melancon for Breakfast before the Symposium |
Thredgold shared a positive outlook on the economy, suggesting that the national economy will turn around by the end of 2009. “However, Michigan will not recover as quickly,” he noted. He believes Michigan’s economy will lag into 2010 but will begin to turn around at that point. Thredgold predicts that by the end of the year we will have three auto companies “that are smaller, stronger and positioned to take advantage of opportunities when the economy turns around.”
“This is the longest and deepest recession since the post WWII era,” commented Jeff. “We will get through this; in fact, we are most of the way through this. The consensus is that the darkest days are behind us.”
Thredgold is a passionate proponent of higher education. “The economy we are part of demands education more than ever before. If your kids or grandkids need a reason to justify a college education listen to this: in 1980 the average college graduate made 25% more than a high school graduate. That number today is 90% more.” Good computer skills increase earning potential even more, he said.
He identified seven critical industries of the future: technology; transportation; telecommunications; financial services; energy; entertainment; and biomedicine. He also said that healthcare, financial planning and leisure and entertainment are three growth industries, due to aging baby boomers.
Featuring a varied array of speakers, the Symposium also provided an in-depth look at how the economic crisis is affecting the profession. Regulatory changes relating to protecting investors and fair value accounting were hot topics. Keynote speaker Barry Melancon, AICPA president and CEO, urged CPAs to take a proactive role by helping consumers better understanding financial issues.
MACPA President and CEO Peggy Dzierzawski also talked about the economy and how the Association is coping with the current environment. From utilizing new technologies, to developing new partnerships and giving back to the community, Peggy discussed how strong relationships add value to the profession and the Association.
Attendees also heard about what’s happening in Lansing – in both the regulatory and the political environments. State Board of Accountancy Licensing Director Joyce Karr explained changes in peer review requirements and shared a “preview” of the new online license renewal form. On the political front, well-known pundit Tim Skubick offered a lively and insightful look at Lansing politics.