Gail Sparks Pitts 2007-2008 MACPA Chair of the Board

Just one month ago, we were excited to announce that Michigan passed CPA license mobility legislation after more than a year of hard work by many of our members, the State Board, our Association staff and government officials. (See related article.) This significant step made modifications to our state accountancy laws and regulations to ease interstate practice while maintaining adequate safeguards for the public. I applaud all the people who made this happen.

So what’s the rest of the story? Mobility in Michigan is a great accomplishment, but does it end there? No.

Our hope is, of course, that all the other states will address this issue and provide similar relief for our CPAs who wish to practice outside of Michigan. The good news is … we are more than half way there! In total, 28 states have enacted mobility legislation; three states await gubernatorial signatures, and two other states have legislation in process. The AICPA has identified 13 more states where legislative activity is likely to occur in 2009.

The MACPA is committed to keeping you informed as progress is made toward nationwide mobility. You’ll continue to hear updates at various events, see articles in our publications, and access information immediately on our web page devoted to mobility.

The MACPA has always been on the leading edge – and we plan to continue to stay there, providing you with top-name speakers, hot topics and the latest educational delivery techniques, including webinars and in-firm/company customized training.

A great example of this is our 2007 Michigan Tax Conference, which featured renowned speakers from around the country and drew nearly 1,000 attendees – making it the second-highest attended state tax conference in the United States, and the only one sponsored by a state CPA society. Our partnerships with the State Bar – Taxation Section and the Michigan Department of Treasury were key to the program’s success. We’re continuing to work with these partners for this year’s event, which promises to be another outstanding program.

In addition, partnerships with other organizations – the IRS, NABA, colleges and universities, Hospice of Michigan, Race for the Cure and others – help us strengthen and expand our reach to members, to students and to our communities.

As my year as Chair of the Board comes to a close, I want to express my deep gratitude to all of you who have made this year so remarkable and rewarding. Our task force members and board members, working hand-in-hand with our excellent staff, have created outstanding programs, enhanced valuable programs and advocated successfully on our behalf. Working together, we have proven once again that we are an Association with VISION, prepared to meet members’ needs.

Thanks for making the year so productive! At the MACPA, no one does it alone. Because of your valuable time, hard work, dedication and commitment to the profession, Michigan is known for leading the profession and making a difference. On a personal note, my year as Chair of the Board has progressed expeditiously. Serving as Chair has allowed me the opportunity to get to know you better. I have had the distinct pleasure of working with many of you on various issues and projects. Whether our contact was at continuing education sessions, special meetings, or just a simple greeting, it means so very much to have had that personal contact with you. I am proud to have served as your Chair, and most appreciative and gracious for all that you do for the MACPA and our 17,000 members.

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