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 Maintaining Relevance in a Tough Economy
Whether you are in public practice or private industry, government or education, your CPA license, and your membership in the MACPA, are more valuable than ever. Representing your core values and high level of expertise, your CPA designation distinguishes you from others. Maintaining that credential with Continuing Professional Education is essential – but we know it comes at a price. CPE is not only required, it takes time and money. On the other hand, it is a key reason your CPA designation is so highly valued. The MACPA has always provided top quality CPE programs, with significant discounts for members. For example, the recent Management Information and Business Shows in Grand Rapids and Novi were packed with great educational sessions, allowing members to earn CPE credits in a compressed period of time. Plus, more than a hundred exhibitors showcased the latest products and services to help keep you ahead of the curve. Additionally, over the past several months, we’ve worked hard to make CPE programs more accessible and affordable by offering more Internet-based learning opportunities to save travel time and money. Plus, as members worked hard to meet the June 30th CPE reporting deadline, special discounts were available for multiple registrations for many of our programs. Sadly, some of our members or their spouses have lost their jobs due to the tremendous economic pressures on Michigan businesses. Recognizing the important role we play in supporting the profession, the MACPA has been able to make special consideration for dues payments for these members facing severe economic hardship. On our Economic Crisis Resource Center website, we’ve highlighted career resources along with many cost-saving member benefits. As a member, it’s free to post your resume or browse job postings in our classified ads, as well as utilize other career resources as you conduct a job search. Maintaining our commitment to advocacy efforts during these challenging times is more important than ever. As our state and its citizens struggle to survive, we know that CPAs can continue to serve as a valuable resource to lawmakers and government officials. While term limits create a challenge to building and maintaining working relationships with legislators, we know it’s vital to persist with our grassroots initiatives. You are critical to that effort. Most recently, we’ve been working closely with the State Board of Accountancy in their effort to offer online CPE reporting for CPAs. This not only saves the state a lot of money and staff time in processing, it is also a convenience for our members. Read more in the State Board article in this issue of Leaders’ Edge. As my year as Chair of the Board comes to a close and I reflect on the challenges we have faced, and continue to deal with, I am confident that the MACPA is helping to keep our profession strong and focused. An updated Strategic Plan, adopted in January, provides direction for your very capable incoming chair, Jon Anibal, and the rest of the MACPA leadership team. Serving as Chair this past year truly has been an honor and a pleasure. I have very much enjoyed working with our Board and task forces, and with our exceptional staff. I appreciate all the support you’ve given me, and I look forward to continuing to work with you. |
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| PO Box 5068 Troy, MI 48007-5068 Phone: 248.267.3700 Fax: 248.267.3737 E-mail: macpa@michcpa.org | |
