Peggy Haw Jury 2005-2006 MACPA Chair of the Board

While another article in this issue of Leaders’ Edge reports on our recent Members Advisory Forum meeting in Lansing, I want to tell you about one presentation in particular. This presentation wasn’t on the formal agenda – in fact it was a wonderful surprise.

Lenore Litwin, vice president of Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan, presented the MACPA with the President’s Volunteer Service Award on behalf of the President of the United States.

Recognizing our members’ significant efforts with the MACPA Accounting Blitz, Lenore told the audience, “You allow us to reach many schools we’d never be able to reach otherwise.” Lenore also announced that JA would give its Impact Award to the MACPA, the only Association to receive the honor this year.

Through the JA program, hundreds of CPAs reach out to literally thousands of schoolchildren across the state. It’s been an incredible sustained effort, and our members are truly worthy of this high praise.

Just last month, members were also recognized for their work on our Hospice initiative. You may recall that late last year, our Financial Literacy Task Force, together with Hospice of Michigan, published a resource booklet that addresses end-of-life financial issues, entitled Financial Affairs at the End of Life.

This booklet was recently named to the Honor Roll of the Associations Advance America Awards, sponsored by the American Society of Associations Executives. The effort also won a grant from AmerInst Insurance to fund further expansion of our community outreach program. Again, this is national recognition for our members who volunteer, using their time, talents and compassion to make a difference in the lives of others.

The Accounting Blitz and the Hospice initiative are just two of the programs supported by MACPA members. There are many others: Toys for Tots, book collections, Race for the Cure^®, and more. Your involvement in these programs demonstrates your true character and compassion. You set a high standard and inspire others to make volunteering an essential part of their lives.

Congratulations to all of you who have played such an important role in your communities, showing the public that our profession cares.

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