November 2006

President’s Message
Take Advantage of Learning Experiences
By Bob Johnston, CPA
Our chapter was busy with many events in September and October, including the new ABC (Attorney, Banker and CPA) Night and the Student Outreach Luncheon.
   ABC Night, chaired by Scott Haislet, was hugely successful and the follow–up luncheon provided ideas and suggestions to make next year’s event even better. I’d also like to thank the 19 sponsors. If you would like to be a sponsor for next year, contact Scott at (925) 283–1031.
  Virginia Smith, CPA and chair of the accounting department at St. Mary’s College, chaired our first Student Outreach Luncheon, which was held at Scott’s in Oakland and attracted some 40 or so students from St. Mary’s, UC Berkeley, Cal State East Bay and Mills College. Thanks to the eight firms that sponsored the event. And a special thank you to Virginia and her committee, including Dan Boele of JGR, Bob Jones of Jones & Giron LLP and John Levy.
   Many other events and committee meetings took place in October and there will be lots of ways to participate in CalCPA through January. Please refer to other sections of the Bulletin to see what’s happening.
   Participating in CalCPA events is a learning experience and being involved in committees, organizing events, calling others to become involved are growing experiences.
   In his book “True Professionalism,” David Maister said, “If you think training is expensive, try having untrained people.” He also said, in the same book, “Any firm that can outperform its competition in building and creating skills will gain a significant competitive advantage.”
   So, get involved and encourage others in your firm to jump in and have a growing experience.
   The nominating committee for next year’s board and officer positions is being formed. Call Hank Levy at (510) 652–1000 if you are interested in a board position or Rob Anderson of Burr, Pilger & Mayer at (925) 296–1040 if you are interested in a particular committee or group.
   You can make a difference in your profession by being active in CalCPA—your professional organization.
—Bob Johnston, CPA
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Chapter Events
11th Annual Advanced Estate Planning Symposium[PDF]
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 7
Location: Round Hill Country Club; Alamo
CPE: 6 hours (5 hours of MCLE) This is a CAP Card event.
RSVP: Online
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BARE Low-Cost CPE [PDF]
Topic:  Accounting & Auditing Update for Industry
Speaker: Wayne Borkowski, CPA, CMA, CFM, MBA
Date: Friday, Dec. 1
Location: Crowne Plaza; Foster City
Cost: $125 (continental breakfast and buffet lunch included.  Proceeds beneft the Bay Area chapters' scholarship funds).
CPE: 8 hours (A&A)
RSVP: www.calcpa.org/PEN/.