November 2007 | Fresno Chapter Bulletin

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DISASTER RESOURCES

What to Do in an Emergency

Whether you or a client has been affected by the Southern California fires, CalCPA has resources to help you through the crisis, including comprehensive tax resources and other important disaster recovery information.
   CalCPA also is coordinating volunteer efforts to assist victims of the Southern California wildfires—and we need your help.
   There are opportunities for CPAs statewide to provide pro bono financial and tax assistance to fire victims who are in need. Even if you are not in Southern California, you can sign up to offer assistance by phone.
   Each volunteer receives a comprehensive Volunteer Handbook that contains virtually everything you’ll need—especially when combined with your professional expertise—to assist fire victims.
   To volunteer, update the volunteer portion of your personal profile.
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CHAPTER EVENTS

Chapter Board Meetings

Dates: Wednesdays, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5
Time: Noon–1:30 p.m.
Location: Denham Personnel Services; 1540 E. Shaw Ave., #112; Fresno
RSVP:
Nov. 14 board meeting: Online
Dec. 5 board meeting: Online

APAS Committee

Topic: 2007 Pronouncements
Objectives: Review and understand new standards and pronouncements which became effective during 2007, and those that will become effective for 2008
 
Speakers: Sheryl Yardumian, CPA; Tracy Garone, CPA; John Heberger, CPA
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 13
Time: 8:30–11:30 a.m. (8 a.m. Cont. Breakfast)
Location: Noell Agnew & Morse LLP; 8365 N. Fresno St., #110; Fresno
Cost: $25/members; $35/nonmembers
CPE: 3; A&A Hours: 3
RSVP: Online
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Chapter Activities Continue

By Adrienne Cantrell, CPA

Autumn is upon us, and what a good thing that is! Our weather is a little crisper and I’m finding that I can enjoy being outdoors once again. Our chapter recently enjoyed the weather at our annual golf tournament, held Oct. 22 at Ft. Washington Country Club. It seems the active part of our chapter’s year is already flying by with one event after the other; we really do jam a lot into the few months that we’re not completely consumed with busy season client work.
   Although summer has passed, we are still basking in the warm glow left by our Student Night event, which was held Sept. 18. Our attendance was incredible as more than 300 students, faculty and professionals enjoyed fellowship, good food and a full program. I was pleased to have CalCPA Chair Teresa Mason in attendance, who got to see our chapter in action.
   I’d like to thank everyone who attended, plus our Student Night Committee and our program associate Kay Coffin, as well has her husband Larry Coffin. Larry is an active member of our chapter who pulls double duty as Kay’s very capable assistant, and we really appreciate his efforts.
   I’d also like to thank our many sponsors: California CPA Education Foundation, American Financial of California, Becker CPA Review, Paychex, Payroll People, Thomson/RIA, Reverse Mortgages of CA and Principal Financial Group.
   Because of the participation by all, our students were given an evening to remember, and we hope they left with a very positive impression of our profession and community.
   During our latest board meeting chapter past president and MAP Committee member Doyle Daniel was our guest speaker and brought us up to date on the most recent CalCPA MAP Committee meeting. The committee has merged with the Management Consulting Services Committee and is now known as the CalCPA MAP/MCS Committee. Doyle gave us an overview of the agenda and various items of interest. Of particular interest is the most recent National PCPS/TSCPA MAP Survey. Regardless of your firm’s size, you will find a great deal of timely information in the survey results, and you can download a copy through CalCPA’s website. Many thanks to Doyle for remaining active on the CalCPA committee and bringing timely information back to our chapter members.
   Coming up Tuesday, Nov. 13 is the final installment in our AP&AS Committee’s seminar series. The committee is offering an A&A Update, focusing new 2007 Pronouncements and a look at compilation and review engagements. While the series has focused on helping to train newer staff, these sessions will be beneficial to anyone in the A&A arena.
   And, as we near the end of our active year, we’ll be presenting our annual Community Awareness Night, Thursday, Jan. 24. Our program will include a speaker from the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley, as well as recognition of our 40-year members, past presidents and new members. Please be sure to save the date!
   Before closing for this issue, I’d like to mention that our nominations committee will soon gather to consider new board members for the upcoming year. I encourage anyone who is interested in becoming more active within the chapter to express their desire to serve on our board. We are a growing and thriving chapter with a goal to reach 1,000 CPA members within the next fiscal year. Our strength is in our community and dedication to our profession.
   With our region growing and developing by leaps and bounds, our chapter is a wonderful place to make new contacts and friends, as well as to help steer the future of our profession both locally and throughout the state.
   If you feel a board position is too large of a step or commitment, consider becoming involved in a committee. Committee-level time commitment is minimal, as many individuals help to coordinate our chapter’s programs and events. Committees are a wonderful way to get to know your peers in the area and learn a lot about our profession and community.
   I cannot say enough about my positive experience over the last seven years! Being involved in CalCPA Fresno Chapter has been one of the most enjoyable and professionally rewarding things I’ve done. (And I know our other board members and committee chairs would agree with me!)
   Please contact Anthony Forestiere, past president and chair of our nominations committee, me or Kay Coffin if you have a desire to serve on our board or a committee.
   Thanks and have a great month!
—Adrienne Cantrell, CPA
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CHAPTER NEWS

New Members

On behalf of the Bakersfield Chapter’s officers, directors and members, we extend our warmest of welcomes to our new members: Jinger Todd, Ashley Casey, Rosa Castillo... [see all new members]

Past President’s Message

By Fausto Hinojosa, CPA (2004-05)

About 10 years ago a friend of mine asked if I might be interested in joining the Fresno Chapter’s Board of Directors. At the time I was very busy trying to balance my work, family and other community responsibilities and wasn’t sure if I had the time, talent or energy to devote to the task. He reassured me, and with some prompting I agreed to join the board.
   My decision was based on a sense of personal responsibility to a profession that had already given me so much. It just seemed like the right thing to do. I did not realize at the time that the small investment I made would give back so much more.
   The first and most rewarding benefit of being involved with CalCPA was definitely the relationships I established. I quickly made friends with other board members and committee chairs and realized that we shared a core set of values. We were all looking for ways to improve the quality of life for ourselves and our families, as well as, just as importantly, improve the profession and, therefore, our community. Although we might be viewed as competitors from a business perspective, we chose to be allies and instead focus on the bigger picture. Interestingly enough, some of the closest professional relationships I have were formed with these so-called “competitors,” who I instead choose to call friends.
   Professional growth is an additional benefit that I’ve enjoyed from my CalCPA involvement. The accounting profession has changed very rapidly, and it takes much time and energy to remain current and relevant. I was motivated by my peers to not remain stagnant, but to devote myself to continual learning.
   As an involved committee member, opportunities to be involved with other committees and to teach classes quickly presented themselves, and with the encouragement of my fellow CPAs, I accepted the challenges. The immediate result was that I gained self-confidence and more depth as a professional, which allowed me to provide greater value to the profession and the marketplace. Speaking of the marketplace, I would be remiss if I did not say that my involvement with CalCPA was a direct contributor to the growth of my business.
   As I reflect back to my year as chapter president, one special moment stands out. It is our chapter’s tradition to present plaques to CalCPA members who have 40 years of service to the profession.
   As it turned out, one of the recipients was my former professor at Fresno State, Gary Sampson. Gary stood out for me in particular, because I had to obtain his permission to arrive two weeks late to his undergraduate cost accounting class. My reason was actually a valid one: at the time I was in a 12-week Army training program in San Antonio. Gary, being a former Marine, told me not to worry and that he would help me get on board once I was “on the ground” in Fresno. This was so meaningful to me because when I first met Gary, I was not sure that accounting was going to be my career choice, and now, 15 years later, here I was as chapter president, presenting him with a plaque and honoring him.
   I honestly believe that my life would be much different now if I had not accepted the invitation to get involved. Thank you, Kendall Wheeler, for inviting me to be involved and to give back. I will continue to do my best to pass it on.

Day of Caring: CPAs Care

The Central Valley was again the winner of “most participants” at this year’s United Way Day of Caring held Sept. 8, with nearly 80 CPAs and their families participating. Volunteers helped at the Community Food Bank to sort food and other items that will be distributed to people who need a little extra assistance to feed their family. The second group went to Ronald McDonald House and cleaned the house from top to bottom.
   The pizza party contest winner this year was Norman Wong who had 13 volunteers. Way to go, Norman!
   We want to thank all of those who participated and look forward to even more people next year.
   Check out photos from the event.
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CalCPA NEWS

Leaders Wanted: Become a CalCPA Officer or AICPA Council Member

You are the driving force behind one of the world’s largest economies. Isn’t it time you put your leadership skills to use for the betterment of the CPA profession?
   The CalCPA Nominations Committee is accepting nominations until Dec. 1 for 2008–09 CalCPA officers and council members at large. Officer positions include chair, first vice chair, treasurer and two vice chairs. Three council members at-large also will be elected.
   Members can apply for more than one office and will be considered only for the positions to which they apply. Download a nomination form, review job descriptions and ideal leadership characteristics.
   For more information, contact John Angelo or Nominations Committee Chair D. Paul Regan.

Another Way to Serve—AICPA Council

If you’re an AICPA member and interested in representing your peers on AICPA Council, let us know. The Nominations Committee will recommend candidates to AICPA Council, which establishes AICPA policies and procedures, and enacts resolutions that are binding on the board of directors, officers, committees and staff.
   If you’re interested, send a letter of intent and your professional and volunteer history to: Nominations Committee; c/o D. Paul Regan, chair; 330 N. Brand Blvd., Suite 710; Glendale, CA 91203.
   All letters must be received by 5 p.m. Dec. 1. The AICPA makes the final selections.

CalCPA Member Discounts on CCH Tax Guidebooks

CalCPA members can order CCH’s U.S. Master Tax Guide 2008 and the Guidebook to California Taxes 2008 at significantly discounted rates:

2008 U.S. Master Tax Guide (Expected ship date, late-December 2007): $41/members; $61/nonmembers.

2008 Guidebook to California Taxes (Expected ship date, late-January 2008): $39/members; $59/nonmembers.

Order today.
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RESOURCES:

Fresno Chapter Leadership