I hope you are having a memorable summer. Late August and early September is a season of transition for many as schools get back into full session. Whether you are a student yourself, have students in your family like I do, or are just glad those days are behind you, there is a noticeable shift around us.

Last week your CalCPA volunteer leaders convened together in cool and breezy Monterey, where we discussed shifting trends in our profession and approaches to address them. One major topic was the ongoing discussion about the CPA candidate pipeline. In addition to CalCPA leaders, AICPA CEO Barry Melancon and AICPA Chair Okorie Ramsey also presented on the issue and on other topics. There were some breakout sessions for chapter leaders where we collaborated, brainstormed, and envisioned how we could continue engaging our members and enhancing the value CalCPA has to offer at all career stages.

One of the newest ways we are adding value to your membership is with the new Collective Learning programs, which focus on topics critical to your professional advancement. You’ll see these programs branded with catchy titles, including MAP Monday (Management of an Accounting Practice), Tax Tuesday, Wealth Wednesday, Trending and Technology Thursday, and Financial Accounting Friday. These 1-hour programs are available with CPE (paid) or without CPE (free) and are planned and organized by the respective state committees, which are comprised of volunteer members who are passionate about this profession.

I encourage you to check out these new programs, which are easily accessible in an online format. I am confident you will find the ideas expressed and exchanged in these programs very informative and useful.

Wishing you a great end to your summer. I hope to connect with you at a future chapter event.