August 21, 2004

Dear TACPA Member,

It has been my honor to serve as President of our organization.

I could not have completed this task without the members who enthusiastically served on the Executive Committee. Their service and commitment must be recognized.

As an all volunteer organization, all of its accomplishments are a direct result of member efforts and support.

Karen Williams, CPA, Treasurer – Karen was the most tireless supporter of the TACPA. She attended every meeting, organized CE and effectively acted as President-Elect. Karen had a significant impact on most of this year’s accomplishments. I can not say too much about how important her work was.

Marc Core, CPA, Secretary – Until you been the secretary for an all volunteer organization, it is hard to appreciate the commitment of time. Marc had to capture the essence of four member meetings as well as one to three monthly executive committee meetings. Marc’s biting analysis of issues was not only insightful, but humorous.

James Weber, CPA, Treasurer-elect – James’ time commitment was awesome. Not only did he do all of our bookkeeping, he kept up with membership records and meeting registrations. We are proud of our younger members, like James, who have stepped up to the plate and expressed their concern for the profession.

Marilyn Ault, CPA, Vice President – Marilyn’s guidance and counsel was a valuable reminder to us that we must remember that are membership includes two very important constituencies – CPA practitioners from areas other than Austin, Dallas Metro/Houston and San Antonio; and the small firm CPA practitioner.

Gordon Collie, CPA, Vice President – Gordon managed a substantial upgrade to our website as well as maintained the site. Gordon’s participation in our deliberations added a true professional skepticism that served as a valuable gut-check on several issues. He also led the effort to design the membership certificate. What he went through getting consensus on the certificate gives new meaning to the phrase “like herding cats.” I hope we can persuade Gordon to come back on the Executive Committee in the near future.

Ken Horwitz, CPA. Vice President – As you know we have forgiven Ken for being a lawyer. Seriously, Ken spearheaded the revision of our by-laws and now we have an organization document that fits us. Further, Ken’s legal perspective on many issues was critical to our responses to the TSBPA.

Totsy Peery, CPA, Vice President – Totsy organized all of the member meetings this year and all of the meetings were at different hotels. Her exuberance was catching and I think everyone at the meetings was engaged. The solo practitioner perspective was also well represented by her in our deliberations.

James Roberts, CPA, Vice President – James’ experience from the TSCPA leadership was invaluable as well as provided great insight into their decision making process. James’ ties to rural CPAs helped us understand their needs.

Sammie Smith, CPA, Vice President – In addition to the academic perspective Professor Smith brought to us, Sammie was our gravitas guy. Not only do we thank Sammie for his tireless support of this organization, but also for his contribution to the profession by educating future CPAs.

M. R. Yousuf, CPA, Vice President – Yousuf has attended virtually all of the meetings and when volunteers were need Yousuf was there. He also risked family discord by volunteering his wife to do the calligraphy on the membership certificates.

Finally there was a committee chair that went beyond the call of duty (thankfully). Dennis Fernelius, CPA chaired the relations with Texas State Board of Public Accountancy. Dennis attended all of the TSBPA board meeting this last year and gave a report at each of our meetings. He was able to alert us to several important issues that we subsequently responded to.

First my thanks to all of these committed CPAs. It has been a privilege working with you. You all exhibited not only tireless commitment, but the highest degree of ethical standard in all of your dealings.

Second thanks to all of the TACPA members. Some of you attended hearings, some of you attended the quarterly meetings, some of you sent words of encouragement, and every one of you sent a message that the CPA practitioner is a critical part of her or his community.

                                                            Yours truly,

                                                            Carl S. Bowles, CPA