TACPA is starting its 4th year, and it just keeps getting better!

First, I would like to thank all of those who started this organization, especially the original six - Carl Bowles, Frank Chovanetz, Don Clanton, Bill Cox, Earl Lairsen, and Marjorie Lott, who worked so hard to give us an organization that is open to all members and all members' ideas.

During the past few years, several individuals in this organization have spent untold hours working to keep the CPA certificate's professional standing at the top of the "Trusted" professional list.  This is your professional organization and can do only what its membership supports.

This year, one of our goals will be to offer member benefits that are real - ones that can save our members money, time, effort and frustration. 

Two very exciting new programs are already in place.  First, we have formed an alliance with the National Conference of CPA Practitioners (NCCPAP).  This organization is also a Peer Review monitoring organization.  Many of our members have asked for an alternative organization to handle their tri-annual Peer Review.  Those firms whose ownership includes a TACPA member may join NCCPAP for a reduced fee.  NCCPAP's administrative fee is charged only in the year of review, and it is $ 150.  The fees for the actual Review vary, naturally, based on the type of Review.

The second program is an opportunity for low-cost, quality CPE.  We have made arrangements with Bisk Education to provide annually 44 hours of tax and accounting/auditing updates online.  Each participant's fee is only $ 75!  The savings on this member benefit will offset your annual dues by a wide margin!  Even if you are not interested in the credits, this is a great, economical way to stay current.

How can you help us keep our profession at the top of the most trusted professions?  Help us increase both the members' participation and the number of members.  If you know of CPAs who are not members, please encourage them to join with us.  If you are a member and have not been active, please consider volunteering for an activity, such as monitoring legislation - that is, go to the State legislative website, look at the activity on a particular bill, then send an email to us on its progress or lack thereof.  Also, if you see any articles or programs concerning our profession that you believe are interesting, please forward them to us. 

There is a lot of work to be done during the next 12 months, and we need your help.  If you are a member, please call a member of the Board and volunteer to help grow the organization.  If you are not a member please join now, we need you! The greater our numbers, the larger our voice!

Karen Williams, CPA