FROM THE DIRECTOR'S CHAIR

Technology, Outreach, Strategic Plans in Place for RISCPA

Happy New Year!

Now that the warm weather seems like a thing of the past, and we’re all back on track after a joyous holiday season, we’re full steam ahead.

I’m proud to report that, due to the continued support of our members, RISCPA’s CPE program (which recently concluded another successful season), reflected an impressive 131 total courses taken. Denise Jacobson and Ellen DeCataldo are to be congratulated for their professionalism and diligence supporting a very active season.

We’re on target regarding the RISCPA strategic plan to improve technical resources, as 85% of the backroom upgrade has been accomplished. In addition to new servers, the staff is being equipped with new hardware along with upgrades to existing software. Needless to say, these improvements will greatly enhance service efficiencies for our members. In the coming months we hope to announce further improvements to your Society’s operational environment. Stay tuned for exciting developments!

January is a special month for RISCPA in that our annual business meeting and networking event takes place. Attracting approximately 500 attendees, this year’s program was at the Providence Westin Hotel and sponsored by our friends at Citizens Bank. Many of our members, along with a number of the Ocean State’s finest attorneys and financial professionals, enjoyed an evening of business development, fine food and conversation. Preceding the event, RISCPA held its business meeting. In addition to a rundown of your Society’s activities, the following new Board nominees were introduced: Barbara Perino, CPA; Kristen Fraser, CPA and Laura DaLomba, CPA. Additionally, the following members wishing to serve on the RISCPA Nominating Committee were introduced: Patricia Thompson, CPA; Richard Carriere, CPA and John Barrett, CPA. In traditional societal fashion, voting for Board nominees and Nominating Committee members will take place at RISCPA’s Annual Meeting on April 27^th.

The Society has had some good recent publicity, with a favorable profile in the online edition of the Providence Business News. Writer Bill Hamilton afforded your Executive Director the opportunity to discuss our mission along with a number of the programs and facts pertaining to RISCPA. Timing was everything, as the article was published on Jan. 5, just in time to maximize the promotion of the networking event. Please visit www.RISCPA.org to view the article.

Recently, RISCPA introduced “Society Update.” An online publication produced bi-weekly, the vehicle was created to provide pertinent information to members between the quarterly issues of “What Counts.”

Being prepared is, indeed, critical to the CPA mindset. Therefore, please note the upcoming events of importance:

April 27: RISCPA’s Annual Meeting, held at the Providence Marriott Hotel.

July 12: RISCPA’s Annual Golf Tournament, held at the Warwick Country Club.

On behalf of the staff and Board of RISCPA, thank you for your continued support.

Bob Mancini