FROM THE DIRECTOR'S CHAIR

RISCPA as a Resource

While traditional April showers are a sure sign of spring, what we experienced this April was something altogether different – disastrous flooding, the likes of which Rhode Islanders hadn’t seen in a century.

Many individuals and businesses were victimized by the ravages of the unprecedented rainfall, as numerous Rhode Islanders faced flooded basements, impassable roads and power outages. Many businesses were hit with inventory and equipment losses, creating major setbacks for owners and uncertainty about the future. That’s where RISCPA came in.

In an effort to provide helpful information to our members and their clients, the Society responded promptly with pertinent information about how to apply for assistance, federal and state filing extensions and RI Department of Labor’s unemployment insurance relief. Through our bi-weekly online updates and general announcement process, we also updated members with the Governor and RI Economic Development Corporation’s announcement of flood funding for small businesses. In comments to the Providence Journal, RISCPA Board President Jacquelyn Tracy, and Past President Pat Thompson provided important information for all Rhode Islanders regarding personal property losses that may be eligible for tax breaks.

On the heels of President Obama’s declaring RI a disaster area, the state’s Senior Senator, Jack Reed, arranged for the IRS to extend the filing deadline from April 15 to May 11. Senator Reed and IRS senior stakeholder liaison Odette Turenne then held a tax assistance forum for flood victims at RISCPA on April 12. There were 32 RISCPA members in attendance, along with representatives of the media. The 30-minute forum presented opportunities for attendees to ask questions about filing, recovery efforts and other concerns. Mark Hayward, Regional Director of SBA, was also on hand to offer guidance on funding options for victims. RISCPA’s strong collaborative relationships with Sen. Reed’s office and the IRS were particularly useful in allowing us to provide members with important and timely information during this recent crisis. Special thanks are in order for the senator and his staff, the attending IRS representatives and the RISCPA members who took time out of their busy schedules to participate in this important forum.

Through our bi-weekly Society Updates, many have been following the progress of RISCPA’s operational upgrade. I’m pleased to report the Society has commenced the second phase of its plan, which centers on the installation of state-of-the-art software complementary to our CPE program. The system is AM-NET. Currently in place at 40 state societies, the program will lend significant efficiencies to our program, minimizing paper redundancy and creating a more streamlined system for member interactivity and reporting.

Speaking of CPE: Kudos to Denise Jacobson and Ellen DeCataldo for their terrific work putting together RISCPA’s catalogue in timely fashion. Mailings went out recently.

I’m looking forward to seeing you at RISCPA’s Annual Meeting on April 27th. If you haven’t registered, please visit www.RISCPA.org to sign up, as this year’s program will be very special.

Bob Mancini