PROFESSIONAL NEWS
Membership Day Recap
In its first year with the official title of “Membership Day,” the yearly fall RISCPA event formerly known as Leadership Day, was declared a tremendous success.
The name change was partially responsible for the positive outcome, according to RISCPA Executive Director Robert Mancini.
“Based on input we received from the NYPN task force, we realized that the name ‘Leadership Day’ was somewhat intimidating,” Mancini said. “Some people felt that it might be only for leaders.”
By re-dubbing it Membership Day, the emphasis was on inclusion rather than exclusivity. The Board intended for members who were, perhaps, at the beginning of their careers or who didn’t hold any particular special title, to still feel embraced by the occasion. And by looking at turnout and feedback, the change helped.
“It was well attended, one of the largest crowds we have had in a long time,” Mancini said.
Mancini also attributed the success of the event to a lineup of insightful, informative speakers.
“The programming for the event allowed the Rhode Island Society Executive Committee to articulate a number of strategic goals, to reflect on where the Society has been, where it is now and where it’s going,” Mancini said.
The RISCPA Membership presentation, delivered by RISCPA President Arthur Lambi Jr., introduced the overarching strategic goal, which is to remain relevant to members.
The three strategic objectives designed to help fulfill that goal are: 1) Attract and retain the best and brightest members for the Society and the accounting profession; 2) Utilize technology to become more efficient internally and to achieve outstanding communication with our members and the general public; and 3) Develop future leaders of the Society and the profession.
Lambi also reviewed the membership survey results and commented on how to get involved in committees.
Treasurer James E. Morrison went over the Society’s finances, and the leaders of the three strategic goals -- President-Elect Martha Conn Hultzman, Secretary Steven J. Ursillo Jr. and Vice President Samuel K. Suls -- gave updates about their respective areas.
As is tradition at Leadership Day (now Membership Day), attendees were given an overview of national and international issues affecting the profession from the AICPA’s point of view. Delivering this information was keynote speaker Paul Stahlin, the incoming AICPA chairman.
Other presentations included:
- David Preston, from New Harbor Group, who gave a comprehensive legislative overview and local election assessments.
- Gary Sasse, currently a visiting professor of public policy at Rhode Island College and former director of administration for Gov. Donald Carcieri, who addressed the state of the budget and governmental fiscal responsibility.
- Gina Raimondo, co-founder and former general partner of Point Judith Capital, who reviewed financial literacy.
"After a very robust morning featuring a number of pertinent updates from various leaders and experts, participants were treated to an evening network event for CPAs, attorneys and financial professionals,” Mancini said.
More than 330 attendees were present for the networking event, which marked the launch of the TD Bank sponsorship, according to Mancini. This was the first in a series of RISCPA events the bank will sponsor. The next will be on Jan. 25, at the Westin Hotel in Providence.
“In all, it was a great success,” Mancini said. “We’ve had very positive feedback about both the membership event and the networking event.”
