PROFESSIONAL NEWS

Membership Day Promotes Unity Among RISCPA's

On Tuesday, October 4th nearly 200 individuals participated in the RISCPA’s Annual Membership Day at the Providence Marriott.

Among those delivering presentations to the packed house were RISCPA Board President, Martha Conn Hultzman, CPA; Incoming Chairman of the of the AICPA, Gregory Anton, CPA; Rhode Island Speaker of the House, Gordon Fox; RISCPA Government Relations Consultant, David Preston; and RISCPA Marketing Director Susan Breen.       

Anton’s AICPA issues update and an accompanying panel discussion addressed the new international designation Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), born out of the alliance between the AICPA and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). RISCPA Executive Director Robert A. Mancini said interest among society members has been high, regarding the elevation of the CPA brand for those working in business, industry, and government.

“I feel that for those in business, industry, and government – both as financial employers and for the industries they represent – the new designation will help boost the quality of the CPA pedigree making it a win-win for all,” said Mancini.

Mancini added that the overall tone of the Membership Day event was positive due to what he termed the “strength in unity” factor. Members, he said, heard encouraging words from Speaker of the House Gordon Fox.

“House Speaker Fox amplified the importance of RISCPA’s advocacy voice in helping shape legislative matters. Obviously, there are those issues particularly beneficial to  our  members, but he also noted RISCPA’s ability to join forces with the business community on issues affecting the Rhode Island community as a whole,” he said.  

Speaker Fox also made a point to emphasize the importance of pension reform initiatives.

The Fall Networking event later in the evening drew 325 attendees from the accounting, legal, and financial communities. Serving as a sponsor for Membership Day and the networking event was TD Bank. Also serving as a sponsor for Membership Day was One Stop Business Centers.