As the 2012-2013 Houston CPA Society (HCPAS) fiscal year begins its wind down, I would like to take the opportunity to express my thanks to our membership, Society leadership and the great HCPAS staff for an excellent year.

We began the year with a focus on membership recruitment and membership engagement. The Society worked toward: (1) having 100% of the CPAs in the top 25 accounting firms in the Greater Houston area as members; (2) having 100% of the CPAs of the top 25 employers of CPAS in non-public accounting firms as members; (3) having a series of events (CPE, social, community service, sporting related etc.) that would attract CPAs who are not currently members; (4) engaging members through the Society’s committee structure; (5) providing more opportunities for our members to have networking opportunities and increase their technical credentials; and (6) building a "Leadership CPA" program which provides leadership training to our members.

The Society has made great progress toward our strategic initiatives. Our 100% membership concept has been well received. The Membership Development Committee has held monthly events for our members and potential members (e.g., our new CPA reception and monthly breakfast, lunch or evening events to provide networking opportunities). Our Young Professionals Committee has had great success in growing the participation of our younger members, which as culminated in the launch of a brand new professional development program for CPAs under 45 (Accelerate) [see Committee Buzz section]. Last, but not least, our committees continue to drive our outstanding professional and community service work of the Society:

I appreciate the honor of serving you as the 2012-2013 President of the Houston CPA Society. I want to thank you again for your continued membership and participation in the Society. You are the reason our Society is one of the state's premier professional organizations.

 

 

 

Be sure you don't miss a day of the discounts and services available to TSCPA and Houston CPA Society members! Annual dues are payable now. If you haven't yet responded to the dues notice sent in April, please do so right away. If you did not receive an invoice by email or mail, please contact Rosa Castillo at TSCPA (800.428.0272 x260; rcastillo@tscpa.net). A Second Notice will also be sent via email – with paper statements mailed to those without email – this month. The third all paper billing will be distributed in June. Subsequent billings will be done on or about the 15th of each month for anyone not responding to previous notices. For details about the variety of benefits available to members, go to the TSCPA Web site (www.tscpa.org), select the My Membership menu and click Benefits of Membership. Remember…pay your TSCPA and Houston CPA Society dues in a timely mannerto avoid duplicate billings.

 

 

 

Acts of compassion and service were recognized as Harris County Department of Education Head Start honored 30 community partners at its Community Partner Appreciation Luncheon April 5. The Houston CPA Society and its Community Services Committee, represented by committee member Cheryl O'Brien and Staff Liaison Elyse Turla, received the "Outstanding Community Partnership Award – for acts of compassion and service to HCDE Head Start children and families."

Houston CPA Society members continue to carry out a 42-year tradition of providing a gift and holiday goody bags to thousands of Head Start children. The practice benefitted 1,250 children at 16 HCDE Head Start centers in December 2012 as well as 7,500 Head Start children throughout the county. Throughout the years, the campaign has evolved from including toys to adding more essential items such as books, fruit and snacks, and hygiene items.

"Our theme this year is 'Strong Partners Build a Bright Future,' and [this award is] given bi-annually by HCDE Head Start for unique contributions to our missions and goals," said Venetia Peacock, HCDE Head Start director. "All our community partners are the cornerstones for our success, and we celebrate their unique contributions."

 

 

 

The 2011 – 2012 Audit of the Houston CPA Society and the Houston TSCPA Foundation was performed by McConnell & Jones LLP. It was reviewed by the Audit Committee chaired by Casey Stewart and then presented to and accepted by the Board of Directors at its October 2012 meeting. The Audit is available for inspection in the Society office by any Society member. If you are interested in reviewing the Audit, please contact Controller Martha Koushel (mkoushel@houstoncpa.org; 713.622.7733 x250).