Download your copy today and keep it nearby as you go through this busy season.

I would like to wish everyone in the chapter a very Happy New Year! My wish is for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012 for all.

I shared my 2012 resolutions and personal goals in my December President’s Message. I also have a couple of goals for the chapter.

The first is to see our chapter’s membership increase. CalCPA is a tremendous organization and has lots of benefits to offer its members, including continuing education courses, networking opportunities and community service.

The chapter has 1,180 members, which includes professionals in public accounting and private industry, students and educators. Over the past year, CalCPA has seen an increase in student and educator memberships; however we have not seen the same growth among young professionals or newly licensed CPAs. Our chapter can do better and I would like to encourage everyone to invite one new CPA to an event in 2012.

The second goal for the chapter is to resurrect our Attorneys, Bankers and CPAs events. The chapter has not had one of these networking events in several years due to poor attendance. Other CalCPA chapters, however, have had great success—so it’s time for our chapter to give it another try.

I offered to chair the newly formed ABC Committee and have recruited a great group of attorneys, bankers and CPAs for my committee members. Our goal is to hold two networking events in 2012. Everyone on the committee is enthusiastic and committed to making these events a success.

The first event will be Wednesday May 2, 5-8 p.m., so mark your calendars for an exciting night of food, drinks and networking.

If you have any comments, questions, ideas or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Review the qualifications and download nomination forms online. The nomination deadline for all awards is March 30.

By Jodie Rolih

It’s that time of year again—time for my New Year’s resolutions. My list is largely the same every year: lose weight, exercise more, get in shape, etc. Although these are all great goals, they are aimed at improving the outer me, and unfortunately I have had limited success over the past several years. So, this year I am writing a new list to improve the inner me, which will hopefully translate to an improved outer me as well.

The following are my new and improved 2012 New Year’s resolutions:

• More professional and personal life balance.
• Delegate and ask others for help. I tend to feel 100 percent responsible for everything.
• Take up yoga or meditation. I need an activity to help slow me down, be calm and peaceful.
• Have patience with myself and others.
• Acceptance of my strengths and weaknesses.
• Learn how to relax and just do nothing.
• Maintain a more positive outlook.

Going forward I am hopeful that my new resolutions will help me achieve some much needed peace and balance in my life. What about you? Do you have that balance regarding work, life and self? Join me in making 2012 the best year of your life.

I hope that everyone had a healthy and happy holiday season. The chapter has some exciting events planned for 2012, so stay tuned for more details.

If you ever have any comments, questions, ideas or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Help legislators understand the issues facing California CPAs and sign up to attend CPA Day at the Capitol. How can your presence help? Take a look at our successful 2011 advocacy efforts for an idea for an idea and read the experience of past participants.

Don’t underestimate the importance of your presence!

Work with your peers on projects that increase members’ technical knowledge, enhance the profession’s image and draw the best and brightest into accounting—all while you build leadership skills and make valuable contacts.

The application deadline is Dec. 31 and committee appointments will be made in January.

Learn more and apply online.

More information and applications are available online.

If state-level leadership isn’t your calling right now, there are plenty of opportunities at the chapter level—from board member to committee chair—to step up and showcase your skills. Find more information online.

November is one of my favorite months, as I love Thanksgiving! As I write this month’s newsletter, it is only a few weeks away and this year I am heading to Las Vegas to spend it with my parents, siblings, assorted nieces and nephews. It will be the first time in years that we will all be together. It is a large group consisting of five adult children and 10 grandchildren ranging in age from 2 to 20. I am so looking forward to the holiday and can’t help but feel extremely grateful to have the opportunity to share it with all of them.

I know that the holiday season can be busy and overwhelming, but please try to take some time to help those who may be less fortunate. Although the chapter held its annual CPAs Care event at the Community Food Bank in November, there is still a need for donations of food and/or money.

The Food Bank depends on donations from individuals and groups to help it pursue its goal of creating a hunger-free Central Valley. Every year, it distributes millions of pounds of food and groceries to people in need in Fresno and surrounding counties. There are many ways to help, including giving a one-time donation—just $1 can be turned into $8 of food—or organizing a food or fund drive with your neighbors or co-workers.

It’s hard to believe that 2012 is just about here. The chapter has some exciting events planned for next year, so stay tuned. I hope everyone has a very happy and healthy holiday season!

If you ever have any comments, questions, ideas or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Work with your peers on projects that increase members’ technical knowledge, enhance the profession’s image and draw the best and brightest into accounting—all while you build leadership skills and make valuable contacts.

The application deadline is Dec. 31 and committee appointments will be made in January.