I would like to take a moment to review some noteworthy highlights from 2009-10 that stand out in my mind as an indication of our progress as a chapter.

By far, the most exciting aspect of this past year has been the involvement of our past presidents in chapter events and activities. We held a past presidents breakfast at the Grant Grill in downtown that was well attended and a lot of fun! I hope this event signals the beginning of a strong collaboration between our chapter’s foundational members and the future leaders of our profession.

I want to thank our past leaders who have volunteered in the areas of financial literacy, mentoring and committees, as well as providing inspiration for topics and continuing education ideas. I would like to especially thank past chapter president Jerry Morrison for stepping in as the Downtown Discussion Chair during the year. Most importantly, my hope is that we can find even more ways for our chapter’s experienced members to interact with our young and emerging professionals.

We have taken great strides in advancing our chapter’s financial literacy efforts. Through the dedication of our board members and Steve Wimmers, past chapter president and past CalCPA chair, we are having great success in reaching out to our local community positively by placing CPAs in classrooms. If you would like to get involved in this effort, please e-mail me and I will provide you with the necessary information.

I had a lot of fun networking with so many wonderful and talented people this past year. We have had several very successful young and emerging professionals events, chapter networking events and social events across professions with attorneys and bankers.

I would like to thank the chapter’s board, program associate Cindy Holcomb and program director Maria Nazario for making this past year such a great place to grow professionally. It has been a lot of fun and a great privilege to serve the chapter as president and to help achieve some of the chapter’s goals and initiatives.

On a final note, please remember to renew your membership soon. I also invite you to pursue a leadership position, which can unleash many possibilities in your professional life, as well as assist you in realizing your potential. It has been more than worth the effort in my personal experience!

That’s all for now! I wish everyone a smooth, prosperous and busy season.

The scholarship program will be administered by CalCPA’s Accounting Education Committee and funded by the CalCPA Education Foundation. Three doctoral candidates will be selected per year to receive a maximum of $10,000 per year with a possible renewal of three years total.

Applications are due to CalCPA by April 15. Accounting students, accounting education and the accounting profession will benefit from this opportunity.

If you have questions, contact John Angelo, CalCPA division director of strategic relations.

Apply today.

Take the next step and make a difference in the profession!

If you have any questions or require assistance, contact CalCPA Customer Service at (800) 922-5272 or visit CalCPA’s website and click on “Manage My Account.”

If you’re interested, contact Barry J. Kohn (San Diego), Frank Beiser (San Diego), Wayne P. Otchis (Del Mar) or Rebecca Tilghman (Carlsbad/Mira Mesa).

Among the speakers is Barry Melancon, AICPA president and CEO, who will speak on current professional developments.

Simultaneous interpretation will be provided during the technical presentations.

Mark your calendar now to join local CPAs, AICPA council members, CPAs from throughout northwestern Mexico and dignitaries from the Mexican Institute of CPAs at this event! And keep an eye out for registration details.

Date: Friday, May 21

Further instructions on logo use and to download the logos is available online.

Date: Thursday, Feb. 25
Time: 5–6:30 p.m.
Location: Aztecs Athletic Center Auditorium located at San Diego State University

Take the next step and make a difference in the profession!

• SD La Jolla/Life’s a Beach Discussion Group meets Thursday, Feb. 4 at the Sheraton La Jolla Humphrey’s Restaurant in La Jolla.
• SD Downtown Discussion Group meets Tuesday, Feb. 16 at the Westgate Room in The Westgate Hotel in San Diego.
• SD North County Coastal Discussion Group meets Wednesday, Feb. 17 at The Crossings at Carlsbad in Carlsbad. There is a possibility, however, that we will change locations in May or June.
• SD La Mesa Discussion Group meets Friday, Feb. 19 at Coco’s Bakery Restaurant in La Mesa.

If you have any questions, contact chapter program associate Cindy Holcomb.