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Dear Hannah:

This week, I had the pleasure of attending our Annual Meeting and Reception. It was a terrific event... if I do say so myself! The space at the Granite Links Golf Club was just gorgeous. It was a beautiful day and we had amazing views of Boston and the harbor.

We introduced and ratified our new Board Members and Officers: Chairman Carla McCall, Chair-elect George Neble, Vice Chairs Mark Nichols, Kerry Stakem and Tim McLellan, Immediate Past Chair Paul Costantino and new board members Laurie Austin, Kara Stevens, Rob Miller and Richard O’Connor. We also thanked and recognized our continuing board members and said farewell and thank you to those finishing their terms.

In addition to my Society update and an excellent keynote from Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Ron Walker, we heard some really meaningful remarks from Carla McCall. She talked about what her deep involvement with the Society has meant to her. She transformed from someone who couldn’t imagine why she would want to network with her competitors to someone who has formed relationships with partners and managing partners of other firms who have become a support system that she didn’t realize she needed until she had it. She’s found a space to talk frankly about issues (we all face the same issues), share ideas, compare notes, recognize that others have some of the same pain points and collaborate with her peers. 

After the speeches everyone continued to enjoy the views and the cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. We had a great turnout, but there will be room for you next year – hope we see you there!

Have a great weekend!

Amy A. Pitter
President & CEO

Aspire to Lead: Take Your Career to Center Stage, Lessons from the Business of Hollywood (5/11)
Are you just starting out in your career or looking for your next role? Are you keen to learn more about building your confidence at work? Are you interested in becoming a better leader?

Join the MSCPA and PwC for an inspirational keynote on the empowerment and advancement of women followed by an interactive panel discussion through which attendees will receive insights on how to bring their career to center stage.

16th Annual Women's Golf Outing & Clinic
Enjoy a day of golf and fun at Juniper Hill Golf Course! Play 18 holes you’re your colleagues and friends then join us for lunch and networking in the Pavillion. Women of all skill levels are welcomed and encouraged to attend. Sign up before June 1 to save $15 on your registration!

Competition Judges Needed
Business Professionals of America (BPA), a student organization whose purpose is to support middle level, high school and college students interested in business careers, is in need of volunteers to judge student competitions at its National Leadership Conference in Boston from May 6-8. Categories include finance/accounting; business administration; management information systems; digital communication and design; management; marketing; and communication. 

UPCOMING CONFERENCE

Employee Benefit Plan Conference (5/20)

Our brand new Employee Benefit Plan Conference is coming up! This conference has everything you need to know about the complexities of employee benefit plans. Register today and join us at the Sheraton in Framingham on May 20. View the full agenda here.

ADVOCACY

House Approves $39.5 Billion State Budget
The Massachusetts House of Representatives approved its version of the State budget this week, moving through over 1,300 amendments before voting unanimously on the final bill. As promised by House leaders earlier this session, the budget plan does not raise taxes or fees but does include additional spending on local and school aid, and additional investments in substance abuse treatment programs and workforce development initiatives. Despite efforts to eliminate it, the bill also maintains the film tax credit.

Governor Baker Files Board Oversight Bill
Governor Baker filed a bill to increase state oversight of the Commonwealth’s 40+ licensing boards, including the Board of Public Accountancy. The bill, which was filed in response to a recent Supreme Court decision involving an anti-trust violation by the North Carolina Dental Board, would provide the Division of Professional Licensure “active supervision” over each board. The MSCPA is working with the Governor’s office and the Legislature’s Committee on Professional Licensure to ensure professional licensees are allowed adequate control and supervision over their profession.

How to Retain Millennials

Tax Prep Chains 'Exploit' Low-Wage Workers, Study Finds

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