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Dear Elizabeth:

I am on my way to the AICPA fall council meeting which is being held in Maui this year. For me, the three highlights of the meeting will be AICPA CEO Barry Melancon’s update on the state of the profession, connecting with state execs from all over the country and planning for next year with the executive committee of our board of directors and COO Beth Lyons. The time away will allow us to reflect and make sure we’re doing everything we can to respond to the changing dynamics and pressures you face each day. 

I'm particularly interested in two areas: The first is how we can build on our current efforts to fuel the pipeline. As I've mentioned previously, we are working locally to have accounting explicitly recognized as a STEM field, and I'm eager to learn how this issue is being addressed in other states and at the national level. Second, I'm excited to hear Barry’s insights on what we can do to sustain and protect the profession in an age of increased regulation, specialization and globalization. I will report back when I return next week.

Have a great weekend!

Speed Networking: Group Mentors Wanted (1/13) 
The MSCPA is looking for mentors to participate in a speed mentoring event on January 13 at 4:00 p.m. Each mentor will chat with a group of four or five CPAs for about five minutes before moving to the next group. The event will end with a networking reception. Please contact Julia Bowker if you are interested.

Join the MSCPA Find a CPA Directory
Tax season is just around the corner! List your firm in the directory where potential clients go to find a CPA. Sign up today through December 31, 2015.

High School Speaking Opportunities
Inspire the next generation of CPAs! Check out our speaking opportunities at local high schools. We can provide you with giveaways and speaking materials to help make your talk a great success.

7 Interview Tips to Win the Accounting Talent War
Finding qualified candidates is one of the main problems facing the accounting profession today, according to a recent survey by the AICPA. Here are seven tips to ensure firms identify the strongest candidate.

CPAs: Criminal Pursuing Agents
Accountants work in various ways, sometimes even undercover, to fight illegal activities ranging from fraud to racketeering.

How CPAs Can Guide Business Owners Through Succession Planning
CPAs have a critical role in helping owners of small and midsize businesses exit their companies happily and gracefully. Learn how you can help clients - and their businesses - handle succession planning.

Fraud and Forensic Accounting Conference (12/2)
Go “beyond the checklist” to discover how you can fact-find and detect fraudulent activities in your clients’ files or even your own! Larry Benson of LexisNexis will share a glimpse into the world of identity theft and its impact on the accounting industry. Plus, hear the compelling true story of Toby Groves as he uncovers the psychology behind corporate scandals and how research can provide clues to finding real solutions to fraud.

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