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Dear Elizabeth,

This week, the Society’s board of directors and management team participated in a two-day strategic planning retreat where we examined our mission and vision to help us prepare for the next five years and beyond. Since I began my tenure in January, I have especially looked forward to this collaborative and deliberative process for formulating a collective vision to guide the Society’s work. There is much to celebrate about the Society—our solid membership, sound financials and competent staff—but rather than resting on our laurels, the planning session provided us with an opportunity to talk about changes that are necessary to ensure the Society remains vibrant and relevant for decades to come.

Our four core goals are:

1. Government Relations: Protect the Society by supporting good public policy for the accounting profession;

2. Professional Competency: Facilitate world-class learning through knowledge (development and delivery);

3. Sustaining the Brand (both the MSCPA and profession): Promoting the profession, its value and development of CPAs through public relations; and

4. Society Strength: Maintaining a professional association through leadership, resources and an engaged membership.

These goals will serve as our cornerstone for developing a forward–thinking strategic plan and aligning our internal resources. You will be hearing much more about these goals and the strategies for attaining them in the months ahead, but because I am very excited about the Society’s direction, I wanted to provide you with a sneak peek.

Like any strategic plan, these goals are meant to both withstand the test of time, and also be flexible enough that we can adapt as current circumstances dictate. I also want members to have a chance to provide input before we “set them in stone.” Whether you are a member in public accounting, industry, a sole practitioner or the Big 4—we want to hear from you. Please drop me a line, or better still, attend one of the upcoming MSCPA Roadshows. They will provide you with a perfect opportunity to share your thoughts on the future of the MSCPA and the profession. We kick off the series of eight on Monday in Springfield, and will be traveling throughout the state during September and October.

Together, we will make the Society great!

Eileen P. McAnneny, Esq.
President and CEO

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:

IRS Updates
- Back-to-School Reminder for Parents and Students: Check Out College Tax Credits
- New YouTube Video Discusses Taxpayer Bill of Rights

DOR Update
- August Revenue Collections Totaled $1.632 Billion

AICPA Prods Congress to Pass Tax Extenders
The AICPA has sent a letter to Congress requesting immediate action to address the 57 tax extenders that expired at the end of 2013.

Estate, Gift and Generation-Skipping Tax Update
Get the latest developments in estate, gift and generation-skipping taxation, including two important Tax Court cases.

CPE:

New England Practice Management Conference (11/19-21)
Brave New World: Leading Your Firm Beyond 2014
The future of your firm starts with you. With unprecedented levels of change sweeping the profession, what are you doing to lead your firm into this brave new world? From the high-level practice management sessions, to breakout sessions on specific problem-solving and informal networking and information exchanges, the New England Practice Management Conference has sessions for managing partners, partners and managers of all sizes of CPA firms. Join us at Mohegan Sun Casino for this incredible opportunity to share best practices, and leave with the knowledge needed to take your firm beyond 2014.

View the digital brochure: mscpaonline.org/map14brochure

NETWORKING:

Upcoming Committee Meetings
- Women in Accounting (9/24)
- Real Estate (9/25)
- Alternative Investments (9/25)

Women Partner Roundtable Breakfast (10/1)
You're invited to join the discussion specifically for women partners and managing partners. At this roundtable, you'll network with peers and share your experiences and issues. The breakfast will be facilitated by Merrill Puopolo, CPA, managing director/shareholder of CBIZ Tofias & Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C., Tofias New England Division and past chairman of the MSCPA's board of directors. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other female partners in the profession.

ONLY A FEW SPOTS LEFT - Sip & Socialize (10/2)
Our popular networking event is almost sold out! Connect with CPAs and lawyers, establish new contacts and create promising leads to help you get to the next level. Hosted by MSCPA JD/CPA Committee, MA Bar Tax Section, Rick Stone, Chair and the Boston Bar Association, this event will take place from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Palm Boston.

MEMBERSHIP:

It's Here: SumNews Summer II
What does one CPA wish she knew about accounting before starting her career? Find out in our latest issue. Plus, view photos from our summer programs, learn about our fall events and read articles from MSCPA members - on the new tangible property regulations, asset management for the future and much more.

Poll Question: What's Your Best Advice for Year-End Tax Planning?
Tell us your thoughts! The MSCPA will feature an article on year-end tax planning in the Fall issue of SumNews. We are looking for members to weigh in with their responses to the questions below:

-    What’s the best piece of advice you tell clients this time of year?
-    What’s the most common mistakes clients make during year-end tax planning?
-    What’s the one thing your clients MUST do before January 1, 2015?

Your comments may be featured in the article, so please include your full name, title and firm name in your response. Email your responses to Elizabeth Emanuelson, by Friday, September 26th.

NEW Temporary Jobs and Volunteer Opportunities
Looking for a new position or a way to give back? New temporary jobs and volunteer opportunities were posted this week on our website.

View Temporary Jobs
View Volunteer Opportunities

NEWS & EVENTS:

Why Do Your Top Employees Stay?
If you want to keep your stars, preempt the exit interview with a "stay interview."

How Small Accounting Firms Can Compete for Top Talent
Although large firms have the financial resources to attract top talent, here are five ways for small firms to place first in the hiring race. 

Inadequate Staffing Causes Workplace Stress
One-third of professionals frequently experience excessive pressure at work, which one study found leads to disengagement and absenteeism, often resulting in reduced productivity.