I was honored to be able to speak briefly yesterday at the CPA swearing-in ceremony here in Austin. We offer the new CPAs a one-year free membership, and I had the opportunity to talk to them about why they should join our ranks. My home chapter (the Austin CPA Chapter) provided ushers for the event and did their usual outstanding job.
The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy makes this such a great event for the new CPAs and their families, and TSCPA is always glad to be a part of that celebration. And what a celebration it is. Most of the new CPAs who attend the ceremony have family and friends with them, and it’s a great affirmation for all the hard work that we all know it takes to get to that day.
As part of the ceremony, TSBPA also recognizes CPAs who have held their licenses for 50 years. There were 49 names in the program and 8-10 of them were there in person, including former TSCPA chairman Stan Winters and former Houston Society president Joe Rye. Their attendance brings a sort of symmetry to the ceremony.
Do you remember when you got your certificate? I sure do! Before the swearing-in ceremony was put into place, the certificates were actually mailed out to the local chapters of TSCPA and presented at chapter functions. I was in the Brazos Valley Chapter and my boss, Jim Ingram III, was the president of the chapter and presented the certificates to us. There were about five of us who got our certificates, and it was big news in Bryan/College Station – we got our pictures in the paper, but I don’t think any of our families were in attendance.
So congratulations to the 1,212 new CPAs in the great state of Texas! We look forward to seeing you at TSCPA events soon!
You have done some serious blogging in your first 20 days young lady! Seriously I heard you did a great job at the ceremony Saturday despite a comment about aggies in attendance in the front row! LOL!
Posted by: Jeff Gregg | 06/20/2011 at 09:32 AM
My comment was just to observe that out of the 8 top ten students who attended the ceremony, 4 of them were Aggies. Being the Aggie that I am, I could not pass up the opportunity to point this out :)
Posted by: Donna Wesling | 06/20/2011 at 10:57 AM
Being an "aggie" has nothing to do with anything.
It is good that TSCPA gives a free first membership to newbe's, and recognize the 50 + years members.
As a 30 + year member, and I am certain there are others like me, we could use a year or two free membership - how about that?
As the captain of this aircraft carrier - called TSCPA - I know change comes slowly, just hope I live long enough to see some real changes, that benefit the sole practitioners, smaller 2 - 3 persons shops. After all, we are a service oriented professional; we each have our own life style requirements, our own ethics, and manner in which we operate; one size doesn't fit all - a fact that those who make the rules do not seem to understand - what is good for NY isn't good for Giddings, Texas, or Muleshoe, or San Benito.
As you can probably tell, I have some problems with the operations of the TSCPA; especially with its relationships with the TSBA. Just too close; too rosey, warm and fussy. Too many good CPA's are being harm and the society isn't protecting our professional interests - it appears that the two organizations act as one.
Good luck, best to you and your efforts.
Don Wilson CPA
Good luck, wish you the best.
Posted by: DonWilson | 06/26/2011 at 11:07 AM
Don, I am also a sole practitioner. I would be interested in hearing about some of your ideas for changes you would like to see at TSCPA for us sole practitioners.
Thanks, Tracy Stewart
Posted by: Tracy Stewart | 06/26/2011 at 03:21 PM