CPA Associates International - Annual Meeting

I am attending the 50th annual meeting of CPA Associates International ("CPAAI") at the Marriott Marquis Times Square in New York City (October 21-24, 2007). CPAAI is an international association of CPA firms with 150 members in 70 countries worldwide, including 45 in the United States. The meeting covered a broad range of accounting, auditing, tax, consulting and practice management topics presented by some of the top authorities in our profession. In addition to many U.S. members, attendees included over 30 international members from countries such as Australia, Russia, Japan. The Netherlands, Mexico, England, Hong Kong. Belgium, Germany, Romania, Italy and California (just kidding - I knew that was in the U.S.).

It is exciting to be at the 50th annual meeting - - - CPAAI is the oldest association of CPA firms in the United States. It is especially exciting that tonight, Ray Strothman, our firm's founder and managing partner, is being installed as the U.S. Chairman of CPAAI for a two year term. Our membership in CPAAI allows us to serve our clients effectively throughout the U.S. and the world. It also provides us with valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, information and expertise with some of the profession's leading practitioners. Strothman & Company has been a member of CPAAI for about eight years.

Family & Children First

I recently joined the board of directors of Family & Children First ("FCF"). This organization provides counseling and crisis management services to families with children, most of whom are poor. They deal with some of the most difficult situations families face, with clientele in a 14 county service region (KY and IN).

I wanted you to be aware of some upcoming events that might fit into your "networking" plans.

• Purse Strings. Rodes for Her is sponsoring "Purse Strings" on October 25, 2007 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at their store. The event is no charge. They raise money by auctioning off purses. See details here. All proceeds benefit FCF.
  

• Women's Resource Market. Another event directly primarily at women is the Women's Resource Market from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on November 3, 2007 at the Hyatt Place on Hurstbourne Lane. Tickets are $10. See details here. Again, all proceeds benefit FCF.
  

• Family Reunion Breakfast. Finally, FCF is having their Family Reunion Breakfast on November 16, 2007 from 8:00 to 9:00 am at The Olmsted. There is no charge. If you would like to go and sit at my table, please let me know.

Additional details regarding FCF are on their website, here.