2000 members by the year 2000: The network and the help can make the difference

At our recent convention of the AAA-CPA, Past President Sydney S. Traum made an excellent proposal. He proposed that our organization seek to obtain 2,000 members by the year 2000. The number of members of AAA-CPA has remained relatively constant at 1,300 for the last four or five years. Membership 2000 is a term I have coined to help inspire us to obtain roughly 700 new members by the turn of the century. While increasing our numbers by more than a third may sound like a lofty goal, I am confident this can be achieved by the year 2000.

As Membership Chairman of the AAA-CPA, I have investigated the reasons why our membership numbers have not increased, especially given the recent publicity surrounding the Dual Rights issue. As many of our members know, the Supreme Court recently issued an opinion in the Ibanez case which we thought permitted attorneys and CPAs to use their dual designations on letterheads and in advertisements. Unfortunately, the Florida Board of Accountancy is not in agreement, so the fight continues.

Given this notoriety and our involvement in this case, I was surprised when I learned our membership rolls had not increased significantly. Perhaps there is an erroneous feeling among potential members and current members that the fight is over. Be assured that it is not. But what concerns me even more is that there is a whole side of being a member of the AAA-CPA which I believe has not fully been communicated to current members and prospective members.

The AAA-CPA is far more than just a group organized to defend the right to use our dual designation on our letterheads and in advertisements. It is an organization which promotes an exchange of ideas among its members. The opportunities for sharing of business ideas among our members is truly extraordinary. Director Mitch Rabil is currently working with a committee to link our members on the information superhighway. The possible linking of our members by computer nationwide and perhaps even worldwide is truly an awesome thought.

From a personal point of view, this organization has been of tremendous benefit to me. As a sole practitioner in a medium size midwestern town, my attendance at the national conventions has afforded me the opportunity to share ideas with members of our organization who are experts in particular areas of both law and accountancy. Since I am not in direct competition with any of these members (because many of our members do not have the good sense to live in Toledo, Ohio), I have been able to obtain a number of forms, documents, computer programs and other tools which have greatly aided me in the conduct of my practice. I too have shared ideas, forms, and other work products with colleagues I have met at meetings.

Additionally, these conventions have allowed me to meet members who are still very active in their professional practices into their 80s and even into their 90s. For a relatively young member like myself, these members have given me much insight into the practice of accountancy and law and how to best manage my professional practice. By talking about a variety of issues with people who have been there before, I have avoided many, many mistakes. Talking with these members has been more important to me than any professional meetings or dual rights meetings I have attended. It is an opportunity of which many more young Attorney-CPAs should avail themselves.

I conclude by asking you as a member to send me comments and suggestions as to how we can better communicate these ideas to members who may not be active or prospective members who may be asking themselves "What's in it for me?". This letter helps to explain what benefits I have received through my membership in the AAA-CPA. I would be interested in learning how other members have benefitted from our organization. Please write to me, Mark R. McBride, at 608 Madison Avenue, Suite 1400, Toledo, Ohio 43604, or call me at (419) 242-1400.

My participation has been a marvelous learning experience for me and I have made many friends nationwide due to my membership in the AAA-CPA. This kind assistance has been willingly given and I encourage all members and prospective members to "get involved" with this valuable organization. It will be the best thing they have ever done.

Copyright American Association of Attorney-Certified Public Accountants 1994
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