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Message From the President

By Joe Falbo, Buffalo Chapter President

In preparing for my term as the Buffalo Chapter president, I have been reflecting on my involvement with the NYSSCPA over the past eight years. I have been involved with many committees and events, both locally and at the state level. As I look back, it occurs to me that the reason I continue to be involved with the Society is the people.

I will admit that I have moments of frustration. But I am continually impressed by the commitment of our local CPAs to the Western New York community and this profession.

As the next fiscal year begins, I would like to pose a challenge to Buffalo Chapter members, those who are currently active as well as those who are not. The challenge is very simple: Contact us and let us know what you would like to receive from your membership in the NYSSCPA. Let us know what we are doing correctly and what we could be doing better.

As I mentioned earlier, I have been involved for several years, and for as long as I can remember, the board and committees have been trying to provide programs and services of value. I believe that the past boards have done a commendable job; what do you think? Please accept this challenge and tell us what you want. We will do our best to deliver.

To encourage additional member involvement and communication, we will try something new this year. I am inviting every member to breakfast with me and another officer. We will begin hosting these meetings this month at various locations throughout our chapter. The meetings will be limited to eight or 10 members and be very informal. The intent is to promote open communication. The members will control the agenda. We will begin at 7:45 a.m. sharp and dismiss no later than 9:15 a.m. As a further incentive to participate, I will pick up the tab.

The dates and locations of the breakfasts will be listed in future issues of The Trusted Professional as well as at www.nysscpa.org in the Buffalo Chapter section under the “Find Chapters” link. If you are able to attend, contact me anytime. I look forward to meeting and speaking with as many members as possible.

Finally, I would be remiss if I did not thank Mark Koziel and his entire board for the outstanding job they did this past year. Mark should be recognized and commended for his commitment to our profession. As a result of Mark’s efforts, our chapter has begun a relationship with the Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority, aka The Control Board. Numerous members of our chapter have volunteered their time to assist the BFSA with information gathering. Our nonpartisan involvement is intended to aid The Control Board in its analysis, and hopefully allow our city to become more fiscally sound. Another of Mark’s initiatives that has brought the Buffalo Chapter recognition across the state is the Annual Young CPA Conference, now in its fourth year. On behalf of the entire Buffalo Chapter, I would like to say thank you to Mark for all he has done.

Joe Falbo can be reached at 285-5276, 852-5400 or jfalbo@sfmcpa.com.