Excel 2010 … and More

By Jeff Lenning

Have you had a chance to play with Microsoft Excel 2010? I’ve installed it, and I think it is a nice update. The most exciting feature to me is Office Web Apps, which were rolled out concurrently with Office 2010. Office Web Apps are a free lightweight browser-based Excel, Word, PowerPoint and OneNote. You can use Office Web Apps free without Office 2010 by visiting Microsoft’s website. You can find more information on this Web App blog, as well. Here is a screenshot of Excel Web App running through my web browser.

Council Update
Here is just one highlight from the CalCPA Annual Members’ Business and Council Meeting, was held in Anaheim in June:

Conrad Davis, CalCPA 2010–11 chair, shared his thoughts about our profession and the value of CalCPA. In summary, he indicated that paying CalCPA dues means more than just receiving discounted CPE and discounted affinity programs. Being a CalCPA member is about contributing to our profession and building relationships, which are built by attending events and getting into leadership positions. We are able to practice in this profession and enjoy a trusted reputation due in part to the work and contributions of previous CPAs who have been a part of this organization for more than 100 years. We need to continue to support our organization and memberships to help ongoing legislative, educational and professional efforts.

Scholarship Night
I was pleased to attend our recent Scholarship Awards ceremony, lead by Scholarship Committee Chair Larry Lamb. Our chapter awarded more than $28,500 in scholarships to 15 students. Thanks Larry—and congratulations to the students. I would encourage you to attend this event next year if you missed it. It is a heart-warming reminder of why we have a scholarship fund and work to fill that fund with key events, like our Fall Seminar Series.

Fall Seminar Series
Fall Seminar Series is open for registration. We have a wonderful line up of speakers, and The Wealth Management Network is sponsoring a cocktail reception on Danny Santucci night—Oct. 5. If you are looking for a fun way to pick up 21 CPE hours, and want to support CalCPA and our scholarship fund, get your CPE with us.

Thanks, and hope to see you at an upcoming event!