Fun, Fun, Fun

By Jerry Sample, CPA

I recently read an article about the importance of play, not only for early brain development, but also for the continued brain growth that is necessary throughout our lives. What is play? How do you play? Do you have a play deficit or surplus, or are you like Goldilocks? My inner child says play is anything that’s fun, and it’s impossible to have too much fun.

Tom Sawyer took a task that was intended as punishment and made it both a source of fun and a profit-making venture. Tom may have thought he got the best of the exchange, but the participants also had a great time and received full value for their investments. Now that I’ve set the tone, let me tell you about some metaphoric fences that need whitewashing.

Our annual golf event is the source of significant contributions to our scholarship fund and, based on feedback, also our most enjoyable event. Please note that this is a golf event, not a competition. The goal in golf is to finish the game with a minimum number of strokes. The goal in our event is to finish the game with the maximum amount of fun! Download an event registration form and sign up today.

Speaking of fun, have you ever attended a CalCPA Council meeting? I’m sure many of you think that a fun council meeting is an oxymoron, but it isn’t. Don’t get me wrong; council members work hard. The work is rewarding, but the individual relationships you build with other CPAs throughout the state is fun, making each meeting like a reunion of friends.

Every year we elect new representatives to CalCPA Council and officers to the CalCPA Board. These candidates do not spring fully formed like Athena from the forehead of Zeus. Candidates are encouraged, developed and supported from the 14 CalCPA chapters. Our chapter has a nominating committee that will mentor any chapter member interested in seeking statewide office. These mentors all serve on either the CalCPA Board or California CPA Education Foundation’s Board. If you are interested, or know someone who might be interested in pursuing a leadership role at either the state or local level, please attend our next leadership social Thursday, Sept. 25. You can register online.

Remember, this is a blog, and we’re not communicating unless you’re participating. I’d especially like to hear from those of you who have attended past golf events and anyone willing to share their experience of working with CalCPA or any other nonprofit.

These are just two of the chapter’s many upcoming events. Take your pick, get out there and get your synapses crackling!

— Jerry Sample, CPA

This entry was posted on Thursday, September 4th, 2008 at 10:20 am and is filed under President's Message. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.