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Silicon Valley/San Jose Chapter

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President's Message

The Voice of CPAs

November 3, 2008

By David F. Veyna, CPA

15_pres_sm.jpgBy the time you read this newsletter, the elections will be over and, I hope, the results will be final with no hanging chads or ballot boxes floating in the Bay.

I don’t know about you, but I am glad this process is finally done. We now have our new leaders and regardless of whether or not we voted for them, they are our representatives and they work for us. It is our responsibility to make sure that they are informed and know how we feel about the issues that affect our country, state, community and profession. I hope you didn’t think that all you had to do was vote, and that once elected, our politicians would automatically make everything better. I believe our elected representatives have good hearts and want what is best for their constituents. But like any of us, they can become misinformed and make bad decisions based on bad information.

What can we do?
Being a CalCPA member and supporting CPA-PAC is a great start. CPA-PAC is CalCPA’s independent, voluntary, nonprofit political action arm that supports candidates, regardless of their political affiliation, based on their ability to make a difference for California CPAs and businesses.

I suggest that you communicate with your representatives and keep them informed about the issues that affect you and the profession. As CPAs, we need to make sure our representatives support initiatives that will enhance our ability to serve our clients or employers. This communication can be done in many ways, but the most effective way is to meet your representative face to face. Take advantage of a tremendous opportunity to do so Jan. 21, by joining other CalCPA members for CalCPA Day at the Capitol when you can meet with local representatives to discuss current issues.

You also can get involved with our Financial Literacy program. CalCPA’s Dollars & Sense workshops provide the opportunity to partner with local legislators and community leaders to improve financial literacy by educating the public on how to better manage money, improve savings and investment strategies, and save on taxes. Recent economic events should have driven home the importance of proper money management, and, as CPAs, we are best fit to provide that education.

Lastly, encourage your colleagues and staff to take these actions as well. It is much easier to effect change when we work together.

— David F. Veyna, CPA

Chapter News

Tax Implications of Bailout Package

Major tax legislation was bundled with the federal bailout legislation enacted in October. In a special breakfast meeting, Michael Gray, CPA, will help you get up to speed on the changes, including AMT relief, to get ready for year-end planning and the 2009 tax season.

Date: Monday, Nov. 17
RSVP: Online

Something for Everyone: The Attorneys, Bankers and CPAs Fallfest

Attorneys, bankers, CPAs and other financial professionals are invited to attend this fall’s networking event, which will be held at the newly opened, state-of-the-art Club Auto Sport. Beverages and hors d’oeuvres are included. Bring your business cards and come prepared for an enjoyable evening.

Date: Wednesday, Nov. 12
RSVP: Online

Chapter Board Nominations

Our chapter is taking nominations for chapter director, and chapter members may nominate candidates. Each candidate must be a licensed CPA and a CalCPA member in good standing. Please submit nominations to chapter program associate Stephanie Stewart by Monday, Dec. 15.

You can find more information by downloading our chapter’s bylaws.

Member Happenings

Chapter members Julie Malekhedayat, CPA, and Jim Tombor, CPA, have been named partners of Perisho Tombor Ramirez Filler & Brown, PC. With the promotions, Perisho Tombor is now a six-partner firm with offices in San Jose and Gilroy.

Malekhedayat, who joined the firm in 1996, has more than 16 years’ experience and is chair of the chapter’s Estate & Trusts Committee, a member CalCPA’s Estate Planning Committee and a member of the Santa Clara County Estate Planning Council Board of Directors.

Tombor joined the firm in 2007 and has more than 10 years’ experience.

Lifetime Achievement Award Nominations

During our upcoming Honorees Night Wednesday, Jan. 28, we will award an individual who best epitomizes a lifetime of achievement, both within and outside of our profession.

Past winners include Alexander W. Berger (2003); John Bellitto (2004); Robert B. Stringham (2005); Joseph P. Mori (2006); Robert A. Petersen (2007); and Anthony S.C. Yau (2008). All have been leaders with a legacy in our profession, as well as tireless and invaluable volunteers in our community.

Where do you come in? We need your help to nominate those people whom you admire or find to be an inspiration in or out of our profession. Send your nominations, along with a paragraph describing their accomplishments, to Dan Morris or Ben Mozzetti Jr. Please don’t delay. Nominations close Thursday, Nov. 13.

Why Wait Until the End of the Year to Give?

Get a jumpstart on your charitable giving and consider making a donation to the Silicon Valley San Jose Chapter Scholarship Fund. Every year at our January Honorees Night, our chapter awards scholarships to the best and brightest accounting students from 13 local junior colleges and universities. Please help us continue this great work by donating today.

Download a donation flier today.

CalCPA News

How’s Your Succession Plan?

Is your succession plan due for a checkup? Or, perhaps, are you due to get started?

National experts can help you make sure your succession plan is on track and that you maximize the value you have created in your firm.

Register today for the Education Foundation’s 2008 Succession Planning Conference:
Nov. 11: San Francisco

CalCPA Member Discounts on CCH Tax Guidebooks

CalCPA members can order CCH’s 2009 U.S. Master Tax Guide and the Guidebook to California Taxes 2009 at significantly discounted rates:

  • 2009 U.S. Master Tax Guide (Expected ship date, late December): $49.95/members; $69.95/nonmembers.
  • Guidebook to California Taxes 2009 (Expected ship date, late January): $44.95/members; $64.95/nonmembers.

Order today.

CalCPA Leaders Wanted

If you’re interested in helping shape the next group of CalCPA leaders, nominate a member for the job. Or, if you’re interested in a leadership role, self-nomination is the best way make your interest known.

The CalCPA Nominations Committee is accepting nominations until Dec. 1 for 2009–10 CalCPA officers and council members at large.

Learn more and download an application.

Women’s Leadership Forum

Join CalCPA Dec. 3 for a day of leadership development, professional growth and recognition at the 2008 Women’s Leadership Forum. From tips and strategies for attaining leadership positions within the profession to handling difficult situations, mentoring and public speaking, this event designed by women CPA leaders will feature top speakers dedicated to helping women advance their careers. Register today!

Plus, a lunchtime celebration will feature winners of CalCPA’s first Women to Watch Awards presented in cooperation with the AICPA. Learn more or download a nominations form.

Then join other women as they finish the successful day of networking at the Women’s Leadership Forum with a networking dinner.


Chapter Events
 
Events of Interest

Federal and California Tax Update for Individuals
Looking for an in-depth analysis and understanding of the year’s important changes and developments in federal and California tax law? Look no further! Gary McBride and Tom Daley team up to review and analyze new legislation, regulations, cases, rulings and other administrative developments affecting individual taxpayers. And a special note: The California CPA Education Foundation will donate $50 from every VP registration fee for this event to the Silicon Valley San Jose Chapter Scholarship Fund.
Date: Monday, Jan. 26
Time: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
CPE: 8 hours
RSVP: Online

 
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local interest groups

From technical committees to discussion groups, the Silicon Valley San Jose Chapter offers a variety of opportunities to exchange information and connect with your peers. Lists committees or other information within the chapter.

 
Contact Us
Program Associate:
Stephanie Stewart
(408) 983-1122

Bulletin Editor:
Steve Grimaud

Program Director:
Vince Chin
(916) 551-2963

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