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FICPA Scores Key Victories during Opening Week of the 2008 Legislative Session
As the Senate President and House Speaker delivered their marching orders Tuesday, March 4, 2008, to the Florida Legislature, signaling a 60-day session that promises to be a bumpy ride, it was business as usual for the FICPA. On opening day of the 2008 Legislative Session, the Senate Regulated Industries Committee passed SB 1206, sponsored by Sen. Dennis Jones, R-Seminole, by a unanimous vote of 10-0.
On Thursday, March 6, 2008, HB 797, the House companion bill to SB 1206, sponsored by Rep. Doug Holder, R-Sarasota, was voted favorably out of its final committee of reference, the Jobs and Entrepreneurship Council, by a vote of 15-0. On Friday, March 7, 2008, HB 797 was added to second reading on the House calendar. The Governmental Affairs Team will be working with House leadership in order to officially calendar HB 797 for debate on the House floor.
Together, the two bills would bring Florida in line with 49 other jurisdictions by assuring that anyone using the CPA designation in Florida would adhere to a one-year work experience in the accounting profession before being licensed. Also, this legislation would allow CPA exam candidates the opportunity to begin the exam process after completing 120 hours of college education with a concentration of accounting and business courses as prescribed by the Board of Accountancy (150 hours of education would still be required for licensure).
SB 1206 has two more committee stops (Higher Education and General Government Appropriations committees) before reaching the Senate floor.
For more information, please contact John W. Johnson, FICPA Director of Governmental Affairs, at (800) 342-3197 (in Florida), (850) 224-2727 Ext. 203, or e-mail govaffairs@ficpa.org.
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The FICPA Requests Nominations
The FICPA is seeking nominations for three at-large members of its Nominations Committee. The Nominations Committee is made up of six members – three past presidents and three members-at-large.
These three at-large members will be elected at the May 29, 2008, Board of Governors meeting, to be held in conjunction with the Florida Accounting & Business Expo™ in Orlando.
New members will take office July 1, 2008, for the purpose of nominating officers and board members for the FICPA’s 2009-2010 fiscal year.
The criteria for nomination as an at-large member of the Nominating Committee include:
- being a FICPA voting member in good standing;
- not being a current member of the Board of Governors; and
- not being a past president of the FICPA.
A nomination is made by any 10 voting members of the FICPA. Nominations Committee members serve a one-year term with a three-term limit.
Click here for a nomination form.
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You Could Win $10,000 at the FICPA Annual Golf Classic
The FICPA Educational Foundation* is gearing up for the 7th Annual Golf Classic, and this year we have exciting new contests and giveaways planned. We will be giving away two hotel packages for two-night stays, golf clubs, equipment and much more – including the chance to win a $10,000 cash prize by entering our Hole-In-One challenge.
Mark your calendars now to be in Orlando on Friday, May 30, for an 8 a.m. shotgun start. The tournament is once again being held in conjunction with the FICPA Florida Accounting & Business Expo™ (FABExpo™), making it the perfect time to enjoy a round of golf with your fellow CPAs, coworkers and friends. This year’s tournament will be hosted at the Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge, a beautiful 18-hole championship course that hosts the PGA Tour Qualifier Tournament each year.
Sponsorship packages are still available, click here to sign up as a sponsor, register a team of players or do both! All proceeds benefit the FICPA Educational Foundation and will be used to provide scholarships to deserving accounting students across the state.
Registration is $150 per player ($600 per team) and includes greens fee, cart, the opportunity to win a Hole-In-One challenge and more. Remember, you will receive a $55 discount on your FABExpo™ registration if you sign up to play in the Annual Golf Classic!
Visit the FICPA web site for more information, or contact Jason Zaborske at (800) 342-3197 (in Florida), (850) 224-2727, Ext. 417, or e-mail at edfound@ficpa.org.
*The Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants' Educational Foundation, Inc. is recognized as tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
A copy of the official registration (#CH2614) and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free (800) 435-7352 within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state.
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Governor Crist Appoints Two to the Board of Accountancy
Governor Charlie Crist announced the reappointment and appointment of two to the Board of Accountancy. Senate confirmation is required.
- Maria E. Caldwell, 41, of Miami, audit director, Deloitte & Touche LLP, reappointed for a term beginning March 12, 2008, and ending October 31, 2011.
- Cynthia D. Borders-Byrd, 49, of Fort Lauderdale, certified public accountant, C Borders-Byrd LLC, succeeding Tanya I. Davis, appointed for a term beginning March 12, 2008, and ending October 31, 2011.
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Act Now: CPAs in Industry Conference Early Bird Price Ends March 17, 2008
There are only a few days left to receive the early bird price when you register for the CPAs in Industry Conference, either in Tampa or Fort Lauderdale. Sign up by March 17 and save $50 on your registration fee!
Register three or more people from the same firm, and save an additional 10-20 percent!
For more information about how you can save money, visit the FICPA Web site or call the FICPA Member Service Center at (800) 342-3197 (in Florida) or (850) 224-2727.
Developed in part by the CPAs in Industry Section.
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A Timely FICPA Member Reminder: Free Tax and CPE Resources
Two FICPA member benefits can be especially useful this time of year.
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Verify CPE hours with your personalized FICPA CPE Reporting Wizard
The CPE Reporting Wizard is available to all FICPA members 24/7 and provides attendance verification for all FICPA seminars, conferences, accounting shows and chapter meetings. You can view, search and print a report with all the information requested by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, including the signature of a FICPA representative. This easy-to-use program can be found by visiting the FICPA web site. For assistance with your FICPA CPE Reporting Wizard or your FICPA CPE hours, please contact the FICPA Member Service Center at msc@ficpa.org.
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The Choices are Endless at the 2008 Florida Accounting & Business Expo™
Florida Accounting & Business Expo™
May 28–30, 2008
Gaylord Palms Resort™ and Convention Center
Orlando
The choices are endless at the 2008 Florida Accounting & Business Expo™. Choose from a wide range of CPE courses in numerous education tracks, networking opportunities and trade show exhibits to achieve your professional goals.
Don’t miss featured keynote speaker, Lou Holtz, and his presentation, Game Plan for Success. Holtz's message transcends athletics. It resonates — even to those who aren't sports-minded. The focus is on people and the values that make relationships (and organizations) excel. Once you hear his message, you will have no doubt why Holtz is considered a legendary team leader and speaker on achievement.
For more information on the Florida Accounting & Business Expo™ visit the FICPA Web site, or call the FICPA Member Service Center at (800) 342-3197 (in Florida) or (850) 224-2727.
Look for the next issue of FICPA NewsFlash on March 28, 2008.
Comments or Suggestions?
We are interested in your comments or suggestions. Please e-mail communications@ficpa.org.
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