IAPA's Americas Regional AGM 2011

Over forty members and guests attended IAPA's Americas Group AGM which was held in conjunction with IAPA's International AGM and kicked-off with a welcome reception Saturday, September 17.

 The reception was held at Houston Restaurant, a trendy steakhouse a few blocks from the Westin hotel. Members and guests enjoyed mingling with new and old members from all over the globe.

On Sunday, the group got down to business with Debra Hunter, Americas Group President, leading the conference program. After welcomes and discussions from Debra and Juan Carlos, the group began an interactive and extremely informative roundtable discussion regarding 3 main topics: recruiting and retaining employees, computers and technology and marketing. Many brilliant suggestions and ideas were shared within the room; ideas that members will take back and utilize within their own firms. Tom Manisero (attorney with Wilson Eisler, NY)   recommended numerous changes to Engagement  Letters that would reduce liability, shorten the time a claim could be made, and use arbitration/mediation instead of the courts.  His recommendations and the notes on these discussions will be available on the IAPA portal within a week or two.

 Future Americas AGMs were showcased and will be held in Chicago on June 22-24, 2012 and in San Diego in June 2013. Thank you to the two member firms who offered to host these events!

 A presentation was also given by Jim Mulroy (Withum Smith+Brown, NJ). The group viewed a video from Jim Mulory’s firm which depicts a fun party-like atmosphere within his firm. Set to a popular top 40 song, this video pans around Withum’s offices and shows employees having fun at work! This video is used to recruit young employees as well as enhance the firm’s image with current employees and clients.

 In addition to his engagement letter recommendations (discussed above) , Tom Manisero also discussed some new malpractice issues that firms have to deal with, one of which being the caution people must use with electronic media, specifically emails and texts.

The “official” part of the AGM was held in the afternoon where key matters were discussed and important Board elections were held. Reports were given by the President, Treasurer and Recruiting Director on the current state of IAPA Americas. The members then voted on a new slate of officers for the 2011-2013 term which is as follows: 

· President – Steven Bankler (Steven Bankler, CPA - Texas)

· VP – Norm Kellerman (FGMK, LLC - Illinois)

· Sec/Treas. – Tom Rex (Levitzacks - California)

· At Large – Dave McManus (Alexander, Aronson, & Finning - Massachusetts)

· International Rep – Debra Hunter (Hunter Hagan - Arizona)

 The conference ended with the presentation of a striking gavel and globe plaque given to Debra Hunter, IAPA Americas outgoing President with thanks for her time and commitment to IAPA for the past 2 years. And Best of Luck to the incoming Board!