An Army of One.

• Author: Culver, Janice L.
• Position: A message FROM THE CHAIR

For many CPAs, the first few months of the year can make us feel like we're in a battle zone. In a profession with skills already in high, constant demand, this time of year can leave us feeling pulled in multiple directions. Whether you are reading this as soon as it reached your hands, or after major deadlines have passed, I want you to know: You are appreciated.

Despite hectic schedules, we still have an investment to manage--an investment in ourselves.

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The Army's successful "Army of One" slogan expresses the sentiment that the spirit of the individual underlies the strength of the collective: that each person carves out his or her own experience. The same is true in the CPA profession. We each have an opportunity to choose our path and how it contributes to the greater whole.

In the last few Messages from the Chair in Catalyst I've been talking about the relevance of the CPA Vision. CPAs make sense of a changing and complex world. To me, that statement is more than an abstract concept from life before Enron. The Vision is an opportunity for us to show the public how valuable CPAs are to businesses and individuals.

I can't make the Vision a reality on my own, even as chair of the Society. We each have to pull together to make it a reality. What are you doing to demonstrate the strength and value of your CPA designation--those three letters you worked so hard to attain? Are you hiding behind outdated green eyeshades or letting your value shine?

The Vision is an investment opportunity. No matter who you are or what your position is, there are opportunities to engage the ideals of the Vision to demonstrate your value. Every day CPAs interpret converging information, communicate knowledge, and lead while focusing on the client, customer and market.

International business is just one area in which we can demonstrate our value...