At the top of the stretch - in full gallop for TEI.

• Author: Wielenga, Terilea J.
• Position: Tax Executives Institute - President's page

In racing terms, we are coming to the top of the stretch with my presidential finish line shortly in sight. Over the past months we have covered a good bit of ground, embracing change while building on tradition, but we still have plenty of ground to cover.

Building New and Deepening Existing Relationships

TEI's work to expand relationships with tax regulators from key foreign jurisdictions around the world continue apace. The list of countries with which we have begun or extended relationships has been impressive. They lay or strengthen the foundation for dialogue on issues of mutual interest, foster regular two-way communications and build critical levels of trust. It is vital that our members, wherever they reside, have the benefit of these types of professional relationships. We are fully committed to these continuing efforts, especially as new chapters join TEI's global footprint.

An important step in this relationship-building process took place recently when TEI hosted a seventeen-member delegation from Fujian Province, China--senior tax officials in the United States on an educational mission. The two-hour discussion at TEI's offices focused on the structure of U.S. tax administration, the role of stakeholders like TEI and some of the more pressing administrative challenges confronting tax administrators. Apart from adjusting to the pace of discussion mandated by the presence of a translator, the discussions were substantive and enjoyable. Thank you to Katrina Welch (Dallas Chapter) and Ernie Gates (Tulsa Chapter) for representing Institute leadership, and to Bob Lider and his colleagues in the Asia Chapter for addressing key points on procedure and protocol.

Advocacy

TEI's advocacy efforts in addressing the OECD's Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Action Plan (BEPS) have been nothing short of outstanding. Indeed, I believe they are representative of the best of what we do as an organization--the production of assertive, thoughtful and balanced commentary on tax and policy issues of critical importance to our membership. Tackling BEPS, while staying true to our principles of not pitting one member or constituency against another, has been no easy task. It has required close collaboration among several committees and their leadership as well as a willingness to find common ground without sacrificing positions or principles. We have not here, nor do I think we would ever dilute our views in order to achieve the required consensus...