Clearly planning for the future.

• Author: Holle, Marie
• Position: President's page

While "economic stimulus" has emerged as the latest buzz-phrase, one thing is clear in a period filled with uncertainty; substantial policy and regulatory reform is imminent as both business leaders and policymakers work to restore consumer and market confidence and stabilize the economy.

From President Barack Obama's Feb. 24 Congressional address--and his 2010 budget proposal--it was also clear that, in addition to regulatory reforms, tax reform, health-care reform and climate change will be at the top of this administration's legislative agenda. While many details of the president's budgetary policies will continue to take shape over the coming months, it is already clear that upcoming proposals will have a significant impact on both private and publicly held companies across the country.

In response to the difficult conditions currently facing our markets and economy, FEI is standing tall and working hard--members and staff united--to communicate sound policy recommendations to both policymakers and standards-setters. Our advocacy and accounting policy team has increased its size over the past year and expanded its issues portfolio to address the challenges that lie ahead. Our technical committees have been active with responses and recommendations to Congressional leaders, standards-setters and regulatory bodies to ensure our members' perspectives are considered as we work through these challenging times.

To that end, FEI launched an initiative in March (highlighted in FEI Express and through our board and committees) designed to engage interested members in a "working group" that will consider and respond to alternatives for financial regulation reform.

Clearly, President Obama and Congress have an aggressive agenda; FEI does as well. And in both cases, clarity will be key. Clarity is defined as clearness or lucidity as to perception or understanding; freedom from indistinctness or ambiguity. It is the desire for clarity that drives FEI as we plan for the future.

Our aggressive agenda is anchored by our strategic planning initiative. How will FEI accomplish this and meet our members' professional needs? This is clear: To maximize this milestone project, we need the involvement of our entire membership body. Already underway, we launched the initiative with the survey you should have received in March. It is with your input that we will build the best possible roadmap to the future. We will achieve momentum and sustain FEI's position as...