Keeping the momentum of success.

• Author: Dickson, Michael R.
• Position: A message From The Chair

The Ohio Society of CPAs recently kicked off a new initiative and with that celebrated an overwhelming success for the CPA profession. As you may have read in the Ohio e-CPA Weekly, the Society held a press conference in November releasing the results of the first-ever State of Ohio Business Poll. (See Mostly Sunny Forecast: The Ohio Society's State of Ohio Business Poll on page 20.) The results of this poll and the subsequent release to media throughout Ohio were successful for The Ohio Society on a number of levels.

First of all, the structure of the poll itself is superior to previous member polls. The State of Ohio Business Poll grew out of the CPA Poll, which the Society has been conducting for many years. The State of Ohio Business Poll is different, however, in both timing and measure. This poll not only collected members' opinions, but framed them specifically as a barometer for Ohio's business environment. It positioned CPAs as valuable and knowledgeable business leaders with accurate insight into Ohio's financial infrastructure. In essence, it connected the dots for others to see the importance and value of CPAs' opinions on a wide variety of issues.

The timing was also important. Instead of releasing the results at the end of the year, and getting lost among the multitude of year-end flashbacks and forecasts, the State of Ohio Business Poll was released in November, prior to the release of competing stories. In fact, our results showing an up-swing in the economy for 2004 came out nearly a week ahead of a similar national poll.

This all set the stage for November's press conference, held in the Ohio Statehouse Atrium. We as CPAs had something to say, and Ohio's opinion leaders were primed to listen. More than a dozen major news organizations were on hand, and the results of the poll were broadcast on television, radio, and in major papers across the state, resulting in substantial statewide news coverage for the CPA profession and The Ohio Society of CPAs. It showcased CPAs as trusted advisors playing a key role in Ohio's economy. The message went far to shape the public's perception of CPAs as significant business advisors.

Another audience was also impacted by the State of Ohio Business Poll press conference--Ohio's governmental leaders. Several legislators and state elected officials were in attendance, including Society member Rep. Mary Taylor (R-Akron) and...