A Note From the Executive Committee.

• Author: Monk, Harold

As we move forward into 2000, it is important to look back and take note of what the PCPS executive committee was able to achieve in 1999. To help prepare CPA firms for the changes that lie ahead, the committee issued the PCPS Millenium Report. The report included a survey by the Gallup Organization of the current state of the profession and a separate study of more than 1,000 PCPS member firms on the current state of CPA services. The report identified new business opportunities for CPAs and provided ideas on how firms can expand their core services.

In addition, PCPS launched an advertising campaign--targeted to the banking profession--to help build awareness of the AICPA/PCPS peer review process and the PCPS public file. The campaign directs bankers to the PCPS public file and member directory so they can locate a PCPS-member firm in their area. The ads have appeared in American Banker, ABA Banking Journal and Community Banking Quarterly. They will continue to run in 2000.

Several of our committee members wrote articles, which appeared in professional publications across the country, that highlighted the state of the profession and how CPAs can succeed in this dynamic market.

Looking ahead, the committee expects to offer PCPS members even more. We will intensify our advocacy efforts on behalf of small firms with the appropriate organizations and standard setters. This is one of our most important--but least visible--activities. We will expand the PCPS Web site in 2000 to ensure it continues to offer member firms valuable information.

Other 2000 initiatives include:

* The strategic review. PCPS plans in 2000 to introduce to its members the new "strategic review." The proposed one-day strategic review will assess and evaluate a firm's strategic plan and make recommendations about...