Standing out from the crowd.

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

In today's global economy, having a niche is often a determining factor of success. One must differentiate oneself from the pack and deliver a quantifiable value to the marketplace.

As CPAs, we have acquired a wide range of business skills that qualifies us to provide services beyond the traditional tax and auditing services.

The Vision Project identified five service areas that complemented CPA's existing skill sets, including:

* Assurance and Information Integrity

CPAs provide a variety of services that improve and ensure the quality of information, or its context, for business decision-making.

* Technology Services

CPAs leverage technology to improve objectives and decision-making, including business application processes, system integrity, knowledge management, system security, and integration of new business processes and practices.

* Financial Planning

CPAs provide a variety of services to organizations and individuals that interpret and add value by utilizing a wide range of financial information. These services include everything from tax planning and financial statement analysis to structuring investment portfolios and complex financial transactions.

* Management Consulting and Performance Management

CPAs impart advice and insight on the financial and non-financial performance of an organization's operational and strategic processes through broad business knowledge and judgment.

* International Services

CPAs support and...