"XYZ" jettisoned for final name; recent survey of members shows majority support credential concept.

• Position: International Institute of Strategic Business Professionals credential - Brief Article - Panel Discussion

A final name has been selected for the proposed global business credential. The International Institute of Strategic Business Professionals (IISBP) was created through an extensive process with input from many important constituencies and culled from hundreds of alternatives.

The name, which was initially chosen by the international consortium developing the credential and approved by the AICPA Board of Directors last month, was selected based on its:

* Simple, descriptive nature, and ability to communicate the essence of the organization/credential to all interested parties.

* Appeal, as determined by extensive research performed among CPAs and executives working both in industry and professional service organizations likely to hire global credential holders.

* Availability of use and "protectability," as determined by trademark searches in relevant markets around the world and domain registrations.

* Appropriateness for use around the world, and translatability into languages prevalent in the major markets where it will be used.

* Applicability as a name for the Knowledge Resource, designed exclusively for IISBP members.

The initials would be used to indicate membership in an organization of professionals, such as Jane Smith, CPA, Member of the IISBP. The initials also may be used as the designation after a person's name, such as Jane Smith, CPA, IISBP. Such flexibility enables the initials to signify both the credential and membership in a worldwide organization of professionals.

Also on the subject of the proposed credential initiative, a recent national survey of AICPA members showed that a majority of them would vote to create the credential. In fact, more than 60% of survey respondents reacted positively to the proposed global business credential. The survey, mandated by Council, was undertaken by an independent research organization under the supervision of a special AICPA/state CPA society task force.

Findings from the survey strongly suggest that a majority of respondents:

* Supports making the credential available to other CPAs, whether or not the respondents would seek to achieve the credential.

* Agrees the profession needs to undertake...