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President's Letter:
Mark Krause, ICCFA President for 2008-2009
Mark Krause outside Sen. Clinton's office in Washington, D.C.
Watching over Washington for you
An association has a number of tasks and obligations that make it not only viable but also valuable to its members. Education and networking are always mentioned as the obvious attractions for those who belong to the ICCFA. Very important but often overlooked is the invaluable counsel the association provides in the arena of government and legal affairs.
Many people prefer to think government and legal affairs do not affect them directly or, more likely, that someone else will watch over "that stuff." The truth is, being a legislative advocate is the most important duty an association performs.
In today's world, there is nothing that affects business more than how government chooses to exert authority over the creation and collection of taxes and over politically charged regulatory issues. Keeping abreast of the scores of laws, rulings, positions and initiatives from the many legislative bodies of this country would keep anyone trying to run a business inundated with endless reading and attempts to interpret what it all means. This is where the ICCFA is your partner in the future of your business. With the help of ICCFA General Counsel Bob Fells and ICCFA Government and Legal Affairs Committee Chairman Irwin Shipper, as well as a host of volunteers, you can rest assured that important legislative concerns are being carefully watched and reported on to association members.
This issue features a report on the trip a dozen of us took to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., in March. As a student of politics and American history, I found the trip fascinating and informative. Relationship-building is just as important to do with your legislator as it is with colleagues, suppliers and your community. Contributing to the ICCFA PAC and the Government and Legal Fund helps the association continue to build those relationships for you.
Join me at Fall to learn from the best
I want to encourage all of you to attend the Fall Management Conference coming up October 22-25 in Naples, Florida. Convention Chair Nancy Lohman has put together an outstanding program that includes a presentation from the Ritz-Carlton on providing outstanding hospitality. A great city, cutting-edge programming, and a world-class hotel-what more could you ask for from a conference?
One of the reasons the ICCFA continues to grow is because of the consistently outstanding events the organization offers to the profession. I particularly enjoy the Fall Management Conference because it draws industry leaders and focuses on collegial discussions of innovation, business realities and the future of our great profession. I hope to see you there.
Copyright ICCFA 2008
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