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"A Snowball Started in Malibu" Unofficial slogan of CROP - so named as we first met in Malibu, California. Our hope is that a "snowball" will have begun that day......
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Minutes for CROP
Conference call:
Participants: Kendall Wheeler, John Levy, Andy Blackman, Mitch Freedman, and Dan Morris –
Meeting was called to order at 12:10 PM PDT
John – handled the guidance of the call tempo and accomplishment of the agenda. The agenda was per John’s email of August 15th with modifications from the participants – most notably the revised order was:
Governance is the number 1 issue. We need to have an executive committee with an advisory board - The XYZCaucus group will be the effective advisory board. No formal entity (such as an incorporated one) is planned at this time.
John indicated that the governance needs to be ad hoc and flexible so that it is not perceived as a “threat” and can make quick decisions in support of CROP’s mission
Kendall - indicated that he feels that working with the AICPA - will move us further – but John noticed that some people in the XYZTalk may be more anti-AICPA
John – thinks we serve as a nominations committee for the executive committee and all Malibu people become an advisory position –
Mitch – looking for geographic diversity - must move beyond the Malibu group – there are people out of CA - Doug/Dale/Stan/David/Paul – etc.
John agrees that geography - is a major issue – maybe 2 from California - with a maximum of 5 - Andy (from the East) – The committee as a whole discussed active XYZCaucus members from outside of California realizing the some members may be working on items individually that support CROP but they may be more productive working independently.
Dan stated that he preferred a group of 7 - up to 4 from California the first year or so and then and then 3 and then say 2 –
Kendall indicated we need to know the people - While Andy wants a better picture of balance – less from California -
It was noted that the New York Society may be a good ally?
It was discussed that several members of the XYZCaucus have not been active. Kendall is to drop the people that haven’t been active - to clean up list –
Caucus will be made up of the executive committee and advisors there is concern about conduits to outside – All members of XYZCaucus will have to agree to confidentiality and some level of personal commitment.
The Committee determined by vote that the size of the final executive committee should be 5 with no more than 3 from California.
The executive committee – must follow the beliefs of the membership - How will we determine – what the members like or want? The advisory members will have influence but will have to settle for the final decision of the executive members.
Perspectives - we are in negotiations with the CalCPA – we must be prepared to decide what is the most important and how do we communicate to the powers in CalCPA that we are serious -
Kendall - indicated that we haven’t done enough - and we haven’t moved on things yet -
Nominations were discussed
Nominations being forwarded include:
Mitch Dan Andy
John and Kendall are to contact other names discussed to determine their desire to become members of the executive committee.
Of the other people – John and Kendall will contact them.
Public Relations -
Harold seems to be the natural at leading the PR aspect with reporting responsibilities to Mitch (and then the executive committee) Kendal indicated that we should be contacting and working with AccountingWeb, Accounting Today, and related avenues.
Kendall – thinks that things are moving forward - WSJ – and the email from Electronic Accountant – Tracey and her request –
Expanding members’ involvement
How to involve members beyond the XYZCaucus?
Kendal commented about getting into the public eye? We need to get people involved – can we get to the chapters?
John suggested that we place a proposal in front of state societies to poll the sentiment of what the AICPA members really is and by getting the state societies to help, we get them on our side - offer them a program of what it is we are doing, why we are doing it, and inquire of them to confirm the 17 points? Mount campaign as a communication process to the AICPA and get it into a grassroots measures – The Big States - how can we get their email lists?
Kendall indicated that we need to have to get ducks in a row -- Should we request help from Susan Waters regarding her help in organizing these issues - Polling of the membership as to what the membership wants?
John – indicated we need some face time with Susan and review the 17 points – and to get her help?
John - Presenting to the AICPA needs to be handle soon - but we need to get a program out to the states - go to California as the prototype –
Andy – if you win California - maybe you can get NY and other states - John - would like each state to help ask questions – but Kendall indicated that creates a lot of extra work – John indicated that NY and CA should be approached simultaneous – Andy will contact New York, John, Kendall and/or Dan will contact California.
Need a write-up on the 17points - before we can discuss them – then circulate to the XYZCaucus - but not overly “wordsmithed” – schedule a meeting with AICPA leadership and should be with Jim C., Volunteer leadership - to meet with the AICPA – Mitch, Kendall, John, Dan, -- executive committee –
Dan to contact Jim C. regarding timing for meeting with CROP Executive Committee –
Discussion about CalCPA – multiple dimensions – Chair’s communications with Mitch about conflicts was discussed as was the process that was done with the handling of the bylaws proposal – may have created a process that we won’t have influence in the nominations process –
The concept that when the Chair requests AICPA Council applicants, we insure submission of a number of very well qualified applicants along with 20 AICPA supporters which would be the number necessary to self nominate under AICPA bylaws – The implication would be that if these are ignored, then there could be an election challenge –
Confirming nominations via email -
Kendall indicated that both executive and advisory committee is part of the XYZCaucus - telephone conferences and meetings would be attended by all, but executive committee are the voters -
No official next meeting from this group but the executive meeting will schedule and invite -
Conclusion is the balance of the XYZCaucus is the default advisory committee – and that it requires participation and confidence -
Closed @ 1:35 PM PDT -
Respectfully submitted - Daniel D. Morris acting secretary
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