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Generosity is Alive in the Inland Empire

Greetings fellow Inland Empire Chapter members.

For as long as I’ve been part of this profession, even way back to my student years, the Fall season has been the premiere time for students and working professionals to connect with one another. There is something quite energizing about a new school year that seems to work perfectly with Meet the Firms events and other job fairs, firm tours, and company site visits.

, I’d like to encourage you to attend and participate in as many of these activities and events as you can. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for a job now or years from now, these events all provide an invaluable opportunity to practice your networking and net weaving skills. I understand it can feel intimidating to start and carry-on a conversation with someone you’ve never met but let me reassure you that the people you need to talk with still remember what it feels like to be where you are, and they are there because they want to connect with you. If you ever find yourself struggling with how to start a natural conversation, try asking open-ended questions that get the person to share something about themselves. After briefly introducing yourself, try asking “What do you like best about your work?”, or “What was something that surprised you about the profession once you started working?”. These open-ending questions will give you more time to compose yourself and prepare for continuing the conversation. 

Your IE Chapter board has planned several events where members of all experience levels gather for good company and conversation. These are excellent opportunities for 

 to participate and connect with people that can guide and support you on your pathway to CPA. The next event is at a new venue for us this year, 

. See below for more information about this IE Chapter member social on October 18, 2023.

 on Friday November 10, 2023, to be held at CSU San Bernardino. We have lined up special guest speakers and a panel discussion that is sure to inspire you and answer your burning questions about a career as a CPA. If you are a student anywhere in the Inland Empire, this is a can’t miss event.

Wishing you all a season of fruitful conversations. I hope to connect with you at a future chapter event.

Students + Professionals = Connections

It's hard to believe we are already stepping into the 5th month of 2024. To those of you who've been immersed in tax matters, I hope your tax season went smoothly without the need for additional extensions. For everyone else, here's hoping 2024 is kicking off on a positive and productive note, teeming with new opportunities. It seems like we might finally be in for a more typical year, something we haven't experienced in a while.

The Inland Empire Chapter has already seen many exciting events this year. It all started with CPA Day at the Capitol in January, offering CPAs a fantastic chance to connect with legislators in Sacramento. The event was truly electrifying, leaving attendees inspired by the connections made. January also saw our Emerging Leaders Workshop, hosted by Eide Bailey in Rancho Cucamonga, followed by an enjoyable outing to an Ontario Reign hockey game.

The past year, 2023-2024, was a thrilling one for the Inland Empire Chapter under Brad Welebir's great leadership. Numerous engaging events and opportunities for involvement occurred. Additionally, it marked a year of change with the introduction of CalCPA's new branding and logo. We also experienced a change in the CPA exam as NASBA launched the CPA Evolution.

As we move into the next year, we will continue to see more conversations around the pipeline and how to improve the CPA profession. Many leaders in the Inland Empire, “the mighty Inland Empire” as we are known, are actively involved in leadership at the state level and AICPA and can provide input on changes to the profession. Take advantage of these opportunities to help develop the future of CalCPA and accounting. Your input is valuable and will be forwarded to people who can make a difference.

Wilson Ivanova CPA, Inc. hosted a luncheon with Denise LeDuc Froemming, CEO of CalCPA, in April. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to have direct conversations with Denise about matters concerning both our chapter and CalCPA as a whole. Denise is deeply committed to both the profession and the people within it. If you haven't had the opportunity to meet her face-to-face, I highly encourage you to seize the next chance. Her wealth of knowledge and compassion make her an invaluable asset, and she's doing an exceptional job spearheading the transformation of CalCPA.

I'm thrilled to lead the chapter for the 2024-2025 year alongside an exceptional board. Our 2024-2025 Chapter Leadership includes officers: Corey Gomez, Vice President; Brandon Ferrell, Secretary; Dennis Lee, Treasurer; Brad Welebir, Immediate Past President. Directors: Garden Duran, Shar Emami, Hailey Gomillion, Danielle Howard, and John Schultz.

Looking ahead, we have exciting events lined up for the year, including the Community College to CPA event at San Bernardino Valley College, the Par-tee Topgolf Event Installation and Scholarships, ABC Mixer and the Annual Golf Tournament. 

I invite you to join us and engage with chapter leaders and fellow members. CalCPA represents more than just an association; it's the member’s club for California's CPAs. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Stepping Into a Thriving 2024 – Highlights from the IE Chapter

Program Manager

Director of Chapter Engagement & Operations

Brad Welebir

I find every season of the year offers something unique and special to the way we experience life. The fall and winter holiday seasons are extra special in a way that brings people together for all kinds of gatherings and celebrations. Last month a small group of CalCPA Inland Empire Chapter members spent half a day together volunteering at Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino, where we helped pack hundreds of boxes of essentials for others, while also getting to know each other better. Feeding America helps to ensure that over 400,000 people in the greater Inland Empire have access to food and other resources.

Over the many years that I’ve volunteered at CalCPA, I have met so many generous members with such wonderful diversity, from students to 40+ year members, and everything in-between. The CalCPA community is strong together, and one of the many ways our chapter loves to show their support for the next generation is by supporting accounting students. Our chapter fundraising efforts this year alone have raised $26,000 that will go to students in the Inland Empire. If you’re an accounting student or know one, the scholarship application period is open now, and you can find more information 

. Students, I hope you will seek ways to get connected with others in the profession and consider applying for a scholarship.

Whether you are off to adventure or prefer a more relaxed and quiet time at home this year, I wish you a blessed holiday season full of joyous memories. I look forward to connecting with you at a future chapter event in the New Year.

I find every season of the year offers something unique and special to the way we experience life. The fall and winter holiday seasons are extra special in a way that brings people together for all kinds of gatherings and celebrations. Last month a small group of CalCPA Inland Empire Chapter members spent half a day together volunteering at Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino, where we helped pack hundreds of boxes of essentials for others, while also getting to know each other better. Feeding America helps to ensure that over 400,000 people in the greater Inland Empire have access to food and other resources. 