president’s message Reunite. Stronger. Together. Greetings MPI-CC, I am delighted to be the President of the MPI Carolinas Chapter for fiscal year 2020-2021. As we continue to face unprecedented challenges in the industries that represent our membership, I am confident that we will reunite and grow stronger together. While we have not met face-to-face for many months now, we have been able to keep members connected through virtual education, happy hours, and spark sessions. Quality education and networking have been the foundation of our chapter and that will continue in new innovative formats as we move forward.
Amelia Hodges, CMM, CMP North Carolina Association of CPAs, Morrisville, NC
As awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion has recently grown, so does the understanding of its complexities. To help overcome these challenges, diversity, equity, and inclusion must be made a priority within all organizations and across all communities. MPI-CC has taken some actions to promote greater diversity, equity, and inclusion within our chapter. For example, MPI’s first chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force, Antwone Stigall, CMP, DES, joined us for our August virtual meeting. Antwone reminded us to recognize the many types of diversity and learn how we can be inclusive and celebrate that diversity. One way that we can ensure that our organizations are embodying good diversity and inclusion practices and holding their leaders accountable is to rally together and allow our collective voices to be heard. Our Board of Directors also added diversity and inclusion initiatives under our chapter business plan with actionable steps to incorporate this year. While all these actions are steps in the right direction, we recognize that as a chapter we must take more consistent and purposeful action to create lasting change. I would also like to draw your attention to a few benefits from MPI Global: MEMBERSHIP RELIEF: There are several relief packages available if you are suffering a financial hardship due to the COVID-19 crisis. We encourage you to please email help@mpi.org for support so you can remain an MPI member and be a part of our chapter. EDUCATION: The MPI Academy has compiled a strong collection of relevant programming at no cost to our community –– members and non-members. They have also unlocked all on-demand, pre-recorded webinars for the entire industry. You can find complete resources by visiting MPI’s Trusted Resource page: MPI Trusted Meeting & Event Resource Page. MPI MEMBER RESUME SUPPORT: Did you know that MPI members have access to complimentary resume critique through our career center? Members will need their MPI username/password to access this free service. In closing, by lifting each other up and supporting one another, we will recover and reunite soon. Thank you MPI Carolinas Chapter members for the opportunity to serve with you. If you have any suggestions or questions, please don’t hesitate to connect personally with me at ahodges@ncacpa.org. Your hard-working Board of Directors and committee leaders are here to support you as well. Be well, share a smile, and see you soon.
Carolina Blitz | August - September 2020 |
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