On September 11, 2016, The Arkansas Society of Certified Public Accountants (Arkansas CPA Society) will mark its 100th anniversary. The organization has since grown to become one of the largest professional associations in Arkansas with more than 3,600 members.
To recognize the centennial anniversary, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson has issued an official Proclamation, declaring September 11, 2016 as Certified Public Accountants Day, to honor and celebrate the Centennial anniversary of the Arkansas Society of CPAs and to increase awareness of the significance of the organization and its importance. Allen Pierce, was among the distinguished group of CPA’s invited by Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson to celebrate such an important event for the accounting industry.
Here’s the official Press Release.
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Arkansas Society of Certified Public Accountant
(Arkansas CPA Society)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: September 5, 2016
CONTACT: Robin Harris – Arkansas Society of CPAs Communications Manager (501) 664-8739
Or contact any CPA on the Centennial Celebration Task Force (see pages 3-4 of attached PDF)
Arkansas CPA Society Celebrates 100 Years, Plans Centennial Event
On September 11, 2016, The Arkansas Society of Certified Public Accountants will mark its 100th anniversary. The organization was originally formed in 1916 by ten Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in 1916. The Society was incorporated for the purpose of elevating and maintaining the standard of proficiency, integrity, and character, promoting and protecting the interest of Certified Public Accountants: also of cultivating a spirit of professional cooperation and social intercourse among its members.” Today, the organization has grown to become one of the largest professional associations in Arkansas with more than 3,600 members.
The association’s founding followed one year after the Arkansas legislative session of 1915, during which Act 299 was passed, forming the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy. Act 299 regulated the practice of public accounting in the state and provided for the granting of certificates and the registration of certified accountants. The Act allowed for the licensing of Certified Public Accountants in the state of Arkansas.
To celebrate this milestone anniversary, Arkansas Society of CPAs (ASCPA) will hold a Centennial Celebration on Thursday, December 1, 2016. Approximately 150 people are expected to attend, including past presidents, current and former board members, members and their guests. The event will be held at the historic Albert Pike Memorial Temple in Little Rock.
“This is a very exciting time for our organization, it truly is a monumental moment,” said current ASCPA President Jerry Spratt, CPA, of Maumelle, AR. “This is a time to celebrate our history and a time to reflect upon our past, as well as an opportunity to look toward the future.”
To recognize the centennial anniversary, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson has issued an official Proclamation, declaring September 11, 2016 as Certified Public Accountants Day, to honor and celebrate the Centennial anniversary of the Arkansas Society of CPAs and to increase awareness of the significance of the organization and its importance. The Proclamation reads “The Arkansas Society of CPAs was formed by ten CPAs one hundred years ago; and the goals and objectives set forth by these ten CPAs are still valid today and include advocating for the profession, elevating and maintaining standards of proficiency, integrity, and character by fostering and satisfying a life-long commitment to continuing education among those who belong to the organization; promoting and protecting the interests of Certified Public Accountants and the general public, also of cultivating a spirit of professional cooperation and social intercourse among its members by creating a community for its members.”
The Society has also developed a timeline of their history from 1916 to date which chronicles the organization’s activities and achievements through the years. In the Society’s history, only four individuals have served as Executive Director of the organization. First was William (Bill) Yarbrough from 1974 until 1992. Barbara S. Angel, who worked for the Society for 38 years, succeeded Bill Yarbrough as Executive Director, a position she held for 21 years until her retirement in March, 2013. Bruce C. Alt held the position for two years. Marsha A. Moffitt, who was then on the ASCPA staff, took over as Executive Director in 2015 and has been with the organization for twenty-one years. The current ASCPA staff numbers six.
“One hundred years is a major milestone, for any organization,” said Marsha Moffitt, ASCPA Executive Director. “Our members are very proud to have served their clients and the profession and impact business in Arkansas through innovation, education and advocacy for such a long period of time. We have a hardworking volunteer leadership, and our membership is dedicated to continuing to improve the profession and serve the public interest for many more years to come. We are proud to celebrate our past, but we are very excited about what the future holds for the ASCPA.”
To bring attention to the occasion, the Society has created a keepsake lapel pin. It is also encouraging its members to donate “$100 For 100 Years,” for which donations will benefit the ASCPA’s Student Education Scholarship Fund. (The Student Education Fund awards approximately $50,000 in scholarships each year to students attending Arkansas colleges and universities). The Society staff will also traverse the state throughout the year, when it makes visits to it its ten geographical chapters, collecting signatures for a large sign imprinted with the 100-year logo, and tagline, “Commemorating 100 Years of Professional Service.”
***The Arkansas Society of CPAs (ASCPA) is the State’s largest professional organization for Certified Public Accountants with over 3,600 members in public practice, business and industry, government and education, and 100 years of service to the Accounting Profession.