FICPA Members Advocate for Profession During Virtual Advocacy Day

The Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA) on Jan. 6, 2022, held its second annual Virtual Advocacy Day. The event brought FICPA members together with lawmakers to advocate on behalf of the CPA profession in Florida.

“The FICPA is the voice of Florida CPAs in our state’s Capitol,” FICPA Chair Kristin Bivona said. “Our Virtual Advocacy Day agenda featured numerous policymakers who impact our profession every day. We were honored to have the opportunity to meet with them about issues relevant to the CPA profession in Florida.”

Advocating on CPAs’ behalf is the cornerstone of the FICPA’s mission, and member involvement is crucial to ensuring CPAs count in the political process.

“I’m thrilled to be with you all as we kick off our advocacy days and raise awareness about the CPA profession among our state lawmakers,” FICPA President & CEO Shelly Weir said in her opening remarks. “With your continued support, we will strengthen our position among policymakers, the public and the profession nationally.

The Virtual Advocacy Day event included a legislative briefing from FICPA Governmental Affairs Director Justin Thames and of Liberty Partners of Tallahassee’s Jennifer Green; an interactive CPA lawmaker panel featuring Rep. Mike Caruso, Sen. Joe Gruters and Rep. Cyndi Stevenson; a discussion of the CPA profession from House Majority Leader Mike Grant, Sen. Travis Hutson, Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis, House Ways and Means Committee Chair Bobby Payne, and Senate Finance and Tax Committee Chair Ana Maria Rodriguez; and a Florida Economic Update from Dr. Jerry Parrish.

“Whether we connect virtually or in person, effectively communicating with lawmakers is paramount to our success in Florida’s governmental process,” said Thames.

On Jan. 12, the FICPA will host its first full membership fly-in advocacy event – Hike the Hill – in Tallahassee.

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About the FICPA Founded in 1905, the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants is the premier professional association representing CPAs in Florida. With a membership of more than 19,500, the Institute’s mission is to serve the diverse needs of its members, enhance their competency and professionalism, support professional standards, promote the value of its members, and advocate on behalf of the profession.

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