2020-2021 Outstanding Chapter Awards
By Rori Shaw, CAE, TXCPA Chapter Operations Manager
To inspire chapters in their continuing work to elevate member service, TXCPA bestows Outstanding Chapter Awards to the small and medium-sized chapters. Selection is made by a group of past presidents from chapters of all sizes who understand the work involved in successfully leading volunteers. Here are a few highlights about the chapters honored for the 2020-2021 year.
Outstanding Small Chapter: Southeast Texas
President: Nick Gammill, CPA
During a challenging year, TXCPA Southeast Texas maintained their participation and involvement at the state level, as well as their community service involvement. The annual school supply drive maintained a high volume of donated school supplies for disadvantaged children in the chapter area. They also participated in local firm-led community service projects, such as a blood drive and food drive.
To help develop the next generation of CPAs, the chapter maintains a strong relationship and puts an emphasis on interaction with students at their local university, Lamar University. Joint chapter meetings with students and faculty were held via Zoom and a $500 check was given to the Faculty Research Award recipient. New this year was a virtual walk/run to raise funds for scholarships for Lamar University accounting students. Four scholarships for a total of $8,000 were awarded. Funds were also sent to the Lamar Foundation for its endowed scholarship.
A chapter member also received the 2020 TXCPA Outstanding Accounting Educator Award (Large College/University). Volunteers were still able to participate in the Youth Career Expo by hosting a virtual exhibitor booth featuring stories from local CPAs, including member-created videos!
A large number of CPE hours was delivered virtually and for the sixth consecutive year, they received the CPA-PAC Award for the small chapter achieving highest percent of fundraising goal (156%). Congratulations, TXCPA Southeast Texas!
Outstanding Medium Chapter: Permian Basin
President: J.D. Faircloth, CPA
TXCPA Permian Basin presented $15,500 in scholarships to students at The University of the Permian Basin and three local junior colleges. The chapter sends fundraising letters to individual members, firms and companies to fund all scholarships.
A number of projects were implemented to accomplish their goal of attracting and engaging students despite not being able to meet in-person. Virtual events were held for Meet the CPAs, CPA Chats and CPA2B Bootcamp to provide students with the opportunity to meet and interact with local CPAs. The Young and Emerging Professionals Committee hosted two virtual trivia nights and a virtual webinar for students with Robert Half.
Through its Outreach Committee, the chapter was involved in the community. Members and students volunteered with the West Texas Food Bank to prepare pantry boxes that were distributed to pantries and partner agencies and the communities they serve. The chapter once again participated in the Season of Sharing Food Drive, benefitting the West Texas Food Bank. The year’s food drive was virtual. Members made monetary donations and/or bought food products. The chapter raised more than $2,700.
A new event was 25 Days of Giving, benefitting Communities In Schools of the Permian Basin. Chapter members made monetary donations to help provide food, clothing, shelter, school supplies, mental health support, professional development and much more to students. Two trash pick-up days were held, with the chapter providing breakfast for volunteers. Congratulations, TXCPA Permian Basin!
