Canton Chapter 155       Chartered June 1, 1961      

Dr. Kristine K. Parsons             President's Message         2007-2008 President

With three meetings left in this chapter year, it is time to reflect. I believe that the Canton Chapter board has presented an excellent slate of speakers. My wish would be that more of the chapter members would take advantage of the professional education available to them.

The 2008-2009 board has begun formulating ideas for the upcoming chapter year. Your input would be invaluable in helping develop a list of topics of interest and a list of speakers that you may have had the opportunity to have heard. Experience is the best advisor in the quality for which we are looking. New members to the board are always welcome as they bring new ideas and insight. Volunteer – help make this another great year for the Canton Chapter and its members! Whatever the level, your participation is vital and I guarantee that you will be repaid.

The five student chapters supported by the Canton Chapter have been active within their own chapters and within the Canton Chapter. Several of the student members have submitted articles for publication in the Stark Ravings expressing their gratitude to the Canton Chapter for its support of the student activities and student chapters. The Canton Chapter supports more student chapters than any other chapter in the country. The board believes that this support is critical to the development of the future accounting professionals and chapter members. A special thank you to all who support the 50 – 50 drawing each month. The funds the chapter receives from the drawing goes directly to the student chapter support. I would be remiss if I did not thank Chris Holmes, Ashland University student member, for his exemplary efforts in producing the Stark Ravings for the chapter.

As a holder of a CMA certificate, I would like to persuade each of you to pursue this certification and join the twenty-six chapter members who have achieved the CMA. The path toward the certificate will reinforce and expand your knowledge of management accounting. It will also serve you well as you advance throughout your career as a viable support to your abilities.

Serving as president has been challenging and rewarding at the same time. It has been an experience I would not trade nor could I have gotten in any other manner. I would like to thank all who have volunteered for the 2008 -2009 Canton Chapter board, especially Laura Weisgarber who will be serving as president for the second time.

Help the board – volunteer, attend meetings and submit ideas.

Kris Parsons

Dr. Kristine K. Parsons, Ph. D., CMA

President, Canton Chapter IMA 2007 - 2008