Council goes to Washington

摘要

Financial regulatory reform topped the lobbying list of pressing issues for Council members of the American Institute of CPAs during their biennial visit to Capitol Hill. Barry Melancon, president and chief executive of the institute, welcomed more than 350 members to the nation's capital during the Spring Meeting of Council, providing them with talking points on how to address and best educate lawmakers on profession-centric issues. "I thank all of you for being here and being willing to subject yourself in some way to this town and this process," Melancon said. "It's not the prettiest or may not be the most comfortable, but the effectiveness of our profession is really dependent on you. We could have an army of people we hire and pay to go up on the Hill, but that visit from the constituents is really the most significant thing that could possibly happen." Melancon, who has come to Washington to represent the profession for almost 25 years, acknowledged that it was currently a "bizarre time in the city," a not-so-veiled reference to the economic crisis and the new administration.