 Dear
colleagues,
I had the pleasure of meeting most of you at the well-attended international meeting in Amsterdam.
Even though the time is limited, it is always a great chance to mingle with members from the various countries and continents, exchange ideas on economics, companies’ management, philosophy, climate and finally, lifestyle and achievements.
International Issues
One of the topics which should be kept in mind is AGN being an association and not a network. Much has been said and written about this since the previous international meeting in Montreal and much at the European meeting in Athens.
Thinking again about the matter, I strongly believe that it is a great chance that the issue could be quickly identified, understood and supported in Europe, in line with an association.
In that way, we not only avoid risks and administrative burdens
(that is the defensive side)
but also, AGN—as an association—becomes more
attractive to potential new
member
firms as one of the leading and very dynamic
worldwide association entities
(that is the offensive side).
Another topic I would like to emphasize is the registration with the PCAOB.
As you all read this issue of worldwide-link (else why would I be writing now instead of playing golf!), please refer to the September 2007 issue, page 3. It explains the merits of the registration and its value in terms of image and benefit for your firm branding.
In simple words, as we experienced in our firm two years ago, the process is as follows:
 contact your local institute for legal advice on compliance of local rules with PCAOB;
complete the forms (it takes about 40 hours for a partner);
register the forms (e-mail) and pay a small fee;
If you encounter any difficulties please contact Steve Kass or any of our American friends.
European Region Issues
Committees are working and preparing their plans and budgets for next year.
- An international tax meeting was held in London on the 9th and 10th of November,
- A world quality assurance committee (QuAC) meeting met in New York on the 4th and 5th of December,
- The Business Development Committee is following the Clan issues in Brussels,
- The IT Committee is developing and improving the website.
As for membership we continue to expand in Eastern Europe. Firms were visited in Bulgaria and Romania and applications submitted. Firms in Belarus, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands and the Ukraine are now full
In Belgium two contacts are being visited in the Antwerp area; one of them has already submitted an application. We are still looking for a member in Brussels.
The next European Board meeting will be held on 11th January, 2008 in Paris. Among other topics we will prepare the budget for 2008 keeping inflation down. “Value for money” remains our guideline.
The next European Regional meeting will take place in Stockholm from 12th to 14th June, a beautiful city where we will enjoy the white nights at the very special period of late spring.
In the meantime please receive all my thanks for your support during the past year and my best wishes for a peaceful Christmas and a successful new year.
François
Martin
Chairman, European Region
Caderas Martin
Paris, France
francois.martin@caderas-martin.com
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