Event Highlights

PICPA’s Week of Fame

Three of the major television stations in the Greater Philadelphia area have turned to the expertise of PICPA members this tax season. Several PICPA members participated in CBS-3’s tax phone bank and in 6-ABC’s tax Web chat. In addition, Glenn Meyer fielded questions from the public during NBC-10’s “All That and More” program, hosted by Tracy Davidson.

PICPA members helped answer a record number of calls – 763 – during CBS-3's “Tax Talk” segment on Feb. 11. This was just the beginning of a banner media week for the Greater Philadelphia Chapter. Jim Newhard, past chapter president, was interviewed live by consumer reporter Jim Donovan about the Alternative Minimum Tax and the most common mistakes taxpayers make. See a complete list of CBS volunteers.

Next up – and the next day – was Meyer’s appearance on NBC-10. Taking the lead from a Valentine’s Day-themed media pitch, the Jenkintown CPA answered questions from couples on what it means to be financially compatible. Meyer was also interviewed live by Davidson about an online financial compatibility quiz and why money is such a crucial topic among couples.

On Feb. 13, Tim Hilbert and Eric Resnick answered tax questions via 6-ABC’s Web chat vehicle. Both Hilbert and Resnick answered a few questions on-air with consumer reporter Nydia Han during the evening news segment.

PICPA members enjoyed the experience, and according to Mark Zinman, a volunteer at CBS-3, “I think this is a lot of fun. I usually don’t get these types of questions at my practice.”

The positive vibes from the PICPA members resonated with the network consumer reporters, and they would like to have members return to help them with more financial and tax stories. Look for David Caplan, Karen Facer-Mee, and Anna Sachs on March 19 for CBS-3’s live tax Web chat between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Also, several volunteers will be participating in NBC-10’s tax phone bank March 24-March 28, between 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Speaking of NBC, the Pittsburgh affiliate will be holding a tax phone bank on either March 14 or March 21 from 5-6:30 p.m. (volunteers should arrive at 4:45 p.m.) and we need your help. Please let us know what day you can do and share the opportunity with your colleagues.

Congratulations to the PICPA members for a job well done on the major Philly networks, aiding the public with tax questions and financial literacy. To get involved in future media call-in programs, join PICPA’s Speakers Bureau.