By Meg Killian, Vice President - Member Relations

The PICPA is driven by the people we meet and the relationships we build. Being part of this network of professionals is a core element of PICPA membership. Are you taking advantage of this valuable member benefit? If not, you could be missing out on vast opportunities.

This week marks the unofficial beginning of the new PICPA membership year as the Central Chapter and Lehigh Valley Chapter host their annual meetings. The official membership year starts in May, and by the end of the month all 11 chapters will have held their annual meetings. We expect nearly a thousand members to attend these events this year. And while we are installing new leaders, giving out service awards, and recognizing member milestones, members will also be making new friends and building their professional networks.

PICPA’s chapters hosted more than 200 events in the 2015-2016 year, and these were attended by more than 3,500 people. Chapter events are planned and hosted by committees made up of member volunteers who donate their time to provide valuable networking, educational, and fun programs for their PICPA family.

It’s not too late to sign up for some of the chapter annual meetings, and there are lots of other fun events planned for the next few months. Visit PICPA’s website and check the chapter pages for details, or look for e-mail invitations sent to your inbox.

While LinkedIn, Facebook, and an assortment of other social media platforms help you virtually connect with anyone, there’s still something special about meeting and talking to someone face-to-face. Members have found new business partners, lifelong friends, and even their future spouse at PICPA events.

Come and join in the fun. We can't wait to see you at a PICPA event!