[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 27, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E252-E253]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE ERIE CHAPTER OF THE PENNSYLVANIA INSTITUTE OF CERTIFIED 
                           PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PHIL ENGLISH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 27, 2008

  Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize 
the accomplishments of the Erie Chapter of the Pennsylvania Institute 
of Certified Public Accountants. This year, the members of this 
organization celebrate their 50th anniversary.
  After splitting from the Northwest Chapter of the PICPA, 21 founding 
members held the first meeting of the Erie Chapter on January 31, 1958. 
From those first 21 CPAs, the chapter has grown to a membership of more 
than 320, including members working in public accounting, industry, 
financial services, healthcare, non-profit, government and education.
  While the Erie Chapter has the second smallest membership in the 
State, its members are clearly among the best and the brightest within 
their industry. In fact, two of the Chapter's members have served as 
president of the PICPA, while seven others have served as vice 
president and four have served as State representatives on the national 
council.
  The chapter's contributions to the Erie community go far beyond the 
professional realm. Chapter members donate thousands of hours to local 
charitable organizations serving on boards of directors, finance 
committees, and as volunteer staff, among others. The chapter has 
promoted participation in community events, including local blood 
drives, Hooked

[[Page E253]]

on Books, and CelebrateErie. Chapter members regularly speak at local 
schools on financial literacy and career. The chapter sponsors 
scholarships open to students in accounting at the local colleges and 
universities and has made significant contributions to the statewide 
scholarship program administered by the PICPA.
  The Erie Chapter is a diverse group of individuals united by their 
dedication to serving their clients, employers, and community with 
integrity, promoting financial literacy and advancing the profession by 
the maintenance of high ethical standards. I hope my colleagues will 
join me at this time in recognizing the efforts of the Erie Chapter of 
the PICPA and in congratulating its 50 years of service.

                          ____________________