Join the MACPA (and other professional associations) and get active!

That is the conclusion of a new study just released by the William E. Smith Institute for Association Research titled, Where the Winners Meet: Why Happier, More Successful People Gravitate Toward Associations. This is the first comprehensive study I have seen that actually calculates the true value and benefits that professional membership associations provide their members, and the differences between those who belong and non-members is significant.

    Consider these key findings:

1. Association members on average earn 52 percent more than non-member counterparts. The fact that association membership benefits the CPA and the employer is clearly stated in the report’s findings: “Associations are the right vehicles for professionals who want to be in communities of success. … Associations are good for employers who want more effective long-term employees.”
2. They are 23 percent happier in their jobs.
3. They are 9 percent happier overall than non-members.
4. These factors lead to more success in their careers.

What really stuck out for me was that, in addition to specific benefits to individual members, the report also found significant benefits to the employers of association members.

Benefits to the professionals and their employers include higher morale, increased employer loyalty, networking, professional development, leadership experience, professional community and big-picture thinking. I think these are significant in light of the talent management challenges facing the CPA profession these days. As an employer, it seems supporting membership in the MACPA is one of the best investments you can make!

So why the MACPA? What does our brand stand for? I often refer to the definition of a brand by futurist Watts Wacker, who says, “A product or service is an artifact of a brand. A brand is a promise.” Connect. Protect. Achieve! This is how we sum up our promise to you, our members.

MACPA: Where the winners meet.

The photos in this post cover the inaugural swearing-in of new CPAs, our New / Young Professionals Newtork working on its strategic plan, and our Executive Committee /Board of Directors planning session held last week. (That is AICPA CEO Barry Melancon in the middle).

These are just a few examples of the numerous activities that are being held every day by the MACPA. Using the strength and talents of hundreds of our volunteers connected through  our committees, chapters and special task forces, members are devoting their leadership to making your profession a better place. Our training is consistently ranked as one of the best programs in the nation, offering you the absolute best to help you stay sharp and advance your career. Over 100 members showed up for CPA Day in Annapolis and several hundred more help with key contacts with Maryland’s legislators to protect your CPA license. Achieve … well, that is what you get in return.

• Here is a copy of the full report.

Has your involvement in the MACPA helped your career? As an employer, do you see any of these benefits? Let us know by submitting your comments below.

And don’t miss a major opportunity to network with hundreds of “winners” at our first-ever Maryland Business and Accounting Exposition at the Baltimore Convention Center on June 17-18. Also, our second swearing-in ceremony for newly licensed CPAs (over past two years) will be held on the evening of June 17.