LICFE - President's Message - Long Island Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners

It is hard to believe that it was just one year ago when I wrote the first President's Message. As I have mentioned many times during the past year, the grass roots efforts to form and grow our Chapter have been noted by CFE's and others, worldwide. I have received congratulatory messages from CFE leaders as far away as Israel, asking the secret of our growth and success. Needless to say, the LICFE has broken all records and expectations for growth, professionalism and activity. More importantly, we have developed relationships and friendships far beyond our expectations. When it comes right down to it, our success is shared by all of us.

Many people have commented that the primary difference between our Chapter and every other professional organization, is that we have fun, while working, sharing and networking with each other. When we began, we offered the chance to expand your horizons, contribute to your personal growth and receive reasonably priced training and CPE Credits, without leaving Long Island. We have delivered in all of those areas. Many of our Charter Members received 18 CPE Credits this year, on Long Island. If not for a hurricane, it would have been 20 CPE Credits.

As we enter our second year, we already have plans for six meetings and at least one seminar, for a minimum of the full 20 CPE Credit requirement. Naturally, we encourage our members to participate in events sponsored by The Association. In that vein, we have accepted National's offer to co-host the 11th Annual Fraud Conference in New York City, July 30 - August 4, 2000. We are also in negotiations with National for a future national event, on Long Island.

Your Board and Committees have been increasingly active, since the first formation meeting, in October 1998. Last year I wrote about our impressive Board of Directors. This year I must say that in addition to a very impressive Board of active, hard working professionals, LICFE has been blessed with more than a dozen active committee members as well. We will still welcome any member who has a desire to get active and join one of our committees.

As we enter the New Year, if you are reading this message, we will have survived Y2K and all of its hype. In addition to having a Safe and Happy New Year, I would like to ask that everyone send your renewal dues to the Chapter Office, as soon as possible. If you did not receive a dues invoice, please contact the Chapter Office. We are also in the middle of a Membership Drive and would greatly appreciate everyone's assistance in bringing in at least one new member. As an incentive, the member bringing in the most new members will receive a FREE REGISTRATION to the LICFE Seminar and a Certificate of Appreciation from the Board.

Very truly yours,

David E. Zeldin, CFE
President