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With such a constant barrage of news demanding attention, who takes time for thoughtful analysis and insight? Who has time to sort what is important and relevant?
We do. Beginning in September, The Ohio Society of CPAs is launching a new monthly news publication that will replace Catalyst magazine. Called CPA Voice, it will serve as the voice of the CPA profession in Ohio and feature analysis of the latest accounting and business news. Members will get not only the news, but analysis of what it means for Ohio CPAs. OSCPA listened to its members through focus groups and research as the genesis of this change. Member feedback will continue to be a guiding factor as we continue to better serve and represent members' interests and needs.
Here are the facts.
WHY MAKE THIS CHANGE?
Through member focus groups and surveys, editorial feedback and conversations, it has become clear that Catalyst is published too infrequently and is too lengthy for members to read quickly.
We asked members if they had a single source for accounting news, how often would they like to receive it? The overwhelming answer was monthly.
We also wanted to know what members were looking for in a business and professional publication. So we asked members why they read the publications they do. Helpful information they need to know was by far the biggest motivation.
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We also asked members what kind of content they were most likely to read in their business and accounting publications. The answer? News specific to their area of practice received the highest rating.
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HOW WILL CPA VOICE ADDRESS MEMBER NEEDS?
OSCPA's new flagship publication was rebuilt from the ground up using research results. The resulting publication will be more usable and beneficial to members.
EASIER TO READ: Lack of time is the biggest reason members don't read Catalyst, according to member research. CPA Voice will take less time to read. A reduced overall page count and shorter articles will make it easy to review each issue in just a few minutes.
CPA Voice won't, however, sacrifice content quality for length. News and information will still be covered thoroughly. Articles will be simply more focused and concise. We will also include relevant resources and opportunities to dive deeper into the issues.
MORE TIMELY CONTENT: Two months is too long to wait before finding out about major developments in the profession. By mailing more frequently, members will receive fresher news on changes that impact them. By sifting through the overwhelming volume of information, CPA Voice will concisely deliver the hot developments and what they mean for Ohio CPAs.
MORE TARGETED CONTENT: Members said they want news and information related to their area of practice. We listened. CPA Voice is divided into sections that align with the major areas of CPA practice so members can easily find the information that relates to them. Content areas will include:
* Tax
* Accounting and auditing
* Business and industry
* Public practice
* Technology
* Opinion
There will also be one or two feature stories on broader issues and a section highlighting what OSCPA is doing for you.
WHAT WILL IT LOOK LIKE?
CPA Voice will have a larger page size and will be 24-30 pages long. It can be easily folded to pack in a briefcase or file. The front cover will feature top stories. The interior sections will be clearly defined and easy to navigate, with lively charts and graphics to highlight major issues.
WHEN WILL IT ARRIVE?
Each issue will arrive shortly after the 15th of the month, with combined January/February and March/April issues during tax season. The first issue arrives in September, making this the last issue of Catalyst.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS?
Like Catalyst, CPA Voice is included as a benefit of your membership in The Ohio Society of CPAs. From a budget standpoint, the annual cost of CPA Voice is comparable to the cost of Catalyst.
WHY IS IT CALLED CPA VOICE?
The Ohio Society of CPAs is your voice on accounting issues. We are the only organization focused on advancing the CPA profession in Ohio. This publication is also your opportunity to voice your opinion and share your insights, reaching your peers and other opinion leaders.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
Members are encouraged to serve as authors and sources for articles. Everyone has something to offer--what would you like to share? Send your interests and areas of expertise to cpavoice@ohio-cpa.com. We will also feature a Letters to the Editor section. What do you like? What would you like to change? Let us know. Send letters to the e-mail address above, or fax them to the editor's attention at 614.764.6868.
This is an exciting change for The Ohio Society of CPAs. This new publication will help us deliver better information is a more user friendly package. It is just one part of our commitment to better serve you as an Ohio CPA.
Sandy Spieker is manager, publications for The Ohio Society of CPAs. She is the current editor of Catalyst and the future editor of C PA Voice. She can be reached at sspieker@ohio-cpa.com or 800.686.2727, ext. 321.
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