2012 President's Message
January 02, 2012
Tess Martires, 2012 AFCA-BC President
"Leadership and teamwork: the heart of great achievement"
As your 2012 President, I see how our members are the Association's main asset and key resource. No Association can reach its goals, capabilities and potential without its members continued support and involvement. You, our members have enormous power in contributing to the progress of AFCA.
My journey with AFCA-BC started 4 years ago, with my involvement in the Mentoring Committee and later as member of the Executive Council. This journey had prepared me to the challenge of leadership in my new capacity as president for the year 2012.
I may be young, but I am not wanting in experience. I believe and I embrace continuous learning and education. Being an intentional learner is very important to me as to anybody else - for if we cease to learn we stop to grow and contribute. The moment we stop to contribute is the moment we live a life of no meaning. This is what AFCA is all about - helping our members grow through learning.
I am incredibly honoured to lead the prestigious Association of Filipino Canadian Accountants of BC. Our association may be young in age yet it has already established a mark and presence not only in our community but also within the accounting profession. AFCA-BC meets the needs of newly landed immigrants who seek facilitation with their assimilation in Canada's professional markets. This is why our membership continues to grow. The success stories of some of our new immigrant members who benefited from our mentoring program are a validation of the association's important role. Indeed, we have come a long way. As Henry Ford said, "Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success."
The AFCA-BC Council this year is a mixture of old and new, in age and experience. One thing we all have in common is enthusiasm and the belief that we will all benefit by pooling our energy and resources. We, the council members are determined to stretch ourselves by bringing you some positive challenges in 2012. We will endeavour to make teamwork works as it is the heart of great achievement. For teamwork is of many hands, but of one mind.
Allow me to cite some of my vision for the association:
- AFCA-BC will remain as a genuine Filipino Canadian Accountant association, truly committed to delivering quality professional development and continuing education through seminars and workshops.
- AFCA's Mentoring program will continue as part of AFCA's core service offering.
- AFCA-BC shall continue in its participation with Canada Revenue Agency's Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) which is a wonderful community service as well as a good training opportunity to those looking for related work experience.
Tess Martires
2012 AFCA-BC President