Associations
FROM: MAR-APR 2005 ISSUE
B.C.'s Big Game Hunter
The main goals of CGA-BC for the coming year are recruitment, employment, and empowerment, according to Rita Estock, FCGA, and president for 2005-06.
"We have amended our strategic plan to meet the goals of recruiting more students than any other accounting body, to promote our members in order to beat the competition for the best jobs, and to support our members in being strong advocates for the organization," says Estock.
With a diploma in business management from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Estock received her CGA designation in 1983. She moved to Vancouver Island from Edmonton in 1980, and has been the assistant director of finance for the Capital Regional District in Victoria since 1982.
"In 1988, I became actively involved in the Southern Vancouver Island chapter as a member at large, becoming chapter Chair as well as serving in several other capacities until 1996," she says. "I chaired the CGA-BC Conference Committee in 1997 and 2000, and served for three years on the CGA-BC Finance Committee."
In 2001, Estock was elected to the CGA-BC Board of Governors. She was appointed the CGA-BC representative to the National Education Committee from 2002-05 and was named an FCGA in 2004.
When she's not working, Estock enjoys cooking, reading, gardening, and travel. She and her husband James, a retired CA, have been married for 18 years, and her husband's daughter Beverley is also a CGA.
"It would probably surprise some to know that during my younger years, while living in Alberta, I regularly went big game hunting in the fall. I had a big scare when I encountered a grizzly bear up close while hunting in the Swan Hills area of Alberta. That encounter ended my days of hunting," she says.
Serving with Estock on the CGA-BC board are Moe Jones, CGA, first vice-president; Gordon Clissold, CGA, second vice-president; and Len Pietrzykowski, FCGA, past president.
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Hong Kong Update
The new president of CGA-Hong Kong is diving into his term and pursuing the goal of achieving mutual recognition with the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Alac Ho, LLB (Hons), CGA, who is an avid scuba diver, says his organization's other goals include increasing the visibility of the CGA brand. "We would like to increase student intake, establish partnerships with local tertiary institutes for course delivery, and enhance the quality of services to members," he says.
Ho opened his own management consultant business seven years ago, after working for the Hong Kong Government Inland Revenue Department for over 28 years. He received his designation in 1991.
Ho also has a law degree from the University of Wolverhampton in the United Kingdom. He is a member of the UK Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators, and a member of the Hong Kong Institute of Company Secretaries.
"I am a close associate of the past president of CGA-Hong Kong, and he invited me to join the CGA-Hong Kong Board three years ago," says Ho of his involvement in
CGA-Hong Kong. Ho has been a representative on CGA-Canada's National Education Committee since 2003.
Ho and his wife Amy have been married for over 27 years. They have two children: a daughter, Eleanor, who is 25, and a 15-year-old son named Vincent. When he's not working, Ho enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, and, of course, scuba diving.
Serving with Ho on the CGA-Hong Kong executive are Raymond Yeung, FCGA, treasurer; Charles Lau, FCGA, secretary; and William Tin, CGA, vice-president. Other board members are Helen Kwok, FCGA; Jeffrey Cheung, CGA; Lau Kai-hing, CGA; Michael Li, CGA; Winnie Chiu, CGA; and Franky Fan, CGA.
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Ottawa Office Relocates
CGA-Canada's Ottawa office, which houses the Association's Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs, and Research and Standards departments, has moved to larger premises.
Effective February 28, 2005, both groups will be located at:
1201 – 350 Sparks Street,
Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7S8.
The telephone and fax numbers will remain the same — 613 789-7771 and
613 789-7772 (fax). The office can also be reached at the Ottawa general enquiries e-mail address: ottawa@cga-canada.org.
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