Chapter History
Programs in the first year included the co-sponsoring of the Education Symposium for Accounting Instructors for Predominantly Black Colleges in Conjunction with the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants. The Chapter members also participated in a career day activity sponsored by the National Negro Women's Business and Professional Club.
The 1970's
Throughout the 1970's, the Metropolitan Washington DC
Chapter developed a program agenda and laid the platform
for a number of key programs, which remain an integral part of the organizations
activities.
The Chapter first participated in volunteer income tax assistance programs in 1973. In 1974 the Chapter hosted the National Convention; this was the first time the convention was held outside New York. In the same year, the student chapter of NABA was established at Howard University. Later, in 1976, the Chapter assisted in rewriting the DC accountancy law liberalizing the certification requirements.
The Chapter's first annual awards dinner was held in 1978. The Honorable Sterling Tucker, Chairman DC City Council was the Keynote Speaker. Since then, the annual awards dinner (Evening with NABA) has become the premiere event for the local chapter.
The 1980's
The Chapter ushered in the 1980's, by welcoming NABA's national headquarters
and the new Executive Director, Ben Newhouse, to Washington, DC in 1980.
Over the years, the Chapter continued to host programs focused on economic,
financial and accounting matters as well as to award scholarships at
the Annual Evening with NABA.
In 1985 the Corporate Membership program was implemented resulting in support from 11 corporations and accounting firms. In 1987, the Chapter newsletter was renamed to The Cramer Account, in honor of our beloved friend, Dr. Joe J. Cramer. In the same year, the Chapter undertook the task of identifying the first 100 black certified public accountants in the United States. 1988 was a stellar year, as the Chapter hosted NABA's largest and most successful convention in its 19-year history. The convention exceeded all expectations, particularly in attendance and revenue. In a program titled "Salute to NABA Past, Present, and Future", the Chapter honored its 12 past presidents.
In alignment with the mission of NABA, the Chapter assisted with hosting the 1983 Eastern Region Student Conference and began hosting annual career development workshops for students focusing on resume writing, interviewing, and dressing for success.
The 1990's
The Chapter introduced several new events including a Bike-a-thon (1990),
Halloween Masquerade Party (1990), Scholarship Golf Tournament (1993),
and a Mentoring Program (1997). The Chapter continued to increase membership
making DC the first chapter to exceed 200 members.
In 1990, the Bert W. Smith, Jr. Scholarship Fund was established to award a $1,000 scholarship annually. Throughout the years, scholarships were awarded annually ranging from $12,900 in 1990 to a record of $40,000 in 1998. In 1993, a student chapter was established at the University of the District of Columbia. In 1994, the Chapter hosted the Eastern Region Student Conference.
2000
The Chapter again hosted the National Convention, which was attended by over 2,000 registrants. Membership for the Chapter was at its highest level since the Chapter's establishment in 1972. In conjunction with the convention, $27,500 in scholarships was awarded and the Chapter hosted its inaugural Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP)—summer internships for High School students.
2001
The Chapter awarded approximately $19,500 in scholarships at the annual scholarships and awards banquet.
2002
The Chapter participated in a University of the District of Columbia Talent Search program speaking to elementary school students at Garnet-Patterson Middle School about the accounting
and finance profession. In actualizing the motto "Lifting As We Climb", the Chapter issued $17,000 in scholarships to deserving students.
2003
The Chapter honored one of the founding members of NABA, Mr. Frank K. Ross, with its Lifetime Achievement Award and renamed the Outstanding NABA Member Award in his name in appreciation for his tremendous support of NABA. The Chapter awarded approximately $17,000 in scholarships.
2004
The Chapter celebrated the 25th Annual Evening with NABA, which included a special tribute from Ms. Carolyn Smith, who was the inspiration behind Evening with NABA. Throughout the year, the Chapter focused on providing a diverse program agenda to meet the needs of the membership.
2005
Under the theme, "Achieving Excellence through Leadership", the Chapter celebrated significant accomplishments for several members which included promotions, an appointment as a Corporate Officer, and Awards For Excellence In Volunteerism. Throughout the year, Chapter programming focused on "Building Wealth" for part of the year and "Building You, Building Me, Building Us" for the other part of the year. The Chapter also introduced the AICPA 360 degrees of Financial Literacy program, which became a national initiative for the organization.
2006
The Chapter experienced record growth with a membership count exceeding 300 for the first time. Financial Literacy was a primary component of the programming agenda. The Chapter leadership partnered with the Metropolitan Community Development Corporation, Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting, and the DC Chapter of the National Black MBA Association to promote financial literacy through programs and workshops.
2007
The year was characterized by strong participation in Chapter programs and events. Building on the National Financial Literacy initiative, Chapter members committed to volunteer with the local office of Operation Hope. Key objectives for the year included engaging members as volunteers for Chapter programs, focusing on development of student chapters, and enhancing the Chapter program agenda through partnerships and introducing new topics.
