Pittsburgh Hosts 2008 National Conference of CPAmerica International, a Leading Alliance of Independent Accounting and Management Consulting Firms
Malin Bergquist, a Pittsburgh "Top 20" CPA Firm, Plays Key Role in Bringing Conference Here

PITTSBURGH, June 22, 2008 – CPAmerica International, part of the world’s sixth largest association of independent accounting and management consulting firms, brought nearly 150 audit partners and marketing and technology specialists from 56 CPA firms to Pittsburgh from across the nation for its annual conference on June 24-27, 2008.

CPAmerica conference attendees from across the nation enjoy Pittsburgh's sights and sounds, including spectacular views of the Ohio River and Heinz Field, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Conference-goers enjoyed the sights and sounds of the 250-year-old city that is celebrating both its historical anniversary and its rebirth as a cultural center. Top national experts, led by Jim Ball, CEO of The Goals Institute, inspired attendees and provided CPE credit, while the learning experience continued as members networked with each other and shared helpful knowledge and experiences.

During the conference, CEO David Bluemling and COO Jeffrey Beach spoke at events to welcome the group to Pittsburgh to celebrate the city's 250th anniversary.

Also speaking at substantive sessions of the conference were Malin Bergquist's Anthony Dodds, director of the firm's Public Company/SEC Group, gives a presentation on FIN 48 (accounting for uncertainty in income taxes). Christopher Luikart, information technology manager, leads a presentation on SAS 94 (effect of information technology on an auditor's considerations of internal control in a financial statement audit). Mark Miner, chief marketing officer, introduces Pittsburgh Business Times editor Lauren Lawley Head for her talk on "How to Work with the Press." Miner also jointly makes a presentation on "Tips for Winning Proposals" with Mary Bevans Gillett of Dennis, Gartland & Niergarth of Traverse City, MI.

CEO David Bluemling (center) and Duquesne University's Robert Kollar (right) are interviewed on "Our Region's Business" on WPXI-TV by host Bill Flanagan. View the clip.

Television Interview - To promote the conference and its role in celebrating Pittsburgh 250, Blueming is interviewed on WPXI-TV by Bill Flanagan, president of the Pittsburgh 250 Commission and executive vice president of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development. Also appearing on the segment is CPA Robert Kollar, director of the Master of Accountancy Program at Duquesne University's Palumbo-Donahue School of Business, discussing how the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants is addressing the shortage of talent in the field. In concluding the interview, Flanagan thanks Bluemling "for stepping up and showing the leadership to bring them here."

Many leading guest speakers provide substantive content to CPAmerica conference attendees

About CPAmerica - CPAmerica is an alliance of more than 70 large, closely integrated CPA firms coast to coast, including Malin, Bergquist and Company, LLP, based on the North Hills. CPAmerica and its partner, Horwath International Alliance, comprise a global network of 18,000 professionals in 450 cities on six continents. Malin Bergquist, which has doubled in size last year, now has 120 employees and is one of Pittsburgh’s 20 largest CPA firms as ranked by the Pittsburgh Business Times.

“CPAmerica’s network of firms has been a vital liaison for scores of Pittsburgh-area companies who need expertise from top experts across the United States and overseas,” said Malin Bergquist's Bluemling. “It’s especially beneficial for companies seeking access to foreign CPA firms that have local relationships and can leverage local customs, cultures and business practices to advance Pittsburgh’s business interests.”

Pittsburgh 250 - Pittsburgh’s 250th anniversary planning is being managed by the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, of which Malin Bergquist is a regional investor. Malin Bergquist was a driving force behind CPAmerica’s decision to come to Pittsburgh, tied to the Conference’s “Imagine Pittsburgh” theme which encourages businesses to bring meetings, conventions and reunions to the city during the 2008 anniversary year.

Pittsburgh skyline photograph copyright Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 2003, all rights reserved. Used with permission courtesy of the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance.