Inside AICPA

Mendlowitz honored for top JofA article…
Small firm CPA gets President Bush’s ear…
Practitioner’s good works lead to film role.

Practice Management Article Ranks First
AICPA Chairman and CEO Barry C. Melancon presents the Journal of Accountancy’s 2001 Lawler Award for best article of the year to Edward Mendlowitz, CPA, for “Nine Ways to Make Your Firm More Exciting” (Mar.01, page 63).

In his article Mendlowitz, a partner of Mendlowitz Weitsen LLP in East Brunswick, New Jersey, explained how his firm energized the workplace to motivate employees and encourage them to share constructive ideas with clients.

Each year, the JofA’s editorial advisers choose a winning article, which earns its author $500 and a commemorative plaque. The award is named after John L. Lawler, a former JofA editor and AICPA senior vice-president.

Practitioner Tells Bush of “Trickle-Down” Effect
Carmen J. Aguiar, CPA,of Bellevue, Washington, was a panelist at the economic forum President George W. Bush, right, convened at Baylor University in August. Drawing from her experience in running a small firm, Aguiar expressed concern over the extensive financial reporting requirements her small business clients face.

Accountant Takes Star Turn
After 37 years in practice, Ansel Edidin, CPA, co-founder of Maller, Edidin & Co., PC, decided to keep his day job—but only after he became a minor celebrity. It all started when the Chicago practitioner offered to perform services pro bono for the 11-10-02 Foundation, a local nonprofit organization. When production began on a documentary about the group’s remarkable growth, Edidin was a shoo-in to play its CPA. The movie debuted last month, but Edidin—no longer in makeup—already is back to his daily routine. “I’m excited to be part of the film,” he said, “but my clients don’t have to worry about me moving to Hollywood anytime soon.”