Spring 2008 issue of Horizons

International World Conference

Chester Moyer, RubinBrown Kansas City Office

The Baker Tilly International World Conference recently was held in “The City of Lights” – Paris, France. Staying consistent with the theme of collaboration and embracing change, member firms from around the world met to discuss issues related to international communications and the global economy. Conference attendees included 340 delegates from more than 70 countries and more than 190 guests. RubinBrown’s Jim Castellano, chairman of Baker Tilly International, provided the session’s opening remarks. The conference formally commenced with a reception in the Pyramide de Louvre, where Castellano thanked everyone for their commitment to the network and congratulated Baker Tilly International on 20 successful years. Castellano commented on the scale of change in the profession over the past two decades. He added that Baker Tilly International has matched the progress of the profession but continues to challenge each region for further growth and to operate as a business. Robin Oakley, European political editor for CNN, provided an overview of the EU as it celebrates its 50th birthday. Oakley discussed whether the EU has been a success story and presented the need to strike a balance between economic reform and social protection. He felt the key test will be how the EU handles Turkey’s Union admission; immigration; the United States, China and Russia; and energy security. To date, Baker Tilly International is the 8th largest accounting and consulting network in the world, with 138 independent firms representing 104 nations and annual aggregate billings of more than $2.5 billion. New members to Baker Tilly International represent Armenia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Spain and Zambia.

Not only does the secondee learn international accounting practices, new ideas and best practices from other firms, they also grow personally. According to one participant, “Many of the individuals I met during the secondment had a much different view on life than the ‘average American’ – they all seemed to make every available opportunity to travel or experience something new. Many Americans discuss 'back-packing' through Europe, taking long holidays, moving to foreign cultures, etc., but rarely make good on these thoughts. Most of the people I met during this experience had the same thoughts but followed through on them and had incredible stories and experiences to share.” Not only does the experience grow and enrich the team members of RubinBrown and the firm, but RubinBrown secondees also are ambassadors to the world. One of our recent secondees remarked, “I gained an appreciation for the reach of RubinBrown. Those we visited know about St. Louis and our culture through RubinBrown by knowing team members from RubinBrown even if they never travel to St. Louis. Those things that we define as St. Louis or KC, like the Rams or the Chiefs, are little known in foreign lands. It is RubinBrown that is St. Louis and KC to them.” RubinBrown is anactiveparticipant within the secondment program of Baker Tilly International because we focus on building talented professionals to provide services to our clients doing business in a growing global economy.

Questions? Contact:

Jim Castellano, CPA Chairman 314-290-3300 james.castellano@rubinbrown.com

6 u winter 2007 issue spring 8