Spring 2009 issue of Horizons

Baker Tilly International

INTERNATIONAL NEWS u

BTI World Conference

By James G. Castellano, CPA

The member firms of Baker Tilly International came together in Tokyo, Japan, in October 2008 for the network’s annual World Conference. Approximately 250 delegates were in attendance at the conference, where we discussed the global economy, reinforced the value of membership in Baker Tilly International, and explored Japanese culture and philosophy. The theme of the 2008 World Conference – Connecting Cultures – aptly describes the success of the event. As chairman of Baker Tilly International, I offered the conference’s opening remarks, reminding the audience that in the current global economic situation, Baker Tilly International, the world’s eighth largest network, is in a prime position to succeed. Because of this, the network must be more vigilant than ever, maintaining its business plans, strengthening relationships between member firms and not taking success for granted. Geoff Barnes, CEO of Baker Tilly International, outlined the network’s strategic plan, mission and vision statements, identifying key success factors needed to retain our strength as one of the world’s leading networks. He encouraged delegates to strive to achieve these objectives and maintain consistency throughout each Baker Tilly International member firm. The week continued with a wide mix of presentations on business and economics. Atsushi Saito, president and CEO of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, spoke about the capital markets in Japan, and Toshio Kinoshita, CEO of the Japanese Institute of CPAs, informed our members about developments in the Japanese accounting profession.

7 u spring 2009 issue