Insights
From Pittsburgh’s G-20 Summit to this summer’s exciting World Cup soccer, it has become impossible not to notice the ever-increasing rate in which our world is growing smaller. Oceans and time zones are no longer obstacles, but merely challenges to manage.
Our countries are no longer isolated economies, but rather integrated systems in which intercontinental commerce and communication are daily occurrences.
This is a perception that has been amplified for me this year, as I was named Chair of the World Board for IGAF Worldwide, previously known as the International Group of Accounting Firms. This is one of the oldest and largest accounting associations in the world. Schneider Downs was one of 10 founding members of IGAF Worldwide in 1977, and I continue to marvel at its growth. Our association has grown to nearly 130 firms across more than 77 countries across the globe.
IGAF Worldwide provides an outstanding resource for our firm to address the ever-increasing international business needs of our clients. Our clients have business interests in nearly all of those 77 countries, and our ability to provide “boots on the ground” assistance is an important part of our global success.
As Chair of the World Board, I’m enjoying my front row seat as we continue to identify new opportunities for our association’s firms to work together across North America, Europe, Latin America and the Asian Pacific. The future is exciting, and I look forward to sharing updates with you as our progress continues. In the meantime, I invite you to contact me at any time if you would like more details about IGAF Worldwide, or our consulting contacts throughout the world.
This advice is not intended or written to be used for, and it cannot be used for, the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties that may be imposed, or for promoting, marketing or recommending to another person, any tax-related matter.
International
CEO Perspective: Connecting to the World
By Raymond Buehler
July 09, 2010