By: Miranda Edwards
From the moment I walked into the Grandover Resort in Greensboro, I knew I was in for a treat! What a great location to have this event! The meeting kicked off with opening words from Benjamin Hamrick, NCACPA’s immediate past Chair. Ben shared an inspiring story about how he was hit by a car while riding his bike just a year ago. He was determined to continue as the Chair of the association and perform his duties as promised. Wow! If a man that has been hit by a car can stay involved and fulfill his duties, we all can.
The meeting continued to be just as inspiring when Jared Plummer proceeded to the stage to receive the “Taking It to the Max” award. What a great testimony to a man, Maximo Mukelabai, who was a great asset to the association before losing his life unexpectedly. His legacy is still thriving in the association and everyone could feel that energy on Wednesday night. I personally believe Jared Plummer was a perfect fit for this award. As a student who attended the first annual Student Leadership Institute of NC (SLINC) (which was a total success all around, in my personal opinion), it is known that the event’s success was partly attributable to Jared’s hard work and dedication. His love for students, accounting, and the association is compelling!
The night continued with some laughs when the crowd attempted to get Jonathan Kraftchick to impersonate Britney Spears (again), while he received the 5.0 Discussion Leader award. Personally, I really hate I missed that impersonation when it did happen! The crowd also went wild when Mitch Miles took a “selfie” on stage with Ben Hamrick while receiving the 5.0 Discussion Leader award. Hopefully that picture will get posted on the new website!
The night ended with a bang when Holly Bazemore, member engagement strategist for NCACPA, received the Julie Coston award. I have personally gotten to know Holly in the year-and-a-half that I have been involved with the association, and there is never a second that I have been around Holly when she hasn’t had a smile on her face. Her happiness is contagious and I think everyone loves being around such a wonderful person.
Overall, it was a fantastic night! Great food and even better company with North Carolina’s finest! The NCACPA staff continues to put together the best events and I am looking forward to the next one!
Miranda is a recent Johnson & Wales graduate of the Management Accounting program. She is currently serving as the Audit, Tax, and Transaction Services Intern at Cherry Bekaert in Charlotte, North Carolina. She will also be serving as the Student Liaison for the Young CPA Cabinet. Miranda hopes to be attending Winthrop University in May 2014 to begin her degree towards a MBA with Accounting Emphasis.