Getting Ready for the Future: Strategic Plan Approved.

TEI's Board of Directors on March 20 took a major step toward preparing the Institute for the new century by approving a comprehensive strategic plan. According to Les Ezrati, TEI's President, the strategic plan will help TEI continue to meet the needs of its members and continue to grow in effectiveness.

"TEI has long viewed itself as the preeminent association of business tax professionals, according to Ezrati. "And it should come as no surprise that the Board approved a mission statement that affirmed the organization's commitment to serving its members and their employers through education, networking, and advocacy. By developing a detailed plan containing goals, objectives, and strategies, the Board has helped ensure that TEI can fulfill that mission while promoting our organizational values of integrity, effectiveness and efficiency, and dedication to improving the tax system."

Ezrati said the Institute's restated goals are both internally and external focused. "Not only must we provide our members with high-quality educational programs and with innovative networking opportunities, but we must enhance the effectiveness of our advocacy initiatives. Equally important, we must work to attract and retain members and to assure an efficient and effective organization."

Explaining that the strategic plan will be made available to all members via the Internet and in The Tax Executive magazine (it is reprinted in this issue, beginning on page 112), Ezrati invited comment on which objectives should be given priority. "Adopting the plan was the easy part," he said. "Now we must all work together to implement it."