Highlight
The GAR Report is a monthly summary of membership numbers by chapter. In the Chapter Recognition Program, up to 3,000 credits are available in the Membership Section in the areas of Base Growth, New Member Acquisition and Retention.
The GAR lists chapters by size (Group A = 300 or more members; Group B = 150-299 members, etc.). We also publish a GAR by region. It may be useful to see how individual regions compare. Don’t remember what the columns and numbers mean? Read a detailed explanation of the GAR Report.
Mark Your Calendar
Oct. 26—Deadline for AGA's State & Local Government Leadership Awards nominations.
Oct. 26—Deadline for AGA's Federal Leadership Awards nominations.
Oct. 26—Deadline for AGA National/Regional Officer nominations.
Oct. 31—Deadline to request chapter recruitment scholarship funds.
Nov. 9—RVP Second Quarter reporting deadline.
Nov. 13—Chapter Recognition Program second quarter reporting deadline.
Nov. 14—Audio Conference, Conducting Performance Audits Efficiently: Tools and Techniques to Improve Performance Audit Productivity.
CGFM Chapter Promotion
Need an extra incentive to encourage chapter members to apply for the CGFM Program? From Sept. 1 until Nov. 30, AGA will give a rebate of $20 for CGFM applications received with the assistance of AGA chapters. Read more.
Chapter Dues Changes?
Whether it’s increasing, decreasing or completely doing away with chapter dues, please submit any changes to your dues structure to Jessica Jones by Dec. 21 so that they may be reflected in the 2008 – 2009 billing.
CGFMs in Your Chapter!
Obtaining the CGFM certification is an important accomplishment, and we want to encourage you to recognize that achievement in your chapter—in your newsletter, chapter meeting, conference, etc. Who are the new CGFMs in your chapter? Click here for a list of new CGFMs by month and by chapter (you can also get there by clicking on the CGFM logo on the CGFM homepage).
Nominations Needed for AGA National and Regional Leaders
AGA's National Nominating Committee is accepting nominations for leaders to serve on the National Board of Directors for 2008 – 2011. This is an opportunity to shape Association programs, advance your career and represent members' interests in the government accountability community. Nominations, due Friday, Oct. 26, are needed for: National President-Elect, National Treasurer-Elect, Senior Vice President for Regional Services for Section III, Senior Vice President At Large, Regional Vice Presidents-Elect. Read the nominations brochure for more details. Contact Michiyo Wheeler if you have questions.
Yahoo Group Available for Chapter Communicators
AGA's Communications Department has set up a new Yahoo group. This forum gives chapter newsletter editors and webmasters the opportunity to swap questions and answers, best practices, even newsletter articles. Sign up today and get the conversation started. |
October 2007, Volume 2, Issue 9
Still Time to Request Chapter Recruitment Scholarships
A few days remain to request AGA’s chapter recruitment scholarships. These funds, which are free to all chapters, provide financial assistance for recruitment activities.
How does the program work? If your chapter would like to request recruitment funds, send an e-mail to Kim Ferguson. Requests need to be made via e-mail before Oct. 31, 2007; funds will be dispersed immediately. All chapters receive the same base amount; additional funding is given in increments based on chapter membership size. It is then up to the chapter to hold the recruiting event(s) before Feb. 1, 2008. Whether it’s hosting a pizza party, supplementing the cost of a nonmember to attend a lunch or offering gift cards to your membership, once you have completed your activity, we ask that you report back on how the funds were used. We’ll compile the information and share it with all chapters. We hope to end up with a large list of recruitment best practices.
New IRS Filing Requirements for AGA Chapters
Beginning in 2008, small tax-exempt organizations that previously were not required to file a Form 990 (or 990-EZ), Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax, because their gross receipts were normally $25,000 or less, will now be required to file an annual electronic notice. This filing requirement applies to tax periods beginning after Dec. 31, 2006. Many AGA chapters fall within this category and will be required to file the annual electronic notice by the 15th day of the fifth month after the close of the tax period.
The notice will require you to provide the following information: organization’s legal name, mailing address and website, EIN, name and address of principal officer, fiscal year, verification that the organization’s annual gross receipts are still normally $25,000 or less, and indicate whether the organization has terminated (no longer in business).
The form required to file all this information is called 990-N (e-Postcard). The IRS is currently developing this electronic filing system (there will be no paper form) and it will publicize the filing procedures once the system is completed and ready for use.
The IRS will revoke the tax-exempt status of any organization that fails to meet its annual filing requirement for three consecutive years. For additional information, click here.
AGA Leaders: Get Ready for the 2008 SLMs
Sectional Leadership Meetings (SLMs) are held each year to bring together national, regional and chapter leaders with AGA National Office staff to discuss AGA goals and share best practices. More information about the SLMs will be sent to leaders in early 2008. If you’d like to suggest agenda topics or have questions about the SLMs, please contact Raymond Harris, CGFM.
Find the 2008 SLM dates and locations.
AGA’s 2007–2008 Member-Get-A-Member Campaign—We Have a Dream
We have a dream at AGA, and you can help make it happen and be rewarded in Atlanta. We have a dream of a stronger, more visible Association with more power to help you achieve your professional goals. Participate in the We Have a Dream campaign and become eligible for fantastic prizes, including AGA Dollars, Bose audio equipment, meeting registrations and getaways.
We invite each AGA member to recruit at least one new member in this year’s recruitment campaign. Show your enthusiasm with firsthand accounts of how your AGA membership has been a great investment in your professional development and career. The excitement is contagious. AGA is on track to enjoy positive net growth for the third year in a row, and with your help we can do it. Remember, EVERYONE who sponsors a new member is eligible for prizes and recognition in the We Have a Dream campaign. Let’s encourage all of our members to get involved and be a sponsor during this campaign. Read more about the campaign and prizes.
Chapter Credit Card Processing
As you start to plan your chapter and regional events, you might be wondering, “How will we process credit card payments?” Look no further. AGA has reached an agreement with NOVA Information Systems, the credit card processing arm of Wachovia, to provide chapters with their own merchant card platform. Contact Sheryl Mintz-Whiteat at NOVA to get the process started at 301.948.9771. NOVA Information Services is committed to working with chapters to approve their merchant services so they can be self-sufficient, receive their funds immediately and offer more flexibility to the participants in their events.
2008 National Leadership Conference
Make plans to attend the Sixth Annual National Leadership Conference (NLC) Feb. 21 – 22, 2008 in Washington, D.C. This year’s theme, “Dynamic Leadership for Changing Times,” will explore the ever-changing field of government financial management. Staying up to date on new regulations, while maintaining a clear vision of government transformation, can be accomplished through the best training. Click here for more information about the NLC including registration, hotel and travel information.
2008 PDC Hotel Now Accepting Reservations
It’s time to look ahead to PDC 2008. Next year’s conference will take place July 27 – 30 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis.
The room rate is $129 (plus tax). Rates are only guaranteed until July 6, 2008, or until the block is sold out. Reservations received after the block has been filled will be made on a space-available basis and may be subject to higher rates. We encourage you to make your reservations early for the best price and availability.
To make a reservation, please call the hotel at 888.829.1396 and mention you are attending the “AGA PDC” to receive the discounted rate. A credit card is required to guarantee the reservation. Or, for your convenience, you may also reserve a room online.
Hotel Scholarships—Once again, AGA is offering hotel scholarships to each chapter. The scholarship program covers room and tax for two individuals from each AGA chapter for up to five nights.
Please note—The scholarship reservation process is different this year:
- Members chosen by their chapter to receive the hotel scholarship are responsible for making their own reservations.
- Approximately one month before the conference, members participating in the hotel scholarship program will be asked to provide their confirmation numbers and arrival/departure dates, so that we may include them in the scholarship program and move their room and tax charges to AGA’s master account. More information will be provided at a later date.
AGA Receives Sloan Foundation Support to Expand SEA Program
The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation has agreed to fund two new components to AGA's Service Efforts and Accomplishments (SEA) Program in the amount of $260,000 over two years. The funding award will be used to conduct two training programs and to produce a How-to Tool Kit, which will offer a step-by-step guide for government officials on preparing performance reports. The took kit will be updated frequently to include suggested practices, practical applications and case studies. For more information about AGA's SEA Program, contact Eveanna Barry.
Free Event Advertising
Take a moment to list chapter and regional events on AGA’s Training Opportunities calendar. This calendar is a convenient, no cost way for chapters to advertise events for members and nonmembers to see.
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