Highlights
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.
AGA National Staff
Have you ever wondered who is on the other end of the line when you call the National Office? To find out, click on "Chapter Resources" in Members Only and then scroll to the bottom under “National Office.”
Mark Your Calendar
March 31—Third quarter Chapter Recognition Program credits due
March 31—Third quarter RVP reports due
March 31—Academic scholarship applications deadline
April 16—National award nominations deadline
April 27–28—AGA’s Federal Performance Conference
GFM Chapter Promotion
To celebrate March as CGFM Month, AGA encourages you to bring the Government Financial Manager (GFM) courses to your chapter. If your chapter holds a GFM course through AGA National during the month of March, the chapter will receive 10 free CGFM Examinations that can be used by the course participants. That is a $1,090 value! If the chapter holds all three GFM courses, it will receive 30 free CGFM Examinations, a $3,270 value! For more information on this promotion and GFM courses, please e-mail Katya Silver or call 703.684.6931, ext. 305.

March is CGFM month!
View the CGFM proclamations here.
Advertise for Free!
AGA’s online Training Opportunities Calendar allows chapters to list upcoming events free of charge. By clicking “Add an Event,” you can advertise your chapter meeting or regional event for everyone to see. With more than 1,200 visits every month, the Training Opportunities Calendar is a great way to get noticed by AGA members and nonmembers alike. |
March 2010, Volume 5, Issue 3
New! AGA’s Federal Performance Conference
AGA has added a new conference to its national education program this year in response to the Obama administration's unprecedented emphasis on transparency and accountability in federal government operations.
AGA's first Federal Performance Conference, which offers 10 CPE hours in addition to networking events, is designed to answer calls for help on this important issue. It is scheduled for April 27–28 at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, D.C. The conference starts at 1 p.m. Tuesday and runs all day Wednesday. Cost is $395 for AGA members and $495 for nonmembers.
Sessions include:
- Getting the Most Out of Your Financial Statements, Budgets and Performance Information
- Communicating Performance Information Through Social Media
- Learning from State and Local Governments—Using Data to Manage
- Strategic Planning—Why is it Necessary and How Can the Process Foster Successful Results?
- Working Toward the Same Goal—Forming Partnerships to Create Change
- Performance Evaluations—Analyzing the Results for Better Program Management
Exchange ideas with the best in the business, make new contacts and perhaps even find a solution to a vexing problem. Select exhibitors will demonstrate the latest technologies to help your agency plan and prepare for the federal reporting requirements for 2011. For more information contact Evie Barry.
Take the 16th Annual AGA CFO Survey
The 16th annual AGA CFO survey needs your participation. This year’s topics cover financial management, operations and reporting (including for the Recovery Act). Results will be presented at AGA's Professional Development Conference this July in Orlando. Remember, AGA will give the chapter with the highest response rate to this survey a cash award of $300; second highest will receive $200 and third will receive $100. The award will be based on the number of responses received per chapter divided by the total registered membership of a chapter. Please be sure to enter your chapter’s name when you fill out the survey. Take the survey.
AGA PDC Overflow Hotel
If you are unable to obtain a room at the Orlando World Center Marriott you may contact the Courtyard Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village for reservations.
The Courtyard Orlando Lake Buena Vista offers a great location and numerous amenities such as a food court with convenient dining options, a game room, three swimming pools, a 24-hour business center, three fitness facilities and laundry rooms on virtually every floor. Spacious guest rooms include refrigerators, wireless web TV, Sony PlayStation® and complimentary high-speed Internet.
The Courtyard is located just one mile from Walt Disney World® Resort and Downtown Disney, and is in close proximity to upscale shopping outlets and Orlando’s top attractions. Complimentary shuttle service will be provided for PDC attendees.
To make a reservation, please call 877.682.8552 or 407.938.9001 and mention that you are attending the AGA PDC to receive the $108 rate.
Call for National Award Nominations
AGA’s National Awards Committee is now accepting nominations for the 13 National Awards that recognize the leaders advancing our profession and setting the standards of excellence. These awards will be presented during AGA's Professional Development Conference & Exposition (PDC) in Orlando, July 11–14. In many cases, individuals do not have to be members of AGA to be eligible. All nominations are due by Friday, April 16. Nomination forms and additional information is available online or contact Louise Kapelewski.
Call for 2010 National Academic Scholarships
Are you or a family member pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in disciplines such as accounting, auditing, budgeting, economics, finance, information technology, public administration, etc.? If so, consider applying for an AGA National Academic Scholarship today. Each year, AGA awards up to four $3,000 full-time merit scholarships to AGA members and their family members; one $1,000 part-time merit scholarships to AGA members and their family members; and one $3,000 community service scholarship. The deadline for receipt of applications is March 31. Download a copy of the application or contact Louise Kapelewski.
Chapter Highlights Successful Recruitment Practices
AGA’s Montgomery Chapter had great success using its Chapter Recruitment Scholarship funds. The chapter adopted a three-pronged approach to its campaign titled, “Share the Magic—Montgomery.” With that theme, the membership committee promised to focus on the three “Rs”: retaining current members, revitalizing interest of former members, and reaching for nonmembers to join the Association.
The recruitment funds allowed the chapter to meet each of those goals. First, they were able to revitalize interest with a chapter Bowl-a-thon (a first for the chapter). The games were against early career, students, CGFM and other members. Many invited family members so they could mingle with the chapter as well. The chapter reported a great turnout and everyone is looking forward to the next match-up. Second, they were able to recruit three new members, one early career and two student members. Finally, they reached out to nonmembers with gifts. With the funds, they were able to purchase four t-shirts to be given away at their monthly luncheons.
Take the CGFM Exams before the PDC
Don't miss the opportunity to take the CGFM Exams and earn your CGFM before the annual Professional Development Conference (PDC) in Orlando. AGA is offering a two-day Intensive Review Course on Thursday, July 8 and Friday, July 9 and an opportunity to take CGFM Exams on July 10–11. The cost of the course is only $279 for qualified participants, and it offers 18 CPE hours. Special Bonus: The CGFM Exams are offered at no cost to course attendees.
This course is designed as a supplement to previous preparation for the CGFM Exams, so this is a perfect opportunity for those individuals who have already attended GFM training courses or have been preparing by using the CGFM Study Guides. Enrollment is limited and participants must first apply and be accepted into the CGFM Program, so don't delay.
More information and a registration form for this event are available on the AGA website.
Chapter Dues Changes?
If your chapter is thinking about increasing or decreasing its annual dues, please e-mail Jessica Jones with the new amounts before March 31.

AGA Brings Education to You
AGA currently offers 41 classroom-type training courses to meet your staff's training and education needs. These AGA-sponsored courses are presented at your facility by experienced and knowledgeable financial management professionals. Participants are awarded CPE hours at the conclusion of each course. The courses fall under the following nine broad fields of study:
- Accounting
- Auditing
- Auditing (Governmental)
- Behavioral Ethics
- Communications
- Finance
- Management Advisory Services
- Personal Development
- Specialized Knowledge and Application
For a more detailed look at all 41 courses, visit AGA’s Continuing Education website. For pricing and additional information about AGA’s Education program, please contact Joe Jozefczyk at 800.AGA.7211, ext 307; or Lynn Hoffman, ext 342.
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