Highlights


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NLC Wrap Up
More than 600 people were in attendance last Thursday and Friday at AGA's Fourth Annual National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. The record-setting attendance was a testament to the outstanding technical program.

Click here to read highlights from Thursday, February 2.

Click here to read highlights from Friday, February 3.

Click here to view the NLC photo gallery.

AGA Thanks the NLC Sponsors and Exhibitors!


March 1 Audio Conference on SOX, Auditing
AGA, in conjunction with the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers (NASACT), and the National Association of Local Government Auditors (N.A.L.G.A.), is offering this audio conference, worth 2 CPE hours, from 2–3:50 p.m. EST March 1. Early registration ends Feb. 24. Speakers will cover the status of audit and internal control efforts for state and local governments and the possible effects of additional requirements. NASACT Executive Director Kinney Poynter and Nancy A. Valley, CGFM, Partner and National Industry Leader, KPMG LLP, will discuss these issues and the results of a joint AGA/NASACT research project on this topic.
Click here for more information. If you have any questions regarding registration, please contact Julie Cupp. Questions regarding the program should be directed to Raymond Harris, CGFM.


Corporate Partner Spotlight: RWC Consulting Group
RWC Consulting Group’s Government Services Team provides America’s public sector with the finest financial operations experts and management consultants in the industry. A FABS and MOBIS contracts holder, RWC was instrumental in helping one large government client attain an unqualified audit opinion on their 2002, 2003, and 2004 financial statements. Our personnel work hand-in-hand with clients to accomplish their operational and financial goals, improve performance, manage risk and build value. RWC’s specialty is to provide subject-matter-experts, as opposed to generalists. With highly skilled specialists we are able to eliminate long start up learning curves and complete engagements quickly and accurately.

How can RWC help you?

Josh Solomon
Account Executive
6204-A Old Franconia Rd.
Alexandria, VA 22310
PH: 703.922.382
josh.solomon@rwc- consulting.com
www.rwc-consulting.com

Member News
Transportation Department Inspector General Kenneth Mead, a member of AGA's Washington, D.C. Chapter, has announced plans to retire in early February. The Associated Press reported that Mead has been on the job for nine years, longer than any other Transportation Depar tment IG.

 

 

Volume 45: Issue 3, February 6, 2006


TOPICS is Brought to you by AGA Corporate Partner

Grant Thornton Global Public Sector delivers financial, technology and performance management solutions to federal, state and local government clients, and international organizations. Call us to see if we can help your agency manage its resources more efficiently and effectively at 703.637.2750.


From the National President
Sam M. McCall, MPA, CGFM, CPA, CIA, CGAP

I'd like to begin this month by taking a moment to thank each of you for supporting AGA, the professional government financial management organization involved in advancing government accountability at all levels of government.

It does not seem possible that this year as National President is more than halfway over. I have met so many dedicated chapter members and leaders in the profession. In January, I attended the Dallas - Ft. Worth Professional Development Conference. The program was excellent and the attendees represented a cross section of federal, state and local government, as well as the private sector.

Last week was a big week for our Association. Click here to find out more.

See You in San Diego!
Make plans now to attend AGA’s 55th Annual Professional Development Conference & Exposition (PDC). With the theme “Navigating the Way to Citizen-Centered Government,” the PDC promises to be an excellent learning and networking opportunity for government financial managers and accountability professionals.

Education sessions will provide technical training, emerging trend snapshots and leadership secrets from the best in the business. Speakers will explain current regulations, describe future challenges, and share lessons learned in disaster recovery and finance, among many other topics. Concurrent sessions will be organized around the following six tracks:

  • Envisioning 2015: The Future of the Accountability Profession
  • Building and Sustaining Strong Internal Controls
  • State and Local Governments – Challenges, Strategies and Innovations
  • Improving Public Performance: Transforming Data into Results
  • Intergovernmental Financial Management: Collaboration or Frustration?
  • Technology, Tools and Techniques for the 21st Century

In addition to an outstanding technical program, AGA’s PDC provides unparalleled opportunities to network, exchange ideas with your peers and meet new friends. The Exhibit Hall connects you with the industry’s leading suppliers, eager to showcase cutting-edge technologies, products and services to help you to become more effective.

Chapter Leaders! Plan to attend the workshops preented by national office staff on CGFM, Membership, Education, Communications and Chapter Development/Assistance. More information to come!

Register today and secure your place at the government financial management education event of the year!

2006 Call for National Awards Nominations
AGA's National Awards Committee is now accepting nominations for our 10 National Awards to recognize the leaders advancing our profession and setting the standards of excellence:

  • Robert W. King Memorial Award
  • Einhorn-Gary Award
  • Frank Greathouse Distinguished Leadership Award
  • Achievement of the Year Award
  • Educator Award
  • Cornelius E. Tierney/Ernst & Young Research Award
  • Special Achievement Award
  • Chapter Service Award
  • Chapter Education Award
  • Community Service Award

These awards will be presented during AGA's Professional Development Conference and Exposition in San Diego, CA, June 18-21, 2006. In many cases, individuals do not have to be members of AGA to be eligible. All nominations are due by Friday, March 3, 2006. Click here for all nomination forms or for more information contact Rosanna Ortiz at rortiz@agacgfm.org

AGA Now Accepting 2006 Scholarship Applications
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 National awards:

  • Up to six $1,000 full-time merit scholarships to AGA members and their family members,
  • Up to two $500 part-time merit scholarships to AGA members and their family members, and
  • One $1,000 community service scholarship

The deadline for receipt of applications is March 31, 2006. Apply now and take full advantage of your AGA membership. Click here to download a copy of the scholarship application or contact Rosanna Ortiz.

AGA's SEA Reporting Program Announces Two Recipients
AGA is pleased to present the first two 2005 SEA Certificates of Achievement in Service Efforts and Accomplishments (SEA) Reporting Program have been awarded to Maricopa County, AZ, and Bellevue, WA. Congratulations to these two governmental entities! Watch for more announcements coming soon. Certificates will be presented at the Second Annual National Performance Management Conference, October 30-31, in Chicago, IL. More details coming soon about the conference.

Members Vie for Top Recruiter in the Member-Get-A-Member Recruitment Campaign
Jose Lebron, Puerto Rico Chapter, is in the running for Top Recruiter with having recruited 13 new members in this year’s Member-Get-A-Member campaign—Go For Growth!  Not far behind is Daniel Towle, New York Capital Chapter, with 10 recruits.

Each year, the Top Recruiter and the next two top sponsors are awarded a complimentary national meeting registration and are honored at the Awards Ceremony at the annual AGA Professional Development Conference (PDC). This year the PDC takes place in San Diego, CA, June 18–21.

Prizes! Members who recruit at least two members start earning AGA Dollars. Click here to see active AGA recruiters.

Please click here for all of the details, including other prize information. The 2005–2006 Recruitment Campaign runs through April 30, 2006! 

Register Today for the Southeastern Region PDC
Join AGA members in Nashville on March 16-17, 2006 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. With the theme “Open Government – Public Trust and Accountability” the PDC will provide 16 CPE hours. The brochure and on-line registration information are available at the Nashville Chapter website at www.nashvilleaga.org/2006/ PDCBrochure.pdf.

AGA Advertising Opportunities!
Advertise in AGA's electronic newsletters—TOPICS and AGA Today! Get maximum exposure and build your brand. Click here for all the information you need to run your ad! Or, you can contact AGA's Director of Communications, Marie Force.

 

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CGFM Certification—Take the CGFM Exams today!

Click here to register for AGA's 55th Annual Professional Development Conference & Exposition, June 18–21, 2006, San Diego, CA