Download the PDF version *Please note that updates are continually made to the Job Board section of the MiniNews (PDF format) after its original release. Check the Job Board regularly.
President’s Message
By: Jesse Takahashi
It’s Been a Super Good Year
This is my last message as President since the leadership will transition effective with the Annual Conference the first week in March. It will also be the last message under the current MiniNews format. By next month, the first issue of the CSMFO Magazine will debut, bringing a new cache and branding to our name. It’s been a great run, as they say, but now it’s time to enhance our stature and standing as the premier professional organization that we are, and this will be just one of the tangible ways with which we are starting.
It has been a truly enjoyable experience for me serving as your President in 2015, and I am honored and very thankful to have had the opportunity to work with many hardworking and dedicated individuals that are committed to making our organization so great. It takes a tremendous amount of teamwork to run a successful organization like ours, and we are fortunate to have so much talent and energy among us. From the myriad of volunteer hours put in by our municipal members on committees, chapters and other appointed positions, to the support of our commercial members at our Annual Conference and chapter meetings, to the work of our team of consultants, Ahmed Badawi, Michael Coleman, Don Maruska, Susan Mayer and Bill Statler, CSMFO continues to offer the highest quality training and services to its members. Additionally, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of our administrative staff that is responsible for the smooth operation of everything we do by coordinating all the pieces and making sure things come together the way they should. That would be none other than our fabulous staff at Smith Moore & Associates, under the leadership of Executive Director Melissa Dixon. Working closely with SMA are our Annual Conference planners, Teri Anticevich and Janet Salvetti, who do an equally fabulous job in helping produce an outstanding Conference each year.
All of these efforts are overseen and directed by our Board of Directors, and I wish to thank my Board for their direction and leadership during 2015. Special thanks to our outgoing Board members Joan Michaels Aguilar (City of Dixon) and Margaret Moggia (West Basin Municipal Water District), who served in this capacity for the past three years, and outgoing Past President Pamela Arends-King (Union Sanitary District), who worked as the liaison to the network of chapters. I also want to welcome new Board members Chu Thai (City of Monterey Park), Jimmy Forbis (City of Monterey) and President-Elect Drew Corbett (City of San Mateo) who I know will bring new ideas and work to continue the history of excellence to CSMFO as has been our tradition. Lastly, best wishes to John Adams, who will be serving as our new President in 2016. Together, this new team has many great things planned for the upcoming year.
I encourage you to review the recently published 2015 Annual Report which provides a look-back at the past year and highlights what transpired including the many accomplishments of CSMFO. You will be amazed at the amount of work that was completed and benefits that were offered to our members.
As a reminder, please remember to sign up to attend our Annual Conference at Disneyland. We have a record number registered so far and still climbing. With the outstanding program lineup and events planned, it is definitely going to be a Super Conference. I’m looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible there.
Thank you again for the opportunity to serve. I look forward to continue serving in the capacity of Past President and working with our chapters to enhance the work done at the local level.
By the way, enjoy the Super Bowl. Panthers by 7.
Executive Director’s Message
By: Melissa Dixon, CAE
I have news to share with you all!
As you probably know by now, I’m not actually employed by CSMFO. CSMFO contracts with Smith Moore & Associates (SMA), an association management company, for my services as well as those of the rest of the staff. SMA currently has seventeen (17) organizations that we manage out of our office in Sacramento, including the California Municipal Treasurers Association (CMTA) and the California Association of Joint Powers Authorities (CAJPA), to which I know some of you also belong.
This year, SMA will be celebrating its tenth anniversary. We opened our doors in May 2006…I was SMA’s first employee, and have been involved since before its inception. (I’ve actually worked with Catherine Smith, SMA’s founder, for over 18 years now!) Some of you may also know Justin Lewis, who manages all things technical for SMA. Justin was also involved with SMA since before its inception, and came on board as an employee in the fall of 2006.
I am very excited to tell you all that as of January 1, 2016, I’m no longer just an employee of SMA—I’m now a partner in the firm, alongside Justin Lewis. He and I have both had our efforts toward the success of SMA recognized by Catherine, and we have taken the first steps in a succession plan for when Catherine decides to retire.
It’s been an interesting process, looking back over the last ten years at SMA…I was involved in getting this firm off the ground. Catherine and I went shopping together at Office Max for our very first staplers and reams of paper. We sat opposite each other in an otherwise empty room, waiting for the phone to ring. To think of those humble beginnings and then compare them to where we are now, a thriving company with 15 employees and 17 long-term clients…it’s inspiring. I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished so far with SMA, and I can’t wait to see where the future takes us.
Thank you to CSMFO for helping me get where I am today.
A Finance Life For Me! LAND AHOY!
We at last have ‘land ahoy!’ We be dock’n pierside shortly. So maties, a final word from yer gnarly Cap’n before ye land lubbers walk ashore. So ye been tellin’ me about th’ excitin’ finance life fer me opportunities. I would like to atten’ along wit’ over a thousand o’ ye buckos but alas, me be attending to ye ship. So we must before I sail out part our ways but be tellin’ me ‘bout th’ opportunities ye gonna have at the Conference.
This year’s Conference promises to be the greatest success ever. Registration to date has been the largest in CSMFO history with over 1,100 strong, and the list of educational sessions and other networking opportunities is, well “soaring” over California in Disneyland-like style.
On Wednesday there will be a few “Early Bird” sessions offered at no additional fee, including a comprehensive forecast for the U.S. and California economies from Beacon Economics’ Founding Partner, Dr. Christopher Thornberg. The second Early Bird session will include Alan Milligan and Cheryl Eason with an update on the CalPERS pension funding – a Risky Business. Don’t miss ‘Leveraging Your CSMFO Membership’ that morning as well!
There are now numerous confirmed informative sessions on GASB, treasury and investments, budgetary best practices, debt management, project management, IT and cyber security, revenues, water rates and leadership skills. The ever popular “Coleman Report,” by local government consultant Michael Coleman is schedule for Thursday afternoon. There will also be an opportunity for you to meet with a CalPERS Actuary (appointments required). We are targeting 22 potential CPE credits throughout the conference.
We have four engaging and energetic keynote speakers. Kicking off our opening general session on Wednesday, Jon Gordon will take us on an enlightening and inspiring ride that reveals secrets for approaching life and work with the kind of positive forward-thinking that leads to true accomplishment – at work and at home. Jon Gordon will infuse us with keen insights, actionable strategies and a big dose of positive infectious energy. When you get on ‘The Energy Bus’ you’ll enjoy the ride of your life!
You will not want to miss the “Passing Zone – with ICE” (chainsaws and all) at Thursday’s general session. There is no better way to visually bring the “ICE” principles to light than through The Passing Zone’s energetic and inspiring presentation.
Friday morning will be Dave Childs (just think of the theme song from “It’s a Small World”) and be prepared to leave the session with practical tools for creating a positive culture of ethics, transparency and positive values for your work place.
And finally, Neil Kupchin will be our closing keynote speaker on Friday. Don’t miss Neil’s session on how to turn the ideas and concepts you gained at the Conference into actionable workplace improvements.
Arrr, matey, don’t delay and be left out, register today. Yo-ho yo-ho, a finance life for me!
Frequently Asked Questions about the 2016 After Hours Party
The Thursday night event at this year’s Annual Conference is very different than it has been in the past, with many moving parts, and (understandably!) many of you have had questions. Hopefully this answers most of them!
Q: I already registered, but now I want to add an extra After Party ticket. Can I do that?
A: Yes! You can do this by contacting our office and providing a credit card over the phone for the additional ticket.
Q: My agency will pay for my registration, but I want to pay for my After Party tickets personally.
A: Have your agency write a check for your registration, and call the office with a credit card number to run any personal charges. You can also register online for just the registration, pay with your agency credit card at that time, and then call our office to add additional personal charges.
Q: How do I get extra Disneyland tickets?
A: Beyond the one Twilight ticket included in your registration, Disneyland tickets have to come from Disneyland. Please visit their website. Please note: the online discounted ticket store closes at 9pm on Sunday, February 28. Twilight tickets and discounted park tickets are not available after this time.
Q: Will I be able to add Twilight or After Party tickets onsite at the Conference?
A: No. All Twilight and After Party reservations must be made through CSMFO during online registration, which closes February 15. While we may have some extra tickets onsite, the availability will be very limited and you should not rely on this. Please order any Twilight or After Party tickets by February 15.
Q: I lost my Twilight ticket/After Party wristband. Can I get another?
A: Unfortunately, no. At least, not for free. CSMFO is charged for every ticket and wristband, whether you use it or lose it. Please double check your tickets when you check in at registration, and keep them in a very safe place until Thursday night.
Q: What are the park hours for that night?
A: Disneyland and California Adventure both close at 8pm on Thursday, March 3. Please note, however, that Main Street and Buena Vista Street (the main thoroughfares for Disneyland and CA, respectively) close at 9pm.
Q: Will there be food?
A: Dinner is on your own this year (we’re giving Twilight park tickets instead of a meal). But the 9:30 – 11:30 pm After Party will feature a hosted bar and desserts (churros, popcorn, cupcakes, etc.). There will also be a coffee and hot chocolate bar.
Q: I’m staying at the Anaheim Majestic. How do I get to Disneyland?
A: The Majestic provides free shuttles to the Disneyland main gate during park hours.
Q: I’m staying at the Anaheim Majestic. How do I get back after the After Party?
A: CSMFO has arranged to have a shuttle provided for those staying at the Majestic. The shuttle will make two trips (one at 11:15 pm and one at 11:45 pm), and will pick up from the shuttle area outside the Disneyland main gates. The shuttle has a capacity for 30 people, so it may be better to carpool to Disneyland if you have the ability. Or, it’s only about a mile away—or a 20-minute walk!
Q: What if it rains?
A: Then we get wet! Disney always offers ponchos for sale (at the hotel, within the parks themselves) when it rains. If it’s raining that day, you may want to pick one up and bring it with you into the After Party. Disney has assured us they’d have covered areas for the desserts.
*Just a friendly reminder, while this is taking place in Disneyland it is a professional networking event. Please keep that in mind when considering your After Party guests!
Ask the Experts & GFOA CPFO Opportunity!
Ask the Experts!
New this year to the CSMFO booth in the Exhibit Hall will be our “Ask the Experts” feature! Have a question that’s keeping you up at night? Stop by the CSMFO booth for some one-on-one time with CSMFO consultants such as , Michael Coleman, Bill Statler and more!
CPFO Exam at the CSMFO Annual Conference
CSMFO is hosting a GFOA Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) Exam event on Tuesday, March 1st at the Annual Conference in Anaheim. There is a morning and an afternoon session. Deadline to register is February 16, 2016.
Additional information on the certification program and the upcoming exam: http://www.gfoa.org/cpfo and http://www.gfoa-cpfo.org/dates.html.
Anaheim Majestic Shuttle Schedule
Staying at the Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel during the Conference? There’s a free shuttle for that!
Shuttle departure times from Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel to the Disneyland Hotel (this will take you directly to the Disneyland Hotel conference center):
Wed, 3/2: 8:15am & 9:45am
Thur, 3/3: 7:15am & 7:45am
Fri, 3/4: 7:15am & 7:45am
Shuttle pick up from Disneyland Hotel:
Wed, 3/2: 5:30pm & 6:45pm
Thur, 3/3: 4:00pm & 5:30pm
Fri, 3/4: 12:30pm & 1:00pm
Shuttle pick up from Disneyland Main Gate:
Thur, 3/3: 11:15pm & 11:45pm
The shuttle is based on availability and will only make one run per scheduled time. The shuttle can accommodate up to 30 guests per trip. Once the last shuttle for the day is full, it is your responsibility to find an alternative form of transportation.
Please Note: The Anaheim Majestic also offers a free shuttle to the Disneyland Main Gate every half hour during open park hours.
CONFERENCE AT – A – GLANCE
Tuesday
8:00 am – 5:00 pm CPFO Exam
8:30 am – 4:00 pm Golf
9:30 am – 4:00 pm Pre-conference Sessions
10:00 am – 2:00 pm Stuffing Party (CSMFO staff will be stuffing bags with all necessary
items for the conference. Want to help? Email Melissa Dixon.)
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm Tennis
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm Registration Open
Wednesday
7:30 am – 4:30 pm Registration Open
9:00 am – 10:00 am Early Bird Session – Economic Update
10:00 am – 11:00 am Early Bird Session – Risky Business!
10:00 am – 11:30 am Exhibit Hall Open
10:30 am – 11:15 am Leveraging Your CSMFO Membership
11:15 am Doors Open for General Session
11:45 am – 1:45 pm Opening Luncheon & Keynote Presentation
2:00 pm – 3:15 pm Breakout Sessions
3:15 pm – 4:00 pm Dessert Break in the Exhibit Hall
4:00 pm – 5:15 pm Breakout Sessions
4:15 pm – 4:45 pm J.P. Morgan Presents – Case in Point
5:15 pm – 6:30 pm Vendor Reception in Exhibit Hall
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Women in Public Finance (CPF) Reception
Thursday
7:30 am – 4:30 pm Registration Open
7:30 am – 8:30 am Breakfast with the Exhibitors
7:30 am – 2:30 pm Exhibit Hall Open
8:30 am – 9:45 am Breakout Sessions
9:00 am – 9:30 am MGO Presents – Case in Point
9:45 am – 10:15 am Break in Exhibit Hall
10:15 am – 11:30 am Breakout Sessions
11:30 am – 1:45 pm Luncheon & Keynote Presentation
1:45 pm – 2:30 pm Dessert Break in the Exhibit Hall
2:30 pm – 3:45 pm Breakout Sessions
4:00 pm – 5:15 pm Breakout Sessions
9:00 pm Meet at Rose Compass Between the parks
9:15 pm Walk into Disneyland
9:30 pm – 11:30 pm After Party in Adventureland
Friday
7:30 am – 12:00 pm Registration Open
7:30 am – 10:00 am Breakfast, Business Meeting & Keynote Presentation
10:15 am – 11:15 am Breakout Sessions
11:30 am – 12:30 pm Closing Keynote Presentation
Unemployment Insurance is Not Really Insurance
But it can act like it is!
From: First Nonprofit Group’s “Financial Mechanics of Funding SUTA” series
In the world of for-profit companies, State Unemployment Insurance is a payroll tax assessed on employers to fund unemployment benefits. It is habitually and imperfectly called “unemployment insurance” or SUI (aka SUTA). Insurance Commissioners in nearly every state differentiate other forms of insurance from this employer tax assessed by their state to collect funds to pay for unemployment “insurance” benefits. In fact, those tax payments are often referred to as “employer contributions” in much of the unemployment literature published by the various state agencies.
However, in the world of 501c3 nonprofits, tribal enterprises and governmental employers, SUI actually provides the option to either elect to pay that tax, or opt out and reimburse, or essentially self-insure the cost of re-paying the state for benefits paid out in the future. Oddly enough, accountants practicing double entry accounting might see reimbursement payments to a state as both a liability and an expense of business operations. In reality, every type of future liability presents an occasion for risk transfer and/or insurance coverage.
As a straightforward financial transaction, making the reimbursing election seems easy enough and it nearly always is immediately cheaper. But how a nonprofit funds future unemployment benefit losses turns out to be anything but simple.
For nonprofit organizations, at the core of the problem is the natural human inclination to pay small financial losses that are sure to occur, in favor of avoiding much larger losses that are less likely to happen. When applied to a recognized insurance product, this means that many people would often rather pay premiums, i.e., small but certain losses (SUI tax, or some other pooled risk), even if it exposes them to potentially disastrous future losses.
Insurance experts often opine that people would make better decisions about their future risk if they understood that a place still afire from a lightning strike is as likely to be struck again as any other. Rather than regarding premiums paid for insurance that doesn’t immediately appear to pay a claim as an uncompensated loss, it is, in fact, financial protection against future ruinous loss.
So, having a thoughtful financial strategy utilizing some level of solid, established coverage of future unknown risk is an excellent business practice. First Nonprofit Group brings nonprofits, tribal enterprises and governmental employers to speed on the benefits of having both a solid financial strategy and coordinated cost control measures that meet a variety of diverse needs now and in the future.
For more information about First Nonprofit Group unemployment services, please contact us.
Source: First Nonprofit Group’s “Financial Mechanics of Funding SUTA” series
Next article: “Savvy Nonprofits Create a Solid Funding Strategy“
Welcome New CSMFO Members!
- Alison Lewis, Student at Chaffey College – Rancho Cucamonga, Central Los Angeles Chapter
- Kristin Nguyen, Laguna Niguel, Senior Accountant, Central Los Angeles Chapter
- Renuka Dhadwal, Dublin, Administrative Technician, Central Los Angeles Chapter
- Darlene Wong, San Bruno, Accounting Manager, Central Los Angeles Chapter
- Roxana Puerner, Sacramento Public Library Authority, Administrative Analyst, Central Valley Chapter
- Amy Cunningham, Moraga, Administrative Services Director, Central Valley Chapter
- Alia Khouri, San Diego, Deputy Director, Central Valley Chapter
- Tatiana Szerwinksi, Beverly Hills, Senior Budget & Financial Analyst, Channel Counties Chapter
- Vanessa Alfaro, Beverly Hills, Accountant II, Channel Counties Chapter
- Pedram Darabian, Montebello, Account Clerk II, Channel Counties Chapter
- Van Dao, Montebello, Accountant, Channel Counties Chapter
- Pam Berkowitz, Independent, Director, Coachella Valley Chapter
- Rosendo Rodriguez, Menlo Park, Finance / Budget Manger, East Bay Chapter
- Jeff Kuramoto, Garden Grove, Revenue Supervisor, East Bay Chapter
- Lori Yamasaka, Redondo Beach, Payroll & Finance Manager, East Bay Chapter
- Marina Crandall, San Marcos, Senior Accountant, East Bay Chapter
- Robert Base, Arcadia, Accountant, East Bay Chapter
- Judith Vincent, San Clemente, Finance Manager, East Bay Chapter
- Amy Weston, Riverside County Transportation Commission, Accountant, East Bay Chapter
- Kristen Madary, Camarillo, Accountant, East Bay Chapter
- Ryan Smith, Aliso Viejo, Senior Accountant, East Bay Chapter
- Hong Nguyen, Eadie & Payne LLP, CPAs, Manager, East Bay Chapter
- Angelica Teaupa, South San Francisco, Management Analyst, Inland Empire Chapter
- Kellyn Sanderson, Encinitas, Finance Technician, Inland Empire Chapter
- Nathan Statham, Rogers, Anderson, Malody & Scott, LLP, Accountant, Inland Empire Chapter
- Elena Perez, San Diego, Deputy Director, Inland Empire Chapter
- Anita Chang, Fremont, Accounting Technician, Inland Empire Chapter
- Nancy Dannhauser, Central Fire Protection District of Santa Cruz, Business Services Manager, Inland Empire Chapter
- Glenda Wong, San Francisco (City and County), Accounting & Reconciliation Manager, Inland Empire Chapter
- Dustin Andolsen, Pomona, Principal Accountant, Inland Empire Chapter
- Tracie Madison, Manteca, Deputy Director of Finance, Monterey Bay Chapter
- Jeri Tejeda, Manteca, Accounting Manager, North Coast Chapter
- Elizabeth Bretthauer, Manhattan Beach, Financial Analyst, North Coast Chapter
- Emily Combs, Fairfield, Budget Manager, Orange County Chapter
- Annabelle Wang, Pasadena, Accountant, Orange County Chapter
- Wai Ying Clara Wong, Pasadena, Senir Accountant, Orange County Chapter
- Henry Chen, Pasadena, Principal Accountant, Orange County Chapter
- Shaoyin Wei, Pasadena, Sr. Accountant, Orange County Chapter
- Bei Lin, Pasadena, Accountant, Orange County Chapter
- Jie Guo, Pasadena, Principal Accountant, Orange County Chapter
- Erin Backs, Westminster, Financial Services Manager, Orange County Chapter
- Sheri Emerson, City of Exeter, Finance Officer, Orange County Chapter
- Juan Zaragoza, Macias, Gini & O’Connell LLP, Audit Manager, Orange County Chapter
- Serena Bubenheim, West Covina, Accountant, Orange County Chapter
- Brenda Ramirez, West Covina, Accountant, Orange County Chapter
- Nicole Lugotoff, West Covina, Accounting Manager, Orange County Chapter
- Norite Vong, San Leandro, Sr. Accountant, Orange County Chapter
- Janet Sutter, Orange County Transportation Authority, Executive Director, Internal Audit, Orange County Chapter
- Gabriel Tang, Orange County Transportation Authority, Principle Internal Auditor, Orange County Chapter
- Kimberly Siemen, Pasadena, Principal Administrative Analyst, Peninsula Chapter
- Jackie Claiborne, Sacramento, Senior Accountant/Auditor, Peninsula Chapter
- Daniel Choe, Sacramento, Supervising Financial Analyst, Peninsula Chapter
- Kevin Leung, Belmont, Controller, Peninsula Chapter
- Jeff Jones, Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, Deputy Financial Officer, Peninsula Chapter
- Christine Autio, Sacramento, Program Specialist, Peninsula Chapter
- Danny Rodriguez, Gardena, Junior Accountant, Sacramento Valley Chapter
- Amy Dallosta, Indian Wells, Accounting Technician II, Sacramento Valley Chapter
- Jessica Sarmiento, Inland Empire Utilities Agency, Financial Analyst II, Sacramento Valley Chapter
- Paula Hooven, Inland Empire Utilities Agency, Financial Analyst II, Sacramento Valley Chapter
- Lori Scott, , Administrative Accounting Techncian, San Diego County Chapter
- Barry Taugher, Simpler Systems, Vice President, San Diego County Chapterv
- Corey Garberolio, Petaluma, Accountant / Analyst, San Diego County Chapter
- Christopher Thomas, Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, Senior Accountant, San Diego County Chapter
- Deborah Beckley, Fountain Valley, Account Tech II, San Diego County Chapter
- Luke Rioux, Goleta, Accounting Manager, San Gabriel Valley Chapter
- Pascal Saghbini, Orange County Transportation Authority, Accounting/Reporting Sec. Mgr, San Gabriel Valley Chapter
- Changsu Lee, Orange County Transportation Authority, Principal Accountant, San Gabriel Valley Chapter
- Benjamin Torres, Orange County Transportation Authority, Section Manager, San Gabriel Valley Chapter
- Ann Marumoto, Orange County Transportation Authority, Section Manager, San Gabriel Valley Chapter
- Ron Hayes, Pico Rivera, Accountant III, San Gabriel Valley Chapter
- Enrico Tobing, Van Lant & Fankhanel, LLP, Staff Auditor, San Gabriel Valley Chapter
- Richard Clark, Harris & Associates, Sr. Project Manager, San Gabriel Valley Chapter
- Hazel de Guzman, Pico Rivera, ACCOUNTANT III, San Gabriel Valley Chapter
- Karen Huang, Los Altos Hills, Finance Manager, San Gabriel Valley Chapter
- David Noce, Santa Clara, Accounting Division Manager, San Gabriel Valley Chapter
- Jennifer Luong, San Pablo, Finance Supervisor, San Gabriel Valley Chapter
- Noah Daniels, Rancho Cucamonga, Finance Manager, South Bay Chapter
- Susan Rivera, Orange, Budget Officr, South Bay Chapter
- Claudia Flores, Garden Grove, Senior Accountant, South Bay Chapter
- Henry Chao, Garden Grove, Senior Accountant, South Bay Chapter
- Harry Wong, Garden Grove, Accounting Supervisor, South Bay Chapter
- Melanie Purcell, Sausalito, Administrative Services Director, South Bay Chapter
- Katrina Jackson, El Dorado Hills Community Services District, Director of Administration & Finance, South San Joaquin Valley Chapter
Chapter Meetings
Central Coast Chapter Meeting
– 11 February 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Speakers: Michael R. Derr, Contracts/Purchasing Officer & Fleet Business Manager; Director North – California Associations of Public Purchasing Officals (CAPPO); Secratary/Tresurer – National Procurement Institute Executive Board (NPI)
Joint CMTA/CSMFO (Orange County) Luncheon
– 18 February 11:30am – 1:30pm
Presented by: Mark Huebsch, Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth
and Michael Busch, Urban Futures Inc.
Coaching Corner
Finance positions have become some of the toughest jobs to fill in local government. Learn what you can do to help yourself and your organization thrive into the future. Invite your agency’s human resource professionals to join you for fresh ideas you can use.
“Succession Planning for Local Government Finance” – webinar
10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Pacific Time, Thursday, February 11, 2016
Sponsored by CSMFO Coaching Program
Advance registration required for this no-charge webinar:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8804233078687148801
Webinar topics:
1. What are the challenges to find and retain qualified finance professionals?
2. How can Finance Departments plan and adapt for a productive future?
3. What are examples of best practices you can consider?
4. What tools and resources can help your agency thrive?
Presenters:
* Suzanne Mason, Assistant City Manager, Palo Alto, CA
* Derek Johnson, Assistant City Manager and Finance Director, San Luis Obispo, CA
Audience: all local government finance professionals
Get connected with these steps.
1. Register in advance for the webinar:
There is no charge for participating in the webinars, but each requires advance registration.
*** Advance registration required for this no-charge webinar:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8804233078687148801
Be sure to “white list” or “allow” emails from customercare@gotowebinar.com to receive notices for this webinar.
2. Connect with the webinar and audio:
Use your logon information from the email confirmation you receive via email from GoToWebinar. We recommend the telephone option dial-in number provided by GoToWebinar for sound quality. Depending upon your internet connection, VOIP option for audio (computer speakers) can have delays or sound quality issues.
3. Ask questions:
You may submit questions anonymously via email to CSMFO@DonMaruska.com in advance or via the webinar during the panel discussion. As moderator for the session, Don Maruska will pose the questions.
4. Presenters’ presentation materials: We post these with the agenda at “Agendas & Archives” tab of www.csmfo.org/training/webinars. The PPT will be available 24 hours before the webinar.
After a webinar occurs, a digital recording along with the PowerPoint materials and results of the polling questions will be available after 24 hours at the “Agendas & Archives” tab of www.csmfo.org/training/webinars.
CPE Credits: If you are a member of CSMFO and wish to obtain CPE credit, you need to register and attend in your name, respond to at least 75% of the live polling questions, and pay $25 to CSMFO after notice from CSMFO following the webinar. After payment, CSMFO emails the CPE certificate as a PDF.
Post-Webinar Group Discussions
Many agencies are organizing groups to participate in the webinars (live or recorded) and discuss the topics among themselves after the webinars. Some are summarizing their discussions and distributing them to managers throughout their organizations. Use the CSMFO Coaching Program as an effective way to enhance professional development in your agency. Here are some discussion starters for this session:
a. Where does our Finance team have particular needs now and in the future?
b. What strategies appear desirable to help us ensure that we have qualified people to fill them?
c. What tools and resources can help us move forward?
MORE RESOURCES–See the “Coaching Corner” at www.csmfo.org/coaching for valuable resources to boost your career. These include a Financial Management Skills Inventory, Resource Matrix, Coaches Gallery of 24 volunteer CSMFO Coaches willing to help you on a one-to-one basis, and an archive of digital recordings and materials from past webinars at www.csmfo.org/training/webinars.
Enjoy the resources to help you succeed in local government finance.
Don Maruska, MBA, JD, Master Certified Coach
Director, CSMFO Coaching Program; CSMFO@donmaruska.com
Author “How Great Decisions Get Made” and “Take Charge of Your Talent” www.TakeChargeofYourTalent.com
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