New Orleans Chapter
Le Journal de
Nouvelle Orleans

Awards Committee, and Vice-Chair for the AGA National Awards Committee.

He is also a member of the following organizations located in the Indianapolis area: American Society of Military Comptrollers, Professional Photographers of Indiana, Indianapolis Professional Photographers Guild, and Society for Government Meeting Planners.

His hobbies include: babysitting his three grandchildren, reading, gardening, and photography. He is also a professional photographer.

NETWORK WITH AGA

Our April meeting is a joint assembly with the Baton Rouge chapter. The Baton Rouge chapter and your New Orleans chapter have an attendance challenge or double dare. I'd like to see our chapter win the challenge by accepting the double dare. I know our members are victorious in many ways and will come out to support our chapter. The speaker, AGA National President, Bobby Derrick, will provide a resounding update of news from the National Office, ranging from programs of interest to upcoming events. The Professional Development Conference (PDC), July 10-13, 2005, is one of the key events scheduled for members. The PDC will be held in Orlando, Florida. It is time to begin making plans and/or requests from your agency to attend. For early registration, submit your forms by June 10, 2005.

The PDC, the recent Second Annual Government Shared Management Symposium and your local chapter meetings are forums that not only provide continuing professional education credits, but also offer networking opportunities. Experts agree that networking or building alliances and partnerships are very necessary for anyone's career. I know many

people believe they are not very good at it. From my research, you must have a strategy. There is no magic spell that will teach you how to network

Your goal should not be to obtain connections; it should be to build and expand your network. Networking is about developing continuing and lasting relationships that benefit both parties. Assistance may come in the form of shared information, resources, ideas, experiences, talent, or collaboration. In other words, networking is to develop meaningful, win-win relationships with people in strategic positions that do more than exchange business cards. The results of effective networking can yield productive outcomes.

Are you networking with your AGA organization or making connections? Join a group of people who have the right network; get the most out of the professional meetings and conferences; and network for job leads, interviews, mentors, and success.

The highlight of the March 9, Symposium, was the announcement of this year's E-CFO, Financial Manager of the Year Award, to Patricia E. Healy, USDA, Acting Chief Financial Officer. We were proud to recognize the numerous accomplishments of Ms. Healy. Please join me in congratulating Ms. Healy, as the outstanding 2005 recipient for New Orleans Chapter.

It is especially gratifying for me to acknowledge Marcie Turead, Co-Chair, Education, for her diligence in working on the 2005 Symposium. Marcie's actions allowed AGA/FEB to acquire quality speakers. In addition, she worked closely on the hotel agreement.

The Chapter Executive Committee was very active, attended impromptu meetings, and made all aspects of planning and organizing the Symposium an enormous success. Congratulations and many thanks to all of you.

The March meeting was an enormous opportunity to network with the American Society of Women Accountants and enjoy the excellent Five Happiness food.

I look forward to seeing you on April 21, at our joint meeting with AGA's Baton Rouge Chapter at Bull's Corner in Laplace.

Look for information on the May 11, AGA Audio Conference - Yellow Book Update and What You Need to Know

Peggy Javery, MBA, CGFM

Pat Healy and Peggy Javery

The joint meeting with the Association of Women Accountants and the Association of Governmental Accountants was call to order by AGA President, Peggy Jarvey, at 6:30 p.m. Peggy introduced Rita Borne ASWA President. Peggy led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and then a moment of silence. Rita then asked that all AGA and then ASWA members introduce themselves. The meeting then broke for dinner.

The recipient for AGA's 2005 scholarship was announced. Tanika Kayson a junior at Dillard University was introduced and received her award. Peggy then recognized new member Joanne A. Poche, CPA and Marco Bodelini, Julian Renthrope's guest. Marco was very helpful in assisting with the GFOA recognition program.

Rita then introduced Sandra Scillitani, 2004 ASWA President who announced the 2005-2006 nominated slate of officers.

Peggy then thanked everyone for coming and introduced Barbara Carmen. Barbara introduced the evening's speaker Mr. Steve Theriot, Legislative Auditor.

Mr. Theriot said the Legislative Auditor's Office is the watch dog for the spending of public funds. His office has a division for financial audits, performance audits, as well as departments for compliance and fraud. He discussed fiscal problems of various state institutions including the Orleans Parish School Board. Mr. Theriot stated that we should remember to communicate at the same level as those that we deal with and to make sure we also recognize what is being done well. He said you don't want them to change the way they are doing things well.
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Mr. Theriot then answered questions and briefly discussed his take on the Saint's situation.

Peggy thanked all of those who helped with the conference AGA had last week.

Sandra Scillitani won ASWA's 50-50 raffle and Tracy Pollen won AGA's.

The meeting was adjourned.

WYES-TV /Channel 12 Festival 2005 March Membership Drive.

On Wednesday, March 16, six AGA volunteers acted as telephone bid takers during WYES-TV's March 2005 Membership Drive. Volunteers included: Jill Byrd, Peggy Javery, Gerry Knepp, Gary Millet, Godwin Ndukwe, and Marcie Tureaud. The membership drive was fun and WYES-TV personnel thanked the New Orleans Chapter for our continuing support. AGA volunteers were seen on the air and helped collect a significant portion of the 1,104 pledges that raised $166,845 in contributions to purchase new programming for WYES-TV.

WYES-TV Showboat Auction

We need your help!!!!!!! The 39th annual WYES-TV Showboat Auction is going to set sail May 6th through May 13th. Our date for participation is May 11 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. We need approximately ten AGA members to volunteer for various jobs. This is a high energy and fun event….and as always WYES supplies plenty of food and snacks. Please put this date on your calendar and plan to participate in this worthwhile event. Help keep WYES-TV's quality and educational programming on the air throughout Southeast Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. To volunteer, please call Gerry Knepp (504-426-5463) or Jill Byrd (504-426-5465).

Our Chapter of AGA wishes to extend a warm welcome to the following new member:

Joanne A Poche, CPA
Sponsored by Peggy Javery

Your AGA membership opens the door to opportunities you can't begin to imagine. Please feel free to join us at one of the future dinner meetings or community service events. You may visit AGA's homepage at www.agacgfm.org. On behalf of the New Orleans Chapter Officers, we welcome you and look forward to meeting you at a future event.

To our sponsor this month, we appreciate your efforts with the growth of the New Orleans Chapter of AGA. Continue to keep up the good work!

Renew your AGA Membership Online

By far the easiest way for members to renew is via the Members Only section of the AGA website. You will need your membership ID number and password (first initial followed by last name). Once logged in, you'll need to click on the 'Billing' button.

If you prefer an invoice, please contact the National Office ASAP and they will mail out a renewal invoice immediately! You can either email or phone the information to Catena Sanders (csanders@agacgfm.org or 1.800.242.7211, ext. 205).

AGA - Graduation Announcements

Are you graduating or do you have family members graduating? If so, our New Orleans Chapter would like to extend an invitation to you to list your relative's name or your name on the membership page of next month's newsletter in recognition of this achievement.

If you have immediate family member's participating in commencement exercises (university/college, high school, middle, or secondary school) please include their name, degree, award, certificate, and school/university name. E-mail your information to

Babette.Haines@usda.gov by Friday, May 6, 2005.

The following message is from AGA's National President, Bobby A. Derrick, CGFM

2004-05 Recruitment Campaign - Leadership for the Future

AGA's National President, Bobby A. Derrick, CGFM, is challenging every member to recruit at least one new member into AGA before the close of the membership year, April 30, 2005. And, he is challenging AGA Leaders to do even more-to recruit five new members each before the close of the membership year, 5 by 5. This group includes the National Executive Committee, Regional Vice Presidents and Elects, Regional Coordinators, national board and committee members, chapter presidents and chapter membership chairs. Are you up to the challenge?

In an October email President Derrick wrote, 'I believe the best marketing tool for membership is our own experiences. My presidential theme, "Leadership for the Future", includes in its message, sharing the AGA story with others through the personal touch. I am talking about a quick call, a conversation at a meeting, or an email. A little investment in your time will go a long way in terms of helping to strengthen AGA. We know your time is valuable, but in as little as five minutes, you can help a colleague or friend achieve their professional goals by sharing the AGA advantage.'

We need your help to ensure that the AGA network remains strong and continues to grow to reach all accountability professionals! Do you realize how unique a network AGA is? AGA is the ONLY professional association that boasts a membership across ALL levels of government - local, state and federal. Plus, AGA also has members who work for tribal governments, academic institutions and private sector organizations. This means that there are thousand of thoughts, ideas

and solutions right here within the AGA network - as a member you have number one access! And as our Association strengthens and grows, so do the thoughts, ideas and solutions.

AGA Dollars Will Be Awarded!

Back by popular demand are AGA Dollars! Once you have recruited two new members, earn $5 AGA dollars for each new member that joins. AGA dollars can be used for a variety of AGA activities – even towards your membership dues! All AGA members who recruit new members are eligible for AGA Dollars (Dollars will be awarded at the close of each month and listed on the Members Only site on the ‘Recruitment’ page).

Sponsor Level Achievement Awards!

Recruiter of the Year (1 winner) – The member who recruits the most new members from May 1, 2004 through April 30, 2005 will receive a plaque and complimentary AGA meeting registration.

Top Sponsor (2 winners) – The next two members who recruit the highest amount of new members from May 1, 2004 through April 30, 2005 will each receive a plaque and a complimentary AGA meeting registration. 

Chapter Overall Growth (6 winning chapters) – Those six chapters achieving the highest overall growth percentage for the membership year each wins a plaque and a complimentary AGA meeting registration. Chapters can designate whom to award the registration to.

Leadership Level Achievement Prizes!

Those AGA Leaders identified above that recruit one new member will be entered into a drawing to win dinner for two at an ultra exclusive restaurant in Orlando during the 2005 PDC. We are giving three dinners away! If for some reason you cannot make it to the 2005 PDC, and you win this prize, we’ll send you to dinner at an exclusive restaurant in your hometown.

And, those AGA Leaders identified above that recruit 5 or more members will be entered into a drawing for the Grand Prize. A 4-day/3-night Napa Valley retreat! This package includes roundtrip airline tickets for two, accommodations at the Silverado Resort in Napa Valley, CA, VIP wine tasting at William Hill Winery, and more!

To contribute news to the membership page, please contact Babette Haines at 504-426-5443 or email to babette.haines@usda.gov.

CGFM Proclamations

Thanks to the initiative and dedication of AGA regional and chapter leaders, eight states (AR, ID, LA, ME, MI, TN, TX, WI) have declared March CGFM month! This initiative has been a great example of AGA leadership and teamwork and continues to help spread the word about the CGFM Program!

CGFM Certification
Take the CGFM Examinations at the PDC

New this year-AGA is offering a unique opportunity to take the CGFM Examinations and earn your CGFM right at the PDC in July. To help you reach that goal, we are offering a special two-day Intensive Review Course on Thursday, July 7 and Friday, July 8 and an opportunity to take CGFM Examinations on July 9 - 10. More good news: the Intensive Review Course is only $175 for qualified participants and the CGFM Examinations are offered at no cost. You cannot afford to miss this opportunity and earn your CGFM right at the Professional Development Conference (PDC) in July in Orlando!
Pre-registration is required. This is a special limited enrollment offer for those individuals who have already been studying for the CGFM Exams and need extra reinforcement of the material.

P.O. Box 29186
New Orleans, LA 70189-0186

TIME VALUE MATERIAL
PLEASE EXPEDITE

Please contact Babette Haines (504-426-5443)
with address corrections.

JOINT DINNER MEETING
New Orleans and Baton Rouge Chapters

Please pre register with Pam Lincoln, pamela.lincoln@nfc.usda.gov, 255-4664, and pre pay Gary Millet, gary.millet@usda.gov,
426-0162, no later than COB on Tuesday, April 19, 2005. To mail a payment, send to: Attention Gary Millet, National Finance Center/Building 350; P.O. Box 60000; New Orleans, LA 70160