New Orleans Chapter
Le Journal de
Nouvelle Orleans

Dedicated to Advancing Government Accountability

"The price of success is dedication, hard work, and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen." -Frank Lloyd Wright, Architect

The quote above describes the 2004-2005, New Orleans Chapter Executive Committee commitment to our members. We are forward thinking and steady in our course of actions. The New Orleans Chapter is carrying out the mission of AGA, which is to be an educational organization dedicated to the enhancement of public financial management and the advancement of government accountability.

February's meeting at Doug's Restaurant was timely and addressed a current topic government agencies face daily. Mr. Edgar Chase, CPA, gave a well-documented and informative presentation, "Risk Management In A Cyberspace Environment, An Auditor's Perspective". Mr. Chase's message emphasized the risks in a computer operated environment and counter-measures to avoid the inherent vulnerabilities earning members one continuing professional educational (CPE) credit.

As we head into March, we are full speed ahead, with the Second Annual Shared Government Management Symposium co-sponsored by the New Orleans Federal Executive Board. Seven CPEs can be earned on Wednesday, March 9, by attending and learning about Performance Measurements, President's Management Agenda, Best Practices, Sarbanes-Oxley and much more. There is still time to register for only $99! On-site registration is available at the Sheraton Hotel beginning at 7:30 a.m.

The AGA Audio Video Conference was held on March 2, titled, "Why Inadequate Internal Controls Lead to Fraud." What an opportunity for

professional development offered to members and non-members at no cost! The New Orleans Chapter paid the audio conference fee so that our members could attain two additional CPEs.

On March 10, the New Orleans Chapter is co-sponsoring with the National Finance Center's Human Resources Office an educational event for members and non-members on a final update of the 2004 tax changes. This cost-free session is one of the outreach activities we are pleased to offer.

Our March 22, meeting at Five Happiness restaurant promises to be another top rated presentation from Steve Theriot, State of Louisiana's Legislative Auditor. Mr. Theriot's subject will provide one hour CPE. At this meeting with the American Society of Women Accountants (ASWA), you don't want to miss the awarding of our annual scholarship to Tanika Casson. She is a junior at Dillard University. She has a 3.8 GPA in accounting and is currently taking 21 credits this semester. She is involved in several organizations.

Dedicated to "Advancing Government Accountability" is summed up in educational opportunities and implementing best practices. We are reaching beyond expectations to partner with organizations promoting our mantra. I only say to you, advance your New Orleans Chapter by attending these programs and encourage membership that is the lifeblood of the organization.

I thank all of the members and officers, who take time out of their schedules to plan, organize, publicize, and attend these events.

Peggy Javery, President, MPA, CGFM

Minutes from the January 20, 2005 Meeting

Peggy Javery, CGFM, President, called the meeting of the New Orleans Chapter of the Association of Government Accountants to order at 11:43 a.m. in the cafeteria of the National Finance Center in New

Ms. Javery announced a training event, which would be held on March 9, 2005, 2nd Annual Shared Government Management Symposium.

Ms. Javery then introduced Jill Byrd, one of the Public Service Chairs and Marty Curole. Ms. Byrd thanked everyone for participating in the New Orleans Mission drive with food and cash. She read a thank you letter from the New Orleans Mission. She also reminded everyone that the WYES auction will be coming up in March and that volunteers would be needed. Ms. Curole acknowledged the Children's Hospital collection of teddy bears. She said that over one hundred stuffed animals were collected. Ms. Javery thanked all for Toys-for-Tots program contributions during the holidays and especially Linda Lewis and Monique Banks for coordinating AGA's participation. Wilbert Antoine, CGFM, CPA, Publicity Chair announced a request from the New Orleans Outreach Mission. He said the Mission is seeking volunteers to help with tutoring Orleans Parish school children while preparing for the math portion of the LEAP test.

Babette Haines, Membership Chair, introduced several new members.

After a delectable lunch, Ms. Javery introduced Barbara Carmon, Programs Chair, who presented the speaker, Henry "Hank" Padeletti, Senior Tax Specialist for Taxpayer Education and Communication for the Small Business/Self-Employed Division of the Internal Revenue Service. Mr. Padeletti spoke on tax law changes for 2004. After his presentation, there was a brief question and answer session. Ms. Carmon thanked Mr. Padeletti and presented him with a gift of appreciation.
Ms. Carmon announced that the next meeting would be held on February 17th at Doug's

Having no further business, Ms. Javery adjourned the meeting at 1:10 p.m.

Minutes from the February 17, 2005 Meeting

Peggy Javery, CGFM, President, called the meeting of the New Orleans Chapter of the Association of Government Accountants to order at 6:15 p.m. at Doug's Restaurant in Slidell, Louisiana. She asked everyone to join in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, and then Shelda Melancon gave the invocation.

Ms. Javery thanked members and guests for attending, with special recognition given to Jerry Lohfink, Director of the National Finance Center, John White, Deputy Director of the National Finance Center, and Clyde McShan, II, of Savantage Solutions and former National President. She then introduced the head table.

Ms. Javery announced the March 9, Symposium and reviewed the agenda. She said everyone should have received an agenda package, which included the registration form. Ms. Javery stated that sponsor opportunities still exist.

Ms. Javery recognized new members Andrew Case and Amy Marino.

Ms. Javery then introduced Jullin Renthrope, CPA, CGFM, CFE, CGFO, and last year's National President. Mr. Renthrope stated that the Association of Governments is making a difference in government accounting. He then announced that Peggy Javery, this year's President of the New Orleans Chapter would be the Regional Vice President for our region next year. After that, Mr. Renthrope announced several upcoming projects and events from National, including the hiring of a public relations firm, the service efforts and accomplishments project, the annual performance and accountability report, the PDC to be held July 10-13, 2005 in Orlando, Florida, as well as many others.

After a delicious dinner, Ms. Javery introduced Barbara Carmon, Programs Chair, who presented the speaker, Edgar Chase, III, MBA, CPA, JD, Dean of the Business

Ms. Javery pulled the winner of the 50/50 raffle, John White who won $16.00.

Ms. Javery reminded everyone again about the Symposium on March 9th, and recognized many of the officers for their work on the meetings and upcoming training event. She also thanked Marcie A. Tureaud, one of the Education Chairs, for her work on the Symposium.

Gerry Knepp asked for volunteers for the telephones for WYES on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 from 6:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Having no further business, Ms. Javery adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m.

SUBMITTED BY /s/ Mary E. Herbert, CPA, CGFM, Secretary

NEW!!! Chapter Recruitment Scholarships Available!!!

AGA's National President, Bobby A. Derrick, CGFM, has challenged every member to recruit at least 1 new member into AGA before the close of the membership year, April 30, 2005. And, he also challenged AGA Leaders to do even more-to recruit five new members each before the close of the membership year. Have you accepted the challenge?

With just about 3 months left in the 2004-05 membership recruitment campaign, we still have a ways to go to reach President Derrick's challenge. Did you know that on the membership application we ask new members where they heard about AGA? And did you know that the number one

Annual renewal packages have been mailed this week and are due to be paid by March 31, 2005. Invoices include both membership and CGFM certificate renewals where applicable.
Again this year we have included a member Information Sheet in the renewal packages (demographic and contact information). Please encourage all members to fill this out and submit to AGA.

The quickest way to renew is online via the password protected members-only section of the AGA website. How to Renew Online: Access the AGA website at www.agacgfm.org. Click on 'Members Only' on the left palette. Login using your membership ID number

and password (your first initial followed by your last name - no spaces), click on the gray 'billing' button above your name (if the gray billing button doesn't appear, it means that your membership is paid in full). All you have to do is input your credit card information and hit 'Submit.' The transaction will automatically process via our secure server and the renewal information will be automatically updated in AGA's in-house membership system. While you are logged into the Members Only section, be sure to take a look at your contact information and make any updates as necessary (especially your email address).

Louisiana Allows CGFM Exams to Count as CPE

It was GASB 34 that drove Marco Bodellini, CPA, to earn his CGFM designation, but it was his own "squeaky wheel" approach that got him CPE hours for his efforts. He decided to study for the CGFM Examinations to get a better understanding of the new financial reporting model for state and local governments. During the process, he sent an e-mail to the State Board of Certified Public Accountants of Louisiana, which approves appropriate CPE for CPAs, and found out that sitting for the CGFM Exams would not earn him CPE hours, even though CPE is granted for taking other certification exams. He talked to other CPAs. "I said, 'I can't believe they don't have it covered. Let's get the board to approve it.' It's not just for me, it's for everybody else who wants this designation." Click here to read the entire article.

Member information can be updated directly into the National AGA database by logging in with your Name and Member ID number. Log into AGA's website at https://www.agacgfm/to renew membership, update personal information such as phone and address changes.

Please share news about yourself or other AGA members. Contact Warren Wilson at 426-1095 or e-mail to warren.wilson@usda.gov

We need your help!! WYES-TV has asked us to help with their March 2005 Membership Drive on Wednesday night, March 16, from 6:45 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. We need approximately 10 members to help with this event. Volunteers will function on the telephone bank taking pledges from home viewers.

This event will be relaxed, fun, and WYES provides meals, snacks, drinks, and door prizes. Please participate in this event and help keep WYES-TV's quality programming on the air. If you want to participate, please contact Gerry Knepp (504-426-5463).

March 9,2005 - 2nd Annual Shared Government Management Symposium (New Orleans)

July 10-13, 2005 - 54th Annual Professional Development Conference & Exposition (Orlando)

RECOGNITION POINTS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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

PLEASE EXPEDITE
Please contact Babette Haines (504-426-5443)
with address corrections.
TIME VALUE MATERIAL

What: Dinner Meeting
When: Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Time: 5:30 pm Social/Cash Bar
6:00pm Dinner
Cost: $24 - Members, $27 - Guests

Menu: There will be circular tables with a Lazy Susan set-up at each table with the following:

Appetizers
Chicken & Corn Soup
Egg Rolls
Shrimp Toast

Entrees
Pecan Shrimp (a favorite!)
Sweet & Sour Chicken
Triple Dragon in Garlic Sauce
Mongolian Beef
Combination Fried Rice

Dessert - Almond & Fortune Cookies

Where: Five Happiness (Imperial Room)
3511 N. Carrollton Ave.
New Orleans, LA

Drink: Iced tea or Soda

Please pre register with Pam Lincoln, pamela.lincoln@nfc.usda.gov, (504) 255 4664, and pre pay Gary Millet, gary.millet@usda.gov, (504) 426 0162, no later than COB on Thursday, March 17, 2005.

To mail a payment, send to: Attention Gary Millet, National Finance Center/Building 350; P.O. Box 60000; New Orleans, LA 70160

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