GFOA-PA brochure 2-4-16

30th Anniversary

11:00 am – 7:00 pm Registration area open

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Welcome reception and exhibit hall openCome and meet with fellow GFOA-PA members and visit with our supporting exhibitors for an early re-ception. Following the reception, you are free to enjoy a nice dinner in town or at the hotel’s restaurant.

Sunday Afternoon Breakout Sessions

2016 Conference ScheduleSunday, April 24

174 Crestview DriveBellefonte, PA 16823

Phone: 877.700.4362Fax: 814.355.2452

Email: [email protected]

GFOA-PA 2016 Annual Statewide ConferencePreserving the Past, Planning for the Future: Thirty Years and Growing

April 24 – 27, 2016 at the Penn Stater Hotel, State College, PA

Foundations of Governmental Accounting and Basic Internal Control

Tracey L. Rash, Maher Duessel CPAs

For all of you who are new to the world of governmental accounting, and even those of you who need a refresher, this presentation will cover the very basics of governmental accounting. The session will include what resources are available for you, what a fund is, what a basis of accounting is, and what gets reported in what fund. Come and ask the questions that you’ve wondered about since starting in this wonderful world of governmental accounting.

3:00 pm – 3:50 pm Part I4:00 pm – 4:50 pm Part 2

3:00 pm – 3:50 pmBank Loan vs Bond Issue

Wayne D. Gerhold, Law Offices of Wayne D. Gerhold

This session will include the basic differences between a bank loan, which is usually done through the issuance of a note, and a bond issue. The session will also include a detailed analysis if the advan-tages and disadvantages of both types of financing vehicles. Finally, there will be a discussion of recent efforts by the Securities and Ex-change Commission and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board to have municipal governments disclose bank loans on the MSRB EMMA site.

4 :00 pm – 4:50 pmPractical Tips for Speeding up the Year-End Process

Vanessa Gleason, Cranberry TownshipTerri Noll, Hampden Township

Mary Papik, Saxonburg Borough

Year-end is always busy for the finance professional with budget is-sues, fiscal year changes, and preparation for the annual audit. This session will provide you with tips and techniques to make your year-end preparations for the annual audit a little easier. Three finance professionals will share their proven tactics that help them prepare for a smooth, effortless audit process. They will also be happy to answer any questions that you might have as well.

In 1986

Average cost of new house: $89,430

Average income per year: $22,400

Average monthly rent: $385

Average price for new car: $9,255

One gallon of gas: $0.89


7:00 am Optional informal fun run/walk Interested participants will meet in the main level courtyard.

Why run or walk alone in the morning when you can join new and old friends? Get some exercise and fresh air to start your morning off “on the right foot!” Participants will meet in the Penn Stater’s main level courtyard and divide into two groups: one to walk and one to run. The route will be approximately three miles.

8:00 am – 9:00 am Breakfast with exhibitors or new member breakfast

8:00 am – 7:30 pm Exhibit hall open

9:15 am – 9:45 am Welcome and opening remarks Terri Windstein, President

9:45 am – 11:25 am Pension Reform Issues Eugene A. DePasquale, PA Auditor General

This session will detail the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvania and its governmental entities. The looming pension crisis and growing unfunded liabilities are on the front burner for the leaders of Pennsylvania, and Mr. DePasquale is a driving force for reform. He will share his insight and knowledge of these and other issues in this session. He will explain the solutions that are being considered and the pros and cons of each potential solution. After his presentation, the session will be open for questions from conference participants.

11:25 am – 12:00 pm Annual membership meeting

12:00 pm – 1:15 pm Lunch and visitation with exhibitors

1:20 pm – 2:10 pm Concurrent breakout sessions

2016 Annual Statewide Conference

Monday, April 25

The Effect of Rising Interest Rates on Borrowing and Investments

Michael R. Varano, PFM Asset Management LLC

Our speaker will discuss the following in re-gard to the recent increase in the interest rate: the effect on borrowing rates, the ef-fect on investment rates for 0-12 months, and the market expectations of additional rate moves. Regarding the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) of the Federal Reserve, Mr. Varano will discuss: the primary factors in setting an interest rate strategy, current guid-ance on rate future moves, how the FOMC setting of the Federal Funds rate effects the bond market, and how the recent rate moves effects the PA public investor.

Pension Issues for Trustees to Consider

Ulf Skreppen, C.S. McKee, L.P. Pension trustees have great responsibility as fiduciaries to their public pension plans, though not all providers who seek to work with public funds will consent to a fiduciary standard. Changing regulations and financial realities make staying on top of best prac-tices more important than ever. Learn about best practices that your organization can adopt to ensure you are getting the most out of your plan.

Fraud in the Government Realm Tim Morgus, CPA, CGFM,

Maher Duessel CPAs Detective Ralph W. Ralston,

State College Police Department Fraud can be perpetrated in many different ways, primarily from within an organization. As a result, cases of fraud can look like theft, waste, or abuse by a government or its employees. Many governments are not prepared to prevent, identify, or fight fraud. This presentation will address this, present real-life stories, and discuss ways in prevent-ing fraud before it occurs.

Popular 1986 FilmsTop Gun

Stand by MeCrocodile Dundee

PlatoonFerris Bueller’s Day Off

The Karate Kid, Part 2Pretty in Pink

AliensThe Color of Money

The Money Pit

In 1986

Casio Portable Color Television: $249.99

Tandy 600 Portable Computer: $1599.00

Jar Of Skippy peanut butter: $1.49

Five pounds of potatoes: $1.00

One pound of broccoli: $0.39

One pound of bacon: $1.75

Plymouth Colt: $4,999

Ford Mustang: $7,452


2:10 pm – 2:20 pm Break


Legislative Update: The Latest from Harrisburg on Legislation Impacting

Your Municipality Amy Sturges, PA Municipal League

It has been 16 months since the new admin-istration took office and Governor Wolf has just introduced his second budget. Join in the discussion led by Amy as she updates us on the latest issues concerning the state budget and legislation impacting the fiscal well-being of Pennsylvania’s communities.

This session will repeat at 3:40.

Ethics in the Real World (Part 1) Martha L. Perego, International City/

County Management Association Ethics is often positioned as the ultimate bat-tle between good and evil. Think the Aveng-ers meet Ultron! A universe where winning is a simple challenge of choosing right from wrong. In reality, making ethical choices is far more complex and nuanced. Situations pres-ent right but competing values. Or you do the right thing but get drawn into the fray by the unethical conduct of others. Maybe your good intentions are overshadowed by the appear-ance of wrongdoing. Join ICMA’s director of ethics, Martha Perego, for a lively and interac-tive session on the ethical challenges facing local government budget and finance profes-sionals. You will have the opportunity to solve real-world issues and learn tips and practical strategies for avoiding the pitfalls, headlines, and career flameouts of bad choices.

This session will continue at 3:40.

Educating your Employees About Their Retirements

Eugene Natali, Jr., C.S. McKee, L.P. Defined benefit plans are not, and were not, designed to be our sole source of retire-ment income. Mr. Natali will discuss money choices that employees can make to com-plement the role of the defined benefit. We will explore the vital role that employers and municipal leaders can play in helping pre-pare employees for retirement – starting at a young age. Our best (and worst) money choices often come long before we buy our first stock or bond, and these choices have consequences.

3:10 pm – 3:40 pm Break with exhibitors


Legislative Update: The Latest from Harrisburg on Legislation Impacting

Your Municipality Amy Sturges, PA Municipal League

A repeat of the 2:20 session.

Ethics in the Real World (Part 2) Martha L. Perego, International City/

County Management Association A continuation of the 2:20 session.

Avoiding Common Financial Reporting Deficiencies

Pamela W. Baker, Barbacane, Thornton & Company LLP

From the management discussions and analysis, to the financial statements and footnotes, this session will include a discus-sion of areas most commonly missed in the financial reporting of a governmental entity. We will discuss complex accounting issues, such as reporting for new accounting stan-dards (i.e. GASB No. 68), debt, capital leas-es, and capital asset reporting. We will also be discussing common missed differences between fund level and entity-wide level fi-nancial reporting. Participants will be encour-aged to raise questions on common issues that face governments and how to avoid the potential for related reporting deficiencies.

5:30 pm – 6:30 pm Reception with exhibitors

6:30 pm – 8:00 pm Dinner

8:00 pm – 11:00 pm After party with entertainment

In 1986Approximately seven million Americans join hands in “Hands Across America”Space shuttle Challenger disintegrates after launch, killing all on boardMike Tyson becomes the youngest heavyweight champion in history




7:45 am – 8:45 am Breakfast with exhibitors

8:45 am – 9:35 am Concurrent breakout sessions

Tuesday, April 26

Pensions: Defined Contribution/Defined Benefit Hybrid Pensions

Daniel Reitz, Beirne Wealth Consulting, LLC

Our speaker will lead a discussion dealing with the possibilities for compromise regard-ing defined benefit plans and defined con-tribution plans. Is there a happy medium in the hybrid?

Financing Equipment: When Does a Lease Purchase Agreement

Make Sense? Paul Black, M&T Bank

What is a tax exempt municipal lease pur-chase agreement and how is it different from a loan? What types of assets can be leased? We will take a look at the range of equipment considered essential use and that are able to be financed. When would a lease purchase make sense for a municipality? We will also review examples/structure of tax-exempt municipal lease purchase and discuss major points for consideration when looking at a tax exempt municipal lease purchase. Finally, we will address some of the pitfalls to avoid when looking at a tax exempt municipal lease pur-chase.

Government Finance in Small Organizations: Unique Challenges

Deborah J. Grass, Grass Root Solutions Dawn Lane, Moon Township

This session will explore the challenges as-sociated with being the finance officer in a small government. In small governments, the finance officer must meet the same stan-dards, produce the same financial docu-ments, and oversee the same processes as finance officers in large organizations – but with little or no staff support and fewer resources. This session will provide an op-portunity for finance officers from smaller governments to discuss common issues and problems confronting them today and to share creative solutions for accomplishing the financial goals of the organization.

9:35 am – 9:45 am Break

9:45 am – 11:25 am GASB Update Amy Shreck, CPA, Practice Follow, Governmental Accounting Standards Board

Ms. Shreck will provide an overview of the GASB standards that become effective in the coming fiscal years. Find out what is in progress at the board level, on the agenda, and scheduled for future consideration.

11:45 am – 1:00 pm Lunch for non-golfers

11:45 am Rob Lent Cup Golf Outing at Mountain View Country Club (Optional) 12:30 shotgun start with a box lunch included

Mountain View Country Club is proud to offer some of the best greens and superb playing surfaces in the heart of central Pennsylvania. The club prides itself on the quality of its facility and the high level of service it offers its guests. Built in 1963, the golf course was operated as the Elks Country Club until the spring of 2012, when new ownership revitalized the facility by upgrading both the golf experience and the clubhouse. GFOA-PA offers a 9-hole option for those who do not wish to play all 18 holes. And don’t forget, golfers will again vie for the Rob Lent Cup, to be presented to the foursome with the best score. Additional fees apply for golf.

1:00 pm – 1:50 pm Pension Reform and Moving Forward Richard D. Miller, Esq., Campbell, Durant, Beatty, Palombo and Miller P.C.

This session will focus on actions that governmental agencies can take to protect themselves against ever in-creasing pension costs, as well as bargaining suggestions and techniques to limit public pension enhancements.

1:30 pm – 5:00 pm Optional GFOA Certified Public Finance Officers (CPFO) Exam Register online at www.gfoa.org/cpfo

1:50 pm – 2:10 pm Break


2:00 pm – 4:30 pm Art and Spirits (Optional) Take a brain break this afternoon and create your own masterpiece. Join your colleagues at Big Spring Spirits, Bellefonte, for a chance to explore your artistic side. A talented instructor will guide you through each step of the painting process, helping you create the painting seen here. The $60.00 registration fee includes refreshments, one drink from Big Spring Spirits’ bar, and your painting supplies.

2:10 pm – 3:00 pm The Rated Market and What Affects It Matthew T. Reining, Standard & Poors

During the session, we will discuss the credit aspects typically encountered when rating deals and the drivers of what will cause the ratings to change. There will be an emphasis on the credit and structural elements often found in deals from Pennsylvania issuers and obligors.

3:00 pm – 3:20 pm Break

3:20 pm – 4:10 pm Cyber Breaches and Insurance Coverage Robert A. Anspach, PennPRIME Insurance Trust

The theft of financial information and personally identifiable information (PII) is more than a threat; it is a real risk in the cyber-dependent world in which we live. The presentation will provide an overview of the threat, as well as the legal and financial ramifications of a cyber breach or PII compromise. Discussions will also convey how selecting the correct insurance coverage can help you maneuver through this complex challenge.

4:10 pm – 4:20 pm Break

4:20 pm – 5:10 pm Pension Management: Your Duties to Insure Sound Fiscal Management Jim Allen, Pennsylvania Association of Public Employee Retirement Systems

This session will touch upon the fiduciary duties associated with serving as staff to a public pension plan in Penn-sylvania under Pennsylvania and federal law. Additionally, we will identify key areas of concern for fiduciaries of public pension plans as they relate to sound fiscal management. Our goal will be to assist staff in educating trustees as to their pension obligations.

5:15 pm Open Evening

Wednesday, April 277:00 am – 11:45 am Registration area open


7:30 am – 8:30 am Breakfast

8:30 am – 9:20 am Jeopardy: GFOA-PA Style Dan Berty, Ross Township Andrew McCreery, Municipality of Mt. Lebanon

Alex Trebek may be jealous of all the knowledge that will be expressed through the theme of the classic game show. Join the hosts in this entertaining session while getting a refresher on accounting in the government space.

9:20 am – 9:30 am Break

9:30 am – 10:20 am Building Blocks of a Successful Collection Strategy Kevin H. Buraks, Esq., Portnoff Law Associates, Ltd. Michelle R. Portnoff, Portnoff Law Associates, Ltd.

This session will provide strategies that finance officers can implement to help enhance their municipal collec-tions. Discussion topics will include: best collection practices, legal options when pursuing delinquent claims, passing through collection costs to the delinquent property owner, and the intersection of bankruptcy and collec-tion. Time will be allotted to answer specific questions concerning your municipality.

10:20 am – 10:30 am Break

Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel

215 Innovation BoulevardState College, PA 16803-6603Reservations: 800-233-7505Front Desk: 814-863-6603

www.thepennstaterhotel.psu.edu

The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel is the location for the 2016 Annual Statewide Conference. A limited number of guest rooms have been blocked for our registrants at the re-duced group rate of $123.00, plus hotel occupancy tax.

To make reservations:Call toll free, 800-233-7505 and use this reference number: GFOD16A or mention you are with GFOA-PA. We do not sug-gest using the online reservation system.

The discount will expire on Thursday, March 24, 2016.The group discount applies until March 24 or until the block is filled, whichever comes first. GFOA-PA cannot guarantee room availability.

Taking the Wealth HomeSpeakers are asked to provide handouts in advance. Approxi-mately one week before the meeting, the materials we have received will be made available online to registered attendees. Through a protected link, there will be the option to make a printed copy to bring along. Handouts will also be available on the conference mobile app.

Hotel Information

Other Conference DetailsFree TimeTime has been set aside on Sunday and Tuesday evenings to ensure you have opportunities for visiting State College. In addition, Monday’s dinner is designed to provide networking opportunities for all participants.

Golf TournamentThe annual golf tournament is scheduled for Tuesday after-noon at the Mountain View Country Club. Again this year, we offer a 9-hole option for those who do not wish to play all 18 holes. And don’t forget, golfers each year vie for the Rob Lent Cup, to be presented to the foursome with the best score. Sign up on the registration form.

Continuing Education and Other DetailsEarn Credits

CPE Credits: Has a potential of 16.0 hours for the full program.Credit type will depend on sessions attended.

APMM Professional Education Credits:

Applied for a maximum of 8.0 credits.

Go to www.gfoapa.org for updates on the hours approved as information becomes available.

See information provided on-site for yourcertificate of attendance, program sponsor numbers,

and any other continuing education updates.

Plan Your Schedule With the Conference App!

With GFOA-PA’s conference mobile app, you can view the event schedule (and customize

your own schedule), read speaker bios, view handouts, learn about sponsors

and exhibitors and much more!Search for gfoa-pa in your device’s App Store or

Google Play. iPad users - once you conduct the search, you must switch

from “iPad only to iPhone only” in the upper left corner.

April 27, Continued10:30 am – 12:10 pm

No Arms, No Legs... No Problem! Craig Dietz, Craig Dietz Speaks

Despite being born without limbs, Craig is continuously seeking new opportunities to challenge himself. He is cur-rently a licensed attorney and, in his spare time, enjoys bowling, skiing, playing volley-ball, hunting, fishing, jamming on his drums, or tooling around the country in his van. Craig’s swimming accomplishments include the 4.4-mile Great Chesapeake Bay Swim, the Midmar Mile swim in South Africa and the 1.5-mile “escape” from Alcatraz swim. Craig’s message of resiliency in overcoming life’s many challenges is applicable to people of virtually any age, culture, or occupation. You will learn that if you are accountable for your own life and willing to take control of your circumstances, you can accomplish anything you want, both personally and professionally. You will also discover the importance of humor and perspective in gaining personal and professional success. You will leave with a renewed appreciation for the gifts in your life, and the determination to set more ambitious personal and professional goals for yourself.

12:10 pm – 12:30 pmDoor Prizes

12:30 pmConference Concludes

GFOA-PA 2016 Annual Conference Registration FormRegister each person using a separate form, but payment can be made with one check or credit card.

Complete this Box Only If You Are Registered for Golf Here

GFOA-PA Golf Tournament:The Race for the Rob Lent Cup

Tuesday, April 26, 2016Mountain View Country Club

18 Holes: $80 • 9 Holes: $60

18 hole OR 9 hole scramble • shotgun startfee includes cart • all level of golfers welcome!

This year’s golf tournament will open new doors for you with foursomes blind-matched and based on playing skills, unless you absolutely want to specify your foursome. Again this year is the Rob Lent Cup, an award for the foursome with the best score! My golf handicap is ___________________________or playing skill ____ beginner ____ intermediate ____ skilled

Registration must be received on or before March 18 to use the early discount.

_________________________________________Complete Name (Please Print Clearly)

_________________________________________Name as you want it to appear on your name badge

_________________________________________Municipality/Company/Organization

_________________________________________Mailing Address

_________________________________________City State Zip

_____________________ ___________________Phone Fax

_________________________________________Email (Confirmations are only sent by email.)

This is my first GFOA-PA Conference: r Yes r No

r I have a special dietary or accessibility need and will require accommo-dations in order to fully participate in this meeting. Please contact me.

To add more people, this form may be photocopied and total fee paid with one check or credit card.

r Please email me a receipt for my records.

Online: Have credit card available and go to www.gfoapa.org

Mail: Send form and check (payable to GFOA-PA) to GFOA-PA, 174 Crestview Dr., Bellefonte, PA 16823-8516

Fax: Provide credit card information and fax to 814-355-2452

Credit Card: r Visa r MasterCard

Name on Card (print) ____________________________________

Account Number________________________________________

Exp. Date_____________________ Security Code: ____________

Signature ____________________________________________

TOTAL PAYMENT FOR REGISTRATION AND/OR ACTIVITIES $ ________________No fees for registration, daily rate, activities or extra meal plans will be refunded after April 15, 2016. Cancellations after April 15 will receive a copy of any conference materials. Changes or cancellations must be made in writing to Terri Breon at [email protected]. Substitu-tions may be made in advance.

The full conference registration fee includes the entire program, all materials, all breaks and three drink tickets. Meals and events include Sunday’s welcome reception, Monday’s breakfast, lunch, recep-tion and dinner, Tuesday’s breakfast and lunch, and Wednesday’s breakfast.Daily registrations include sessions, materials and breaks only for the day chosen. Meals are included as follow: Sunday’s welcome reception, Monday’s breakfast, breaks, lunch, reception and dinner, Tuesday’s breakfast, breaks and lunch, and Wednesday’s breakfast and breaks.

Government Officials Full Conference Fees: POSTMARKED ON OR BEFORE MARCH 18 r $350 GFOA-PA Member r $425 Non-Member

POSTMARKED ON OR AFTER MARCH 18 r $375 GFOA-PA Member r $450 Non-Member

Business Associates Full Conference Fees: r $375 GFOA-PA Member r $450 Non-Member

Daily Rates (Same rate applies to all) r Sunday — $100 r Monday — $250 r Tuesday — $175 r Wednesday — $100

Additional Meal Plans (For those accompanying a conference attendee)

_____ people at $225 each (GIVE NAMES BELOW)

__________________________ ___________________________

Golf18 Holes $80 X ___ players = $ _____ (register in box at left)9 Holes $60 X ___ players = $ _____ (register in box at left)

Art and Spirits$60 X ___ artists = $ _____ 4

Registration Payment OptionsRegistrations received without full payment will not be

processed. Invoicing is not available.

1-13-16 rj

9 HoleOption

Available!

Documents

GFOA-PA brochure 2-4-16