May 2007
North American Region
Letter from the Chair

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Dear friends,

As I write this letter from the North America Region, all of my colleagues are in the midst of our busiest season with the Audit deadlines looming and April 15th deadline for filing tax returns fast approaching. This is my 42nd busy season and I still look forward to the excitement and challenges.

AGN North America’s agenda for the 2007 is loaded with some very exciting programs for our members.

During the executive meeting in Ponte Vedra Resort, Jacksonville, Fl, the executive committee solidified the programming for the May regional meeting. We will have another training seminar of our Advanced Partner Training programs for new partners who have not previously participated.

In addition, most existing APT groups will have face-to-face meetings to discuss several LeaderSkills Institute modules. The Audit, Human Resources, and IT sharegroups have outstanding programming lined up and attendance appears to be at an all time record.

The star presentation of the Regional meeting will be Wednesday, May 23rd, with the best selling author of “Good to Great”, Jim Collins. We are all looking forward to a very exciting and rewarding presentation that should enhance all of our firm’s performances.

As one of my priorities for 2007, we are going to have a presentation by three of our member firms to the Board to discuss factors and programs that have been successful and the obstacles and challenges each firm has had and foresee and how they are dealing with those issues.

We will have Q&A with Tim Bartz moderating to allow firms to get and give insight on issues facing all of us. This initiative should be an ongoing program each year that will allow managing partners to present their firms to all the other firms.

As part of our Strategic Plan to build great firms, the executive committee is working on developing tools to assist each firm to measure their own performance and that of all our region’s firms against their peers. The EC feels that thru this measurement process we will be able to provide analysis and information to all firms to improve their performances. This program will be presented at the May Board meeting.

We look forward to a robust 2007 for our region and hope to see you all in Amsterdam in the fall.

Sandy Beckman
Weinstein Spira & Company, P.C.
Houston, Texas, USA
sgb@weinsteinspira.com

 

New Partner/Vendor

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AGN-NA has established relationships with over 20 service/product providers who have structured cost-effective arrangements for AGN-NA members.  We welcome the following new partner to the list!  You can find the list of all the partners at  www.agn-na.org> Information & Resources > Partners & Vendors (log-in).

ExamMatrix™ is a (CBT) Computer Based Training company specializing in professional certification examination preparation. ExamMatrix™ Review Software & Reference Books will empower CPA exam candidates to.

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AGN International Price: $695
PASS OR REFUND GUARANTEE

 

North American Regional Meeting

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Record attendance
--256-- for
North American Regional Meeting/APT
May 21-24 at Omni Interlocken Resort
(Denver area)

AGN-NA Board members, assurance services (A&A), not-for-profit IT, business valuations and human resources/firm administration specialists have two full days of high-level seminars and networking opportunities beginning Monday, May 21.

And, as predicted, Jim Collins’ presentation on Wednesday, May 23 is “Standing Room Only”!!

 

 
Meet one of North America’s 14 Designated Resources

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AGN-NA has identified members within the association who are resources for more specialized assistance within certain practice specialties or industries. These individuals are referred to as “designated resources”. A designated resource is someone who focuses almost entirely in that specialty and a designated resource may charge other members for services at standard rates.

An initial call to a designated resource is free, however, requests for assistance or additional consultation time will be billed at standard rates.  You can find all of AGN-NA Designated Resources at www.agn-na.org.

 


William G. Edwards
Employee Benefits Administration
Partner, Employee Benefit Plan Services
Clark, Schaefer, Hackett & Co.
160 North Breiel Blvd.
Middletown, OH 45042
phone: 513-424-5000
fax:       513-422-7882

Related Information:

  • Employed with firm since 1996
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration (Accounting) earned in 1986 from Ohio State University • 8½ years experience in this area
  • 100% of time devoted to 250+ clients in this area • 100% of time devoted to providing non-traditional services to clients

Expertise in:

  • Plan design and installation
  • Plan enrollment and education
  • Defined contribution administration
  • ERISA and IRC consulting
  • IRS and DOL examination representation
  • Plan terminations
  • Frequent speaker and contributor of articles to regional publications
  • Construction

 

 

Peer Review Administration

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According to our records, the following member firms are due for peer reviews in 2007.  Several of you have already contacted Patsy Bowen to ask her to administer the peer review for you.

Block, Plant, Eisner, Fiorito & Belak-Berger
Hertz, Herson & Company, LLP
Bourgeois Bennett, LLC
Kane & Company, P.A.
Clothier & Head, P.S.
Concannon, Miller & Co.
Pender Newkirk & Company
Daszkal Bolton LLP
Rothstein Kass & Company, P.C.
Derderian, Kann, Seyferth & Salucci, P.C.
Schenck Business Solutions
Eckhoff Accountancy Corporation
Sisterson & Co., LLP
Faw, Casson & Co., LLP
Stockton Bates LLP

The AGN-NA established rates are:

Team Member

Rate (Per Hour)

Team Captain

$250

Team Member (Partner)

$225

Team Member (Manager)

$180 

Preissuance Reviewer 

$250

As further consideration to fellow AGN-NA members, travel time is charged at 1/2 time.  Additionally, AGN charges a 5% administrative fee.

This office will assemble the team, making sure each team member/firm is a member of the appropriate AICPA Centers and Programs or State Societies, if applicable.

Please contact Irene Hayden at IHayden@agn.org as soon as possible if you are interested in
an AGN peer review team conducting your firm’s review.


 

Sharegroup/CTL Meeting/Teleconference Schedule
Remember, all Sharegroup members are welcome to participate in the Sharegroup teleconferences and meetings!

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MAY
15
Tax Sharegroup Core Team Leaders Teleconference
Time: 3 pm ET / 2 pm CT / 1 pm MT / 12 noon PT

16
State & Local Tax Sharegroup Core Team Leaders Teleconference
Time: 1 pm ET / 12 noon CT / 11 am MT / 10 am PT

21-22
A&A, Not-for-Profit, BV, IT, Human Resources-Firm Administration Sharegroup Conferences
North American Regional Meeting

30
State & Local Tax Sharegroup Teleconference
Time: 1 pm ET / 12 noon CT / 11 am MT / 10 am PT

JUNE
4
SEC Clients Sharegroup Teleconference
Time: 4 pm ET / 3 pm CT / 2 pm MT / 1 pm PT

12
Tax Sharegroup Teleconference
Time: 3 pm ET / 2 pm CT / 1 pm MT / 12 noon CT

JULY
24
Tax Sharegroup Core Team Leaders Teleconference
Time: 3 pm ET / 2 pm CT / 1 pm MT / 12 noon PT

AUGUST
7
Tax Sharegroup Teleconference
Time: 3 pm ET / 2 pm CT / 1 pm MT / 12 noon CT

8
State & Local Tax Sharegroup Core Team Leaders Teleconference
Time: 1 pm ET / 12 noon CT / 11 am MT / 10 am PT

22
State & Local Tax Sharegroup Teleconference
Time: 1 pm ET / 12 noon CT / 11 am MT / 10 am PT

OCTOBER
1
SEC Clients Sharegroup Teleconference
Time: 4 pm ET / 3 pm CT / 2 pm MT / 1 pm PT

21-23
Tax & SaLT Sharegroups Conference
JW Marriott
New Orleans, LA


 
2007 Staff training registration opens

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AGN-NA University, AuditWatch and Surgent McCoy are pleased to offer core training to help our members develop well-rounded professionals who excel in efficient and effective tax, auditing, client service, and key soft skills.

Where:  Hickory Ridge Conference Center, Lisle, IL

When:

Audit

Tax

Level 1

9/24-26

10/22-24

Level 2

7/9-11  

11/5-7

Level 3

7/23-25

11/12-14

Level 4

10/22-24

11/14-16

Level 5

11/5-7

11/5-7

We had record registration in 2006, and 2007 looks to be even better.  If your firm has potential candidates to attend these programs, make sure you confirm their registrations early to ensure your participants get a spot!

How much?  (See 2006 summary table below; Costs in 2007 may increase slightly due to increased fees.  Costs are pooled and divided up equally by the number of participants.  The costs for the 3-day courses include travel, instructor’s fees, lodging, and manual/book fees.  Participating firms will be billed for the training after the course has taken place.

Here’s how:  to register your people, follow these easy steps:
1.  Go to www.agn-na.org
2.  Then mouse over Programs & Events on the blue tool bar
3.  From the drop down menu, choose AGN – NA University
4.  Then click on either Audit Staff Training or Tax Staff Training
5.  Then click on the appropriate level to Register
To register you will need to login* as a member to access the registration page. Class size is limited to 25 students for each Audit session and 35 for each Tax session.
*If you do not have a login or password to access the AGN website, please contact Irene Hayden at ihayden@agn.org

Summary - Staff Training Programs 2006

Audit Level 1
9/25/06

Audit Level 2
7/10/06 - (2 groups)

Audit Level 3
7/24/06 - (2 groups)

Audit Level 4
10/23/06

Audit Level 5
11/06/06

Tax Level 1
10/23/06

Tax Level 2
11/06/06

Tax Level 3
11/13/06

Location

Hickory Ridge, IL

Hickory Ridge, IL

Hickory Ridge, IL

Hickory Ridge, IL

Hickory Ridge, IL

Hickory Ridge, IL

Hickory Ridge, IL

Hickory Ridge, IL

Instructor(s)

Julie Weiss

Nate Mohr &
Lori Charlebois

Nate More & Lindsay Sacks

George Marthinuss

George Marthiness

Jeffrey Snyder

Lance Weiss

Lance Weiss

Instruction Evaluation

4.6

4.6 / 4.4

4.8 / 4.6

4.9

5

4.6

4.8

4.6

Course Materials

4.3

4.5 / 4.1

4.6 / 4.5

4

4.7

4.6

4.4

4.3

Overall Satisfaction

4.6

4.5 / 4.1

4.6 / 4.5

4.4

4.7

4.4

4.3

Food & Facilities

4.6

4.3 / 4.0

4.4 / 4.3

4.5

4.2

4.5

4.4

4.2

# of Participants

26

27 / 27

20 / 20

24

24

19

30

18

# of Firms Represented

9

17

14

13

6

11

15

9

Cost per Participant

$1,489.34

$1,484.26

$1,614.90

$1,535.35

$1,388.82

$1,553.66

$1,442.39

$1,564.93

 

 
AGN-NA’s 2006 strategic plan goals

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1. Knowledge and Resource Sharing – AGN-NA firms will have access to and actively use a broad range of shared talent, resources and best practices.

2. Training – AGN-NA firms will have access to high quality, comprehensive training programs and evidence their satisfaction with high participation levels.

3. Human Resources – AGN-NA firms will attract, develop and retain the highest quality staff.

4. Member Performance – A majority of AGN-NA firms will be in the top quartile of performance measures within their peer group.

5. Reputation and Recognition – AGN-NA will be recognized as an association of quality firms offering the industry’s best resources and solutions.

 
Member News

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Blue & Co. LLC, with seven offices in Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio, recently signed an agreement to merge with Sheridan, Barton, Vasko & Co. (SBV), a Columbus, OH firm, into the Ohio office of Blue & Co.  The transaction takes effect on June 1, 2007.

Robert C. Ellis has been promoted to Director.  The firm’s recent election of members to its executive committee includes Douglas M. Hasler, C. Michael Stigler, and Michael A. Fleetwood.

Eric D. Smith of Bourgeois Bennett CPAs, with two offices in Louisiana, was named Director of Accounting and Auditing Services.  Smith joined the firm in 1978 and was admitted into membership in 1991.

The firm was mentioned in a recent issue of Practical Accountant listed in the Top Firms’ Web Sites article.  The firm gives front-page access to its e-bulletin (bb-cpa.com/ebulletin.html) for clients and friends.  The article states this is a medium almost all firms should investigate.

On February 2, 2007, team members from the Allentown, PA office of Concannon, Miller & Co., P.C., with two offices in Pennsylvania and Florida, participated in the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Day.  More than 25 of the team (partially pictured in the photo) wore red, helping to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease as the #1 killer of women (and men) and to raise funds for the AHA.

Daszkal Bolton LLP, with two offices in Florida, took home the “Oscar” for Business of the Year in the General Business category of the South Florida Business Journal.  This award recognizes South Florida companies that lead with confidence, demonstrating a solid commitment to business goals, staff and community.

The firm also announces the following individuals named as partner in the firm: Robert A. Rivero, Arthur J. Hurley, and Amy E. Vetter.  Rivero has 40 years experience in public accounting and has worked with every type of business, from domestic middle-market companies to major multi-national corporations.  Hurley joined the firm as principal in 2006 and is the founder of the firm’s professional athlete and celebrity niche practice.  Vetter joined the firm’s Strategic Business Solutions Group in 2005 as a principal.  Promoted to principal in the firm’s tax services department is Kevin E. Reynolds.  Reynolds has 15 years of experience in public accounting with a specific focus on health care, real estate and retirement plan industries.

Kimberly Fonda and Lauren Harper of Faw, Casson & Co., LLP, with offices in Dover, DE and Ocean City and Salisbury, MD, have been awarded the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designation. Ronald Hickman has been appointed the Audit Committee Chairman of the Farmers Bank of Willards.

James Moore & Co., P.L., with three offices in Florida, is pleased to announce that Kenneth W. Kurdziel has been admitted to the partnership.  Kurdziel has been with the firm for 12 years serving clients in a wide variety of industries.  Suzanne Forbes, partner-in-charge of the Daytona Beach office, has been chosen by the Volusia/Flagler Business Report as one of the 2006 Young Business Leaders.  Forbes has a long list of accomplishments including earning a masters degree and becoming a CPA three years after graduating from high school.  She is also the youngest partner to be admitted to the firm.

The firm has also become a member of Microsoft’s Gold Certified Partner Program.  This allows the firm to utilize the Microsoft Gold Certified Partner logo, which is an easy way for clients to recognize the firm as certified by Microsoft.

Koch Reiss & Company, P.A.. with two offices in Florida, is pleased to announce that Debra Friefeld Bachenheimer has been named a partner in the firm.  Bachenheimer joined the firm in 1993 and most recently served as the firm’s manager of client accounting services.  Bernard J. Schinder spoke at the 9th annual Klausner & Kaufman, P.A. Pension & Trustees Conference on “Handling Stress in Retirement.”  Schinder was also featured in a recent issue of South Florida Magazine where he was interviewed on the topic of “Dealing with the Death or Divorce of a Spouse."

Logan Katz, LLP, Buffalo, NY, is pleased to announce the appointment of John E. Oehler to Managing Partner effective January 1, 2007.  A 35-year veteran of the firm, Oehler is actively involved in providing accounting, tax and business planning services.  Stepping down from the role of Managing Partner is Philip C. Kadet, who served in this capacity since 1994.  Under his direction, the firm experienced considerable growth through strong business development efforts.  Mark G. Janulewicz has been appointed to Partner.  Janulewicz has over 15 years experience in services to international, corporate and personal tax clients specializing in international cross border taxation issues.

Meaden & Moore, Ltd., with thirteen offices in Ohio, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Arizona, Georgia, Florida and California, is pleased to announce the election of Karen M. McCarthy to Vice President Principal.  An 18-year veteran of the firm, McCarthy oversees the individual tax practice of the firm’s Cleveland office.  Michael W. Coyne has been elected to Vice President Owner.  A 25-year veteran of the firm, Coyne has extensive audit and financial consulting experience, especially in the fields of technology, publishing, manufacturing and communications.

Parissi P.S.C., San Juan, Puerto Rico, is pleased to announce the admission of Axel Ramirez as the new Tax Partner effective January 1, 2007.

Rolfe, Benson, Vancouver, BC, recognizes staff and partners who have been with the firm for 25 years or more:  Ken Mitchell, Brian Kerr, Greg Lonsbrough, Shamash Valji, and David Rolfe at the partner level; Margaret Rolfe, Margot Magee, Judy Smith, Sue Tufts and Natalie Chadwick at the staff level.  Rob Watts and Tim Saxvik have been with the firm for 19 years; Sumako Rankin will hit the 25 year mark this year; at the 10 year mark are Geoff Bree, Azita Yeganegi, Sherry Dunn, Rachel Kronlund, and Dorothy Turner.

Schenck Business Solutions, with ten offices in Wisconsin, is pleased to announce that Katherine A. Diederich; Thomas C. Dunst; Christopher J. Handrick; Robyn R. King; and James A. Olson, have recently been named shareholders of the organization. Diederich and King are in the firm’s Fond du Lac office, Dunst is in the Milwaukee office, and Handrick and Olson are in the Green Bay office. 

The firm was also mentioned in a recent issue of Practical Accountant listed in the Top Firms’ Web Sites article.  The firm’s website (schencksolutions.com/content/library/index.php) contains a library of white papers on subjects from exit interviews to selling a dental practice.

Sisterson & Co., LLP, Pittsburgh, PA, is proud to announce that Michael M. Comstock has been admitted to the partnership effective January 1, 2007.  Comstock began his career at Sisterson more than 20 years ago and has extensive experience working with large consolidated tax groups and multi-state taxation issues.  He will focus on providing tax services to the firm’s clients.

Managing Partner Bill Troup has been elected to the Board of Directors of UPMC Senior Communities, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries Chapel Harbor ALF, Cranberry Place, Seneca Place and The Heritage Shadyside.

The firm was included in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s special report on the Top 50 Best Employers in Pittsburgh.  Sisterson ranked #9 in the mid-sized (50-500 employee) category.

Sproles Woodard L.L.P., with two offices in Texas and one in New Mexico, is pleased to announce that David R. Eason has become a partner.  With 17 years of service with the firm, Eason has been responsible for the audit and attest engagements as Associate Director of Auditing and Accounting.  His industry experience encompasses oil and gas, manufacturing, financial institutions, trade associations, wholesale distribution, employee benefit plans and nonprofit organizations.

Windham Brannon, P.C., CPAs, Atlanta, GA, is celebrating 50 years of providing their clients with outstanding tax, audit and accounting services. To commemorate this golden anniversary, they created the Windham Brannon Foundation, which will provide five scholarships to students attending Atlanta-area colleges in its inaugural year.

Also, the firm welcomes two new principals. Butch E. Sigmon comes to WB with 20 years of experience and will lead the firm’s Global Executive Services team. John G. Henriquez brings over 15 years of experience to WB’s audit and assurance team. Henriquez joins WB after serving as a senior manager at Grant Thornton.

NA FIRMS RECOGNIZED IN NATIONAL PUBLICATIONS:

Practical Accountant’s Survey of Regional Firms – Top 15 Firms (excluding the Big Four and national firms) lists these AGN-NA members:

  • Rothstein Kass & Co. in 6th place for the Northeast Region
  • Bourgeois Bennett in 13th place for the Southwest Region
  • Schenck Business Solutions in 6th place and Clark, Schaefer, Hackett & Co. in 11th place for the North Central Region

The rankings are based on FYE 2006 revenue.

Public Accounting Report’s Top SEC Firms 2006 includes the following AGN-NA members:

  • Rothstein, Kass & Co. (34th)
  • Pender, Newkirk & Co. (66th)
  • Stegman & Co. (70th)

The rankings are based on SEC net revenue.

Accounting Today’s Top 100 Firms (excluding the Big Four and national firms) lists these AGN-NA firms:

  • Rothstein, Kass & Co. in 23rd place, up from 28th place in 2006; Schenck Business Solutions holds onto 35th place, Clark, Schaefer, Hackett in 60th place, and Blue & Co. at 89th place
  • Rothstein, Kass & Co. placed first in Firms under $100 million in the A&A category, and fourth in the Tax category (ranked by revenue).  The firm placed seventh in Pacesetters in Growth for the overall Top 100 Firms (ranked by percentage of change).

The Top 100 Local Firms by Region includes:
Schenck Business Solutions at sixth place and Clark, Schaefer, Hackett in 11th  place in Central Midwest firms.  Coming in at third place in New York Metro firms is Rothstein, Kass & Co.


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