The Des Moines Chapter AGA met at Mercy Capital’s cafeteria side room on March 4th, 2008. President Suzanne Dahlstrom opened the meeting and welcomed everyone, including our guests –Joyce Thomsen and Jyl Husky both from the Department of Education.
Suzanne noted that our next audio conference is scheduled for Wednesday, March 5th on Environmental Fraud. If you plan to attend, be sure to print the information that was sent to you. She also noted another audio conference that is scheduled for Wednesday, March 26th on the GASB Update. The registration form for this audio conference was also in the February newsletter and need to be turned in by March 21st.
She noted that the CEC is currently planning an ethics seminar for May 14th. Details are in progress. Stay tuned for more information.
Suzanne asked that members please consider donating to the Food Bank of Iowa. We will be collecting donations at both the March and April chapter meetings. Our chapter is planning to match the first $100 in donations.
Suzanne commented that our Chapter Executive Committee (CEC) is still looking for members to fill the following positions: President-Elect & Chapter Recognition Chair, Community Service, Education, Membership, Professional Certification, Early Careers Director and Chapter Website. Please notify Suzanne Dahlstrom or Valerie Wedgeworth if you are interested in any of these positions.
She mentioned that March is CGFM month. Our chapter obtained an official proclamation from Governor Culver last year making March and March of every year, CGFM month. We are celebrating with cupcakes at today’s meeting. Our chapter includes 37 members who have the CGFM certification. Suzanne encouraged others to consider obtaining this certification.
In addition, Suzanne noted that our chapter is in the process of accumulating a list of all those studying for the CGFM in hopes of offering resources to aid in obtaining the certification. If you are studying for the CGFM and would like to network with others, please contact Suzanne Dahlstrom.
Suzanne also provided some updates on the CGFM exam process. She brought some information on the revised examination content for those who are interested. The updated CGFM Exam will be offered for the first time at the Intensive Review Course/CGFM Exam event to take place before the PDC in Atlanta on July 24-27, 2008. The updated exams will be available in testing centers starting on August 15, 2008.
She reminded everyone to keep Tuesday, May 6th open for our special evening meeting at Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse. Spouses and significant others are welcome to join us. We’ll be presenting awards at this May meeting. Our speaker for this meeting will be Jack Ketterer from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.
Suzanne noted that our next chapter meeting will be April 1st, 2008. Jeff Riese from the Polk Des Moines Taxpayer Association will be our speaker.
She asked if there were any other announcements. Janice Jensen mentioned that Marlene Dorenkamp had recently accepted the position of Regional Coordinator for CGFM. Marlene will be a good resource for members interested in obtaining their CGFM certification. Congratulations Marlene!!
Andy Nielsen introduced our guest speaker, Jim Piersen from DAS/HRE. He gave a very informative speech on the benefits for both active and retired state employees.
There was 1 speaker, 2 guests, and 21 members present. The name drawn for the year-end drawing was Cindy Weber.