Fellow IMA’ers:

 

June is upon us and it is the start of a new chapter year.  As we close out the old year I would like to congratulate everyone for a successful 2002 – 2003.  As we move forward, let’s take a moment to celebrate our successes: Our chapter finished 31^st in the Stevenson Division, received an Achievement Award as a distinguished Chapter (95% of Competition Points.), offered low-cost, high-quality CPE to members, CMA/CFM review courses, celebrated the one year anniversary of our student chapter at NC State, continued our long standing community service activity with the March of Dimes, a resource to members and employers for new career opportunities, just to name a few.  

All in all, we put together a successful program.  Many congratulations to Ron and his team for a job well done!

What about this year ?

Since June 1^st your 2003-2004  Board has been brainstorming and following up on ideas for topics, speakers, and CPE sessions and will be confirming the agenda in our July newsletter. As with last year, you can mark your calendars for the 3^rd Thursday of each month at the Marriott Hotel for dinner meetings and register for any of our meetings at our web site www.imanctriangle.org. 

There have been many changes at National particularly in compensation and competition for the 2003-2004 year.  As National has changed, our Chapter will need to change to better meet the needs of our members. We are reviewing our finances—both revenue and expense.  Over the next few weeks some of you may be contacted regarding sponsorship of as well as advertisements in our Annual Roster and monthly newsletters.  Your consideration for sponsorship is greatly appreciated.

While we are planning our new year there are two additional CPE opportunities available this summer:  the IMA National Conference is in Nashville, TN from June 21^st  to 25^th  and the Carolinas Council (www.imacarolinascouncil.org) will be hosting 8 hours of continuing education on Friday July 25^th  in Greensboro, NC..  After attending either of these events, please go to our website and record your CPE hours. (http://www.imanctriangle.org/record_cpe.htm)

 

All in all, we have a dynamic leadership team assembled that is committed to providing great service to you.  If you’re a member and have not participated in our events recently, please consider this your invitation.   If you are not a member, please come check us out and consider joining IMA.

 

Thanks, and let’s have a wonderful, productive year !

 

Kathy Santos-Rezendes

Chapter President

 

 

CONGRATULATIONS

 

At the May dinner meeting, the annual awards presentation was conducted.  Ron Lowell was presented “The Past President’s Award” recognizing his outstanding service as Chapter President for the past two years.  BeLindaLea Barnhart finally received her Past President’s Certificate for her service in 1998-1999.  Nancy Smith, Director of Public Relations, received “The Robert Horky Award”.  The Horky Award is given annually by the Board of Directors to a member of the Chapter, who is not an officer, who has contributed materially to the success of the Chapter during the year.  A special award, appropriately called the “Rander Harris Award”, was presented to Rander Harris to recognize his contributions and dedication  to the Chapter and years of service with the IMA.  Rander is leaving our chapter due to a job transfer.

 

 

REPORTING CPE

 

I want to thank those of you who have responded to us by reporting your CPE.  Please keep it coming by going to our website (http://www.imanctriangle.org/record_cpe.htm) and filling in the CPE form.  Even if you aren’t certified or have taken more than you need for certification, please report it to us.  It all counts for compensation.  

Just to clarify the new requirements, we are now looking only for IMA sponsored CPE.  The CPE that you have so graciously reported to us in the past we will no longer get paid for because it was not IMA sponsored.  That means that we really need your help financially by attending our sessions, reporting to us when you attend another IMA function or take advantage of the education resources found on the National website or the life-long learning center.  We are expanding our educational offerings this year so that you will have ample opportunity to fulfill your requirements.  Please take advantage of them.

 

VISIT THE IMA CAROLINAS COUNCIL WEBSITE @ www.imacarolinascouncil.org

 The Carolinas Council will be hosting 8 hours of continuing education on Friday July 25^th  in Greensboro, NC (www.imacarolinascouncil.org).  The website has all the speaker and registration information.

  

ADVERTISE IN THE MOTIVATOR

 

Would you like to get your message out to over 500 of the area’s accounting and finance professionals?  We are planning on running ads in The Motivator.  We are also looking for sponsors to pick up mailing costs of the monthly newsletter in exchange for exclusive advertising opportunities.  If you are interested in taking advantage of  these opportunities, please contact Teresa Muncer-Shimp, 783-0002, tmuncer@accountantsinc.com

 

 LOG ONTO THE CHAPTER’S WEBSITE

 The Chapter’s web site can be found at www.imanctriangle.org.  Keep up with the latest information about chapter events and upcoming CPE opportunities.

 

 

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES – From the Chapter’s Employment Director

The Chapter serves its members by connecting those seeking positions with employers that have positions available.  The Chapter’s Director of Employment is Chris McKittrick. For further information or to submit a resume please e-mail Chris McKittrick at ctm1999@hotmail.com.

 

 

Empowering Your Employees — A Win-Win Situation

 

        Today’s accounting professionals face a number of challenges, from a struggling economy

  and mounting workloads to new regulations.  Dealing with these issues can take a heavy toll on

  morale.  Help your team keep up their spirits and maintain productivity by giving them greater

  control of projects and their outcome.

 

        Empowering your staff will better prepare them to face future challenges, and the

  confidence you instill will make them stronger in their roles.  Their ability to rise to the occasion

  will also give you more time to focus on your own responsibilities and work on higher priority

  projects.

 

              People are more likely to feel motivated when they know their work is important and

  appreciated.  When assigning new projects, let employees know how their efforts will contribute

  to the department and the company’s success.  Make sure, however, that you match the right

  person with the right job.  If he or she doesn’t have the requisite skills, consider additional training.

 

        Beyond just assigning the task, empowering employees includes delegating the

  decision-making.  Assure staff that you trust their judgment and provide them with the resources

  needed to make sound choices.  Avoid micromanaging, but be sure to set deadlines and establish

  measurable goals so employees stay on track.

 

        Finally, have faith in your staff.  Chances are you hired some, if not all, of them.  At the

  very least, you know their strengths and weaknesses and understand who is the best fit for each

  initiative.  Having confidence in your employees’ abilities will lead to improved productivity and

  more inspired workers.

      

  Submitted by Accountemps.