Program Hotel Information Conference Rates Register

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2015

7:30 a.m. Golf +
Westin La Paloma Golf Course

Golf registration will be separate at this conference. If you are interested in golfing, please contact Brian Wright at bwright@eloyaz.gov or 520-251-0028.
8:00 a.m. Registration Open +
Arizona Foyer
8:30 a.m. CPFO Exam +
Aster Room

GFOAz will host the GFOA CPFO exam at the training. If you would like to participate in the exam, please complete the GFOA application here.
11:00 a.m. PSPRS: Reform Recommendations from the League's Task Force +
Grand Ballroom
1 CPE

Speaker: Scott McCarty, Finance Director/CFO, Queen Creek & Chair, Pension Reform Task Force

The League's Pension Reform Task Force will discuss its reform recommendations for PSPRS. Referred to as the "yardstick", these recommendations reflect the elements of an affordable and sustainable public safety pension system for all parties (employees, retirees, employers, and taxpayers). The implementation process and timeline will also be discussed.
12:00 p.m.Lunch on Your Own
1:30 p.m. Shared Revenue Forecast +
Grand Ballroom
1 CPE

Speaker: Elaine Smith, Senior Economist, Arizona Department of Revenue

Some local municipalities are participating in the special census, which will likely impact shared revenues for everyone. Our speaker will discuss the potential impact, along with the relationship between the transaction privilege tax (TPT) basis and shared revenues.
2:20 p.m.Beverage Break +
Arizona Foyer
2:30 p.m.Memory Magic +
Grand Ballroom
2 CPEs

Speaker: Paul Mellor, Author, Success Links

In today's business world, having the ability to remember names and faces, and recall facts and figures puts you at the head of the pack. In this fun-filled session, you'll learn time-tested techniques for remembering information while gaining control of your day without the fear of forgetting. When you're skilled in memory, all your other skills get better.
4:15 p.m.Education Committee Meeting +
Ironwood

If you are interested in participating in the GFOAz Education Committee meeting, please e-mail info@gfoaz.org.
5:00 p.m. Membership Committee Meeting +
Ironwood

If you are interested in participating in the GFOAz Membership Committee meeting, please e-mail info@gfoaz.org.
5:00 p.m. Welcome and Sponsor Reception +
Arizona Deck and Foyer

GFOAz welcomes members to join us for an opening reception to thank our sponsors. The ongoing success of GFOAz is dependent on several factors, but possibly none as important as the continued financial support of our corporate partners.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2015

7:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast +
Arizona Foyer
8:00 a.m. How to Think Quickly on Your Feet -- Without Using Notes +
Grand Ballroom
1 CPE

Speaker: Paul Mellor, Author, Success Links

You can wake up to a powerful memory once you discover the relationship between sleep, stress, cortisol and your ability to store and access information. In addition to learning how to improve sleep habits, decrease stress and increase focus, this seminar also includes the four basic principles for improving memory as well as tips for overcoming absent-mindedness. As a bonus you will also discover easy to use and effective organizational and time management techniques.
9:00 a.m. GASB's Revised Pension Standards: What Arizona's Governmental Employers Need for 2015 +
Grand Ballroom
1.5 CPEs

Speakers: Nancy Bennett, Chief Financial Officer, ASRS
  Leslie Clark, Assistant Accounting Manager, PSPRS
  Donna Miller, Professional Practice Group Director, Arizona Office of the Auditor General

This panel presentation and discussion will provide Arizona's employer governments with detailed information about what they will need and what is available to prepare FY 2015 financial statements under GASB's Statement No. 68, Accounting and Financial Reporting for Pensions. Representatives from the Arizona Office of the Auditor General, Arizona State Retirement System, and the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System will explain how, when, and where to find the information necessary to help implement the newly effective complex pension requirements. There also will be ample time for questions and answers.
10:40 a.m. TPT Reform Update +
Grand Ballroom
1 CPE

Speakers: Lee Grafstrom, Tax Policy Analyst, League of Arizona Cities & Towns
  Gary Tasky, Tax, License & Collections Administrator / Business Systems Programs Supervisor, Peoria

Arizona Department of Revenue has been working on a TPT simplification project for over a year. Our speakers will update us on where DOR is in the project and what new deadlines or requirements will be impacting local municipalities.
11:45 a.m.Plated Lunch
1:00 p.m. Community Facilities Districts (CFDs) – Financing Public Infrastructure +
Grand Ballroom
2 CPEs

Speakers: Mike Cafiso Esq., Bond Counsel, Greenberg Traurig, LLP
  Mark Reader, Managing Director, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc.

In this session, our speakers will discuss a historical perspective of Arizona CFDs. The speakers will look at current activity and review best practices as it relates to future interest by the development community as well as cities, towns and counties.
2:40 p.m. Beverage Break+
Arizona Foyer
3:00 p.m. Arizona's Changing Property Tax Landscape +
Grand Ballroom
1.5 CPEs

Speakers: Scott Ruby, Attorney, Gust Rosenfeld, P.L.C.
  Randie Stein, Director, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc.
  Darlene Teller, Senior Economist, Arizona Department of Revenue

Recent changes to Arizona property tax laws have generated a new round of questions and confusion about Arizona's property tax system. The panel will provide an insight into several key components of the tax process, including the role of the Property Tax Oversight Commission, the truth in taxation process and the impact of Prop. 117.
4:45 p.m. GFOAz Board Meeting +
Ironwood
5:30 p.m. Reception +
Terrace Foyer

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015

8:00 a.m. Breakfast +
Arizona Foyer
9:00 a.m. Economic Update +
Grand Ballroom
1 CPE

Speaker: Wayne Stutzer, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor, Senior Consulting Group, RBC Wealth Management

This session will provide an update on the national economy and some perspective into Arizona-related economic topics.
10:00 a.m. POLICIES: The Building Behind a Solid Capital Asset Policy +
Grand Ballroom
1 CPE

Speaker: Karen Huffman, Controller, Tempe

This session will explore the building of a solid Capital Asset policy. Like constructing your own custom home, it will encompass the decision process of the design phase, laying a concrete foundation, and all the way through determining your decorating style.
11:00 a.m. Legislative Update +
1 CPE

Speaker: Tom Belshe, Deputy Director, League of Arizona Cities & Towns

This session will update members on a variety of timely legislative issues. League legislative staff will provide an overview of the 2015 legislative session, and explain the challenges and opportunities we currently face.
12:00 p.m.Conference Adjourns

 

Questions? Call 602-258-5786