Hello everyone,

The new year for the Chapter began in June. How time flies! As this year’s President I thought it really is time for some catch-up writing.

The old and new Board got together for a planning meeting in June to outline the monthly programs for the year, every 3rd Wednesday of the month; the picnic at Angel Island, September 26, 2009; and, the holiday party, December 16, 2009. Details will be listed on the Evite and also on our Website and Newsletter … check frequently, please.

Our first Member Meeting was held on August 19, 2009 with our colleagues from IMA. The program was on the “hot” topic of IFRS vs. GAAP and it was very well attended and received. Thank you all for your interest.

A change for this year is the ability to pay for the meeting through PayPal. The fees will be $5 higher if you pay at the door. So, please take advantage of the discounted price through PayPal.

I am excited to present Lee Abel Bandele as our next speaker on Wednesday, September 16, 2009. She is very passionate about Long Term Care Insurance and a frequent lecturer at California Pacific Medical Center. She will tell us how LTC Insurance works  - how to purchase the insurance, the tax implications of long term insurance for individuals and companies, and much more. We are looking forward to her presentation!

We are also gearing up for our annual Picnic in September. By overwhelming requests we have decided to go back to Angel Island for this event. Please note on your calendar this very important date: Saturday, September 26, 2009. All details including links to ferry schedules, other public transportation to the ferries and much more will be published in the Evite. We are looking forward to welcoming many members with their families (kids are free!) and guests from the San Francisco and the Silicon Valley Chapters. Let’s have a blast!

In October I will be attending the ASWA/AWSCPA Joint National Conference in Las Vegas at The Palms Casino Resort. I am looking forward to attending the seminars and becoming reacquainted with the many members I had met from all over the United States at the two previous JNC’s in Orlando and Dallas. I have to say it is a great experience and I recommend to all of you to try to go at least once. Talk to your employers to sponsor you (you can earn up to 24 hours of CPE credit that you can select from 61 seminars). Check it out on our National website www.aswa.org

All the best,

Gabrielle