ASPA 35th Annual Meeting & Summer Seminar

Arizona Society of Practicing Accountants (ASPA) celebrates its 35th Anniversary this year.  We had a great kick off at our Annual Meeting and Summer Seminar June 24-25 at Little America in Flagstaff. 

Celebrations started with an outdoor  receptions Thursday and Friday on the beautiful, pine laden grounds at the hotel.  Gentle breezes allowed the visitors from the southern part of the state a welcome respite from the triple digit heat. 

At the Friday night banquet, NSA president, Donny Woods installed the new state officers and recognized the great NSA volunteers from Arizona.  Jack Schabow, one of the first 12 (dubbed the Daring Dozen in the history booklet we received), shared some highlights of the past 35 years.

The food was great.  Ask anyone who was there.  And the hotel staff was considerate and made you not only feel welcome, but special too. 

There was a Friday afternoon get-away for member guests at the Lowell Observatory.  Reports are that it was fun and a great place to bring family.   A few attendees walked away with some raffle and game prizes, but it was not all fun and games. 

Steve Siegel, a well known speaker, was the presenter for 12 cpe hours on 1041s, 706s and 709s.  Many of us are facing the preparation of more 1041 estate returns as well as simple 1041 trusts.   Most came away with some new knowledge and many of us could say we learned a lot.  The handouts will be a valuable resource that I will be using this summer. 

Donny Woods presented Cash Flow Statements.  While not required for non Gaap financials, he explained why they are an important addition to the financial reports as well as providing us with practical and simplified ways to prepare them.

The seminar was finished with our own Walter Dudley and Jeffrey Hill, presenting information on being a Campaign Treasurer.  Not only were they informative, but there was lots of interaction between them and the attendees with lively discussion.

For those of you who did not attend, you missed a great seminar, good company, good food, and fun.  The picture albums brought smiles and laughs to our faces as we looked members pictures from past events - remember bell bottoms, long hair & sideburns, just to mention a few.   I hope you will get the opportunity to read the ASPA story and memories that Jack Schabow and Joan Parker put together. 

Thanks to all who worked on this event.