Catalyst (Dublin, Ohio) articles from July 2004

Catalyst (Dublin, Ohio) archives from July 2004

What have I gotten into?(A message FROM THE CHAIR)
July 1, 2004... When I found out I had been selected as the Society's chair-elect, my first thought was "What have I gotten myself into?" After a year as chair-elect, I know exactly what I have gotten into, and I am looking forward to it. We as a...

A different viewpoint on "the leaders' roundtable".(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
July 1, 2004... Dear Editor: I read with great interest the story titled "Roundtable Discussion" in the May/June issue of the Catalyst. Some of the comments printed in the article were disturbing to me and prompted this response. In the portion of...

Pension reform signed into law.(Ohio)
July 1, 2004... Pension fund reforms were signed into law by Gov. Taft this past June, after allegations of improper spending and ethics violations. The new law spells out ethics and travel policies for the pension fund boards. It also expands four of the...

Ohio House sets summer tort reform agenda.(Ohio)
July 1, 2004... House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Scott Oelslager (R-Canton) has scheduled four hearings on the Society-backed lawsuit reform legislation, SB 80. Hearings will be held: * June 24 -- Contingency fees and "Consumer Bill of Rights" ...

Companies enhance ethics policies.(Ohio)
July 1, 2004... Many of Ohio's largest companies are enacting more specific ethics policies in response to Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and new NASDAQ and NYSE requirements, The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported. The two major stock exchanges have...

Ohio tax department steps up audits of tax credits.(Ohio)
July 1, 2004... Businesses beware. The Ohio Department of Taxation (ODT) is increasing audits of entities erroneously using the manufacturing tax credits. ODT is applying a 45-year-old case [170 Ohio St. 99 (1959); ROBERTS v. BOWERS; 162 N.E.2d 858] as its...

National City acquires Provident Financial.(Ohio)
July 1, 2004... The Federal Reserve approved Cleveland-based National City Corp.'s acquisition of Cincinnati-based Provident Financial Group. The $2.1 billion deal was announced in February and was approved by 99 percent of Provident's shareholders. ...

GASB issues Statement No. 44.(National)
July 1, 2004... The Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) has issued Statement No. 44, Economic Condition Reporting: The Statistical Section. Statement 44 is designed to reflect the significant changes that have taken place in government finance,...

PCAOB approves oversight rules for non-U.S. firms.(National)
July 1, 2004... The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) has adopted its third auditing standard along with rules related to the oversight of non-U.S. firms and certain terminology. The Board adopted Auditing Standard No. 3, Audit...

International Accounting Boards to create Advisory Group.(National)
July 1, 2004... The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), the United Kingdom Accounting Standards Board (ASB), and the United States Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) (collectively, the Boards) are forming an International Advisory Group...

IRS introduces new U.S. tax certification procedure.(National)
July 1, 2004... A new IRS tax form, Form 8802, Application for United States Residency Certification, will make it easier for U.S. individuals and businesses to establish that they are entitled to lower foreign tax rates provided by U.S. income tax treaties....

AICPA launches program to improve America's Financial Literacy.(National)
July 1, 2004... The AICPA has announced a new program targeting financial illiteracy in America. The program--360 Degrees of Financial Literacy--is a multi-faceted education program designed for everyone from school-age children to retirees. A recent Roper...

EFTPS enrollment equals tax refund.(National)
July 1, 2004... Nearly one million employers could qualify for a refund of a previously paid federal tax deposit penalty if they enroll in the IRS's Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS). The refund offer gives business taxpayers an opportunity to...

Making the leap? Issues surrounding voluntary adoption of Sarbanes-Oxley.(Cover Story)
July 1, 2004... It's no wonder public companies are shaking in their boots, or more bluntly, their "SOX." CPAs and accounting professionals know the drill by now, and if they don't, there's not much time to learn the ropes. Based on the well-publicized...

The aging of America: graying baby boomers, increased longevity create opportunities for CPAs.
July 1, 2004... CPAs who specialize in personal financial planning and the health care industry are realizing the benefits of an aging population. A record number of Americans require comprehensive blended retirement, long-term care, and estate planning...

Protecting personal assets: what estate planners need to know.
July 1, 2004... No matter the profession or business activity of your clients, they have no doubt become increasingly wary of the risk of potential personal liability. With the passage of federal and state legislation such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002,...

The "personnel" perspective of internal auditing.
July 1, 2004... It's a good time to be in the accounting profession. Accountability to customers, stakeholders and the public has become more important than perhaps any other time in accounting history. And the professional group delivering these services? The...

The Ohio brain drain: fact or fiction?
July 1, 2004... What's that sound emanating from the Buckeye State? According to some reports, it's the sound of Ohio's collective brain power flushing down the proverbial drain on its way to other states. Recent statistics show Ohio is losing the battle to...

Knowledge transfer: harnessing the power of CPE.
July 1, 2004... CPE is power waiting to be realized. At its heart, CPE, or continuing professional education, is knowledge. Knowledge is power. How then does one reap the power and benefits available through CPE in order to not only realize personal benefits,...

O'Donnell, Lanzinger endorsed for Ohio Supreme Court; numerous legislative endorsements also released.(Capitol Access)
July 1, 2004... The Ohio Society of CPAs has endorsed Justice Terrence O'Donnell and Judge Judith Lanzinger for election to the Ohio Supreme Court this coming November. The first wave of endorsements for Ohio House, Ohio Senate and Congressional races was also...

Ohio asbestos reform bill likely headed to the ballot.(Capitol Access)
July 1, 2004... Legislators may not get the last say in the recently passed asbestos litigation reform bill, as representatives from the plaintiff's bar are in the process of gathering signatures to place the recently passed legislation on the November ballot...

Wi-fight it? The growing availability of public wireless access.(Business Bytes)
July 1, 2004... Picture this common scenario: you are waiting to catch a flight. Instead of walking over to the newsstand to grab the paper, you flip open your laptop and catch the latest stories online--right from your seat at the gate. Then, instead of...

Portable, powerful, and practical: maneuvering through the crowded field of laptop computers.(Gadgets & Gizmos)
July 1, 2004... Recent advances in laptop technology have made them leaner, meaner, and better suited for today's wireless worker. The introduction of Intel's[R] Centrino[TM] technology promised thinner laptops, also known as notebooks, with longer battery...

Self-assessment exam.
July 1, 2004... Catalyst -- July/August 2004 The self-assessment exam is provided as a convenient method for CPAs to earn CPE credit by reading Catalyst: The Leading Edge of Ohio Business. The exam consists of 25 multiple-choice questions covering...

Answers to your technology questions.(Ask IT)
July 1, 2004... Who do you turn to with your questions about technology? Now you have a new option--the ASK IT section. This new Catalyst column is an opportunity for our members to get answers for their technology questions. Have you ever attended a session...

CPAs prepare next generation of business leaders.(Member Initiatives)
July 1, 2004... More than 200 Ohio high school students eyeing corner offices in the business world got some advice from members of The Ohio Society, thanks to a free program sponsored by the Society's member initiatives program. Nearly 240 high school...

Tucker installed as new Society chair.(Members Only)
July 1, 2004... Jeffrey H. Tucker, CPA, was inducted June 15, 2004 as chair of The Ohio Society of CPA's Executive Board. Tucker was sworn in by Lee Beall, CPA, a past president of The Ohio Society. "Jeff's commitment to the profession has led to his...

PCAOB Chair Signals Expansion of SOX to "Other Contexts".(Members Only)
July 1, 2004... The head of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) is looking for PCAOB standards to apply beyond public company audits. PCAOB Chair William McDonough also called on Ohio CPAs to help restore confidence in American business...

Ray Stephens receives 2004 Gold Medal.(Members Only)
July 1, 2004... Ray G. Stephens, D.B.A., CPA, CMA is the recipient of the 2004 Gold Medal for Meritorious Service to the Accounting Profession. Presented during The Ohio Society's Annual Meeting on June 15, 2004, the award is the highest honor a member can...

2004 Outstanding Ohio Accounting Educator Award: Timothy J. Fogarty, Ph.D., CPA.(Members Only)
July 1, 2004... Timothy J. Fogarty, Ph.D., CPA, has been named the 2004 Outstanding Ohio Accounting Educator. Sponsored by The Ohio Society of CPAs and the American Accounting Association, Ohio Region, this annual award is presented to an educator who has made...

2004 Ohio Society Public Service Award: Thomas M. Belnap, CPA.(Members Only)
July 1, 2004... His volunteer efforts may build centers and pave roads, but Thomas M. Belnap's passion for community service boils down to one simple focus. "To me, it's all about youth," says Belnap. "When parents stop to thank you, or when former...

2004 outstanding member in industry: Joseph S. Fornal, CPA.(Members Only)
July 1, 2004... The reason Joseph Fornal decided to leave his own successful consulting practice to accept a position in industry was very basic. "I missed the interaction with peers on a personal level," said Fornal, "I didn't get that as a sole...

The Society goes Hawaiian for annual BBQ and Ohio CPA/PAC fundraiser: silent auction raises more than $6,000.(Members Only)
July 1, 2004... The 2004 Leaders' BBQ, held June 14, got a tropical twist as more than one hundred current and former Society leaders and CPA/PAC contributors from across the state broke out Hawaiian shirts for an evening of food and fun--Luau-style. The...

National issues discussed at 2004 Members Summit and Annual Meeting.(Members Only)
July 1, 2004... The 2004 Members Summit and Annual Meeting, held June 15 at the Columbus Convention Center, attracted over 550 members and professionals from across Ohio who gathered for a day of diverse continuing professional education, networking and the...

Ohio Accounting Show draws record crowd.(Members Only)
July 1, 2004... Over 600 professionals attended the Society's Ohio Accounting Show in Dayton, setting a new record for the popular event. "I am now and always have been very impressed with the Accounting Show," said Shawn Ahern, CPA, of Transportation...

Technology services from 535metro.(Members Only)
July 1, 2004... Is your network secure from the onslaught of recent viruses and those who have malicious intentions? Can you access your e-mail from a remote location? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Is your response time fast enough to meet your client's...

Spring Town Hall Series--another statewide success.(Members Only)
July 1, 2004... Touching over 300 Ohio Society members statewide, the Town Hall Series concluded another successful run this spring. Each of the Town Hall programs began with an update from Clarke Price, CAE, president and CEO of The Ohio Society of CPAs,...

Rewarding the next generation: 2004 Scholarship Day a success.(Members Only)
July 1, 2004... Bringing together college accounting majors from around the state, The Ohio Society held its fourth annual Scholarship Day April 30. Six college juniors and seniors competed for a $3,000 scholarship awarded by the Society's Educational...

Lights, camera, CPAs: AICPA brings CPA Ambassador Program to Ohio.(Members Only)
July 1, 2004... Several members of The Ohio Society recently endured the glare of the media spotlight while training for a new program launched by the American Institute of CPAs. The CPA Ambassadors Program kicked off in Dublin on April 27 with a one-day...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
July 1, 2004... Donald F. Zwilling, CPA, ABV of Bay Village, OH was incorrectly listed in the "In Memoriam" section of the May/June issue of Catalyst. We deeply regret any confusion or stress this error has caused. MDS CPA Review, a bronze sponsor of the...

Accountancy Board of Ohio disciplinary actions.(Members Only)
July 1, 2004... The following are the disciplinary actions taken by the Accountancy Board of Ohio at its April 23, 2004 Board meeting. This information is current as of press time. NAME BOARD HOMETOWN ...

The Ohio Society of CPAs: financial report 2003-2004.(Members Only)
July 1, 2004... Summary of Financial Results The Ohio Society launched a number of new initiatives and programs in fiscal 2004 to benefit members and the profession. During the 2004 year, the Society: * Continued its significant communication efforts...

Bradford S. Eldridge.(Columbus)
July 1, 2004... Bradford S. Eldridge, CPA, MBA, CPA/ABV, ASA, CIRA has been appointed to the Editorial Advisory Board of National Litigation Consultants Review, published by Litigation Consultants.

Rea & Associates.(Columbus)
July 1, 2004... Chris Axene, CPA has joined Rea & Associates as senior tax manager and Susie Martono has joined the firm as tax staff accountant.

Liberty Bank.(Twinsburg)
July 1, 2004... Richard C. Ebner, CPA of Liberty Bank, N.A. has been appointed to chief operating officer and chief financial officer. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts.(Mentor)
July 1, 2004... Benedict A. Kolita, CPA, CVA has recently completed his initial term as an exam grader for the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts (NACVA).

Bruner-Cox LLP.(Stark)
July 1, 2004... Daniele L. Caserta, CPA has re-joined Bruner-Cox LLP as supervisor in the general services department.

Brady Ware.(Dayton)
July 1, 2004... Michael W. Schweller, CPA has joined Brady Ware in the tax specialty services group and will lead the firm's real estate cost segregation practice. Got a promotion? Changed jobs? We want to hear about it! You are going places, and...

Gain an edge: educational opportunites.(Calendar)
July 1, 2004... Registration Fees * Member -- This fee applies to Ohio Society members and affiliates, or members of other state societies. * Non-member -- All individuals who qualify for membership in The Ohio Society and choose not to be...