A Publication of the Denver-Centennial Chapter #410 Volume 09 Issue 11

CMA… The Next Level

November Dinner Meeting Wednesday, November 18, 2009

1 hour CPE Qualified –

Topic: Practical Tools and Tactics for Expanding your

Network Featured Speaker: Diane Johnson, CPA

Location: Holiday Inn Select at Cherry Creek 455 South Colorado Boulevard Denver, CO 80246 Times: 5:30 pm Registration and Social Hour 6:30 pm Dinner 7:00 pm Announcements 7:15 pm Speaker 8:30 pm Raffle and Closing Commentary Dinner Selections:

Chicken Oscar Or

Vegetarian Lasagna

With Roasted pear, walnut, radish and bleu cheese with Baby greens and pear vinaigrette and Chocolate Cake w/ white chocolate sauce

and raspberries for dessert.

Cost: $25 - Members/Non-Members with reservations $35 - Members/Non-Members without reservations $20 - Students (please bring your student ID Reservations: You will be considered 'registered' by responding 'Yes' by 4pm on Thursday, November 12th. --If you need to cancel, please email Kristen Muzzy 48 hours in advance at kmuzzy@3tsystems.com (preferred) or call and leave a message on (303) 991-8489 to avoid being billed.

are tracking very positive in spite of our economic climate with an increase in membership up 523 this year, CMA exam growth 13% in the U.S. and 18% internationally, and the number of CMA parts taken increasing by 28%! These results would not be possible without the superior leadership at the International IMA, the hundreds of volunteers around the globe, and our membership’s participation. These positive results bode well for all our members as the CMA continues to gain recognition around the world. I am fortunate to be a part of such a fantastic team! I’m happy to report that our Chapter is following suit and tracking positive growth in membership and CMA exams from last year. We made our third award to a student passing a CMA part last month and hear buzz that more are scheduled to take parts before the end of the year! I congratulate all of the students who are studying for and taking CMA exam parts while maintaining their college studies. This is quite an accomplishment and will benefit you as you venture out into the business world! The chapter is gaining momentum in planning for our big event; Student Night on February 26th, 2010. The Student Night Committee is happily accepting volunteers to assist in planning this very important night. For those of us that have been out of school for a few years (who’s counting?) think back on how awesome it would have been to win a scholarship from an Internationally reputable professional organization like the IMA! The smiles, tears of joy, and confidence I saw in the winners as they accepted their awards last year were incredible. The greatest gift is without a doubt “giving back to others”. This night is very special for all the students who have submitted a scholarship application, those that are coming for their first time, or supporting their friends. It’s up to all of us to make this night an event that they will remember for years to come and share with others what a wonderful organization the IMA is. I absolutely understand how busy this time of year is, so if you cannot contribute time to volunteer, perhaps you (and/or your company) can make a donation to the scholarship fund. Every dollar counts and will help another student on their way to successful career opportunities that will help our economy grow and they will in turn return to the IMA to help another student. Ah, the circle of giving never ceases to amaze me! (Continued on Page 3)

President’s Letter Did you get a chance to read October’s issue of Strategic Finance? John Brausch, IMA’s Chair wrote a wonderful article on utilizing simple business strategy to grow the IMA membership and number of CMA’s (“A Winning Game Plan” pg. 6). Results of effectively executing on that strategy

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November’s Featured Speaker

Practical Tools and Tactics for Expanding your Network

By Diane Johnson, CPA

Topic:

With the challenging business environment, networking is more important than ever. Business is becoming more virtual, making the old methods of networking no longer effective. Learn about the “new reality” of networking and how to make your Net...Work to ensure your business success. Gain a practical understanding of important networking dos and don’ts and learn key networking methods for building and maintaining a strong network while currently employed or searching for a job. Networking can mean the difference between getting your next promotion or job, winning a new client, or finding funding for your business. In this challenging business environment, networking has become a must-have skill for success. Get insights into how business relationships are changing and gain a practical understanding of how to build and grow a strong network. We will cover online venues such as LinkedIn, and introduction strategies for face to face meetings.

About Diane Johnson, CPA: Diane is a Partner of Tradewind Solutions, LLC which is an Executive Search Firm specializing in the fields of Finance and Accounting in the Rocky Mountain region. As a full-service provider, placements through Tradewind Solutions, LLC can be made on a direct hire or contract basis. Diane has a strong understanding of Finance and Accounting functions within an organization and their related responsibilities. This unique perspective allows Diane and Tradewind Solutions, LLC to find the best solutions for clients and candidates. Diane started her accounting career in 1983 with Deloitte & Touche. Subsequent to that, she held various financial and accounting positions for 13 years in private industry. Diane is currently an Executive Recruiter specializing in the accounting and financial fields. Diane is very active in the industry and sits on the Member Connections Committee of the CSCPA and also assists in organization of the Annual Gala for the CSCPA. In addition, Diane is a Board Member of the Denver Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants. Diane resides in Highlands Ranch with her husband and two children. She is an avid sports fan (especially at her children’s’ sporting events) and enjoys running, mountain biking, physical fitness, and spending time in the mountains.

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If you have interest in becoming involved or serving on the Board of Directors, please contact Kristen Muzzy at kmuzzy@3tsystems.com. (President’s letter cont.) If you are interested in helping, please contact our Student Night Chair, Letitia Meier-Pleis, or Co-Chair, Gene Ehlers, or myself I hope to meet and talk with you at the upcoming November 18th dinner meeting! Wishing all of you a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday,

KristenMuzzyKristen Muzzy 2009-2010 President, Denver Centennial Chapter of the IMA

DENVER-CENTENNIAL CHAPTER SERVICE YEAR 2009-2010

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

President Kristen Muzzy President-Elect Lyle Tate Secretary OPEN (Kathy Rinkel acting) Treasurer Renee Hiser Tax Administrator OPEN (Kathy Rinkel acting) Director of Speakers Kyle Ramstetter Asst Speaker Coordinator Kevin George Special Events Coordinator OPEN (Lyle Tate acting) Student Night Chair Letitia Meier-Pleis Student Night Co-Chair Gene Ehlers Student Ambassador Cory Peters VP Membership Joline Faylor Guest/New Member Diane Johnson, CPA CMA Development Mike Westcott CMA Corporate Promo Mike Handy Director of Statistic, Metrics & Analysis Bob Boehm Raffle Coordinator Alena Peretsky Newsletter Editor Bret Wickstrom Roster Editor David Gnuse Webmaster Andrew Vara Employment Larry Hall, CPA Front Desk Lead Mike Cima Database Admin/Evite Galen Moore

You can lengthen or shorten this box depending on the size or your board.

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3rd Student receives award money for passing CMA Part

Congratulations Emily Montgomery!

Mike Westcott (Director - CMA Development), Emily Montgomery (DU Student award winner), Kristen Muzzy (President) Please join us in congratulating Emily Montgomery!! Passing Parts 1,2 & 3 while still a student is what Emily Montgomery from Denver University recently accomplished! She is now the 3rd student to receive money for passing a CMA Part as a part of the "Test a CMA Exam Part Prior to Graduation" campaign and her award was $200.00. Emily is one of few DU students that will attend the National Student Conference this November in St. Louis. At this time, Emily intends to continue testing and wrap up Part 4 before the calendar year 2009 is over. She will graduate in Spring 2010 and plans to work at PricewaterhouseCoopers in the fall. We wish her success in passing and earning the CMA designation and her future career. She is well on her way! Test a CMA Part Prior to Graduation Campaign For details about this campaign program and other CMA questions, please contact Mike Westcott, CMA Development Director (mgwestcott@yahoo.com).

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Nov 18 - Dinner Meeting – Topic: Making your Net….Work - all are welcome

Dec 2 - Board Meeting – all are welcome

Jan 20 – The “January Social” at the Buckhorn Exchange

Feb 24 - Board Meeting – all are welcome

Feb 26 – Student Night Dinner Meeting

Mar 17 - Dinner Meeting – Topic: Eight Simple Rules to Resolving Conflict and

Improving Relationships - all are welcome

Mar 24 - Board Meeting – all are welcome

Apr 21 - Dinner Meeting – Topic: IFRS - all are welcome

2009 - 2010 Key Activities

Submission Deadline info for next newsletter is Wednesday Nov 25th Please email your information to Bret Wickstrom at bretawickstrom@msn.com

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CMACorner The CMA exam now works in testing windows. The exam is offered according to the following schedule: January and February: Parts 1, 2, and 3 March: No exam parts offered April: Part 4 only May and June: Parts 1, 2, and 3 July: No exam parts offered August: Part 4 only September and October: Parts 1, 2, and 3 November: No exam parts offered December: Part 4 only The exam procedures, schedule and locations can be found at: http://www.imanet.org/certification_taking.asp For details contact Mike Westcott CMA Development - mgwestcott@yahoo.com.

Who wants to get CMA certified?

CMA STUDY GROUPS

Study groups are a very effective was to help candidates pass the Parts of the CMA exam and become CMA certified. Some chapter members have expressed interest in creating study groups for Part 1 & 2. The testing window is open in October for Parts 1, 2, & 3. The chapter's CMA Development team continues to organize Study Groups. Anyone interested should email chapter CMA Development Mike Westcott (mgwestcott@yahoo.com) to express interest – please specify the Part you are interested in, indicate the preferred time and share which section of town (South - North) you would prefer for the study group. This will help narrow down groups and try to work with everyone interested.

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Part III Class Schedule: (Revised) October 24, 2009 October 31, 2009 November 7, 2009 November 14, 2009 8:30am to 3:00pm

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ATTENTION: Your chapter leadership has entered into an agreement with GLEIM for special discounts to chapter members. All Four Exam Parts Complete System (book, CD-ROM, audio CDs, Gleim Online): $503.17 (32% discount) CMA Gleim Online: $314.88 (30% discount) Book and Test Prep CD-ROM: $243.04 (20% discount) Single Exam Part Complete System (book, CD-ROM, audio CDs, Gleim Online): $149.77 per part (30% discount) CMA Gleim Online: $87.47 per part (30% discount) Book and Test Prep CD-ROM: $60.76 per part (20% discount)

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Breaking News from IMA National!

IMA’s Salary Survey Featured in USA Today Snapshot IMA®’s 2008 Annual Salary Survey and importance of certification made national news with a USA Today Snapshot. CMAs have greater earning power than their noncertified peers ($125,600 versus $95,974). To view the USA Today Snapshot, click here. From USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co., Inc. Reprinted with Permission IMA’s 90th Annual Conference & Exposition Photos Posted View photos from IMA’s 90th Annual Conference & Exposition in Denver, CO, in the LinkUp IMA community. IMA’s 20th Annual Salary Survey Despite the economic crisis, IMA’s 20th Annual Salary Survey indicates that professionals holding IMA’s CMA certification have greater earning power – 24% higher in salary and 31% higher in total compensation – than their noncertified colleagues. These findings appear in the June 2009 issue of IMA’s Strategic Finance magazine. Join LinkUp IMA For the Latest in Virtual Networking and Knowledge Resources In just a few short months, LinkUp IMA has become IMA’s premier online networking and knowledge sharing resource... Read more... IMA Forms New XBRL Advisory Committee To Benefit Accountants in Business and Industry Leveraging the thought leadership of some of IMA®’s prominent members, the association has formed a new XBRL Advisory Committee to focus on the untapped market needs enabled by this emerging technology... Read more... Upcoming Inside IFRS feature presentation: IFRS Financial Reporting Liabilities Section Date: November 19, 2009 Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm EDT Register here

The webinar on "IFRS Financial Reporting-Liabilities" outlines the underlying IFRS principles and identifies the key considerations and impacts of differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP for "liabilities" including employee benefit obligations, share based payments, provisions, contingencies and debt obligations. The learner will be able to apply the knowledge gained from this session in identifying the key differences in transactions relating to liabilities under IFRS.

For additional information go to www.imanet.org; you will find a treasure trove of useful and interesting information on the IMA National website (A MUST SEE!)

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RMAC a Success Again This Year!

Just this past September, we welcomed a record crowd of over 385 attendees and volunteers including CPA’s, CFO’s, Controllers, and key decision-makers within their companies to the 2009 Rocky Mountain Area Conference for Finance and Accounting Professionals (RMAC). Professionals from Colorado, and as far away as Wyoming, New Mexico, Kansas and South Dakota attended this event that encompassed two full days of training on Accounting and Auditing, Management and Leadership, Corporate Finance, and Taxation related topics. Most amazing of all, the conference sold out completely 3 weeks in advance! The high attendance levels reflect the knowledge that this local conference is a great value for CPE, coupled with the economy impacting most company training and travel budgets – staying close to home was a great alternative this year and the RMAC met their continuing education needs! We had two terrific breakfast keynote speakers on topics as varied as motivational leadership and managing generational differences in the workplace. Lunchtime keynotes brought us inside information on the complex considerations to making profits in multi team sports enterprises, and ideas about marrying marketing and a strong corporate culture at a casual dining restaurant chain. Did you know that all the speakers provide their services gratis? Conference planning is executed by a dedicated team of volunteers from each of the sponsoring organizations who meet twice monthly on a telephone conference call. This group designs the marketing strategy and printed literature, identifies potential speakers, manages all the facilities planning, hires the AV company and obtains sponsors and vendors for the event. Of course, even more manpower is needed at the event itself to make nametags, tabulate speaker evaluations, stuff conference bags, and get everyone registered and into the correct classrooms. The profits made at the RMAC go back to the sponsoring organizations based on a percentage of effort…and guess where our share of those profits are spent? They go right back into IMA member services -- especially for student activities and our February Student Night Scholarships and Dinner! The Conference was held on Thursday, September 24 and Friday, September 25 at the Arvada Center and was sponsored by the American Society of Women Accountants, Institute of Internal Auditors, and the Institute of Management Accountants. This Conference has been in existence for almost 20 continuous years. If you would like to volunteer for the 2010 Conference, please step forward now! Planning meetings start in February and your ideas are welcome. Please speak to any of this year’s volunteers if you would like to know how you can contribute, besides, it is a great way to expand your circle of professional friendships and learn new skills! Sincerely, Linda Grapengeter Hendrix 2009 RMAC Conference Chair Thank You 2009 IMA Volunteers!

Carol Meier Clint Randolph Mike Westcott Alena Peretsky Cory Peters Joline Faylor Jim Murphy Mike Handy

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Denver-Centennial Chapter November 2009 Newsletter

Send To: Bret A. Wickstrom

INFORMATION UPDATE (Please Print)

Update your information online at www.imanet.org Dr. ___ Mr. ___ Mrs. ___ Ms. ___ Professional Designation _______________________ Account # _____________________

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Please send this form to: Bret Wickstrom (see return address info above on this newsletter

Forwarding Address Correction Requested:

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bretawickstrom@msn.com