Learn Global Best Practices in Financial Education

Monday, April 20, 2009
9 am Central Time (2 pm Greenwich Mean Time)
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago/Webcast

This year's Financial Literacy and Education Summit convenes international leaders in finance to discuss the most pressing economic challenges facing people everywhere and how best to approach those challenges. The Summit panelists discuss how various regions of the world approach financial education and how, in light of the global crisis, we can apply best practices in ensuring that consumers have the necessary tools and resources to make wise financial decisions.

More info and register here: http://www.practicalmoneyskills.com/summit2009/

The South Carolina Budget and Control Board located in Columbia has over 1200 employees. They have a series of "lunch and learn" sessions for their employees that are 1-1.5 hours long on topical matters.

They are looking for a CPA to present a program for their employees on new tax or other changes that have happened recently. They would like to learn about topics such as the changes in the required minimum distribution at 70 1/2, deductions for new houses/cars, and even things that are related to the economic stimulus, for example, on COBRA premiums.

Please contact Koa Morgan at (803) 737-0506 or at komorga@io.sc.gov if you are interested in this opportunity.

Teachers in the Workplace Program

The Teachers in the Workplace program provides an opportunity for the teachers of Central Midlands to connect with the world of work outside of the classroom. This internship offers teachers 40 hours of direct contact on a business site. Upon completion the teacher intern will earn three hours of graduate credit at Coastal Carolina University. This will be a non-paid activity for the teacher.

We are now recruiting businesses in our area to intern the educators in 2009. If you are interested in your business participating, please request an application and return no later than April 25, 2009. Training will be held for all work site supervisors on Friday, May 15, 2009, from 9:00-10:00 a.m. at the Airport Campus of Midlands Technical College in Room AC 115, 1260 Lexington Drive, West Columbia. You will be given the name and pertinent information on your teacher intern at that time. A letter will be sent to the supervisor whom you indicate on the application form.

Please let me know if you have questions or concerns. Should you know of another businessperson who would like an application for this program, please contact Lisa Call at 732-5258.

Children's Chance is a non profit organization that assists children with cancer and their families in South Carolina with non medical needs. Children’s Chance raises money to fund a variety of programs to meet the emotional, psychological and financial needs of the pediatric cancer patient and their families. They are looking for CPAs to speak about tax deductions available for families facing pediatric cancer. There will be two different events. One in Greenville on Feb.25 and the other in Charleston (date TBD). For more information please contact DeeAnn Jones at (803) 254-5996 or deeannjones@bellsouth.net.

Three Upcoming Career Fairs (Central Chapter Area)

Fairfield Middle School is having a career fair on Thursday, Feb. 5th, 2009 from 8:30-11:00 a.m. and we would like to extend an invitation to you. Please share with other interested business partners as well.Please direct RSVP's and questions to Xyreese Trapp at the school: 803-635-9108 ext 20212 or Xtrapp@fairfield.k12.sc.us

Eau Claire High School is planning a Career/College Expo Thursday, February 26, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. (includes luncheon). We would like to give our students an advantage by giving them exposure to the various vocational opportunities available in our society. Contact: Stefanie Harrison (803)735-7600 ext. 2518 or Sharrison@richlandone.org.

Carolina Springs Middle School on Platt Springs Road in Lexington would like to invite you to be a presenter at their Career Day on March 12, 2009, 7:50 -10:30 a.m. There will be one session for each grade. You can expect approximately 220 students to attend each session with a total of three sessions. Contact: Anedra Kelson, School Counselor, 803.821.4909.

Swansea High School Career Fair: January 22, 2009

We invite you to participate in Swansea High School's Career Fair on January 22, 2009.

A significant number of our students are interested in careers in this field. Our business courses are favorite among many of our students. We would love to have representatives from your field!!

If you're interested, please contact me to request a registration form.

Chandler Atkins, GCDF
Guidance Counselor/Career Specialist
Swansea High School
500 East First Street
Swansea, SC 29160
803-568-1100
803-568-1117 (Fax)

Tool for High School Presentations: Johnny Money Online Game

The Johnny Money Online Game is a new Internet-based small business simulation game designed to enhance high school students' exploration of entrepreneurship.

Visit www.johnnymoney.com to set up your teacher account, download the teacher manual and print off the student worksheets and System Requirements.

Johnny Money Online Game gives you a great experiential learning tool to help young minds learn what it takes to run a business in the real world.

Class time just turned interesting. Homework just turned fun.

--NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation

Lee County Career & Technology Center Requests Speaker

My name is Betty Lowery, Career Counselor Lee County School District. I am requesting a speaker to assist my school during the week of November 17-21. We are located in Bishopville, S.C.

Please call me at (803) 428-4636 x 451.

Thank you kindly,

Betty Lowery
Lee County Career & Technology Center
1804 Wysacky Hwy
Bishopville, S. C.
loweryb@lee.k12.sc.us

Lexington Two District Wide 7th Grade Career Fair

• What: Lexington Two District Wide 7th Grade Career Fair
• When: November 21, 2008, 8:00 am-12:30 pm (breakfast and lunch provided)
• Where: Granby Education Center (1407 Dunbar Road, Cayce, 29033)
• Why: Because our students need the exposure to various careers to help them see their potential!
• Did you know? South Carolina middle school students are now required to select a career cluster prior to high school. 7th and 8th graders participate in these career fairs to determine which cluster they will choose and take relevant classes in high school. The CPA profession cross sects the Business/Management/Administration and Finance Clusters. Outreach to middle school students is now more important than ever to encourage them to consider careers in accounting and as a CPA. LEARN MORE

Please let me know as soon as possible concerning your participation.

Sincerely,
Tracey Hartley
Granby Education Center
Lexington School District Two
traceyott@lex2.org

Keeping You Informed of Speaking Opportunities

Greetings from SCACPA!

Welcome to The Ambassador Update, SCACPA's blog for community and outreach activities. In an effort to keep you informed of upcoming opportunities, we've added the following SCACPA committees and task forces to the distribution list for blog updates:

• CPA Ambassadors
• Accounting Careers/Academic Relations
• Financial Literacy
• Chapter Officers

In the next few days we'll be posting upcoming speaking opportunities. Please contact SCACPA or the school/organization directly if you are available and interested in getting involved. We have access to a lot of resources to get you ready - just let me know what you need.


Opportunities will be sorted within the main blog by date posted, but for your convenience, wil be labels by Chapter and county in the "Requests for Presentations" section in the right column.


If you serve on one or more of these groups you may receive this email more than once and for that I apologize in advance - I'll work on a way to eliminate the duplicates through our list servs.


Thanks as always for your continued involvement and support of SCACPA!


All the best,
Katherine Swartz
kswartz@scacpa.org
803.791.4181

Speaker Requested for Career Convention in Horry County

Greetings,

I am the Career Specialist here at Ocean Bay Middle School in Myrtle Beach, SC. Our career convention is scheduled for November 7, 2008 from 8:30am until 10:30am. If there is anyone in the Horry County area that are apart of the South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants, we would love for them to participate. My contact information is below, feel free to call or email me.

Ms. Jessica Y Greene, MA, CDFI
Global Career Development Facilitator Instructor
Guidance Department
Ocean Bay Middle School
905 International Drive
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
Direct line: 843 903-8426
Fax: 843 903-8495
jgreene@horrycountyschools.net
"The only way to predict the future is to create it!"

Three Opportunities in Lexington County!

1. Sandhills Middle School is having a Parent University on November 20, 2008 from 6-7:30 p.m. This is a resource night for parents and students in grades 6-8. We would like to have a speaker from each cluster of study that our high school offers. The sessions require a 25 minute presentation with a total of 3 session with 20 attendees in each one. If you are available please e-mail me or call me at 926-1890 ext. 207. Thank you!


Latoya Williams
Lexington District 4
lwilliams@lexington4.net

2. BCHS is hosting the Region II DECA competition. We are in need of 11 judges who would be willing to volunteer their time on Thursday, December 4 somewhere around 4-7. If you would be interested in helping our students out please email dmanos@lex2.org or call me at 739-4132. We have all different categories ranging from accounting to hospitality and tourism.


3. Accounting class at Pelion High School requests a guest speaker. This class meets Monday through Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 1:35 p.m. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Kate Lang
Career Specialist
Lexington School District One
(803) 821-3062: Mon/Tues
(803) 821-2212: Wed/Thurs/Fri
klang@lexington1.net

Two Opportunities in Richland County

I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to the Dent Middle School upcoming November Career Fair on November 20th! We are a very diverse, large middle school in Richland District 2.

Our students, 6th grade through 8th grade, look forward to this opportunity every year. They come excited and prepared to interview our vendors in order to learn about their particular field of study and the positions available within that career. We have found in today's competitive, global market, it is important to encourage our youth not only to do well in school but, to join South Carolina's workforce! Breakfast and lunch is provided for our participants.

RICHLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT 2
Dent Middle School’s Guidance’s Department
Thursday, November 20th
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Dent Middle School Gym (2721 Decker Blvd., Columbia, SC 29206)

Please RSVP to Sylvie Golod, GCDF, CET
Global Career Development Facilitator
Certified Entrepreneur Teacher
699-2750 ext. 72167 or sgolod@dm.richland2.org

Eau Claire High School is planning an extraordinary Career/College Expo, Thursday, February 26, 2009. I would like to invite you to be one of the participants in the Eau Claire High School Career/College Expo.

Please fill out and return the registration form and return to me by December 15th.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you,

Stefanie Harrison
Eau Claire High School
Teacher
National Honor Society Advisor
(803) 735-7600 ext. 2518

From AICPA: CPAs Raise Financial Literacy Awareness

April 2008 - Financial Literacy Campaign's Success Continues: CPAs Raise Americans' Knowledge

The AICPA is again joining forces with Junior Achievement (JA) to celebrate the success of CPAs across the nation who are contributing their time and expertise to help Americans get on a better financial footing. For the second year, JA has selected the AICPA to be a co-sponsor of Financial Literacy Day on the Hill, an event held every Apr. to raise awareness among legislators and regulators of the need for financial education. This presence will help garner exposure for the Institute’s financial literacy campaigns with legislators, regulators, the media and others. “This invitation also speaks highly of the profession’s reputation in the financial literacy arena and the impact its programs are making,” said Carl George, chair of the National CPA Financial Literacy Commission.

The profession has much to celebrate: State CPA society and AICPA member involvement is at an all-time high and together the profession is making huge strides in improving the saving habits of all Americans. CPAs who wish to volunteer can actively participate in these initiatives in a variety of ways, from organizing brown bags in their offices to volunteering for efforts developed by their state societies. For more ideas, visit the CPA Financial Literacy Resource Center at www.aicpa.org/financialliteracy.

READ MORE

Report from SC Department of Education's Financial Literacy Summit

This past Wednesday (April 23), the South Carolina Department of Education held a Financial Literacy summit in Columbia to introduce K-12 administrators, superintendents and curriculum developers to the wealth of resources available statewide. The summit was sponsored by the SCDOE's Financial Literacy Initiative Board of Trustees, where SCACPA President Sylvia Kitchens, CPA serves as treasurer.

SCACPA member Allison H. Ford, CPA, CFE (Central Chapter President and Chair of our Financial Literacy task force) presented on How the Business World Can Support Financial Literacy. Her handouts included exclusive SCACPA resources like our CPA Ambassadors and Speaker's Bureau programs, relevant committees and task forces (Accounting Careers/Academic Relations, CPA Ambassadors, Financial Literacy, Young CPAs and the Educational Fund committee), and access to AICPA programs like 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy and Feed the Pig. We also provided a copy of Oregon's Financial Literacy Recommended Reading List (in Tools & Resources under Just for Kids), and an overview of SCACPA's mission and our 2008 theme -- Invest in Your Future: Promoting Financial Literacy in South Carolina.

In his opening remarks, State Superintendent of Education Dr. Jim Rex made a thought-provoking statement regarding the urgent need to improve financial literacy for all South Carolina citizens:

"You can do the right thing so slowly that you get the same results as doing the wrong thing."

Well said. May your commitment to serve be active, not passive!

P.S. Be sure to check the Tools & Resources links for lots of new additions presented at the summit!

A Value-Added Tip from State Treasurer Converse Chellis, CPA

Last week I had the pleasure of interviewing state treasurer and SCACPA member (since 1975!) Converse A. Chellis, III for an upcoming article in The CPA Report. While you can look forward to the article in our May/June issue, here's a tip you can use right now, especially if you're still preparing tax returns.

Search for unclaimed money for yourself and your clients through the Palmetto Payback Program, which holds millions of dollars reported by companies who cannot locate the owners.

This link will take you to the Palmetto Payback page: http://treasurer.sc.gov/palm_payb_prog_uncla_prop/

I didn't find any for myself, but did locate funds for two family members who had no clue there was money out there with their name on it...so it's worth checking out.

April is ALSO National Car Care Month!

Some words of wisdom from Benjamin Bankes:

In addition to being National Financial Literacy month, April is also National Car Care Month. Simple, at-home maintenance will save you money in the long run. With gas prices at record highs, every little bit counts. Consider these two tips that may improve your gas mileage and save you money!

1) Check your tire pressure. Most recommendations range from 27 to 32 psi. Check your owner's manual to find out what is best for your car.
2) Check your air filters. Replacing a clogged air filter may improve your gas mileage by as much as 10 percent.

Visit www.FeedthePig.org for more information and sign up for Benjamin's weekly money-saving tips to share with clients and colleagues!

Financial Literacy Month: Suggestions from Other State Societies

Several great ideas were shared last week during AICPA's monthly Financial Literacy conference call for communications managers of different state societies. Here are some ideas that may inspire you to action in your own outreach efforts:

• Add an AICPA 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy banner or logo to your Web site, email signature, and any promotional materials. AICPA says the more we use that logo nationwide, the stronger case they can build for national awareness and legislative support. Check the AICPA link in our Tools & Resources section (below right) for access to the logo and other materials.
• Download a list of financially-minded books for children (also in Tools & Resources, labeled Just for Kids), purchase one or more of the books and contact your local elementary school to host a reading in the library or a classroom. Afterwards, donate the book(s) to the school library as a lasting gift of financial literacy.
• Write a Letter to the Editor of your local paper in support of financial literacy efforts, and mention tips or resources that the general public can put to immediate use. You could also contact a local business editor or reporter and ask to publish one or more of our Tips columns (customizable and published by AICPA -- and there are plenty more where these came from!).
• Through May 23, the President's Advisory Council on Financial Literacy is collecting comments on the state of financial literacy in the United States and proposed solutions to improve it. Make an impact by submitting your ideas for consideration (you'll also find this link box below, under Get Inspired!).

Have other ideas? Share them! Let's get creative and make a lasting difference -- not just during Financial Literacy Month, but all year long!

Ambassador Resources: Tips to Help Others

FIVE WAYS TO SAVE ON ENERGY COSTS

The average American household spends $1,900 a year on energy bills, according to the government’s ENERGY STAR program. Whether you’re preparing for the heat of summer or for winter’s frigid temperatures – or looking to lower your gasoline expenses – there are many practical ways to cut down on costs, according to the South Carolina Association of CPAs. And when you reduce your energy use, the environment benefits from lower greenhouse gas emissions. The tips below will help you save money and do the earth a favor.

CONDUCT AN ENERGY AUDIT
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can conduct your own home energy audit to identify problems that could be costing you money, such as drafts that let in cold air; insufficient insulation; poorly maintained heating and cooling equipment; or inefficient lighting. The department’s Web site (www.energy.gov) has instructions for conducting an audit. If you’d like to bring in an expert, many electric or gas utilities offer these audits for free or at a reasonable charge, so find out if one is available in your area.

ADOPT ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY IDEAS
If you conduct a home energy audit, you may find that you can cut costs by taking money-wise steps that will also help the environment. For example, simply unplugging appliances when not in use will lower energy usage. Many appliances draw energy even when not in use. Another good idea is to close the blinds in the summer time to keep out the sun’s heat and to open them in the winter to let in natural warmth. Easy-to-implement ideas allow you to painlessly lower energy use.

PICK THE RIGHT APPLIANCES
If you look for the ENERGY STAR label when selecting any number of products, you’re likely to use less energy, save money and help the environment. These products are not made by any one manufacturer, but they have all met energy-efficiency specifications set by federal government agencies. There are ENERGY STAR-qualified products in a wide range of categories, including household appliances, heating and cooling equipment, home electronics and office equipment. Look for the ENERGY STAR label when you shop or find more information online at www.energystar.gov.

TURN OFF THE LIGHTS
This is an easy step to take, but one that will make a difference every day to your bills and to the environment. Many people remember to turn off lights in unused rooms in their homes, but this smart step is sometimes forgotten in an office. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, most of the energy used in the average commercial building is for lighting. Get in the habit of turning out lights at lunch or in empty offices or conference rooms.

PERFORM REGULAR CAR MAINTENANCE
Your home and office aren’t the only places where smart steps will cut down on energy or fuel costs. It’s possible to save $100 a year on gasoline by keeping your car engine tuned up and your tires properly inflated.

CONSULT YOUR CPA
As you can see, there are many simple ways to cut expenses by lowering your energy use. If you interested in learning more about the best steps to reduce costs in any aspect of your financial life, consult your CPA. Your CPA can provide money-savvy ideas that you can apply to your every day life.

Copyright 2008, The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

April is Financial Literacy Month!

SCACPA President Sylvia Kitchens has issued a charge for all members to become more involved in Financial Literacy outreach efforts in 2008.

During Financial Literacy month, we're asking SCACPA Ambassadors (and ALL members) to share your favorite financial literacy tips, resources or ideas. We'll compile a members-only resource and use your ideas in our community outreach and marketing efforts.

To share ideas or resources with others, post a comment here (click the COMMENTS link below) or email Allison at acaldwell@scacpa.org. As always, thank you for helping us promote Financial Literacy in South Carolina!