For our January luncheon, Economist Dr. Christopher Thornberg will be giving a talk on general economic conditions for 2008 and beyond.

Chris is a founding partner of Beacon Economics, a research and consulting firm specializing in analyses of real estate markets, local economic development, and public and private policy issues. Dr. Thornberg is an expert in the study of regional economies, real estate dynamics, labor markets and business forecasting. He has been involved in a number of special studies measuring the impact of important events on the economy, including the NAFTA treaty, the California power crisis, port security, California water transfer programs and the September 11th terrorist attacks.

The Holidays are upon us once again so it must be time for our SCAFP Annual "You Bet Your Cash" Trivia Game.  It's the one meeting each year where attendees have an especially great time and also take home some great prizes. 

Bill Luehrmann will be acting as Game Host again this year, and his lovely wife, Phyllis, will also be joining him to present the questions.  Phyllis is from Northrop-Grumman Corp while Bill is from Occidental Petroleum, where this past October, he accepted the Pinnacle Award for Treasury Innovation at the 2007 AFP Annual Conference.  As usual, the winning table receives a special prize.

It is not too late to contribute door prizes for the event which can include promotional giveaways with your company's logo, such as pens, tote bags, mouse pads, coffee mugs, golf tee packs, frisbees, t-shirts, caps or even samples of your company's consumer products.  Call Amber Brown at the SCAFP Office at 818.843.5660 and let her know what you can contribute. 

Finally, you will be a hero at your table if you submit questions that are used in the game, provided you remember the answer in the heat of competition on Game Day.  Submit your questions and answers plus a publication, Internet Address or other reference where our judges can verify the answer if necessary.  E-mail your questions to the SCAFP office at scafp@emaoffice.com  or fax them to 818.843.7423.

March 9, 2007: 

PROGRAM: "Treasury and Liquidity Management in Europe"

Program Summary
There has never been a more exciting time to be a treasurer in Europe.  The developments in payment systems and cross-border liquidity management keep growing.  This presentation will cover the major payment options, the innovative liquidity management solutions currently available, and what is in store for the future.  What is happening in Europe is a perfect case study of just how much can be achieved in the very challenging realm of cross-border treasury management.

.

Speaker
Michèle Allman-Ward, CCM, CertCM
Allman-Ward Associates, Inc.

Speaker Biography
Michèle Allman-Ward, CCM, CertCM, established Allman-Ward Associates, Inc. in 1996. The company specializes in strategic planning, product development and training in international treasury management. Ms. Allman-Ward is highly regarded in the cash management industry and speaks frequently at conferences worldwide. She is the author of several books including ‘Essentials of Managing Corporate Cash” (John Wiley), ‘Report on US Cash Management’ (Treasury Today), ‘Optimizing Company Cash’ (AICPA) and ‘International Cash Management’ (Association of Corporate Treasurers, UK). Her clients include the major global banks, professional associations in the US and overseas and multinational

February 9, 2007: 

PROGRAM: "It's Not Your Father's (or Mother's) ACH Anymore"  

Program Summary
Today the ACH Network is being utilized for more than just Direct Deposit or Direct Payment.  New applications allow for on-line web based payments, conversion of consumer checks by retailers to ACH transactions and the origination of Telephone originated debits.  How do these applications impact the consumer, corporations and the financial institution?  What are the new applications that are being developed and how will they impact you and your customers?  This session will help to answer those questions.

Speaker
Priscilla C. Holland, AAP, CCM
Senior Director, Network Development
NACHA, The Electronic Payments Association

Speaker Biography
Ms. Holland currently is a Senior Director for NACHA where she facilitates the Global Payments Forum and the Corporate Payments Council. She has more than 20 years experience in cash management, project management and product development.  Prior to joining NACHA, Ms. Holland was a Vice President and Senior Product Manager for First Interstate Bank.  She is an Accredited ACH Professional (AAP) and a permanent Certified Cash Manager (CCM).

January 12, 200: 

PROGRAM: "The Future of Check Conversion - Reducing Paper and Increasing Information 

Speaker:  John Curtis, Sr. Product Manager - East West Bank
 

December 8, 2006: 

PROGRAM: "You Bet Your Cash-Trivia Game" 

SCAFP is again hosting its Annual "You Bet Your Cash" Trivia Game. All attendees will participate for fun and prizes. Our game Host, Bill Luehrmann, asks the questions and he hopes you have the answers. The questions range from the really trivial to important current events. The winning table receives a special prize.

It is not too late to contribute door prizes. Call Amber Brown at the SCAFP Office at 818.843.5660 and let her know that you can bring some of your company's logo giveaways or even samples of your company's consumer products.

You will be a hero at your table if you submit questions that Bill uses in the game. (Don't forget the answer) Submit your questions and answers plus a publication or reference where our judges can verify the answer if necessary. E-mail your questions to the SCAFP office at scafp@emaoffice.com or fax them to 818.843.7423

The presentation will be an update on the foreign exchange markets and an overview of key themes in corporate hedging strategies.

Ms. Vicky Shields is a Vice President with JPMorgan Chase Foreign Exchange in Los Angeles. Vicky has been with JPMorgan Chase for five years and started with JPMorgan Investment Management's Currency group in London. She worked in currency research, portfolio management and trading before moving to sales and trading in Los Angeles. Vicky currently covers corporate clients on the West Coast with a focus on the technology industry. Vicky has a Bachelor's degree in Government from Harvard University and a Master's degree in European Politics from Oxford.

PROGRAM: "Driving Process Improvement within the Finance Organization and Beyond

Finance executives are increasingly asked to lead process improvement initiatives that reach far beyond the treasury and accounting functions. These projects often involve the implementation of technology; yet research indicates that a majority of technology projects fail to meet objectives. How can you ensure that your key initiatives are successful?

"The Clearinghouse -Yesterday, Today, & Tomorrow."

Jerry Milano, The Clearinghouse
www.theclearinghouse.org
 

Jerry Milano will discuss bank clearinghouse functions: a little history, a little functionality, some aspects of efficiency, the legal status of clearinghouse rules and financial risk mitigants.  He will answer questions as they arise or following the presentation at the pleasure of the participants.

Jerry is the general manager of The Clearing House’ national check services business operating in seven of the ten largest U. S. metropolitan markets [New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, Philadelphia, Detroit]  Prior to The Clearing House Mr. Milano was president & CEO of the Western Payments Alliance [WesPay, 2000-2003], then  the largest regional payments association in the U.S.; president of Bankers Clearing House [1985-2000], then the largest check clearing house in the U.S.; president of the Chicago Clearing House [1982-1985]; director of payments research and the Payments System Policy Board at the American Bankers Association [1977-1982]; and manager of retail banking systems at The First National Bank of Chicago (now JPM Chase) [1967-1977].

LAEDC's "Mid-Year Economic Review and Forecast"

JACK KYSER
Senior Vice President & Chief Economist
Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation

"Come hear the man recognized by the Wall Street Journal as the most accurate source of economic forecasts in California present his mid-year forecast with a focus on the five county region known as greater Los Angeles".

Called the "guru of the Los Angeles economy" by the Los Angeles Business Journal, Mr. Kyser is responsible for interpreting and forecasting economic trends in the Los Angeles five-county area (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties), and for analyzing the major industries of the area.  Utilizing this information, he helps develop job retention and creation strategies for Los Angeles County.  Mr. Kyser's advice is frequently sought by business, government and the media.

The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) is a private, not-for-profit membership organization whose mission is leadership in the retention and creation of jobs and economic base in the Los Angeles area.  Mr. Kyser’s analytical research work and insightful knowledge of the regional economy has helped to elevate the LAEDC to recognition as the pre-eminent source of economic information and forecasts on Southern California.

Prior to joining the LAEDC, Mr. Kyser was chief economist for the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.  Mr. Kyser has also worked for Security Pacific National Bank, First Interstate Bank (then United California Bank).  Mr. Kyser later joined Union Pacific Railroad in Omaha, Nebraska, where he was transportation economist.  Mr. Kyser has also taught economics at the University of Nebraska--Omaha, and served as a business reporter and commentator for radio station KVNO-FM, also in Omaha.

A native of California, Mr. Kyser was born in Huntington Park, and currently resides in Downey.  He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial design, and an MBA from the University of Southern California.  Mr. Kyser has also pursued additional course work at UCLA.

Jack serves on the economic advisors panel for the California Chamber of Commerce, and on the Council of Economic Advisor’s for Mayor James Hahn, City of Los Angeles..  He is also a past president of the Los Angeles Chapter of the National Association of Business Economists; a member of Lambda Alpha--a land economics fraternity; and on the board of directors of the South Park Economic Development Corporation, and the Building Owners & Managers Association of Greater Los Angeles.  He is also a fellow at the Lewis Center for Regional studios at UCLA.

June 10, 2005: 

“THE ECONOMICS OF PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TODAY AND IN THE FUTURE”

What are the issues facing professional sports today?  What is the future of the National Hockey Association, given that the last NHL season never materialized?  What is the impact on the local community?  What is the role of a CFO/Treasury Professional in the industry?  In this program, our speaker, Dan Beckerman, will discuss these questions and more.

Dan Beckerman is the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG).  AEG is one of the leading sports and entertainment presenters in the world.  A wholly owned subsidiary of The Anschutz Corporation, AEG owns or controls a collection of companies, including facilities such as STAPLES Center, The Forum and Home Depot Center; sports franchises including the Los Angeles Kings, Los Angeles Galaxy, Manchester Monarchs, Chicago Fire, DC United, San Jose Earthquakes, three European hockey franchises, and management of shares of the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Sparks owned by Philip Anschutz.

Dan Beckerman is in his eighth year with AEG.  His responsibilities include fiscal planning and overseeing the day-to-day financial operations for AEG and its' subsidiaries, including the Los Angeles Kings, Manchester Monarchs, STAPLES Center, the Home Depot Center and the Training Center.  He works closely with the Kings' President and General Manager in managing the day-to-day financial matters for the club, including financial planning, budgeting, financial reporting and accounting.  As CFO for STAPLES Center, his responsibilities require that he work closely with arena ownership and act as financial liaison to the Kings, Lakers, Clippers, Sparks and Avengers.  On behalf of AEG, he is also responsible for overseeing the financial matters for AEG's European holdings.

Prior to joining the Los Angeles Kings organization, he served for two seasons as Vice President of Finance for the Los Angeles Clippers where he was responsible for all financial matters.  He graduated from UCLA with a bachelor's degree in Economics, and received his MBA in Finance from the Anderson School at UCLA.

April 8, 2005: 

“Performance Audits in a Political Environment”

Laura Chick, the newly re-elected Los Angeles City Controller, will speak about her department’s performance audits of the Los Angeles Airports Department, Harbor Department, and Department of Water & Power, as well as numerous other performance audits of the City’s operations.  Ms. Chick is known as being determined to expose malfunctioning and dysfunctional operations in the City and outspoken about her findings.  She will take questions after she speaks, so check out the City Controller’s website and find out more about her office and the functions it performs:  www.lacity.org/ctr.

Laura N. Chick is the 17^th Controller of the City of Los Angeles, overwhelmingly elected in April 2001 and re-elected in March 2005.  Having called Los Angeles home since 1952, she received her Bachelors Degree in history from UCLA and a Masters in Social Work from USC.  Controller Chick is the first and only woman in the history of Los Angeles to hold citywide office.

As Controller, Laura Chick serves as the chief auditor and accountant for the City of Los Angeles – working to ensure its fiscal health.  Her responsibilities include conducting financial and performance audits of all aspects of City operations, supervising expenditures including payroll and accounts payable, and issuing various financial reports.  Since taking office, Chick has established herself as the taxpayers’ watchdog, safeguarding the City’s finances while aggressively seeking savings and improvements in services to the public.

Prior to becoming Controller, Laura Chick served as Councilmember, Third District, in the west San Fernando Valley, from 1993 – 2001.  Chick served as the first woman to ever chair the City Council’s Public Safety Committee.  Before entering elective office at the age of 49, Chick had already lived a full life as a stay-at-home mom, manager of a family owned business and social worker.

March 11, 2005: 

“Building Wealth Throughout Your Lifetime”

This program will address the Wealth Management Process and will address questions like:

•         Am I getting the best return for the risk I am willing to bear?

•         Do I have the best mix of investments to meet both short- and long-term goals?

•         Does my financial plan address the complexity of my life?

•         Am I paying too much in taxes?

•         Could I benefit from professional money management?

The presentation will take a couple through their life cycle and addresses their changing needs.

Richard L. Fausett – Senior Financial Advisor, CFM

Dick has more than 20 years of experience providing financial and wealth management advice and services. A graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and holding an MBA from the University of California, Dick joined Merrill Lynch in 1995, coming from the corporate finance arena.  He works primarily with high net worth families, where his focus is on retirement and estate planning, and with non-profit organizations. 

February 11, 2005
"Approaches to an ERP implementation - a Treasury perspective"

Have you ever wondered or are concerned about how an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP - SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, etc.) implementation can be impacted when treasury is involved?  Come hear a panel of three corporate treasury practitioners share their perspectives and experiences on how they and their departments were involved and impacted by an ERP implementation.  The panelists will talk about their company's respective approaches to the process and their lessons learned.  The panel will be moderated by Robert Leahy, editor of The Leahy Newsletter.This will be a panel discussion, with Bob Leahy as the moderator.  The panelists are:

1.  Michelle Reagan, Director, Cash Management, AIG SunAmerica
2.  Gregory Spurlock, Director, Cash Management, Farmers Group, Inc.
3.  Jennifer Young, Director, Treasury Operations,  Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.

January 14, 2005: 

Panel Discussion titled “Investment Management in a Rising Rate Environment”

Join us for a panel discussion on investing in today’s rising rate environment.  Four panelists will share their views of investing:  what they’re buying (or selling) and why, what they’ve been doing with low rates, what they’ll do as rates increase, what their thoughts are about current markets and available instruments, and more.  The panelists are:

Ken Chong, HealthNet

Clariza Mullins, Pepperdine University

Susan Munson, Merrill Lynch Institutional Advisory Board

William Yu, THQ, Inc.

December 12, 2004: 

"You Bet Your Cash-Trivia Game" 

SCAFP is again hosting its Annual "You Bet Your Cash" Trivia Game. All attendees will participate for fun and prizes. Our game Host, Bill Luehrmann, asks the questions and he hopes you have the answers. The questions range from the really trivial to important current events. The winning table receives a special prize.

It is not too late to contribute door prizes. Call Amber Brown at the SCAFP Office at 818.843.5660 and let her know that you can bring some of your company's logo giveaways or even samples of your company's consumer products.

October 8, 2004: 

“Worms! Viruses! Hacks! Is it really is bad as everybody says?”

Rex Frank will demonstrate how to break into a web server, gain control over a credit card database, and crack all the passwords. For an encore, he will then deface the web site – all in about 10 minutes! Then he will discuss what the Microsoft software patches are for and why they are important.

Steve “Rex” Frank is the Chief Technology Officer of Alvaka Networks. Alvaka specializes in network security and protecting information assets. Mr. Frank has 16 years experience working with corporations to enhance their systems for vulnerability assessment, security policy, securing, intrusion detection, penetration testing, and auditing corporate network systems in the Finance, Medical, Manufacturing, and Online E-Business marketplaces.  Several incident responses have involved working with law enforcement to gather and protect forensic evidence for both civil and criminal cases.  Mr. Frank formerly taught Computer Systems Technology courses for the Coast Community College District and now speaks regularly at Information Security seminars and trade shows.  Mr. Frank appeared on the BBC Breakfast Show to discuss the Code Red worm.

August 13, 2004: 

Effective Presentations for Financial Professionals

You know your business and you know your message.  But have you thought about how you can increase the odds of getting your message across and having the impact, the outcome, the “punch” you want?  In this session, our speaker, Hugh Scheffy, will share with you tips and techniques in three areas:  Putting “Value” in your presentation, Organizing your presentation, and Delivering your presentation.  You’ll come away with a raft of ideas you can put into your next presentation and a better awareness of what works.

Speaker: Hugh Scheffy
Hugh has been presenting and communicating for a wide range of purposes: financial results, technology proposals, budget outlines.  His audiences have been diverse as well – from captains of industry to monks, priests, and church vestry members.    He has worked in both Fortune 500 companies as well as in non-profits.  His range of financial and Information Technology responsibilities in varied kinds of organizations has equipped him well to deal with presenting his views effectively and moving the business forward.  He will be sharing his observations, tips and communication techniques during his presentation.

During the past year, Hugh has served the Founder's District of Toastmasters International as a Division Governor, with responsibility for the success and performance of 40 Toastmasters clubs.  He is a graduate of Harvard College, has an MBA from Harvard Business School, and an Advanced Executive MBA from Claremont Graduate University; and by the way, He is also a CPA

June 11, 2004: 

The role of finance and treasury professionals within their organization continues to expand. As they are asked to do more, the impact of new federal regulations and laws will have a greater impact on the profession, and their daily activities. Understanding proposed changes to the legislative and regulatory framework in which they operate better enables them to adapt to their ever-expanding roles, and to participate in the public discourse on those issues.

The GR Update provides an overview on the status and outlook of federal legislative and regulatory proposals, important to finance and treasury professionals. The discussion covers issues currently before the Congress, including reform of the nation’s deposit insurance system, access to credit in the post Gramm-Leach-Bliley era, and oversight of the credit rating agencies, and AFP’s increased advocacy on behalf of the profession.

Take-away(s)

·         AFP’s Legislative and Regulatory Status Update

·         Government Relations Update Slides

·         Legislative Issue Summary

Tom Santos joined the Association for Financial Professionals, as Manager of Government Relations in December of 2002.  Tom manages AFP's government relations activities on finance and treasury related public policy.

Prior to joining AFP Tom spent six years on Capitol Hill working for members of the House Committee on Financial Services, formerly the House Committee on Banking and Financial Services.

Tom holds a BA from Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH and a Master of Public Administration from The University of Rhode Island.

April 16, 2004:

“The Growing Importance of Cash Flow Forecasting”

 Effective cash management and cash flow forecasting are essential for successful working capital management and minimizing the need for external financing.  Additionally, the "Street" has put increasing pressure on companies to improve their cash flow forecasting processes and accuracy.  This presentation will address the key challenges and obstacles companies face in developing  techniques for effective cash flow forecasting in the short and long term,  efficient use of variance analysis and a discussion of the importance of using " early warning indicators"  as a barometer of future accuracy.

March 12, 2004: 

“Managing Treasury Challenges in Latin America”

 A discussion of the challenges of managing Treasury in Latin America focusing on various factors including the business, economic and political environment in the region, as well as the technology and banking practices MNC's face.  A practical application will also be presented in a case study and a discussion of the process of working with Banking Partners in the region.  The presentation will conclude with a brief outlook as to future banking possibilities, services and various other factors that affect Treasury decisions. Presented by David J. Lindh, Bank of Boston

 David J. Lindh is a Director of International Cash Management Sales for FleetBoston Financial.  He has responsibility for consulting with multinational clients with operations in Latin America.  Prior to joining FleetBoston Financial (formerly known as BankBoston) in 1993, Mr. Lindh was a Vice President at The Northern Trust Company of Chicago.  Before beginning his career in Banking, Mr. Lindh practiced corporate law in Chicago for several years.  He received his B. A. in Psychology from Eastern Illinois University, a J. D. from The John Marshall Law School and an M.B.A. in International Business from the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business, DePaul University.

February 13, 2004: 

"Approaches to an ERP implementation - a Treasury perspective"

Have you ever wondered or are concerned about how an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP - SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, etc.) implementation can be impacted when treasury is involved?  Come hear a panel of three corporate treasury practitioners share their perspectives and experiences on how they and their departments were involved and impacted by an ERP implementation.  The panelists will talk about their company's respective approaches to the process and their lessons learned.  The panel will be moderated by Robert Leahy, editor of The Leahy Newsletter.This will be a panel discussion, with Bob Leahy as the moderator.  The panelists are:

1.  Michelle  Reagan, Director, Cash Management
      AIG SunAmerica

2.  Gregory Spurlock, Director, Cash  Management
     Farmers Group, Inc.

3.  Jennifer Young, Director, Treasury Operations
        Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.

January 9, 2004: 

"Bank Pricing 2004: A Period of Less Leverage and Increasing Prices"

This session will deal with the many new developments which have taken place within the banking industry during the past few years and the dynamic effects these changes had had on prices which corporations pay for cash and treasury management services.  This includes trends, perceptions and the reality observed by corporations and the need for corporations to be aware of the changes taking place, which require vigilance. Corporations are being faced with Escalating Prices, Fewer Choices, Less Leverage and Less Control of their banking relationship. With an uncertain future, now is the time to focus on Bank Pricing.

The session will focus on discussion topics that include: 

o   The Effects Bank Mergers have had on Bank Pricing, Credit and Number of Choices,

o   Results of the Latest Bank Pricing Survey and Market Research Studies,

o   Pricing Trends Over the Last Few Years and What the Future Holds,

o   Examples and Trends of Bank Pricing Practices, and,

o   Comparison of Price Increases with Consumer Price Index.

Participants will come away with an understanding of bank pricing trends, industry perceptions and the reality of what the future holds in today’s corporate-bank relationship.

Richard D. Richardson is Senior Vice President of Phoenix-Hecht, an industry leader in corporate treasury management information services including market research and education.  Phoenix-Hecht, located in Research Triangle Park, NC, is best known for it’s database products such as the Postal survey, Clearing Study and Collection and Disbursement models. Phoenix-Hecht is also a leader in Market Research in Cash and Treasury Management and publisher of information for the Treasury Management Profession.

Prior to joining Phoenix-Hecht, Mr. Richardson was Assistant Treasurer at Hardee’s Food Systems, Inc. and has extensive experience in the area of credit, accounts receivable, bank financing and other treasury management related functions.  He is a member of the North Carolina Treasury Management Association where he has served as president and continues to serve on its Executive Committee and Board of Directors.  He is also a charter member of the Association for Financial Professionals (previously the Treasury Management Association) where he has served on its Board of Directors and served as Membership Chairman and Government Relations Committee Chairman.  Mr. Richardson has also served as a member of the Federal Reserve Industry Advisory Group on Future EFT Payment Services and Advisory Group on Same Day Payments.

Mr. Richardson is a native of North Carolina and attended East Carolina University where he majored in Business Administration.  He is on the faculty of the Berkeley Cash Management Program at the Haas School of Business at the University of California at Berkeley, the NYU Cash Management Program at the Stern School of Business at New York University in New York and the Treasury Management Program at the Kenan-Flagler School of Business at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has been a speaker at numerous cash and treasury management seminars and conferences and often speaks on a variety of topics at meetings within the financial industry throughout North America. Additionally, he is often quoted on industry topics and has authored several articles on subjects related to cash and treasury management that have been published in numerous magazines and journals.

December 12, 2003: 

"You Bet Your Cash-Trivia Game" 

SCAFP is again hosting its Annual "You Bet Your Cash" Trivia Game. All attendees will participate for fun and prizes. Our game Host, Bill Luehrmann, asks the questions and he hopes you have the answers. The questions range from the really trivial to important current events. The winning table receives a special prize.

It is not too late to contribute door prizes. Call Amber Brown at the SCAFP Office at 818.843.5660 and let her know that you can bring some of your company's logo giveaways or even samples of your company's consumer products.

You will be a hero at your table if you submit questions that Bill uses in the game. (Don't forget the answer) Submit your questions and answers plus a publication or reference where our judges can verify the answer if necessary. E-mail your questions to Bill Luehrmann's e-mail address at Bill_Luehrmann@oxy.com or fax them to 310.443.6039

November 14, 2003: 

“Check Transformation: Check Conversion, Check Truncation, and the Check Clearing for the 21^st Century Act”

This meeting will provide the most current information regarding the options of check conversion and check truncation, and the impact of Check 21 in terms of your business needs. 

Ivette Vasquez, currently Vice President, Receipts Consultant, for Global Treasury Services at Bank of America has fourteen years of experience in the Treasury Management field. Ms. Vasquez has extensive experience in both consumer to corporate, and corporate to corporate receivables. Her roles in Treasury Management have included product management, product development, sales and marketing for cash vault, checks, reconcilement, image lockbox, as well as Internet and electronic receivables services for Global, Commercial and Small Business clients. 

Ms. Vasquez is a native San Franciscan and has a Bachelor of Science in Organizational behavior from the University of San Francisco. Ms. Vasquez has been with Bank of America for 24 years and is based in San Francisco.

October 10, 2003: 

“BRAINSTORMING TREASURY: WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND?”

Let’s brainstorm your treasury issues!  Got an operations problem?  Confused about the impact of a law or regulation on your company’s finances? Uncertain about the future of Treasury management as a career?  Does risk keep you awake at night?

Bring your questions, concerns, and comments for an open discussion of any and all treasury-related topics that will fit into the allotted program time. Our objective is to share experiences among members because what may be an issue for you may already have been resolved by someone else (and vice versa).

Richard Bort will facilitate this wide-ranging discussion.  He is President of Bort & Company, Inc., consultants in treasury management and electronic commerce. Previously, Dick served as treasury manager for Twentieth Century‑Fox Film, Circus Circus Enterprises (now Mandalay Bay Resorts), and Computer Sciences Corporation. He was also a lending officer for Bankers Trust Company (now Deutsche Bank), and a sales manager for Wells Fargo Bank (formerly Norwest Bank, formerly Wells Fargo Bank). Mr. Bort's two books, Corporate Cash Management Handbook  and Handbook of EDI, have become benchmark references in both fields. As a member of ANSI ASC X12 for more than 11 years, Dick participated in developing EDI standards for financial transactions. He is a director and former president of the Southern California AFP (formerly Cash Management Association of Southern California), having been a member since 1975, and he participated in the initial development of the AFP’s (formerly NCCMA) Certified Cash Manager credential. Mr. Bort is a graduate of Colgate University and earned his M.B.A. degree from New York University.

August 8, 2003: 

Risks, Obligations and Solutions in Today's Business

How recent advances in business risk management enable companies to effectively comply with their heightened statutory responsibilities, and preserve shareholder value.

William F. Fairbanks is a Managing Director and Client Executive at Marsh Los Angeles.  He focuses on client management and development, program analysis and design, resource and relationship management, and advocacy for large companies in a variety of industries.

He has served with Marsh and its predecessor companies for 25 years in a variety of roles including Risk Management Analyst, Client Advisor, Director of Risk and Financial Analysis, Regional Risk Management Director, Client Development Leader, and Client Executive.   

Bill Fairbanks is a Phi Beta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of North Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with emphases in Risk Management and Communications.   He holds the Associate in Risk Management (ARM) and CPCU designations.

For nineteen years Bill has served as a Course Leader in Risk Management and Insurance topics for the American Management Association (AMA) and is the principal author of several manuscripts on insurance and financing risk.

"Five Key Steps for Improving Foreign Exchange Exposure Management"

Following these 5 key steps can significantly improve the effectiveness of your foreign exchange exposure management program. The detailed tips and "takeaways" on best practices policies, FAS 133 accounting, derivative instruments, and performance measurement techniques and hedging strategies should prove very useful for all international firms.

Mr. Alan Ross is a consultant with over 25 years of experience in corporate finance, treasury consulting and banking. He currently assists clients with foreign exchange exposure management programs, FAS 133, cash and investment management, and capital structure evaluations. Prior to establishing his own consulting practice, Mr. Ross was a Senior Manager for Deloitte & Touche Capital Markets Group and Treasurer of Times Mirror Company. He is a frequent speaker at numerous conferences and professional organizations including the Los Angeles Treasurers Club, the National Association of Corporate Treasurers, the Financial Executives Institute, the Windy City conference in Chicago, and the LA EXPO. Mr. Ross holds a BS degree from Stanford and an MBA in Finance from the University of Delaware.

Credit Ratings After Enron, What Financial Officers Should Know!

Enron was a watershed event that continues to affect many companies' access to capital markets. The fundamental credibility of corporate management has been questioned. At the same time, due to their own less than heroic role in this sad event, credit rating agencies have changed a number of practices. Most notably, they are much less willing to forbear when they perceive adverse developments. This and other changes in approach have significant implications, making it more important than ever for financial executives to seek to understand and manage the process by which their companies are rated.

Roy P. Weinberger is an independent consultant and advisor on matters related to credit risk and ratings. He advises issuers of debt securities on how to establish, maintain and protect their credit ratings and relationships with rating agencies and credit providers, and assists institutional investors to protect and enhance the value of their fixed income portfolios.

Mr. Weinberger has held senior positions with two international rating organizations. During a nearly 20 year career with Standard & Poor's Corporation, he managed the firm's industrial, utility and financial institutions rating activities and its entry into new rating areas, including international and structured finance. To better serve investor needs, he conceived and initiated the now common concepts of "CreditWatch" and "Credit Outlooks," prepared the first guide to rating agency practices ever published, and developed the first platform for electronic delivery of ratings and analyses. Mr. Weinberger also sought critical feedback from debt issuers by establishing an Issuer Advisory Council comprised of treasurers and CFOs.

As Director of International Business Development at Thomson Financial BankWatch, Mr. Weinberger contributed significantly to the formation of new rating agencies in the emerging markets of Latin America, Asia and Eastern Europe, and provided ongoing technical support and training, including participation on rating committees.

Mr. Weinberger is a past president and director of the Fixed Income Analysts Society, Inc. and is a member of The New York Society of Security Analysts. On NYSSA's behalf, he developed and regularly delivers a course on Corporate Credit Analysis - Concepts and Techniques. He holds a Masters of Science degree in Business Policy from Columbia University, New York

Mr.. West is a Director in the Los Angeles office with KPMG's CFO Advisory Services Practice.  He is responsible for projects that involve the integration of people, processes and technology to help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the finance function, including finance architecture, working capital management and performance measurement systems.  Mr.. West has over 15 years of experience in financial and change management across numerous industries.

SCAFP is again hosting its Annual "You Bet Your Cash" Trivia Game. All attendees will participate for fun and prizes. Our game Host, Bill Luehrmann, asks the questions and he hopes you have the answers. The questions range from the really trivial to important current events. The winning table receives a special prize.

It is not too late to contribute door prizes. Call Cathey Newell at the SCAFP Office at 818.843.5660 and let her know that you can bring some of your company's logo giveaways or even samples of your company's consumer products.

You will be a hero at your table if you submit questions that Bill uses in the game. (Don't forget the answer) Submit your questions and answers plus a publication or reference where our judges can verify the answer if necessary. E-mail your questions to Bill Luehrmann's e-mail address at Bill_Luehrmann@oxy.com or fax them to 310.443.6039

What Do We Tell Participants?" 

What a difference a bear market makes!
Isn't it interesting how the drop in the stock market has changed the way employees are looking at their retirement benefits? Americans everywhere are giving a new, hard look at their employer sponsored retirement plans and many do not like what they see. You need to make sure you are doing all you can to keep your Plans up to date with the multiple changes happening in Washington. You need to make sure your participants are being educated about the right things, in the right ways at the right times. You need to make sure you know why your company offers the investments it offers and who picked them in the first place! Mark will take us through the changes in the marketplace and talk about the ways you can help people to understand what is happening and how it applies to them.  He will also point to concrete steps fiduciaries can take to protect themselves and their firms from potential liability.
 

Speaker: Mark A. Davis

Mark A. Davis, principal of Mark A. Davis Consulting,
Inc., is a Registered Investment Advisor working with more than $250,000,000 in qualified retirement plans. Mark also serves as broker on numerous other, generally smaller, retirement programs. In addition to helping Plan Sponsors and Retirement Committees to fulfill their fiduciary obligations with confidence, Davis Consulting conducts investment education seminars for participants and produces internet-based investment education programming for other retirement services vendors. Mark is also a frequent speaker at regional and national conferences on retirement investment and educational issues. Mark is Co-Chair of the ASPA 401(k) Sales Summit to be held in 2003 in Scottsdale, AZ, Secretary of the Los Angeles Chapter of the WP & BC and is also President-Elect of the Ventura County, CA Chapter of the National Human Resources Association. Mark has a BA cum laude from Amherst College in Amherst, MA and an MFA in Acting from the University of Minnesota.

"The First Line of Defense Against Fraud"

Tom will be discussing the techniques and strategies used to detect fraud by purpose of hotlines. He will also be using some case examples to illustrate the "missed opportunities" as well as a "good ethics program".

Speaker: Thomas H. Hughes, Director of Fraud Investigations at Deloitte & Touche

Tom has in excess of 30 years of criminal and civil investigative and security experience gained through a career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and through work in the private sector. He completed his FBI career as Agent in Charge of the Boston Office. Tom was also Agent in Charge of the San Diego FBI office. Tom worked as Director of Corporate Security for a Fortune 100 company providing investigative and other security services. Tom holds a BA in Accounting, from Quincy University, Quincy, IL and an MBA from Bradley University, Peoria, IL

"Economic Recovery: A Work in Progress."

After emerging from the recessionary environment of late 2001, the U.S. economy has revealed signs of a recovery process, but the evidence provided thus far suggests that any return to growth will be of a more moderate nature as compared to past experience. The economic backdrop contains a variety of challenges that will ultimately have an impact on both Federal Reserve monetary policy as well as for the overall trend for interest rates in general. The "dark cloud" emanating from Corporate America, combined with concerns surrounding national security and additional U.S. military action, will continue to keep the investment setting for the second half of  2002 an uncertain one.

Speaker: Kevin Flanagan, 1st Vice President/Fixed Income Strategist, Morgan Stanley

Mr. Flanagan received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Finance from Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut, and an M.B.A. degree in Financial Management from Pace University's Graduate School of Business Administration. Mr. Flanagan has been with Morgan Stanley for 15 years. At Morgan Stanley, Mr. Flanagan holds the title of First Vice President/Fixed Income Strategist. Included in his activities are the preparation of an asset allocation model for fixed income securities, various daily as well as weekly writings that address trends for both the economy and interest rate spread products. In addition, Mr. Flanagan and the Fixed Income Research Department provide constant support for the trading operations and sales efforts of Morgan Stanley's Fixed Income Division and Private Client Group.

Mr. Flanagan frequently speaks to such media networks as CNBC, CNN and Fox Business News. His research is regularly quoted in such national publications as the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Investor's Business Daily and U.S.A. Today.

"Cash Management: Meeting Today's Challenges, Anticipating Tomorrow's Technology"

From the largest corporation to the smallest start-up, businesses look for personal attention and customized service from a financial institution-all in a 24 x 7 business environment.  How can financial institutions meet these demands and compete effectively in today's marketplace and in tomorrow's?  How is Internet Cash Management going to evolve one, three or even five years from now?

Speaker: Bryan Laws, Director of Business Solutions

Bryan Laws, AAP is director of Digital Insight's (Nasdaq: DGIN
www.digitalinsight.com) Business Solutions.  In this role, Laws is
responsible for heading up all of the Company's Internet cash management initiatives and other commercial Internet financial solutions.  Laws has an extensive background in the areas of Cash Management, Corporate Electronic Products, Automated Clearing House, Bill Payment, Cash Concentration and Payroll services.

Prior to joining Digital Insight in October 2000 he held the title of vice president at City National Bank of California where he managed all of the banks electronic commercial products.

Prior to CNB, Laws held a position as vice president in Product Management at Wells Fargo where he managed the 5th largest Automated Clearing House and Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) products.  Before Wells, Laws was employed at First Interstate Bancorp where he was involved in the Electronic Data Interchange(EDI) and the Automated Clearing House (ACH) products.

Mr. Laws, AAP,possesses an M.B.A in Finance/Marketing from Pepperdine University. and a B.A. in Finance and Economics from Rockhurst College in Kansas City MO, and he earned NACHA's Accredited ACH Professional credential.

May 10, 2002: 
Will you be ready when the Bulls begin to run? & Is Your Financial House in Order?

Discussions of how to get your financial house in order.  What does that mean, how do you accomplish it.  We'll discuss financial planning, time value of money, family budgeting, asset allocation, asset diversification, saving for college, insurance needs, how much do you need to retire, what products should you know about,  do you need long term care insurance, and is your estate planning ready - what are the basic steps.

Lori J Segale is currently a Financial Advisor with Waddell & Reed specializing in working with Financial Planning. Prior to this, Ms. Segale was the Treasurer at Western Atlas (a spin-off of Litton Industries). Before joining Western Atlas, Ms. Segale served as the Manager of Treasury for Alaska Airlines. She started her career at Deloitte & Touche and then decided to enter the Treasury field. Ms. Segale is a CPA, and holds a BA in Accounting from Seattle Univ.

Philip D. Horn is First Vice President - Investments and a Senior Retirement Plan Consultant with Salomon Smith Barney  for the past 10 1/2 years. His professional emphasis focuses on retirement planning and wealth preservation. Phil has been a featured speaker for groups such as the Arthritis Foundation, the Los Angeles Treasury Management Association, the Junior League of Los Angeles, the Hotel College at the UNLV, the UNLV Alumni Association, and the International Foodservice Executives Association.  He is a graduate of UNLV where he majored in Hotel Administration and minored in Accounting and Finance.

Brian Thompson is a Director for SunGard Treasury Systems currently
responsible for SunGard's eTreasury.com service, the leading hosted treasury management solution. He has more than ten years' experience in the treasury software industry including sales, product design, consulting and system installation and has lead many user and technical training sessions. He is a frequent speaker on treasury technology and is a member of AFP and SCAFP.  Mr. Thompson received a B.S. in business management and an M.B.A. from Pepperdine University.