Greetings!  It is hard for me to believe that another year is almost over, and the holidays are already upon us.  I hope everyone has had a good year, and I wish everyone a prosperous new year.

Although the year is almost finished, the Chapter still has lots to do before the busy season starts all over again.  For starters, be sure to sign up for the 17th Annual Tax Update on Wednesday, December 10th with Steve Tillinger speaking.  Steve has presented this seminar for a number of years and always does a great job.  This year’s event should be particularly interesting considering the current economic issues and the new incoming administration.  A registration sheet has recently been mailed to all Chapter members or check out the Chapter website at www.pctscpa.com to sign up.

Also, you should have recently received a registration form for our 1st Annual Casino Night to be held Friday, January 23, 2009.  We hope this to be a fun event for the members and a great way to connect with Students and New and Emerging CPA’s.  This event is something new and different for our Chapter, so we want to encourage all who can to make plans to support this effort.  Be sure and bring your spouse, and make a night of it!  The cost is only $30 per person if you register by December 19th.  Click Here to access the registration form and flier detailing the event.

Finally, I want to say thanks to all the volunteers who work so hard for our Chapter.  Mike Arp and committee did a great job organizing the MIGI seminar held in October.  This year’s conference was a great success and provided 16 hours of quality CPE for our Chapter members.

Also, Jean Norrell and her crew did a wonderful job with the 2nd Annual New and Emerging CPA luncheon held on November 21st.  Approximately 80 people attended, primarily accounting students from WTAMU.  Jerry Love, past TSCPA Chairman, spoke on generational differences in the work place.  There was also a Q&A panel hosted by Jerry Love, Curtis Bainum, Tammie Coffee, Jule Minium, and John Doucette.  We continue to get more student memberships and interest in the profession through the work of this committee.

Be sure and check out the current issue of Today’s CPA for a profile on Jean Norrell.  Jean continues to do a great job for the Chapter at both the state and local level.

Hey All,

Happy Holidays

As we close out 2008, please be aware of a few things.

THESE are the final days for 2009 U.S. Master Tax Guides  sales.  Limited number available and FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE as always.  If you live in Amarillo, the books will be picked up at Wilson, Haag & Co., PC.  This is a central location for pick-up, it will save the chapter money and you will get your books earlier.  It is a WIN-WIN situation.  If you live out of Amarillo, the books will continue to be shipped to you.  Use this link to print the details and order today.

We have been updating the online directory with the most current information.  Check out your entry or search other members at www.pctscpa.com.  Click on the members only tab.  Have your licence number and birth date ready for access to the members only section.

We do have a couple of advertisements for employment posted on the website in the Classified area.  Check it out at www.pctscpa.com. 

As I have mentioned before, we are trying to keep the website updated with the most current information as a useful tool to the membership.  Call 359-7929 or email at panchap.cpas@wildblue.net with questions, ideas or comments.  We are here to serve you.

Jobie Ogburn – Executive Director of the Panhandle Chapter
panchap.cpas@wildblue.net
(806) 359-7929

Tax Spectacular

Oscar Elizondo was the grand prize winner in TSCPA’s random drawing for a job search makeover. Oscar was one of 71 student and candidate members who entered the drawing. He is currently attending WTAMU to finish up the hours needed to sit for the exam. He works for Kile and Company here in Amarillo.

His prize included a trip to Dallas and a one-on-one consultation with Certified Protocol Consultant Colleen Rickenbacher. Ms. Rickenbacher covered tips on professional dress, interviewing, resume hints and dining etiquette. I’ve attached a picture of Oscar and Ms. Rickenbacher.

Destination CPA
Visit Destination CPA (http://go.tscpa.org/) in the student section.

Outstanding Accounting Educator Awards
TSCPA recently honored four top Texas accounting professors with the organization's 2008 Outstanding Accounting Educator Awards

Depression Knows No Season
“This is supposed to be a joyous time of year, yet I feel angry one minute and plunged into despair the next. What’s wrong with me?”