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Greetings!
This month brings more exciting news about our Chapter, upcoming events, and benefits for our members. We encourage you to read on and take advantage of the great opportunities available to you. |
| President's Message |
I am so excited to launch into 2011. Thus far, all of the advisors that I've met with are optimistic and seem to be quite busy. Optimism and vision goes a long way to the success of our businesses and toward a positive attitude among our clients.
There is so much to look forward to in 2011 for the Pittsburgh FPA Chapter. We have fresh faces on the board and our first meeting of the year is in the past. I am grateful to the seasoned veterans who continue to serve with just as much enthusiasm today as when they initially came aboard. The board is cohesive and united for the initiatives set forth to make your experience a memorable one. It is our goal to ignite the flame of passion for the profession and a sense of camaraderie among old and new friends. Personally, my relationships that have been formed through my association with the local FPA are priceless and I wish for you to have the same experience.
The Four'Um committee has begun planning an awesome event and keynote speakers are being lined up. I can't wait to "spill the beans" but, for now, you will have to remain in suspense. Please prioritize your calendar now for the October 20, 2011 event.
An event that continues to gain more and more interest each year is our annual golf outing. The date has been solidified for April 29, 2011 at Olde Stonewall Golf Course. I'm not an expert golfer, but this is one day that I won't miss. There is so much fun and the prizes are second to none!! My assistant and I are exploring a few golf lessons to dust off the winter rust so we will be ready for this big day of fun. Again, mark your calendars and start thinking of who you wish to invite.
I encourage everyone to attend the breakfast meeting on February 24, 2011 at Edgewood Country Club. We have heard the cries from our members in the east to hold an event closer to them and we have acted accordingly. We look forward to seeing you for this informative meeting.
There will be lots more to report as the year unfolds. For now, I extend my heartfelt wishes that 2011 is your year to remember!!!
Sincerely,
Darla Main, CFP®
MainAdvisoryInc@SavingMyTime.com
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| Chapter Events | |
Guests Invited!
In an effort to spread the word about the FPA and promote our educational events, FPA of Pittsburgh members may bring an unlimited number of non-member guests to any event free of charge in 2011 (excludes the 2011 Financial Four'um and Golf Outing). Each non-member may attend a maximum of two events free of charge in 2011. We encourage you to mark your calendars now for the following 2011 chapter events and invite your colleagues and friends to attend as well.
2011 Chapter Events:
- February 24th ESOP Breakfast
Topic: "Employee Stock Ownership Plans: Now More Than Ever: In an increasingly hostile tax environment."Speaker: Dan Zugell Location: Edgewood Country Club 
- March 24 Estate Planning Conference
- April 29 Golf Outing, Olde Stonewall
- September 8 Investment Planning Conference
- October 20 Financial Four'um
- November 9 Breakfast Meeting: Topic to be Announced.
For more information on events in 2011,
see the Chapter Meetings calendar on our website. | |
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2011 Pittsburgh FPA Board of Directors |
The 2010 Board of the Pittsburgh FPA recently passed the torch to the 2011 Board. We are incredibly excited by the fresh ideas of our new board members and thank those who are no longer with us for their hard work and commitment to making last year one full of many great accomplishments.
If you see a board member at an upcoming meeting, please be sure to acknowledge him or her and recognize the hard work that they put in to provide you with the best chapter experience.
Our 2011 Pittsburgh FPA Board Members can be found below:
Darla Main, Chapter President
Ruth Forsyth, President-Elect and Financial "Four"Um Director
James Boughner, Treasurer
Michael McGrath, Programs Director
Brian Gongaware, Communications Director
Mark Ambrose, Education Director and Junior Achievement Coordinator
Lauren Peck, NexGen and Student Relations Director
Kathleen Stewart, Membership Director
Michael Carney, Career Development Director
Jason Takac, Programs Committee
John Harm, Sponsorship Co-Director
Robert Ruby,Sponsorship Co-Director
Ann McKenna, Chapter Executive
Jay F Mastilak, 2010 Chapter President and Advisor to the Board
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"IN THE NEWS" - PSERS Update |
On November 23, 2010, Governor Edward Rendell signed HB 2497 into law.
The legislation is now known as Act 120 of 2010. This legislation mainly impacts individuals who become new members of PSERS (Public School Employees' Retirement System) after July 1, 2011. The current pension benefits a PSERS retiree receives now is not impacted by this legislation. Summary of New Benefits Changes FAQs Some of the big changes for new members appear to be: - Cannot withdrawal contributions and interest when retiring
- Higher contribution rates for new members
- 10-year vesting period
- "Shared risk"
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Membership Milestones |
Congratulations to the following FPA of Pittsburgh members who reached membership longevity milestones in January:
10 years: Neil Alexander
John Hodges
Lawrence Gleason
15 years: Mary Ann Siebert |
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NexGen |
Planners under the age of 36 are encouraged to contact Michael McGrath or Lauren Peck to find out about the great opportunities available through NexGen. | |
| Media Training | |
If you would like to qualify to respond to requests for media interviews, click here to access the mandatory training, and then contact Ruth Forsyth to be added to our Chapter's media response list. To qualify to speak to the media, you also must be a CFP in good standing, a member of FPA, and have a minimum of 3 years experience as a financial planner. | |
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Pittsburgh Stock and Bond Association Luncheon
February 3, 2011 | |
Invitation | |
The Pittsburgh Stock & Bond Assoc is hosting a lunch seminar on February 3 featuring Lynnette Kelly Hotchkiss, Executive Director of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB).
Ms. Hotchkiss will discuss: the MSRB's expanded mission and jurisdiction, Rules for Investment Advisors, Municipal Sales Practices and Due Diligence, Rule G-17, and Rules for Issuers, Investment Bankers, and Underwriters.
Member Cost: $25.00
Non-Member Cost: $35.00
For more information please contact:
Timothy Davis at tdavis@hefren.com
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| Junior Achievement Volunteer Opps | |
Opportunities are available this winter to get involved in the financial education of local children by volunteering with Junior Achievement. Contact Mark Ambrose for more information.
Please see the following JA Flyer for more details!
In the 4 years of participating in JA programs I have learned one very big lesson - I gain as much from the experience as the children. The interaction with bright, hopeful, energetic students is something I look forward to each time, and it helps me be a better professional. - David Jeter | |
| Request for Content for FPAnet.org |
Bob Powell, content strategist to the FPA, recently contacted the board looking for parties interested in developing content the the public-facing section of the FPA website. At the moment, FPA has a need for many types of articles including: tips, checklists, and - in particular - money makeovers (Example).
If you have an interest in providing website content to FPA, please contact Bob Powell at:
rjpiii@comcast.net.
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