Chicago Chapter - APA
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February, 2009 Volume 3, Issue 2 |
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Newsletter of the
Chicago Chapter of the American Payroll Association |
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2009 Calendar January No Meeting February 7– CPP Review Class 19--Chapter
Meeting A Strong Career 21– CPP Review Class March 7– CPP & FPC Review Class 21--CPP
& FPC Review Class April 4–
CPP & FPC Review Class 11-CPP Review Class 22-Basic Payroll Skills May 19-23 – 27th Annual Congress, Long Beach. CA June 19 – Chapter Meeting Garnishments 27-28-Relay for Life Westchester July No Meeting August 20 – Chapter Meeting Tax Day All Day Meeting Officer
Elections September 6-11 National Payroll Week Celebration
16th Annual Illinois Statewide October 29—Chapter
Meeting Preparing For Year End November 7-- Holiday Party Official newsletter of the Chicago Chapter |
Building on a Solid
Foundation |
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As year end winds down! May
this find you all surviving year end without too many bumps and bruises. As
the chapter heads into a new year, a few changes have occurred that may have
been missed in the first newsletter, so here are the highlights! Our
chapter mailing address has changed to: Chicago Chapter 4740 N Cumberland Ave. # 355 Chicago Illinois 60656 New
address cards have been mailed for your convenience. We
also have created a workbook with the following information which can be
saved to your desktops for reference. Included in the workbook: ·
Bank
Holidays, ·
CAPA
calendar ·
Fast
wages ·
Local
APA seminars ·
Social
Security updates ·
Tax
Deposit schedules for all quarters We
hope you enjoy the newsletter with its enhancements. All suggestions are welcome! Read
on for government updates, meeting information, community outreach offerings
and much more! Sincerely, Mary
Kazmierczak, CPP Chapter
President
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_________________________ February Education Offerings CPP / FPC Review Courses The Review course for CPP commences February 7,
2009 and the FPC Review course will begin March 7, 2009. The Review Courses
will be hosted by ADP at 100 Northwest Point Blvd, Elk Grove Village, IL
60007 to:chicago_chapter_apa@hotmail.com Save the date –February 19th! A Strong Career--- Resumes through
Retirement. This is a must tend
meeting especially with the economic instability we are being challenged with
in recent times. Guest speaker
Marilyn Fettner will provide an interactive workshop on creating cover
letters, resumes and interviewing skills. Gain insightful information on
hiring from both perspectives. To
conclude our meeting Fidelity Investments will share strategic investment
options as seen through payroll administrative practices. There will be three RCH’s for attending
this meeting. Secure your space by
registering today! Visit our website
for further details. |
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2009 Chapter
Officers
President Mary Kazmierczak, CPP Vice President Paula Black, CPP Recording Secretary Kathy Mizejewski. CPP Treasurer Hank Mazik, CPP Gov. Liaison Carolyn Kerkman CPP Correspondence Secretary Mary Weiner, CPP Education Director Katie Staffeldt, CPP |
Save the date RELAY FOR LIFE 2009 www.relayforlifewestchester.com This
year Team CAPA will be participating in Relay for in Life Westchester. The
dates are Saturday, June 27th to Sunday, June 28th at
Mayfair Park. What
is a Relay Event? You start by
forming a team, than set donation goals for your team, followed by contacting
your fellow chapter members to join your team. The team members set their own donation goals. Now it is time for you to send out emails
and/or letters to family and friends asking for donations to the American
Cancer Society. You can also think of
different ways of collecting money like have a garage sale and all proceeds
can be donated in your name to Relay for Life. It is fun to have a friendly competition between team members
for a great common goal – A Cure for Cancer. Your
friendly team captain will be sending out emails to keep you informed of the
plans for the event like, arrival time, who would like to read names during
the luminaries ceremony etc. The day
of the event I will be at the Mayfair Park with Jamie (my daughter) setting
up and will be ready to greet our team members. The
event starts the opening walk for the survivors and caretakers. The walking begins. You do not have to walk all night. Someone
from the team is supposed to be on the track at all times. As the sun goes down and night falls, it
is time for the Luminaries Ceremony.
That, for me, is the most moving part of the evening. I am always
overwhelmed by the number of people who have all heard the same three words
“you have cancer”. There are bags
with candles in them with loved ones names on them. They represent family and friends who have lost their lives to
cancer, who have survived cancer or who are fighting for their lives because
of cancer. It
is eye opening as you hear all the names being read. Names I will hear include my mother,
father, brother, sister-in-law, aunt, uncle, cousins, mother-in-law and
friends being called out. Most have
lost the battle, some are fighting cancer and some have survived. It is for the love of my family, I
participate in Relay for Life. |
RELAY, continued Following
the Luminary Ceremony is a Fight Back Ceremony. The night goes on with sometimes walking alone and reflecting
why you are here or walking and talking in groups. There are themed hours, for example, the chapter favorite is
crazy hat time. We don our
multicolored feather hats. We make
quite a statement. We talk, we laugh,
we cry, we have bonded a lifelong friendship. The night goes by quickly and
before you know it, it is time to start cleaning as the sun comes up. Last
year we raised $4600.00 and achieved Silver Status in our 25th
year as a chapter. With your help and
support we can top that amount. If
you have any questions, feel free to call me. Katie Staffeldt. My
cell phone number is 630-742-7747.
Visit the website, sign up is easy.
Look for Team CAPA and sign up today.
The Chicago chapter members’ generosity never ceases to amaze me! Your dedication to giving back was seen in the overwhelming support of the pop top drive for Ronald McDonald House Charity. On Sunday, February 15, 2009, we will be delivering the very large tub of tabs to their facility in Maywood Park. We will be meeting at 1:00 p.m. in the Children’s Hospital entrance. The address is 2160 S. First Ave. Maywood, Illinois 60153 The chapter will be presenting them with
the pop tops and be treated to a tour of the facility. If you are interested
in joining us, please RSVP to the chapter mailbox, Chicago_chapter_apa@hotmail.com by 12th of February. Hope you
can join us for what promises to be a heartwarming experience! Off the Street Club—Educational Support The Off the Street Club is an after school program provided for children on the West side of Chicago. The youth of this neighborhood face daily challenges in the poorest and most crime ridden area... Ralph Campagna has been providing a safe haven for these children through on after school program. There children desire to get a good education and see there dreams come true. In the past we have supported this organization with the annual toy drive at our holiday event, and been showered with their wonderful voices in songs. To further support this group the chapter is starting an educational fund. At all chapter meetings and events, a 50/50 raffle will be held. The chapter will match the raised funds and present the check to Ralph and the attendees at the annual holiday party in November. If there is an organization that is dear to your heart, let us know! Page 2 Page 2 |
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Upcoming Chapter
Meetings
February 19 9:00 am to 1:00 pm A Strong Career ADP 100 Northwest Point
Blvd Elk Grove, IL Continental
Breakfast 8:30 am April 22 9 am to 12:00 pm Basic Payroll
Skills TBD Continental Breakfast 8:30 am June 19 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Garnishments Information
Resources Chicago, IL Continental
Breakfast 8:30 am June 27-28 6:00 pm-6:00 am Relay for Life American Cancer Society Westchester August 20 9:00 am-4:00 pm Tax Day Officer Elections Continental Breakfast 8:30 am White Eagle Banquet October 29 9:00-12:30 pm Preparing For Year End TBD Continental
Breakfast 8:30 am November 7 Holiday Party Wellington Elk Grove Village |
The
Chapter board has been busy enhancing our communications and offerings to our
members. At this time I would like to say a special thank you to the Chicago Chapter Board officers: Paula Black, CPP, Vice-President, for
restructuring our database to ensure timely updates is performed with ease! Hank Mazik, CPP, Treasurer, for updating
our website and adding the streaming video feature! Carolyn Kerkman, CPP, Government Liaison, for
providing the statutory changes and assisting with the Certification course
agendas. Katie Staffeldt, CPP, Education Director, for
certification review course preparations and kicking off the “Relay for
Life”. Mary Weiner, CPP, Corresponding Secretary,
for newsletter formation, and enhancing the chapter to reach out to those in
the AP offices. Kathy Mizejewski, CPP, Recording Secretary, -
for keeping all the officers on track, and providing a historical timeline
through chapter minutes and all important reminders. Patricia Gaughan, CPP, Membership Committee
Chair, for working on the wellness listing and support of our membership
communications. Throughout
the busiest payroll season, they have found the time and dedication to go
above and beyond in planning and arranging what promises to be a very full
year of valued offerings for our members. I
would be remiss not to mention, a
special thank you, to YOU! As chapter members, you are what energizes our
spirit and makes the payroll profession fulfilling. . |
Mark your Calendars: Friday February 6th is National Wear Red
Day for the American Heart Association!
Join with millions of women, as well as companies,
organizations and cities across America on National Wear Red Day, Friday,
Feb. 6, 2009. By wearing red and making a donation, you'll help the
American Heart Association support ongoing research and education about women
and heart disease. Plan a Wear Red Day 1.
Start by registering as a Wear Red
Day Coordinator/Host. You'll get free, downloadable tools to help you plan
and execute your Wear Red Day. They're available on your registration
confirmation email. (Already registered to host a Wear Red Day event?
Then please visit this page.) 2.
Next, visit Shop
Go Red to find apparel, accessories and more from our sponsors
to help you show your support for women and the fight against heart disease. 3.
Download our free Conversations from the Heart: A Go Red For Women
Discussion Guide to get the conversation going about
heart health. Share it with your HR representative, employer, coworkers,
family, friends. 4.
Make a connection with
your local American Heart Association. 5. See
the cities and companies below that helped make National Wear Red Day a
success. The Choice Is Yours How
will you make a heart difference? I
choose to eat baked, not fried I
choose to be empowered I
choose to show my support I
choose to move, not sit I
choose to inspire and connect I
choose to wear Red in support
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Come Join in the Building
of our Chapter! “Teamwork
divides the task and multiplies the success.” ~Author Unknown If
you would like to join our extended board family, as a committee member, we
welcome your energy and vision! Committees are being formed in the following
areas: COG- Chapter Outreach Group - members will work on
community and charitable outreach events Educational Committee- Arrange and/or present at
schools, youth and adult organizations on the importance of education and
providing knowledge and clear expectations about their paycheck. As well as
seeking and recommending creditable speakers for meetings. Hospitality Committee- handling registration at meetings,
responsible for gathering and
distributing communications provided from members at meetings to the board
for follow up, Welcoming members at
Chapter events. Membership Committee—Making wellness calls to our members,
working to increase membership and communications to our members National Payroll Week- Assist in mailing requests for
proclamations, planning of Chapter contest and celebration for membership Nomination Committee- Verify officer nominations for valid APA
membership, and act as election officials for Chapter Officer Elections Statewide Committee- Assist with the planning
and preparations for the annual Illinois Statewide Conference. Vendor Support Committee- Contact vendors and
prospective vendors for support of our organization. “Coming
together is a beginning. Keeping tog-ether is progress. Working
together is success.” ~Henry
Ford GOVERNMENT CORNER Important Updates for the I-9's On January 30, 2009, U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it has postponed for 60 days,
until April 3, 2009, the effective date of a revised Form I-9, Employment
Eligibility Verification, which had been published as part of an interim
final rule in December. The
delay is part of the Obama Administration's effort to review all federal
regulations pending on January 20, 2009 before they take effect. |
Government
Corner continued Additionally, USCIS has reopened the public comment
period on the rule for 30 days, until March 4, 2009. The interim final rule
and an informational copy of the revised Form I-9 will continue to be
available for public comment at www.regulations.gov. Social Security is proud to announce the launch of a new online retirement
application at www.socialsecurity.gov. What are some of the benefits of Social Security’s new
application? The new application can be completed in as little as 15 minutes.
There’s no need to drive to a
local Social Security office or wait for an appointment. In most cases, once
you complete the application – you’re done - there are no paper forms to sign
and usually no documentation is required. I’m excited to share this news with you and I hope that you’ll
visit www.socialsecurity.gov to find more information about
Social Security’s new online retirement application and to view new public
service announcements, featuring the agency’s new spokesperson, Patty Duke! IRS Decreases Business Mileage Rate to 55 Cents for 2009 The IRS has announced that the standard business mileage rate for transportation expenses paid or incurred beginning January 1, 2009, will be 55 cents per mile, down from the 58.5 cents per mile rate in effect during the second half of 2008. The rate for deductible medical or moving expenses will be 24 cents a mile, down from 27 cents. Note: The rate for providing services for charitable organizations is set by law, not by the IRS, and remains at 14 cents a mile [IR-2008-131, released 11-24-08]. APA Access Corner Each
month we will enlighten you on different offerings on the APA website, www.Americanpayroll.org You
may be wondering how our new President, Obama’s agenda may impact our
profession. Visit
the APA website and read about the proposed changes and how Dan Maddux has
offered his efforts in upcoming talks on pending economic stimulus packages. As our review courses for the Certified Payroll Professional commence this February 7, 2009, a great study tool can be found in the Knowledge Assessment Calculators (KAC), offered on the APA website. This is a wonderful way to test your knowledge while preparing for certification. You can purchase the KAC by going to www.payrollkac.com or linking to the site from the APA website. Utilizing the KAC provides an additional means of knowledge assessment in your preparations for the certification exam.
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Time to Join or Renew
APA Memberships 2009! Chicago Chapter
Membership 2009 Who needs to pay dues? Per our by-laws Chapter Dues apply to
everyone – board members, CPP & FPC attendees and teachers, continuing
members, etc. To maintain benefits, members are required to renew their
membership each year. Like the rising
gas costs, Chapter Dues for 2009 are
increasing to $50.00. You can pay
by Credit Card at www.chicagopayroll.com and join/renew online
or by sending us a check payable to Chicago Chapter APA at Chicago Chapter
APA, 4740 N Cumberland #355 Chicago, IL 60656. Be sure to include your name, company name, address, email and
phone number and APA National Membership Number. Chapter Purpose and Member Benefits The Chicago Chapter exists to share and promote knowledge,
professionalism, high standards of performance, networking and communication
among payroll professionals in the Chicago area through offering educational
events and community service activities. Chapter Benefits include: · Organization website www.chicagopayroll.com featuring chapter
educational events, compliance updates, job opportunities, networking events
and vendors; links to National APA site and other key payroll websites · Monthly Newsletter –
keeps members up to date with the latest and upcoming events · Hotline Service
–assistance with payroll topics provided by member volunteers |
Chapter Membership continued · Education and training
– members receive admission discounts and recertification credits for
attending quarterly educational sessions, FPC & CPP review and study
groups and the IL Statewide conference · Access to 200 local
Members - networking with professionals in your same industry, size, software
services and expertise on various payroll topics · Participation in
award-winning Chapter that is acknowledged at APA National level for their
achievements; past presidents who have also become presidents at the national
level · Promote community
service through payroll education for various groups and charity events
National APA Membership 2009 If you have not joined the National APA Membership or you were a
member and let your membership lapse, now is the time! Go to www.americanpayroll.org join or renew today!
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Mailing Address: Chicago Chapter APA 4740 N Cumberland #355 Chicago, IL 60656 Phone: (773) 631-8480 {24-hr.
Recording) E-mail : Chicago_Chapter NPW Corner : Tell us what
you are planning for NPW. |
Biweekly Newsletter
from AAPA Have
accounts payable responsibilities? Sign up for membership in the American Accounts Payable Association and receive the
biweekly AP Journal Online. AP Journal Online delivers dynamic web pages and an e-mail
digest of the most current AP news and special features. AAPA Joins APA Are
you a Disbursement Manager, a Payroll and AP Manager? Do you partner with your AP
department? CAPA is excited about
adding Accounts Payable to our group.
There will be a special section in our newsletter all about AP. Please
see the memo from Dan Maddux below: Please
share this information with your AP department. Follow this link to find more information on AAPA. Welcome to AAPA America’s
hard-working accounts payable professional are often an organization’s first
line of defense against tax and accounting compliance penalties, fraud,
embezzlement, and waste. As such,
they need and deserve the best in education and professional networking
opportunities. The American Accounts
Payable Association (AAPA) is here to make sure your needs are looked
after. If you’re interested in
learning more about what AAPA has to offer, browse our new website and search
through a range of AP-related topics, including AAPA educational offerings,
publications, courses and conferences and much more. Of
course, what would an association be without its members? On that note, we encourage you to
jumpstart your career today by becoming an AAPA member. Welcome
to AAPA, the professional society for accounts payable professionals and the
authority on all things AP-related.
We can’t wait to welcome you aboard. All the best!
Dan Maddux AAPA Executive Director The Un-Comfort Zone continued For
a growing company, Momentum is the point where you have done enough
advertising, marketing, public relations, networking, customer service, and
so forth that business begins to flow.
It is the point where you are garnering the precious and often elusive
word-of-mouth referrals.
Momentum is about building a reputation. Acquiring it, however, doesn’t mean you can taper off on your
efforts... but it does mean that your efforts will become easier. The
best thing about Momentum is that once you get it, motivation becomes
self-perpetuating. Momentum is
energizing. It keeps you on your
toes. And, the rewards come quickly
and regularly |
THE
UN-COMFORT ZONE with Robert Wilson Keeping The Ball Rolling I
know an advertising agency owner who never fully takes a vacation. He takes his family to fairly exotic
locations, but never so alien that they are outside the reach of modern
communication. In other words, he is
never further than a cell phone call or email away. He checks in with the office several times a day – much to the
chagrin of his family who want him to be fully engaged in the holiday at
hand. So, he ends up sneaking off
under the guise of visiting the restroom, or going to the bar for a cocktail,
in order to connect with his staff, a client or a prospect. His wife and kids aren’t fooled; they just
sigh and accept the inevitable. I used
to think he was a control freak – someone who couldn’t let go and let someone
else take over – until I came to understand the concept of Momentum. In
science, Momentum is equal to Mass times Velocity. Or just think of Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark
running as fast as he can out of the tunnel while that huge stone ball rolls
faster and faster after him. In
business, Momentum is the point at which success begins to come easily. Business veterans jokingly refer to it as
having, “paid my dues.” In short, Momentum is an accumulation of acquired
knowledge, skill, experience and connections. And, those who understand it... also know it can be fragile and
easily lost. Sales
professionals who have achieved Momentum will tell you that you must pursue a
number of activities to generate sales leads: phone calls, emails, sales letters,
networking events, etc. You keep it up building dozens, then hundreds of
leads at a time. Then to convert
those leads to sales you keep following up on each of them in a timely
fashion. Meanwhile, you are still
maintaining all the activities that continue to generate leads. So between generating leads, following up
on leads, then turning leads into sales, you begin to feel like the guy in
the circus who spins plates on top of poles – rushing from one plate to the
next to keep them spinning. No
wonder these folks hate to take vacations – it breaks the Momentum they’ve
spent months or years creating and they know it takes time to get it going
again. Years
ago when I first started giving speeches, a seasoned professional speaker
advised me, “It took me ten years to quit sweating cash flow, but even so, it
is still all about non-stop marketing.” In other words: maintaining Momentum.
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have found this to true in all pursuits.
Even when I am writing fiction there is always a certain point in a
novel that it takes on a life of its own and demands my daily attention,
energy and focus until it is complete.
Unfortunately, nothing quite puts the brakes on Momentum like
finishing a book, or completing any other major task. The trick to avoid losing that Momentum is
to begin another book or another task before you complete the first one. Then you just shift your energy over to
the next project that is already under way. Robert
Evans Wilson, Jr. is a motivational speaker and humorist. He works with
companies that want to be more competitive and with people who want to think
like innovators. For more information on Robert's programs please visit
www.jumpstartyourmeeting.com.
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Chicago Chapter -APA 4740 N Cumberland #355 Chicago,
IL 60656 |
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