WELCOME

On behalf of the South Atlantic Chapter members and as Host Committee Chair, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the “Sunshine State” for the 75th anniversary of the National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives’ Tax and Accounting Conference for Cooperatives. We also play host to the Electric Co-operative Chapter, which will be holding its annual chapter meeting in conjunction with the national conference.

Walt Disney World’s Swan & Dolphin Hotel is the conference hotel. While not an actual Disney hotel, it does sit on the property giving us access within walking distance of the Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club, Boardwalk, and Epcot Center (although a long walk). One can also access Epcot Center via the waterway by taking the boat that is situated between the Dolphin and Swan Hotels.

To make it very special this year, we will be holding a reception along with the Electric Co-operative Chapter on Sunday evening that includes the Andy Poxon Band featuring National Director and President of the Electric Co-op Chapter, Russ Wasson. Come hear great music and Russ playing bass. Also, members of the South Atlantic Chapter Host Committee will be on hand to welcome you.

While the actual meeting starts on Monday, we encourage you to attend one of three pre-conference sessions on Sunday afternoon, August 1st. They include basic cooperative accounting training (Coop GAAP, financial statements & equity issues), basic cooperative tax training, and equity management/business planning for utility cooperatives. Monday starts off with Byrd Baggett discussing how to become an authentic leader and then wraps up with Tom Cunningham of the Federal Reserve discussing the current state of the economy. Tuesday begins the day with Rick Anderson, chair of AICPA’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Private Company Accounting, discussing the future of GAAP for private companies and ends with the ever popular Co-op Roundtables. Throughout Monday and Tuesday you will be able to choose breakout sessions from four separate tracks – electric utility, tax, accounting/auditing, and general. The conference concludes at noon on Wednesday with four hours of CPE, including two hours from a conference favorite, Roman Kepczyk.

Monday evening, August 2nd, all attendees and their guests are invited to attend the annual evening event, this year----Latino Casino Night----- situated poolside at the Dolphin Hotel. Fabulous food, entertainment from a spectacular band and fun for the entire family will be happening while off to the side you can enjoy a Las Vegas-style casino night. Network and meet other NSAC members as guests play Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Poker, Money Wheel and other Vegas-style events. Earn play dollars that can then be redeemed for raffle tickets to be used in drawings for nice prizes. Several Disney characters will be on hand to greet you and your guests. This is an evening you and your family will not want to miss.

For our golfing enthusiasts, we will be holding the golf outing (best ball format) on Wednesday, August 4th at Celebration Golf Course. This beautiful course is a treasure due to the design efforts of both Robert Trent Sr. and Robert Trent Jr. The scramble start is at 1:00 p.m. Transportation is provided.

Because there are so many activities for families to be involved in, The Disney Events Group has provided the group with a link for specially priced tickets to the various parks. Make sure to check that out at http://www.disneyconventionear.com/NSAC.

The South Atlantic Chapter is excited to be hosting NSAC’s 75th anniversary and hope that you can join us this year in Orlando. We promise you a full program filled with vital information you can take back to your office and begin to make the most of upon your return home. You won’t be disappointed!