Sponsored by the APA Northstar Chapter

Golden Valley Country Club

REGISTER EARLY - We have a limited number of seats available!

Location Information and Web Site

Who to Contact

Breakfast and Networking Events

Networking & Breakfast
The Northstar Chapter understands the importance of providing our members with an opportunity to discuss your challenges and opportunities with your colleagues.  Please take advantage of the networking opportunities provided on your journey through the “Wide World of Payroll” Conference.

EVENING - Vender Event & Social Hour
Once again, the conference social hour will be held on Thursday following the last breakout session of the day.  This is always a lot of fun and a great way to network with your colleagues.  You will not want to miss this!  This year we will be including our VENDORS and give you an opportunity to visit with vendors during the social hour.

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Thursday Opening Session Speaker – Robin Getman
R-E-L-A-X “Stress” is not a four-letter word

R-E-L-A-X. “Stress” is not a four-letter word. Be honest. What’s the first word that comes to mind when you hear the word stress?
Did you think… productivity? Energy? Fun? Stress, like most things, is good and bad. Stress can propel you to peak performance and it can drain your brain. And, guess what? You hold the reins. Choose to react or choose to RELAX.

Thursday Lunch Session – Robin Getman
Laugh for the Health of It

Robin will share the fifth stress-busting technique to help you RELAX–Laugh for the health of it!
What you’ll learn:

Fundamentals that ensure helpful, not harmful, humor in the workplace.

Speaker Bio - Robin Getman
Unscripted. Unrehearsed. Uncommonly fun. With a broad background in dramatic and improvisational theater and stand-up comedy, Robin Getman connects with audiences instantly. Be it one-on-one, one-on-fifty one, or one-on-five hundred and one; there's no telling what will happen next. Whatever comes, one thing is certain: both speaker and audience are interactive players in the drama, the spontaneity and the merriment.

Robin works with organizations that want to create an environment where people look forward to coming to work each day and with people who want to enjoy what they do. She speaks frankly about workplace experiences that people can relate to. Unhappy coworkers? Difficult boss? Unbearable customers? Constant change? Robin's been there and she's done that-twenty times for some fifteen employers- before realizing the job wasn't the problem!

Robin has checked hats, cashiered, waited tables and managed three of the nation's leading restaurants. She's opened mail, processed applications, led campus tours and entered data. She's ushered, sold concessions and worked 'the stage' for Elvis, Donny Osmond and nearly a dozen elephants. She's sorted, filed, 'manned the phones' and checked 'spec's' on paper bags for pig chow. She's price-checked, pin-ticketed, inventoried and marked product for clearance.

She co-founded a training and consulting company; wrote, produced and directed educational skit programs; created a mystery patient shopping program and taught two Minnesota governors' staffs how to deliver exceptional guest service. She's administered a $12 million operating budget and directed a department with approximately 600 full and part-time staff including managerial, supervisory, Teamsters, AFSCME and student employees.

You name it; Robin's probably done it.

Laugh from your toes...
Lead from your soul...
Serve from your heart...

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Friday Lunch Session - Alan Gregerson & Gary Johnson
IRS Update - Topics

Speaker Bio - Alan Gregerson
Alan Gregerson is a Senior Stakeholder Liaison Specialist with the Small Business and Self Employed Division of the IRS. He has held positions as a Revenue Agent in Examination, Taxpayer Service Specialist answering technical calls at the nationwide call site, assisted the volunteer income tax assistance program with technical and electronic filing expertise, and currently is a Senior Stakeholder Liaison Specialist who works with business organizations and practitioners speaking and developing issues for outreach and resolutions of those issues. He has over twenty of IRS experience.

Speaker Bio - Gary Johnson
Gary has more than 17 years of experience in the complex discipline of Unemployment Insurance; seven years of which working as a Tax Auditor and the past ten years in the areas of communication, education and electronic commerce as a Project Coordinator and Employer/Agent Liaison with the Unemployment Insurance Division of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

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Breakout Session 1 - Thursday 10:30 - 11:30 AM

Session A - Canadian Payroll
Speaker – Nicole Clark CPP

Session B - Unemployment 101
Speaker – Jared Vale

Beginning with a brief overview of the unemployment tax system, we will cover the following topics:

Speaker Bio:  Jared S. Vale- BARENTT ASSOCIATES, Director Strategic Compliance

Jared graduated from Hofstra University with a BBA in Banking and Finance in 1992. His career in Unemployment Cost Control began in 1996 as a technical analyst with Barnett Associates. His knowledge of programming helped to automate rate and analysis calculations significantly increasing efficiency. In 1998 Jared realized a need for increased awareness of the complexity of the UI system and corporate compliance exposure, Jared volunteered to educate employers accepting speaking invitations with numerous payroll, tax, human resources and finance associations. Jared has been the unemployment cost control contact for the American Association’s Volunteer Hotline since 1999.  Jared is an active participant in AUTO (Association of Unemployment Tax Organizations), a group committed to reviewing, endorsing and opposing legislation affecting the Unemployment Insurance System.  With 11 years of employment with Barnett Associates, Jared is currently the Director of Strategic Compliance. Continued responsibilities include Sales, Marketing, Compliance and Process Development.  Jared comprehensive understanding of all aspects of Unemployment Cost Control, from number crunching and strategic planning, to unemployment claims control makes him a valued asset to his clients, his company and the industry.

Session C - Garnishments, Child Support and Student Loans
Speaker – Jennifer Frank

Including:

Speaker Bio:  Jennifer Frank

Jennifer Frank has experience in the prevention of employment litigation, defense of employment claims such as Minnesota Department of Human Rights or EEOC employment discrimination claims by former employees, attending administrative hearings on behalf of clients, drafting employment and severance agreements, reviewing employee handbooks and advising clients on compliance with federal and state employment and benefit laws such as the FMLA, Title VII or the ADA. She also assists with COBRA administration, harassment restraining orders and solving employment problems. She conducts training sessions and workplace investigations, employment assessments regarding employment policies and practices, and speaks regularly on employment and benefit topics.  Ms. Frank is a qualified neutral under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. Prior to joining Lindquist & Vennum, she was a summer associate for Popham Haik (1996-1997), a law clerk for Snelling, Christensen & Laue (1995), and a daily valuation administrator for Sedgwick Noble Lowndes (1991-1994). Ms. Frank is a member of the American, Minnesota State, Ramsey County, and Hennepin County Bar Associations, as well as Minnesota Women Lawyers. She is also conversant in French.

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Breakout Session 2 - Thursday 1:00 - 2:00 PM

Session D - Mergers & Acquisitions BASIC
Speaker – Martin Armstrong CPP

This workshop will provide the payroll professional with a basic understanding of and a systematic approach to handling mergers and acquisitions. The workshop will review M&A definitions, payroll tax reporting implications, preparing and planning recommendations and due diligence for both the predecessor and successor employer.

Speaker Bio:  Martin Armstrong, CPP, MBA
Director of Payroll - Harrah’s Entertainment

Martin Armstrong is the Director of Payroll for Harrah’s Entertainment, the most recognized and respected name in the casino entertainment industry. Harrah’s operates 55 casinos in 26 states and pays more than 102,000 employees under the Caesars, Harrah’s, Harveys, Horseshoe, Rio, and Showboat brand names. Martin has 23 years of accounting experience and has held positions as a Senior Accountant, Internal Auditor, Tax Manager, Payroll Manager, and Payroll Director.  Martin has been a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) since 1990, and holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and a M.B.A. degree from the University of Maryland University College. Martin is currently a Doctoral student in Argosy University’s Doctor of Business Administration program.

He is also a Naval Reserve Supply Corps officer and the recipient of 4 Navy Achievement Awards. An Adjunct instructor for the University of Maryland University College, Martin teaches Business Administration courses in the undergraduate program.  Martin is a member of the American Payroll Association’s National Speakers Bureau, a past member of the APA’s Board of Advisors, and a past member of the Board of Directors for the National Association of Tax Professionals (Nevada Chapter). He currently sits on the APA’s Certification Board, the APA’s Board of Contributing Writers, is a member of the Advisory Board for BNA’s Payroll Administration Guide and is a writer for BNA’s Payroll Administration Guide’s Newsletter.  Martin is a recipient of the APA’s 2002 Meritorious Service Award, 2006 Special Recognition Award, has been featured in the APA’s PAYTECH magazine, BNA’s Payroll Administration Guide Newsletter, and has spoken on Hospitality Payroll Issues, Payroll Leadership, Garnishments, Payroll Year-End, Mergers and Acquisitions, and Electronic Filing workshops at the APA’s annual Congress and at numerous cities around the country.

Session E - Unemployment 101
Repeat of Session B
Speaker – Jared Vale

Session F - Garnishments, Child Support and Student Loans
Repeat of Session C
Speaker – Jennifer Frank

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Breakout Session 3 - Thursday 2:15 - 3:15 PM

Session G - Mergers & Acquisitions - Planning & Reporting ADVANCED
Speaker – Martin Armstrong CPP & Jared Vale

This workshop goes beyond the basic tax and reporting requirements that must be met during a merger or acquisition. Designed for payroll professionals who oversee merger and acquisition activities, it focuses on being prepared for the following transactions:

Session H - Fringe Benefits
Speaker – Rick Seifert CPP

In this session we will review how to process some of the more popular fringe benefits provided by companies. Insight will also be given on resources you can go to find out if something is taxable. Please come prepared with specific benefits you want addressed.

Speaker Bio:  Rick Seifert

Rick Seifert is a HR Operations Senior Analyst at Deluxe Corporation. HR Operations oversees all the HR systems and processes including payroll, benefits, compensation and time. He has been employed by Deluxe for over 26 years. Rick has been performed probably every function in payroll over the last 16 years. He also has experience in converting payroll, time, and HR systems.
Rick has held several positions in the Northstar Chapter including Government Liaison and Treasurer. He has presented several times at the annual conference. Rick is currently on the APA Hotline Referral Service. Rick is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a BS degree in Accounting. He earned his Certified Payroll Professional designation in 1992.
 

Session I - System Panel Session on Payroll Systems
Speaker – Board & Committee Members

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Breakout Session 4 - Friday 8:00 - 9:00 AM

Session J - Fringe Benefits
Repeat of H
Speaker – Rick Seifert CPP

Session K - Canadian Payroll
Repeat of A
Speaker – Nicole Clark

Session L - International Assignment Payrolls - Reporting and Withholding
Speaker – Chris Clark

An overview of international payroll compensation issues focusing on general reporting and tax withholding obligations in the U.S. as they pertain to expatriate and foreign national employees. This session will also discuss considerations related to compliance with reporting and withholding obligations in foreign jurisdictions for these employees, as well as the challenges of dealing with the gathering of worldwide compensation and the payroll administration associated with the tax equalization process.

Speaker Bio:  Chris Clark

Chris leads KPMG’s International Executive Services practice in Minneapolis. She has over 20 years of IES tax and HR experience. Chris has extensive experience in managing international assignment program tax and outsourcing engagements. Prior to joining KPMG, Chris was an International HR manager at a Fortune 500 Company and was extensively involved in all international assignment aspects related to their expansion into new countries. Chris frequently presents training seminars – related to such topics as international assignment planning and international program administration.  Chris holds a B.S.B.A. (magna cum laude) from St. Louis University. She is a CPA and a member of the AICPA and MSCPA.

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Breakout Session 5 - Friday 9:15 - 10:15 AM

Session M - International Assignment Payrolls - Reporting and Withholding
Repeat of L
Speaker – Chris Clark

Session N - Social Security Administration Update
Speaker – Jim Czechowicz

Speaker Bio:  Jim Czechowicz

Jim Czechowicz (“Chek-o-wits”) has given Social Security training to hundreds of local and national audiences during his 28 years of experience at Social Security Administration. Jim, who holds a B.A. in Philosophy from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, has published articles on Social Security topics, Medicare, and disability. Jim is a former I.R.S. tax auditor, musician, and Wisconsin native.

Session O - Workplace Rules/Regulations, Rights to Records, Minimum Wage and Overtime
Speaker – Roslyn Wade

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Breakout Session 6 - Friday 10:30 - 11:30 AM

Session P - Workplace Rules/Regulations, Rights to Records, Minimum Wage and Overtime
Repeat of O
Speaker – Roslyn Wade

Session Q - System Panel Session on Payroll Systems
Repeat of I
Speaker – Board & Committee Members

Session R - Social Security Administration Update
Repeat of N
Speaker – Jim Czechowicz
 

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