By Rose S. Prinzi
Weathering the storm during these economically challenging times has caused many of us to scrutinize our financial health. Leaders of industry are in their boardrooms making those difficult decisions to situate their companies with a strong financial footing in order to maintain a fiscally healthy company and secure its future. Non-profit executive directors and their board of directors are wrestling with these same fundamental fiduciary responsibilities.
Responsible board conduct is an integral part of how a non-profit organization exists and survives. Board of directors must maintain a strong communal authority on policies and practices especially during these trying times. On Tuesday, April 28th, the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation will be co-sponsoring a free morning seminar to be held at the Robert H. Jackson Center entitled, “Who’s on Board: Non-profit Issues and Responsibilities.”
The session will begin with Gregory L. Peterson, Esq., Partner, Phillips Lytle LLP, and Chairman of the Board of the Robert H. Jackson Center, welcoming the attendees. Randall J. Sweeney, Executive Director, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, will present an overview of the importance of the non-profit sector.
The seminar will feature two panel discussions. The first panel discussion will be: “Revenue Enhancement and Board Responsibilities.” This discussion will focus on three areas of interest. Mr. Steven M. Higgins, Senior Vice President, Ketchum, will discuss how a non-profit organization can secure financial fitness through fundraising. Mr. Richard E. Dixon, Chief Financial Officer, Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency, will speak on how civic facility bond issues work. Additionally, Mr. Michael B. Engdahl, JD, CFP, Professor of Financial Service and Business Law, Edinboro University of PA, will present “Defined Contribution Retirement Plans for Employees for Non-for-Profit Entities.”
“Board Governance” is the title of the second panel discussion. Mr. Fredrick G. Attea, Esq., Partner, Phillips Lytle LLP, will concentrate on sound values, principles and ethics necessary for non-profit organizations. Ms. Kristy Zabrodsky, CPA, Shareholder, Buffamante Whipple Buttafaro, PC, will provide valuable insight to understanding the reporting requirements of the new IRS Form 990.
The program will conclude with a luncheon and guest speaker, the undefeated heavyweight boxer, “Baby” Joe Mesi. As many of you will remember, “Baby” Joe was the #1 contender in the WBC after his unanimous 10 round decision over Vassiliy Jirov in 2004. Joe Mesi has one of the longest, active, undefeated professional boxing records in the world for a heavyweight.
“Who’s on Board: Non-profit Issues and Responsibilities” is a free seminar, developed primarily as a continuing legal education seminar for attorneys, will appeal to a cross-disciplinary audience of lawyers, municipal officials, business leaders, school administrators, bankers, non-profit organizations and their board members.
Principal sponsors include: Buffamante Whipple Buttafaro, P.C.”BWB”; Chautauqua Region Community Foundation; Phillips Lytle, LLP; Robert H. Jackson Center; Chautauqua Abstract Company; Vineyard Group, LLC; and Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency.
This seminar is designed to assist board members, throughout our region, to obtain relevant information regarding their role and responsibilities. The seminar and luncheon are free of charge and open to all interested individuals. Seating is limited and registration is required. Registration deadline is April 22, 2009. For more information, contact the Robert H. Jackson Center at 483-6646.