Greetings Fellow Akron Chapter Members,

Our first dinner meeting of the 2006-2007 season is just a few weeks away. Your board has done a wonderful job putting together a schedule of interesting and stimulating speakers for this upcoming season in the hope that each member will look forward to attending at least one or two meetings during the year. If you have not attended a dinner meeting in a while, please accept my invitation to join us for dinner.

The schedule of events and speakers will be in your program booklets. Please take a few minutes to look through your booklets when you receive them next month. We have many fine sponsors who support our chapter in so many ways, and have advertised in our program. If you see one that fills a particular need of yours, be sure to give them the opportunity to fill your need.

Most of the chapter meetings for this year will again be held at the Tangiers restaurant. The meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month. The pre-tech sessions will start at 5:20 PM followed by dinner at 6:30 PM. If you are unable to join in the pre-tech CPE offered, a cocktail and networking opportunity runs from 6:00 to 6:30 PM in the dining area. There will be two dinner meetings held at locations other than the Tangiers: one at Kent State and the other at Akron.

I am very excited about this year’s one-day professional development seminar in December. We will be offering 7 hours of CPE at a very affordable price. The chapter held this event last and it was well received by all who attended. Please make plans to join us this year; you will not be disappointed.

Annette Marsolais has been chosen to fill the position of Director of Special Activities. She is looking forward to receiving input on possible social and special events that members would like to see the chapter sponsor. If you have ideas please contact Annette and we will see what we can accomplish.

Sincerely, Dean C. Hull II President Akron Chapter IMA

The price for the 2006/2007 Tech Session Dinner Meetings will be $25.00 per meeting.

The Pre-Tech Sessions will remain at $10.00 per session. You can also pre-pay $50.00 for all the sessions and save $20.00

Pre-Tech Sessions will begin and end promptly at 5:25 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. respectively.

This summer, we are updating the roster section of the Annual Program Book, which will be distributed in September. As a source document, Ken Bechtol is using a chapter dump dated 7-5-06. Please review your information on the IMA National website by going to www.imanet.org and then following this path in the "Members Only" block at the lower left-hand side of the screen: Username (your IMA account number, found above your name on the label of your Strategic Finance magazine), Password (usually your last name), click "Go", and click "My Profile". When screen displays your information, update any necessary changes to your "Home" & "Business" address, phone numbers, and e-mail address, and review your "Demographics" data. Be sure to logout after your website update. If you changed any personal information on your website entry, please notify Ken Bechtol because he will be using the 7-5-06 chapter dump information to update the roster section of the Program Book. This section will reflect your name, any credential designations (CMA, CFM, CPA, etc.), employer name, work phone and e-mail address. If you would rather reflect your home phone number and e-mail address (rather than work information), please advise Ken Bechtol accordingly by August 15.

IMA Akron Chapter Announces Plans for 2006-2007 CMA Education Program

• Starting September
• Chapter Sponsored
• Instructor led review class Part 1 Business Analysis (New Exam Version)
• Discounted Study Material to Group Members
• On-line Self Study Programs
• January 2007 - Return of University of Akron / IMA Akron Chapter Review
• Updated Learning System from Holmes Corporation

We are also looking for interested Course Instructor candidates (CMA/CPA Certification a must)

For further information: E-mail Steve Law or phone (330) 666-8395.

9-7-05 Barbara Liberty - Wil Research Labs - Transfer from North Penn Chapter

5-15-06 Anna Zsinko - Smithers Oasis - Transfer from Member-at-Large Status

6-2-06 Emeka Ofobike - Univ. of Akron - Reinstatement

6-2-06 Rob Stanziale - Office Max - Reinstatement

6-2-06 Hsin Hui Huang - Student University of Akron - Il-Woon Kim (Sponsor)

6-2-06 Anne Lazzerini - Student University of Akron - Il-Woon Kim (Sponsor)

6-2-06 Christopher Lehman - Student University of Akron - Il-Woon Kim (Sponsor)

6-2-06 Pravina Patil - Student University of Akron - Il-Woon Kim (Sponsor)

6-2-06 John Scarito - Student University of Akron - Il-Woon Kim (Sponsor)

6-2-06 Usha Vijayaraman - Student University of Akron - Il-Woon Kim (Sponsor)

6-2-06 David Warner - Student University of Akron - Il-Woon Kim (Sponsor)

6-2-06 Allen Wilhelm - Student University of Akron - Il-Woon Kim (Sponsor)

6-6-06 Todd Gray - Canton Drop Forge - Reinstatement

6-7-06 Robert Kittoe Jr. - Robert Half Intl

With ongoing professional development becoming an increasing business focus, many firms are implementing formal programs to address both the short- and long-term needs of their staff. Managers who succeed in this area understand the importance of addressing the specific needs of each employee that they view as critical to individual and company success. As a manager, how do you go about addressing the professional development needs of your team? Here are some items to consider:

• What skill gaps exist in your department? Identify specific needs for each member of your team. Certain functional skills, such as software expertise or understanding the technical nuances of a financial system conversion, for example, are typically short-term situations. Longer-term needs include those of staff who could benefit from leadership or interpersonal skills training.

• Do you have the internal resources to address needs? Once identified, determine if employee “weak spots” can be addressed either by other members of your team or through training opportunities provided by your company. Classes and seminars can help but often carefully chosen mentors and coaches are most effective, depending on the circumstances. Long-term development can often be best addressed through mentoring arrangements. Mentors, whether in a formal or informal capacity, focus on career growth and provide advice that the protégé can choose to use -- or not use. For example, if some employees need to improve their interpersonal skills, you may be able to match them with mentors who excel in this area.

Short-term issues, on the other hand, are typically more performance-oriented and require improving particular behaviors through specific skill improvement intervention. These may be addressed through the use of employee or outside coaches who help individuals focus on specific operational areas. Ask your HR department what options are available to you.

• Do you have a budget for external solutions? Implementing professional development programs can be challenging in today’s business environment. Increased workloads and budget considerations can make it difficult to find options that match both your financial and time constraints. Before embarking on any formal plan, speak with your supervisor and your HR department so you are clear about your options and potential limitations.

Accountemps is the world’s first and largest temporary staffing service specializing in the placement of accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. The company has more than 330 offices throughout North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and offers online job search services at. www.Accountemps.com For more information, call the Akron office at (330) 253-8367.

All Meetings are on the third Wednesday of the Month

9/20/2006 Tangier Restaurant

10/18/2006 Tangier Restaurant

• Pre-Tech
• Norman R. Meonske, Ph.D.
• Professor of Accounting, Kent State University
• "From Numbers to Ethical Behavior - Can We Do It in Corporate America?"

11/15/2006 Tangier Restaurant

• Tech Session
• Todd A. Finkle, Ph.D.
• Director, Fitzgerald Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, University of Akron
• "Entrepreneurship"

1/10/2007 2nd Wednesday Joint Luncheon Meeting with ASWA - 12:00 Noon @ Fairlawn Hilton Inn

1/17/2007 Tangier Restaurant No Pre-Tech Session (heavy hors d'oeuvres will be provided at 5:30 PM prior to short tech session meeting starting at 6:15 PM)

2/21/2007 University of Akron Student Union

• Pre-Tech
• Davin R. Gustafson, JD
• Principal, Moore Stephens Apple
• "Business Valuation Update - Hot Topics"
• Tech Session
• Mike Lehr
• President & Founder, Omega Z Advisors
• "Deploying the Power of Your Personality in the Human Resources Field"

3/21/2007 Tangier Restaurant

4/18/2007 KSU Student Center

• Pre Tech
• Patrick T. Bianco
• Manager of Business Services Department, CBIZ, Inc.
• "Internal Auditors: Counted on to Do The Right Thing"

5/16/2007 Tangier Restaurant

• Tech Session
• Holly Rhoads
• Partner, The Ruby Group
• "Life Balance"

This Schedule will be updated as confirmed.

Akron Chapter Professional Development Seminar - 7 hours CPE 12/8/2006 (Friday) - Sheraton Suites (1989 Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-929-3000)

I received the following job listing from an Akron company. They have a history of promoting from within. Apply directly to them or contact me for more information. Roy Howarter - Akron IMA Employment Director, 1- 800-321-5583

COST ACCOUNTANT

We are looking for a professional self-starter to fill a key position on our management team. This position will be involved in standard cost systems, cost development, actual to estimated cost analysis, inventory valuation and computerized cost systems. General ledger experience is a plus. Must have a solid background, knowledge and experience (3 to 5 years) in cost accounting – preferably in an injection molding or manufacturing facility. A Bachelor’s degree in accounting or Business Administration with emphasis in accounting. Must be able to utilize Microsoft Excell and Access. Salary in the $50- 60,000 range.

Please send resume, including salary requirements to: FERRIOT INC. BOX #7670 AKRON, OHIO 44306-7670

I am currently seeking talent for the following direct hire roles:

Manager, Cost Accounting, publicly held manufacturer, seeks strong leader for global business, implementation of an ERP package a plus, travel 10-20%, headquarters in Akron, salary up to $90K

Tax Manager for Regional CPA firm, Akron/Canton market, salary will depend on background, must be CPA with recent public experience

Corporate Senior Accountant for service industry leader in downtown Cleveland, degreed CPA, strong GAAP, SAP desired, salary to $60K

Plant Accountant, strong cost experience within a manufacturing environment job and/or standard cost, month end close, annual plan/forecast assistance, SOX compliance, grooming for Plant Controller, facility in North Canton, salary up to $55K

Cost Accountant for manufacturer located in Ravenna, position will support Plant Controller, solid general ledger and cost accounting, QAD and strong Excel preferred, solid growth with corporate offices in the area, salary up to $50K

Accounting Supervisor for healthcare organization near Fairlawn, will oversee department of 5, must have strong billing, cash application and general accounting experience, will assist Manager in various monthly reporting requirements, degree preferred, salary up to $55K

For further information on these roles, contact: Tamra Emmett, Search Consultant CFS of Northeastern Ohio, Ltd.

Our Fortune 500 client needs contractual assistance of 12 months for an Accounts Payable Manager. This person will be responsible for coordinating the processes and resources between corporate and global to insure that all payments made to associates, retirees and suppliers are processed timely and in accordance with company guidelines. Bachelor's degree in accounting, management or finance is required.

Please submit your resume to Candace Sherman