The December 8th deadline to apply for the Professional Development Scholarship funds is rapidly approaching. The GFOAz Board has established a professional development fund to assist members with financial support to attend educational courses, programs, and conferences sponsored by GFOAz or GFOA. Read more

An eight-member Board of Directors provides leadership and oversight of the Government Finance Officers Association of Arizona. The board includes the President, President-Elect, Immediate Past President, Chairperson of the Education Committee and four at-large directors.

In 2007, there will be two at-large director seats open. Any Active member in good standing is eligible for election to membership on the board. Read more

October 13, 2006 over sixty finance and budget professionals from across the state attended the Budget Forecasting Forum hosted by GFOAz in conjunction with the City of Peoria. This forum focused on sharing essential budgetary information, including discussions on economic assumptions, forecasting methods, legislative issues and current events. Read more

GFOAz members were sent membership renewal invoices this month. Your dues and updated membership information must be received by December 31, 2006 in order for your contact information to be included in the 2007 GFOAz Membership Directory.

By Marnie E. Green

I wish I had a nickel for every time I heard a manager say, "I don't have time." I hear this line most often during training sessions on performance management. After reviewing the critical elements of managing employee performance (clear expectations, frequent and timely communication, fair and legal documentation, appropriate measurements, and objectively written performance appraisals) many managers say, "I'm too busy just doing my day-to-day work! Who has time for all of that?" Read more

Applications for the Government Finance Officers Association annual Awards for Excellence in Government Finance are now available on the GFOA Web site (www.gfoa.org). Complete applications must be postmarked by January 15, 2007. There is no application fee. Read more

The League of Arizona Cities and Towns proudly presents its 2007 Municipal Policy Statement, which Arizona's 90 cities and towns collaboratively chose for their legislative policy positions and action items. These issues represent the priorities of Arizona's municipalities for discussion and action within their communities, at the State Capitol and in Congress. Please feel free to contact a member of the League staff if you would like more information about any of the issues contained in the Policy Statement. We look forward to working with you to accomplish these priorities and improve the lives of all Arizonans. Click here to read the Municipal Policy Statement

By Marsha Petrie Sue, MBA

Times are tough. The economy is down and unemployment is up. Trusting others is down, blaming is up. Optimistic outlooks are down and fear is up. Staying up in down times requires a blend of energy, humor, spirit and self-confidence.

Where will you focus? What can you do to move you and your team to new levels of success? Read more

Wednesday, December 6, 2006
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST

Target Audience:
This training is targeted towards government officials involved with current or planned performance measurement initiatives. The course assumes a basic understanding of performance measurement concepts and while not a pre-requisite, completion of other GFOA performance measurement seminars will be useful. Read more

Three important positions at the League of Arizona Cities and Towns have been filled, according to Executive Director Ken Strobeck. The appointments include: Read more

Do you have a recent promotion that you would like to announce? This new section of the newsletter recognizes members who have recently been promoted. If you would like your name to be featured in this section of the newsletter, please contact Greg Flynn at 602-258-5786 or email: gflynn@azleague.org.

Congratulations to these members!

Erik Montague, CPA
Finance Director
Town of Marana

David Andrews
Town Manager
Town of Oro Valley

Development Agreement Coordinator
City of Peoria

Where are you originally from?
I was born in St. Paul, Minnesota and moved to Carson City, Nevada at age nine. After graduating from High School, I attended Western Oregon University in Monmouth and then moved to Arizona in 1998 to attend graduate school at ASU.

Why did you decide to pursue a career in local government?
Local government was the obvious choice... I enjoy the work and the diversity of issues faced by local government, but get even more atisfaction in being a part of a solution that has an immediate impact on our community. Read more

Finance Director
City of Cottonwood

Where are you originally from?
Eagle Pass, Texas

Why did you decide to pursue a career in local government?
Johnny Carson and Doc Severson didn't need another trombone player. It started as a part-time gig in my hometown and became a full time job. I've enjoyed it ever since. Read more