SD ALPFA Q1 Newsletter

8/9/2019 SD ALPFA Q1 Newsletter

1/12

Spring 2010

San Diego Chapter

Inside This Issue:

Leadership Summit

My ALPFA Story

Student Highlights

Nuestro LegadoNEWSLETTER


2/12


3/12

We would like to welcome our members, sponsors, and

audience to our first Quarterly Newsletter in 2010. This

newsletter is an extension of our ALPFA mission and

value statements and our Chapters main communication

channel to expose the ALPFA organization to the San

Diego community at large.

The San Diego Chapter has renewed its Board and fo-

cused its efforts to take the organization to the next level.

As a member of the San Diego ALPFA Chapter, we

would like you to know that our commitment and passion

towards making ALPFA an elite organization has never

been higher. We understand and embrace our responsibil-

ity towards our members, sponsors, and community andhold ourselves accountable to reach our goals as an or-

ganization.

Inside the Newsletter, you will find a summary of the dif-

ferent events held by our Chapter during the first quarter

of the year. We are proud to communicate we held our

most successful event as a Chapter during the month of

February with our Leadership Summit. This success ispossible thanks to our members and sponsors. We will

strive to continuously offer high quality events for all of

you in which you can realize the value of being a member

of our organization.

We encourage and challenge all of you to become ac-

tively involved with our organization and continue to im-

prove our community. We ask that you spread the word

about our Chapter and bring friends and co-workers to

our social and professional events. In return, we hope you

enjoy our newsletter. We always look forward to hearing

from you.

ALPFA San Diego Board of Directors


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JGD & Associates Event

Page 5

As difficult a

subject as it might

be, all parents owe

it to their children to

ensure that theyre

well cared for,

come what may.

Parents of special

needs children face

an even greater

imperative to do

this essential

planning.-Pablo

Palomino

With 2009 coming to an

end, ALPFA of San Diego

joined with one of the larg-

est providers of insuranceservices, Pac Life, to offer a

presentation on Trusts.

Those in attendance in-

cluded Pablo Palomino from

Legacy apc and Michael

Zepeda from MML Investors

Services, Inc..

Amongst the various estate

planning techniques dis-

cussed, one in particular

stood out to Michael

Zepeda, a financial planner

in La Jolla. Michael dis-

cussed how he has seen the

use of CRTs (Charitable

Remainder Trusts) for the

benefit of a client who had a

highly appreciated piece of

real estate.... This real es-

tate property, which was

purchased several years

ago, no longer served a

need for the clients retire-

ment portfolio. Thus they

were able to gift the prop-

erty into a CRT and sell the asset without any tax

consequences.

Gary Pence CLU, ChFC,

discussed how Trusts often

work hand in hand with

Wills in order to ensure that

the wishes of individuals are

carried out in an appropriate

manner. In particular, SpecialNeeds Trusts are developed to

protect a child with special

needs. The trust will be avail-

able for the childs lifetime

and/or when family support is

no longer available. A concern

for most parents is that in the

event of their passing, they

would like to ensure the

guardian knows what specific

medications are needed for

their child as well as the child

specific activities that they

enjoy. For example, Trust may

include that the childs favor-

ite movie or TV show before he

goes to bed or the time of day

he/she enjoys playing a par-

ticular sport. In essence, all

their concerns can be outlined

in a Special Needs Trusts.

So when is time to sit down

and discuss an estate plan?

Most professionals recom-

mend that families who hold

at least one piece of real estate should highly consider

sitting down an attorney and

financial planner. Financial

instruments such as life insur-

ance and annuities can also be

used along with a Will & Trust

to help ensure the transfer of

wealth to the next generation

is done in an efficient manner.

It is recommended you speakto a professional before taking

any action in your estate.

Tony Lopez

Director of Community Outreach


6/12

I was first introduced to

ALPFA (then the Association

of Hispanic Certified Public

Accountants) in the late

1990s. After 16 years in

banking, I decided to enterthe financial services industry

and moved my family and

practice back to the San

Diego area. My goal was to

establish a successful practice

focusing on the personal and

business financial planning

needs within the Hispanic

community. With this goal in

mind, I chose to focus my

marketing and networking

efforts in the professional

Hispanic community.

Through my networking ef-

forts, I was introduced to the

local ALPFA chapter by Bob

Rosario, CPA, who was him-

self seeking to establish a

West Coast presence in the

San Diego area. Bob, the

owner of Rosario & Co.,

served on the National Board

of AAHCPA and was founder

and past president of the New

York Tri-State Chapter ofAAHCPA.

Bob encouraged me to get

involved and introduced me

to several individuals who

later became great friends and

business associates. I at-

tended the monthly mixers

and educational meetings. As

an active chapter member, I

was encouraged to submit my

candidacy for an open board

position. In fact, much to my

surprise, the local board of

directors agreed to change the

chapter by-laws to allow my

non-CPA candidacy.

That same year, I attended the

1998 AAHCPA National

Convention. Coincidentally,this was the same year that

AAHCPA introduced its new

name, ALPFA, and expanded

its mission to include finance

students and professionals. In

addition to having the oppor-

tunity of conducting a break-

out session, I had the privi-

lege of meeting and network-

ing with members of other

chapters. The quality, com-

mitment, and professionalism

of the attendees were amaz-

ing. I can remember thinking

to myself; this is the most

impressive group of Hispanic

individuals I have ever wit-

nessed. I would highly en-

courage both student and pro-

fessionals to attend the Na-

tional ALPFA Convention.

The events, networking, and

continuing education opportu-

nities are of the highest qual-

ity.

After several years of inactiv-

ity, I recently chose to again

get involved in the local San

Diego chapter. I saw in the

local leadership a desire to

become one of the top His-

panic organizations in the

area. I am convinced that we

have the right people in place

to make a difference in the

community. With merger of

ALPFA and NHBA, we are

excited our outreach will now

include students and profes-

sionals of other financial and

business disciplines.

My encouragement to any

finance, accounting, or busi-

ness student and professional

would be to get actively in-

volved in a local chapter. My

involvement in the San Diego

Chapter has had a tremendous

impact on the success of my

practice. I have learned a

great deal from the other pro-

fessionals I have met and look

forward to my continued in-

volvement in such a success-

ful organization.

Michael J. Zepeda, Jr. Vice

President, San Diego ALPFA

MY ALPFA STORY

Spring 2010

I can

remember

thinking to

myself; this is

the most

impressive

group of

Hispanic

individuals I

have ever

witnessed.

Page 6

My

encouragement

to any finance,

accounting, or

business

student and

professional

would be to get

actively

involved in a

local chapter.


7/12

ALPFA San Diego opened the New Year teaming up with oneof San Diegos finest CPA firm,Squar Milner. Squar Milner spe-

cializes with middle-market, public and private companies,and their owners. Their servicesinclude audit, tax, forensic/

litigation/bankruptcy support,corporate diligence, planning andinsurance services as well as realestate and business risk services.

Students of ALPFA chapterpresident, Nicole Collazo of SanDiego State mentions SquarMilner have a beautiful of-

fice and the people were so wel-coming. Nicole goes on to

mention this was the eventwe had the most students attend.It was a great student turn out!

Mike Shafer, one of SquarMilners brightest CPAs, pre-sented on FIN 48. FIN 48 seeksto clarify the accounting prac-

tices in income taxation specifi-cally to entities. For example,several tax methods are oftensubject to the individual/CPA

firms interpretation for account-ing methods. FIN 48 calls for amore detailed approach in report-ing. Thus, a simple depreciation

schedule may not be so simpleafter all, with the development of

FIN 48, stricter guidelines alongwith the use of measurementtools may be needed going for-ward.

So what does all this reallymean? Essentially, with the IRSviewing financial statements

much closely, entities are goingto be taken a more conservativeapproach on their books. Beingtoo aggressive on accounting

methods will definitely increasethe changes of being audited.

Event at Square Milner

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Spring 2010 Page 8


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On February 11, 2010 San Diego ALPFA successfully launched its first Leadership summit at the Mis-

sion Valley Resort. The theme for this inaugural event, Professionals Helping Build the Leaders of To-

morrow set the tone for the evening where over 75 professionals and students were present. A diversegroup of distinguished business leaders served as panelists answering questions that were relevant for

both students and professionals. The panelists included:

Carmen Herrera, Director, Diverse Business Enterprises - Sempra Energy Utilities

Paola Hernandez, Publicity Manager - ABC 10 and Azteca America San Diego 15

Gabriel Marquez, Assurance Services Partner - Ernst and Young, Los Angeles

Roberto Vargas, Financial Planning Specialist - Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

Panelists provided important insight on what characteristics have been most important in achieving suc-

cess in their respective fields. Gabriel Marquez emphasized the importance of being visible and not

afraid of being recognized for ones achievements. Roberto defined success as being purposeful in how

one approaches projects and said that life learning should continue. Carmen expanded on how being a

team player has led to her success and Paola brought up confidence and humility as key components toones success. The momentum that was sparked on this event will continue to future events and San

Diego ALPFA thanks all who attended. We would especially like to thank our sponsors Union Bank,

Robert Half and PricewaterhouseCoopers for their support.

Professionals Helping Build the Leaders of Tomorrow

Page 9

My most memorable

moment was the

discussion around

mentors, how much

of an impact mentors

had on each of the

panelists both as

students and in our

professional careers,

and how important it

is for us to be a

mentor for someone

else as we continue

to progress in our

careers.Gabriel

Marquez, Panelist

Ms. Armida Lopez and PanelistMr. Roberto Vargas

ALPFA Board and Panelists: (l to r, Paula Hernandez, Tony

Lopez, Armida Lopez, Roberto Vargas, Ed Cavallin, Susan

Pace, Carmen Herrera, Leonel Burrola, Gabriel Marquez,

Mark Joelson, Isaac Gastelum-Munoz, Michael Zepeda)

Ed Cavallin introduces our panelists

Students of ALPFA


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Page 10

Membership Information

Become a paid member and take advantage of the many benefits that ALPFA has to offer. As ALPFA continues to grow, so do the benefits

and opportunities. Membership benefits and development opportunitiesinclude:

Membership Benefits

One-year subscription to Hispanic Business Magazine

Professional & Student Career Fair & Expo

Major discounts on the ALPFA 2008 National Conventionin Orlando!

Subscription to our National Newsletter, La Cuenta

Local Chapter Networking Events, Receptions and

Programs

Serve on Local/Regional/National Boards and Committees

Recruitment Opportunities for Employers

Access to Job Postings

Continuing Professional Education Courses (CPE)

Scholarship, Mentorship, and Internship

Opportunities

Access to Assistance Programs for Higher

Education

Personal DevelopmentLeadership Skills

Presentations and Public Speaking Opportunities

Team Building

Community Service

Professional Development

Management Skills

Diversity Awareness and Training

Business DevelopmentBusiness Mixers

Marketing and Networking Channels

Resource Portal

MEMBERSHIP RATES:

Professional Membership

$120/ year or $300 for 3 years

Requirements:

Any person who shares our values, mission, and

principles; and,

holds a minimum of a baccalaureate degree, or its

international equivalent in accounting or finance

related majors; or,

holds an equivalent professional certification in an

accounting or a finance related field


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Page 11

UPCOMING EVENTS

To register for the event above or more information regarding future

events, please visit our website at http://www.alpfasandiego.org.


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ALPFA is the leading professional association, consisting of34 chapters in 34 cities in 19 states and our nationscapitol. ALPFA is dedicated to enhancing opportunities for Latinos in the accounting, finance and related profes-sions. ALPFA is a not-for-profit entity registered with the Internal Revenue Service. Membership is open to anyonewho shares our values, mission, and principles.

ALPFA is the proud successor of the American Association of Hispanic Certified Public Account-ants (AAHCPA), the first national Latino professional association in the United States. Established in 1972, this As-sociation continues to build upon our proud legacy of shared values and guiding principles.

Upon this bedrock of shared values, the Association's visionary founders launched an ambitious mission that theypursued over the course of thirty years. Committed to its shared values and to its mission, the Association flour-ished, expanding its base of operations to fifteen chapters nation-wide with several more in formation

As heir to this rich legacy, ALPFA's current Board of Directors, with the support of the Corporate Advisory Board,is innovatively addressing the challenges that lie ahead by promoting the highest standards of excellence for itselfand for its members. ALPFA advances into the 21st century as an experienced professional association dedicated to

enhancing opportunities for Latinos in the accounting, finance and related professions.

Documents

SD ALPFA Q1 Newsletter