Third Quarter - FY 2002-2003

At the start of the year, the Board decided to focus LAMAAA on the professional development of Accounting Professionals in the City. We began with a three part overview of the financial cycle in the City starting with the flow of funds through the annual budget, continuing with the accounting theory behind the transactions implementing the budget, and ending with the financial reporting process and the City Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). We also had very interesting sessions on revenue issues facing the City and contracting in the City. The annual all day training was provided by Macias, Gini & Co., LLP, the city’s outside auditor, and dealt with significant issues facing the accounting profession with emphasis on accountants as significant advisor to management. All together it has been a very educational year.

But I also like to think that we had time to play. We collected canned goods and donated them to Our Lady of the Angeles Charity Program. We had a very well attended Holiday luncheon and a Valentine Day dance with good music and great dancing. To end the year we had a lively picnic at Griffith Park. We also had time to search out applicants for the LAMAAA scholarship at various local schools and awarded two $1,000 scholarships to two very bright and dedicated accounting students.

All in all this year has been very enjoyable. I had the pleasure of working with and meeting new individuals while gaining new respect for those that I have worked with over the years.

When Perla asked me to be President, I had doubts. But with the active assistance of your Board and Committee Chairs, the doubts proved to be groundless. I was privileged to work with as dedicated and committed a group of individuals as I could ever imagine. To the Board and Committee Chairs, I give a heartfelt “Thank You for All You Have Done.”

I wish the new LAMAAA President, Board and Committee Chairs as much success and enjoyment as we had this year.

Again, to quote Bob Hope, “Thanks for the memories.”

Bill Lamb