General Session: APA Opening General Session

May 19, 2009

Payroll Professionals Embark on Compliance Cruise

The tone was set at the American Payroll Association's 27th Annual Congress opening general session May 19 Long Beach, Calif., when APA's Executive Director, Dan Maddux addressed the crowd dressed as a ship's captain, and a Frank Sinatra impersonator crooned "Com-Ply With Me."

Maddux told participants that there were 471 first time Congress attendees.

APA announced participation in a program to help those in the military get access to payroll professional certification via the GI bill, where fees for taking APA's Certified Payroll Professional exam, and the Fundamentals of Payroll Certificate exam, are reimbursable under the program. In addition, the exams can now be taken on overseas military installations.

It also was announced that the Congress Exhibit Hall has some 128 exhibitors.

Maddux presented two APA Board of Directors Awards to Nancy Larmore, CPP, and Patty Lake Cady, CPP, CPA, CTP, for their contributions to the payroll association. In addition, outgoing president Emily Rook, CPP was recognized for her service.

APA's new president, Dennis Danilewicz, spoke of helping employers avoid penalties.

Closing the evening's opening ceremony event was keynote speaker, actress and writer Joan Collins.