June 25, 2012 –
MAYETTA: Over 125 Kansas CPAs and other professionals attended the KSCPA Business & Industry Conference held today at the Prairie Band Casino & Resort that included speakers from the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation (PBPN) and State of Kansas. A wide variety of accounting and tax issues were discussed as well as anticipated changes to Kansas tax policy formulated in the 2012 legislative session.
Welcoming remarks were made by Tribal Chairman Steve Ortiz who gave an overview of the PBPN and issues affecting the Nation like health care, land to trust, environment and religious freedom. Following that, the day’s itinerary included presentations by Nick Jordon (Kansas Secretary of Revenue); Chris Courtwright (Kansas Legislative Research); Steve Anderson (Kansas Budget Director); Ron Estes (Kansas Treasurer); Kris Kobach (Kansas Secretary of State); Gary C. Allerheiligen (KSCPA Legislative Executive Committee); Pat George (Kansas Secretary of Commerce); Lucky DeFries (Attorney-Coffman DeFries & Northern, P.A.); Dominic Ortiz (Prairie Band Entertainment) and Chelle Adams (Rubin Brown Hospitality & Gaming).
We-Ta-Se American Legion Post #410 posted colors for the event and the Royal Valley Native American Singers & Dancers provided entertainment after the luncheon that was also provided by the PBPN. Another highlight of the day was a special recognition given to Bob Clelland, Department of Revenue Liaison, to receive an honorary KSCPA membership. KSCPA is celebrating its 80th year as an organization in Kansas. LearningQuest was also a sponsor of the one-day conference.
Below are some photos from today’s conference:
Participants at the meeting this morning getting ready to learn about taxes, credits, and other regulations.
Steve Ortiz, Tribal Chairman, gave opening remarks.
Dominic Ortiz, CPA, CGMA, moderated the conference. He is an ad-hoc board of directors member of the KSCPA and represented the Prairie Band Entertainment Corporation. He was also recently nominated to a three-year At Large Elected Member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) governing council which, in turn, makes him an ad-hoc member of the KSCPA Board of Directors.
Royal Valley Singers and Dancers performed at the conference today. (Special thanks to Joyce Guerrero)
Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation members danced in their regalia for the crowd.
Little Soldier Singers provided the drum for the dancers.