Flexible Spending Accounts Bill Introduced in Senate

Senators Jim DeMint (R-SC) and Ken Salazar (D-CO) introduced a bill, February 8, that would make it easier for more employees to take advantage of Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).

The “Flexible Spending Account Enhancement Act of 2005” would allow up to $500 of unused FSA funds to be carried over for use in the next year or contributed to a Health Savings Account (HAS). FSAs are tax-free employer-sponsored benefit plans that reimburse employees for qualified health care expenses.

“[The current] ‘use-it-or-lose-it’ rule ends up penalizing workers and it just doesn’t make sense,” DeMint said this week. “Our bill makes a common-sense change to FSAs that will help families deal with rising health care costs.”

DeMint previously introduced this legislation in the House, where it was approved last year by a vote of 273-152. No action was taken last year by the Senate.

For more information on public policy issues, visit the public policy section of the ASAE Web site at www.asaenet.org.

The 2005 Center for Association Leadership Partnership Dinner—Coming This April

The 2005 Center for Association Leadership Partnership Dinner
April 5, 2005, 6:30–11:00 p.m.
Hilton Washington & Towers, Washington, DC 
$200 per ticket
Register today!

Join us in recognizing industry giants! The 2005 Center for Association Leadership Partnership Dinner, formerly the ASAE Foundation Partnership Dinner, honors donors to the ASAE Foundation and The Center for Association Leadership Capital Campaigns.

The Center for Association Leadership is proud to announce that its 2005 Visionary Honorees are General Colin Powell (Ret.) and Mrs. Alma J. Powell. The Center is honored to award General and Mrs. Powell for their significant contributions to the global community, their inspiration and dedication to the goals of America’s Promise-The Alliance for Youth.

Enjoy an evening of conversation and entertainment as we recognize outstanding donors for their lifelong commitment to quality and professionalism within the association community.  Purchase a table or seat at www.centeronline.org.

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Experience The 2005 Hotel Operations Programs

Go beyond “behind the scenes” to learn the business of hotel operations. During this three-day program, you’ll explore reservations, BEO management, housekeeping, billing, and more!  Made possible by the generosity of our hotel partners, this program is a MUST ATTEND for meeting planners.

Register for these upcoming Hotel Operations Programs:

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
April 14–16, 2005
Lake Buena Vista, FL

Hyatt Regency San Francisco
May 5–7, 2005
San Francisco, CA

Fairmont Hotel Dallas
June 9–11, 2005
Dallas, TX

Hilton New York
July 28–30, 2005
New York, NY

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Electricity Rate Increases Expected for D.C.-Based Associations

If you pay an electric bill for association headquarters that you own in D.C., you can expect imminent electricity rate increases of more than 24 percent.

Since 2001, tariff rates for PEPCO-D.C. business customers have been capped. As a result, businesses have been paying below market rates for their electricity. These capped electricity rates will end this month, resulting in a significant increase–an average of 24 percent.

Find out how ASAE’s sponsored Savings Solutions Program with Affiliated Power Purchasers International (APPI) can help you identify and implement options to reduce this increase. APPI’s experts can help you shop for an alternate electricity supplier and negotiate an electricity contract. You’ll pay no upfront, hourly, or retainer fees for this service. APPI is compensated only when it demonstrates and delivers savings. For information, contact APPI’s Carolyn Hanna at 800-520-6685 or channa@appienergy.com. You have until May 1 to shop for an alternate supplier. 

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Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming Symposia

Symposium for Chief Executive and Chief Elected Officers (CEO symposium)
April 11–12, 2005
The Fairmont, Chicago, IL
$495 ASAE members, $595 Nonmembers
The dynamic between chief executive officer and top elected officer continues to be the critical link in ensuring organizational success.  This two-day symposium gives you an opportunity to explore your priorities for the year and determine how best to work together.

2005 Chicago Association Law Symposium
April 13, 2005
The Fairmont, Chicago, IL
$225 ASAE members, $325 Nonmembers
The Chicago Association Law Symposium is the don't-miss symposium for association in-house and outside legal counsel. It's the best way to gain the practical knowledge you need to stay at the top of your profession. Hear about the latest court decisions, learn about the latest trends in association law and network with your peers.

2005 Financial Management Symposium
May 23–24, 2005
Marriott Bethesda North Hotel and Conference Center, Bethesda, MD
$495 ASAE members, $595 Nonmembers
This is the premier event for association financial management professionals.
Explore the latest trends in finance, legal, and management and how they may impact you, gain an understanding of today's investment marketplace, discover how regulation effects the nonprofit community, and learn what's happening at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
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Give Your Career a Boost—Apply to ASAE's Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP)

The ASAE DELP is designed to help professionals from under-represented segments of the association community advance into the ranks of leadership in association management. As a DELP scholar you can take advantage of career guidance; a one-year complimentary ASAE membership; networking opportunities; free travel, lodging and complimentary registration for the 2005 Annual Meeting and Exposition; registration for two ASAE education programs of you choice; and much more!

The 2005-2006 program runs from July 2005–June 30, 2006. Applications must be submitted to your local allied society. For more information, visit www.asaenet.org  or contact Marilu Morada at 202-326-9527 or mmorada@centeronline.org.

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Question of the Week—Membership Programs

Do you have any information about developing membership programs (i.e., student chapter, internship programs and relationships with universities)?
 

Back to school: the needs of a new generation

Membership Development, Sept. 2002

http://www.asaenet.org/asae/cda/index/1,1584,PID17795,00.html

Creating a successful internship program

Communications News, Feb. 2000

http://www.asaenet.org/asae/cda/index/1,1584,PID14112,00.html

Internships: a tangible response to members; workforce development needs Professional Development Forum, Oct. 2000

http://www.asaenet.org/asae/cda/index/1,1584,PID15000,00.html

Partnering with universities to bring education to association members Professional Development Forum, Oct. 2000

http://www.asaenet.org/asae/cda/index/1,1584,PID14998,00.html

Teaming up for learning

Association Management, May 2003

http://www.asaenet.org/asae/cda/ammag/1,3146,PID19736,00.html

Sample internship agreements

http://www.law2.byu.edu/Career_Services/Content/MasterAgreement.pdf
http://www.econ.vt.edu/Internships/studentemployeragree.htm

• Visit www.asaenet.org;
• Click "Networking Opportunities" on the left side of the home page; 
• Choose "Listservers" from the drop down box;
• Click "Go to Lists";
• Scroll down and choose "Membership Section"; 
• Click "visit membership without joining"; and
• Type "student" in the search box and read the relevant postings.

Have a question?  Contact Knowledge Center/Information Central at 202-326-9559
 or infocentral@asaenet.org.

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ASAE Career Headquarters—Take Your Next Professional Step Today

Realize your professional potential in association management through www.careerhq.org—the best source of association jobs and resumes. Advertise your resume free of charge to hundreds of association employers and search CareerHQ.org’s targeted job database for the position that’s right for you. CareerHQ.org offers career development services, including job coaching, resume writing, and a career knowledge database. Numerous services are free, including resume review, interviewing guidelines, and a behavioral style analysis. You’ll also find helpful tips and resources to assist in your job hunt.

Click on the newest positions available for a sample of what you’ll find at www.careerHQ.org:

Assistant Director of Conference Planning
Tax Executives Institute–Washington, DC

Account Executive
ASTD–Alexandria, VA

Senior Conference Manager
Meeting Expectations–Atlanta, GA

Manager, Exhibition and Sponsorship
American Dental Association–Chicago, IL 

Director of Conferences
The Michigan Association of CPAs–Troy, MI

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The Center for Association Leadership Offers Programs to Fit YOUR Needs!
Distance Learning and Demo Days Complimentary Kick-Off
March 1, 2005
Virtual

Hotel Operations—Mohegan Sun
March 10–12,2005
Uncasville, CT

Distance Learning and Demo Days
March 30–31,2005
The Center for Association Leadership's Marriott Learning Complex–Washington, DC

Does your organization engage in e-marketing?
Find out how MagnetMail, the ASAE Sponsored e-Marketing Program that powers ASAE and The Center for Association Leadership's Weekly Bulletin, can help you achieve record-breaking results. Call MagnetMail at 877-488-2666, or visit us on the Web at www.realmagnet.com/commpartners. To request additional information, complete our online form.