Philip Rebowe, CPA – Postlethwaite & Netterville and Timothy Scott, Labor Attorney – Fisher & Phillips, LLP

GNOEA met via Zoom on Tuesday January 12, 2021 for organization updates and to hear from members, Philip Rebowe, CPA Postlethwaite & Netterville and Timothy Scott, Labor Attorney for Fisher & Phillips.  Philip and Tim shared tips on fraud prevention in the workplace.

Rebowe, a CPA and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), has reviewed more that 25 fraudulent cases that involved employees who may have experienced financial difficulty related to family illness or an addiction to drugs, gambling, etc. motivating them to commit fraud. He encouraged small businesses to segregate accounting duties from accounting records particularly for cash transactions, blank checks, invoices and assets. Managers should monitor bank statements particularly ACH withdrawals, and checks as technology allows one to re-create documents online. Common types of fraud are: billing, payroll, check tampering, and credit card misuse. Statistics show that the average age of a fraudster is between 30-45 with a college degree. Rebowe encouraged implementing software, vendor and employee controls and to limit the purchase amount on credit cards.

Scott, a Labor Attorney, echoed Rebowe’s comments and shared steps on how to avoid hiring fraudsters. He recommended that the company run a background check, check references, drug test and request a credit report as part of the company’s HR practices. He explained the importance of having the employment application signed and encouraged reviewing the application prior to the interview. He shared tips on what questions to include on the application and strongly encouraged reviewing the application before interviewing the candidate.

Recording and presentation will be in meeting archives

Membership News

Potential Members

New Member Recruitment: If you have a prospect, please have them connect with Julie Couret at membership@gnoea.com

A list of open classifications can be found here.

Thank Yous & Announcements

Happy New Year!

Brien Lundin reported that today’s in person meeting, which was to be held at Messina’s at the Terminal, was canceled in an abundance of caution, with the increase in COVID numbers and the Mayor’s recent mandate to revert back to a modified Phase I.

Brien Lundin expressed his deepest gratitude to past presidents, Kevin Laborde and Jacquie Bonano, for their efforts with managing GNOEA in a “virtual world” during the pandemic.

Jacquie Bonano thanked past presidents and board members for their support as they navigated through the pandemic. She also thanked Lola Lass for helping Jacquie’s son find a job outside the state.

John Zollinger announced that he was recently promoted to head of Commercial Banking for Home Bank.

Cynthia Widlitze introduced guest Paige Henderson, Owner/Photographer of Bellus, a photography boutique. Paige provided a brief overview of her services.

Brien Lundin announced that Kevin Laborde has been nominated for the vacancy to fill Tim Scott’s term, ending on 6/30/21. The nomination was seconded by Philip Rebowe, to accept the nomination. All were in favor, none opposed.  Motion carries.

Brien Lundin announced that the board voted on the new reduced dues amount ($125) for Q1 2021 dues in an anticipation of having one live meeting per quarter. Invoices will be emailed this week- Electronic payment is preferred. Please update your GNOEA mailing address to P.O. Box 113478, Metairie, LA 70011. The address is also on the website.

Brien thanked Bill Dalton for updating the website archives with all presentations.

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Upcoming Meeting Schedule

January 19 – Zoom – Chip Kline, Executive Assistant to Governor for Coastal Activities and Chairman, Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Board – Coastal Protection in New Orleans followed by the Payroll Protection Plan (PPP2) and Employee Retention Credits Update and How to Maximize Your Dollars – presented by Philip Rebowe, CPA and Justin Farrae, Crescent Payroll Solutions.

January 26 – Zoom – Ed McCloskey, Attorney – Business Succession Planning – BOARD MEETING TO FOLLOW

February 2 – No Meeting

February 9 – Zoom – Stan Harris, President and CEO – Louisiana Restaurant Association – COVID’s impact on the Restaurant Business

Please login and view the Calendar for meeting login details.

Please contact Brien Lundin, President-Elect / Program Chair if you would like to be added to the presentation schedule or would like to recommend a speaker.