Construction Conference

TSCPA has designed a conference recognizing the need for specific information and training directed toward professionals involved with the construction industry. The conference will feature speakers known both locally and nationally for their expertise in the construction industry.

Hotel Information:
A limited block of rooms has been reserved at the Embassy Suites Nashville Airport at a rate of $119 per night until Monday, August 25. Reservations may be made by calling 615/871-0033. Please indicate that you are with the Tennessee Society of CPAs when making your reservation.

Schedule at a Glance

7:30 - 8 a.m. - Registration/Continental Breakfast

8 - 8:05 a.m. - Opening Remarks/Welcome

8:05 a.m. - 8:55 a.m. - 1. Will Construction Shine or Decline in 2009?
Kenneth D. Simonson, Chief Economist, Associated General Contractors of America, Arlington, Va.
Nonresidential construction has held up well so far in 2008, even as homebuilding has continued to shrink. But the credit crunch, weak growth, sluggish state revenues and skyrocketing materials costs threaten to torpedo the industry. What segments will thrive? Which will take a dive? What difference will the election make? AGC of America’s chief economist and fearless forecaster, Ken Simonson, will volunteer to state his outlook for Tennessee and national construction.

8:55 a.m. - 9 a.m. - Change Break

9 - 9:50 a.m. - 2. A&A Update for Contractors
Emilio F. Alvarez, President, E. F. Alvarez & Company, P.A., Miami, Fla.
Financial reporting for contractors has never been riskier or more complex due to issues of the industry and of the economy. Some of the new pronouncements of the profession make matters even more complex. Learn the items of audit risk and how to deal with them. Find out how CPAs are coping with the application of the latest pronouncements, where the failures are and the possible consequences.

9:50 - 9:55 a.m. - Change Break

9:55 - 10:45 a.m. - 3. Construction Employment Law Update
R. Eddie Wayland, Attorney/Partner, King & Ballow, Nashville, Tenn.
Eddie Wayland will provide an update on significant employment law issues currently facing the construction industry. Recent laws and cases involving construction companies will be reviewed and analyzed. The presentation and related handout materials will focus on a practical, straight-forward discussion of these crucial issues and what contractors, subcontractors and suppliers need to know to keep their companies out of trouble.

10:45 - 11 a.m. - Networking Break & Exhibit Viewing

11 - 11:50 a.m. - 4. Tools for Maximizing Your Firms Bonding Capacity as well as the Outlook for the Rest of 2008 and 2009
Tom H. McCarley, Vice President, J. Smith Lanier & Co., Knoxville, Tenn.
This session will review building a bond relationship to support your business plan:

What bonds are and are not,
Fundamentals of bonding,
The halo effect: What is and who is involved and
The current state of the industry for 2008 and a look towards 2009.

Finally, we will cover ideas, thoughts and tips to reflect on as you think about your bond relationship.

11:50 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Lunch

12:30 - 1:20 p.m. - Concurrent Sessions:

5. Multi-State Tax Update
Mark D. Loftis, CPA, Senior Tax Manager, Lattimore Black Morgan & Cain, PC, Brentwood, Tenn.
State and local governments are increasingly hungry for revenue and are putting businesses under increasing scrutiny for compliance with the various state and local tax laws and regulations. In this session, we will explore the general rules and the latest developments in state and local taxes that can impact your business or clients.

6. Trends in Construction Technology
David Stansell, CCIFP, President, Stansell Electric Company, Inc., Nashville, Tenn.
The Construction Industry has long been a laggard in the adoption of technology. In this session we will examine what new tools are available that are worthy of your or your clients consideration. Additionally, we will discuss:

How you can maximize the value of your investments in technology
What trends are emerging among construction firms
How effective processes can ensure success
What our organization has done to increase efficiency and effectiveness

1:20 - 1:25 p.m. - Change Break

1:25 - 2:15 p.m. - Concurrent Sessions:

7. An Introduction to the 2007 Edition AIA Documents
Christopher S. Dunn, Attorney, Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP, Nashville, Tenn.
In the fall of 2007, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) released some 40 new or revised design and construction agreements. The AIA will retire their 1997 versions in May 2009, and they will be no longer be available on AIA software or in hard copy. Come to this session to hear a brief history of the AIA’s contract document process as well as the latest changes to the most popular Owner/Architect agreement and Owner/Contractor agreements. In addition, learn about the AIA’s new integrated project delivery agreements as this new project delivery form takes form.

8. Strengthening Your Company’s Banking Relationship
William Forbes, Senior Vice President, Commerce Bank, Nashville, Tenn.
With many years of dedicated construction lending experience, Forbes will provide insight into banking relationships as well as what your bank should know about your company and things you should know about the bank. We will also discuss the changing banking environment.

2:15 - 2:30 p.m. - Networking Break & Exhibit Viewing

2:30 - 3:20 p.m. - Concurrent Sessions:

9. Succession Planning + Business Valuation
Timothy R. Lee, ASA, Senior Vice President, Mercer Capital, Memphis Tenn.
Succession planning can be defined as the extension and transfer of operational and strategic control and ownership to those charged will perpetuating the business enterprise. Done right, it is neither a singular nor extraordinary event, rather it is an ongoing process that is planned, communicated, and implemented over time. The nature of most construction enterprises makes succession planning particularly important.
Timothy R. Lee, veteran to a broad spectrum of financial advisory services, will explore the topic of succession planning from the unique perspective of a business valuation expert. In this session Tim will present the basics of business valuation. He will also explore a broad array of strategic alternatives that may or may not be available to construction industry companies and their owners. The importance of buy-sell agreements as an aspect of ownership planning and the underlying common features of buy-sell agreements will also be reviewed.

10. HR Exposure in the Construction Industry
Patsy Danley, HR Consultant, LBMC Employment Partners, LLC, Brentwood, Tenn.
We will discuss I-9 compliance, OFCCP compliance, general employment law compliance and workers compensation.

3:20 - 3:25 p.m. - Change Break

3:25 - 4:15 p.m. - 11. Construction Taxation Update
James C. Lundy Jr., CPA, Vice President, Davidson, Golden & Lundy, PC, Brentwood, Tenn.
This session will provide an update on tax legislation rulings and planning you need for construction contractors. In addition, the session will cover Internal Revenue issues, Tennessee Department of Revenue changes and court rulings affecting contractors as well as tax planning and strategies necessary to work for or with construction companies.

4:15 p.m. - Evaluations/Conference Adjourns

Registration Information

Registration Information: Enroll soon because space is limited. Register by Sept. 10, to pay the discounted registration fee. Please apply a late fee of $30 when registering less than 15 days prior to a course. Registrations must be received seven (7) days prior to the event in order to guarantee a seat and course materials.

Cancellations and Substitutions: Cancellations received more than seven (7) days prior to the event will be assessed a $30 administrative fee. Cancellations received seven (7) days or less prior to the event will be subject to a cancellation fee of 50 percent of the program fee. No refunds are given on or after the date of the program. A $30 administrative fee will be assessed for all substitutions and transfers. Registrants may substitute another individual up to the day before the conference. TSCPA must be notified in advance to ensure proper CPE credit.

Registration Fee Includes: Conference materials, continental breakfast, lunch and refreshment breaks.

TSCPA provides you with a Proof of Attendance that serves as your permanent record of participation. The Proof of Attendance, noting the credits earned, will be e-mailed within two weeks of the program.

If you have special needs under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please attach a written description or call the society office at 615/377-3825 or 1-800/762-0272.

4 Easy Ways to Register

By Mail
Mail completed registration form and payment to:
Educational & Memorial Foundation of TSCPA
201 Powell Place, Brentwood, TN 37027

This conference is presented by The Educational & Memorial Foundation of the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants and the TSCPA Construction Conference Committee.

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