From the PresidentSpring is in the air and it’s a great reason to celebrate. Cold temperatures are replaced by warmth; boots go into storage and sandals come out of the closet. Instead of the dirty white snow we see green grass begin to show. I get

excited about seeing the colorful daffodils and tulips begin peeking out of the ground. Sorry, I’ll try to bring my mind back from that sunny, warm sandy beach thought.

Jan Steggerda and her committee are working to present our first annual joint MMTA & MGFOA 2011 Spring Conference in Lansing, March 25th at the James B. Henry Center. The agenda is filled

with educational classes. There are interesting classes for all those who attend. The idea behind the joint conference is two fold. First and foremost we realize that education budgets are being cut. A one

day seminar eliminates overnight costs. Secondly, many of our members belong to both associations and have difficultly deciding which conference to attend. A one day joint seminar eliminates this decision.

In this newsletter there are dates and locations of other education opportunities offered this year by the MMTA. Make plans to attend these conferences and obtain the professional resources you need to continue to be excellent at what you do.

There are two projects the MMTA Board of Directors is working on right now. At our 2010 Annual Meeting our membership directed us to have a bylaw committee review the bylaws and return to our 2011 Annual Meeting with proposed changes. We are asking for volunteers to be on that committee. The board thought it fitting to appoint Annge Klinger as chair of that committee as she has the greatest time commitment invested in reviewing the current bylaws. The committee will review the suggested changes and possibly propose changes in smaller increments rather than change the entire bylaws in one fell swoop.

The other project is the placement of an RFP for MMTA Bookkeeper. The board is looking for someone to handle the bookkeeping of the association. The auditors have suggested this in order to maintain consistency as currently this function is done by our MMTA treasurer which changes from year to year. Kim McKay has put the RFP together.

If you have access to your legislators, schedule a lunch or time to speak with them as many legislators are new and might not understand local government and the impact some

of the suggested legislation would have, such as the elimination of personal property taxes. Without a means to replace this revenue it would create a hardship on many

municipalities. The governor made a proposal to eliminate statutory revenue sharing and create a $200 million pot for locals to compete for a portion by instituting “Best

Practices”. One such practice might be to change from a defined benefit to a

Ca l e n da r o f ev e n t sImportant Dates to Remember

Ca l e n da r o f ev e n t sImportant Dates to Remember

t h e q u a r t e r l y n e w s l e t t e r

Connectm i c h i g a n m u n i c i p a l t r e a s u r e r s a s s o c i a t i o n

M a r c h 2 0 1 1 w w w. m m t a - m i . o r g V o l u m e 5 9

MMTI Advanced• Comfort Inn Mount Pleasant, MI May11–13,2011

MMTI Basic• Comfort Inn Mount Pleasant, MI May15–20,2011

APT US&C 46th Annual Conference• Oklahoma City, OK July24–27,2011

33rd

Annual Fall Conference • Mission Point Resort Mackinac Island OctOber2-5,2011

Continued on page 1.

defined contribution for your municipality’s pension plan. With the state budget being projected to be $1.8 billion in the red there are many discussions on what to cut.

We value each of our members and appreciate you contacting us via emails and phone calls with your thoughts and ideas.

Rose Dillon, MMTA President

PRESIDENTRose Dillon, CPFA, MiCPT

Fruitport TownshipPhone (231) 865-3151

PRESIDENT-ELECTKim McKay, CPFA, MiCPT

City of RockfordPhone (616) 825-5005

VICE PRESIDENTJan Steggerda, CPFA, MiCPT

Park TownshipPhone (616) 738-4236

TREASURERMary Ann Kornexl, CPFA, MiCPT

City of Mt. PleasantPhone (989) 779-5381

SECRETARYCheryl Rhein-O’Neill, CPFA, MiCPT

Oregon TownshipPhone (810) 664-5971 x1

DIRECTORSAnnge Klinger, CPFA, CMC, MiCPT

City of East TawasPhone (989) 362-6161

Matthew V. Horning, CPFA, CPFIM, MiCPTCity of Ann Arbor

Phone (734) 794-6541

Barbara Fandell, CPFA, MiCPTCity of Ithaca

Phone (989) 875-3200

Janice Zuhlke, CPFA, MiCPTCity of Imlay City

Phone (810) 724-2135

PARLIAMENTARIANSusanne McGee, CPFA, MiCPT

City of MontaguePhone (231) 893-1155

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTJanice Thelen, CPFA, MiCPTWatertown Charter Township

Phone (517) 626-6593 ext. 206

ASSOCIATE LIAISONSKatherine McDonald, Vice President

JP Morgan Asset ManagementPhone (616) 771-7860

Kim Goethe, First Vice PresidentFlagstar Bank

Phone (248) 312-5180

March 2011 page 1

Continued from Cover.

AssociAtion of Public treAsurers of the united stAtes And cAnAdA

46th Annual conference "The Will to Survive, the Skill to Suceed."

Rena issance Hote l & Cox Convent ion Center

Ok lahoma C i ty , Ok lahoma - Ju ly 24-27, 2011

Mark your calendar!

June 1st is the deadline for submitting applications for the following certifications that are available through the Association of Public treasurers of the united states and Canada:

• Debt Policy Certification• Cash Handling Certification• Investment Policy Certification• Disaster Preparedness Certification• Certified Public Finance Administrator (both new & maintenance

applications)• Advanced Certified Public Finance Administrator

Applications and information for all the certification programs are available on the APT US&C website.

Please don’t wait until the last minute! All applications must be mailed no later than June 1st to receive recognition at the APT US&C Annual Conference in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on July 24-27, 2011.

The Association of Public Treasurers of the United States and Canada (APT US&C) 2011 Annual Conference will be held in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on July 24-27. There hasn’t been an APT US&C conference in Oklahoma since 1984 so the Oklahoma Association of Public Treasurers is very excited to host this year’s conference and has been busy planning the conference for almost two years.

In response to comments received after the 2010 conference, even more educational sessions have been scheduled so that our members can justify the expense of attending the conference to their governing bodies. Attendees will have the opportunity to earn up to 13.20 CPFA education points and 27 CPE points, as well as five CPFA experience points for attending the conference. There will also be several advanced sessions for those members working toward the Advanced Certified Public Finance Administrator designation.

The theme for this year’s conference is “The Will to Survive, the Skill to Succeed” and there will be an emphasis on disaster preparedness and disaster recovery. The keynote speaker will be Todd Huston, coauthor of the book More Than Mountain: The Todd Huston Story. He is a man who overcame incredible challenges and helped patients and health care professionals achieve more in their lives and careers, and is the recipient of numerous distinguished honors. His story promises to be very inspirational.

Additional speakers include:Steve Hewitt, former City Administrator for Greensburg, Kansas: Greensburg is a town of about 1,400 people that was hit by one of the strongest tornadoes on record on May 4, 2007. The tornado obliterated almost every house, telephone pole, tree and business in the community. He will tell the Greensburg story and how they rebuilt the town as a model “green” community.

Carolyn Stager, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Municipal League: Carolyn is a survivor of the May 3, 1999 tornadoes that devastated Moore, Del City and south Oklahoma City.

Humphreys Munai, former International Finance Coordinator of World Neighbors, Inc.: Humphreys was on a mission assignment near Port-Au-Prince, Haiti when the earthquakes destroyed the national capitol city in 2010.

Russell Claus, Planning Director for Oklahoma City: Russell will discuss the impact of the 1995 terrorist bombing on the Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City.

There will also be many concurrent sessions in Investment Management, Cash Management, Information Technology, and Debt Management. Preconference sessions include the Certified Public Funds Investment Manager (CPFIM) Accreditation program and the Beginner and Advanced Treasury Academies. Individuals who have already received the CPFIM designation will be eligible to participate in the Advanced session on Tuesday and become one of the first Advanced Certified Public Funds Investment Managers in the country.

Even though education is the primary focus of the conference, there will be many opportunities for networking, including an evening at the Oklahoma National Memorial and Museum which is a tribute to those who were killed, those who survived, and those who were changed forever by the April 19, 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.

Come and see what the APT US&C and the Oklahoma City area have to offer. You won’t be disappointed! For more details or to register for the conference, please visit the APT US&C Web site at www.aptusc.org.

THE WILL TO SURVIVE, THE SKILL TO SUCCEEDSubmitted by: Blinda Baker City of East Tawas

March 2011 page 2

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MMTA BAsic insTiTuTe $550

May 15-20, 2011

The Basic Institute is designed to enhance the overall job performance of treasurers from both small and large municipalities and is required for those seeking the MiCPT and recommended for CPFA certification.

The three-year rotation of courses will include the following topics this year:

• Serving Citizens During Hard Times

• Public Service in a Facebook World: Hiring and Interviewing, Responding to Blogging, Behavior On and Off the Job

• Financial Reporting and Understanding Your Audit Reports

• Budgeting Basics

• Debt Management

• Employee Motivation

• Emotional Intelligence

MMTA AdvAnced insTiTuTe $325

May 11-13, 2011

The Advanced Institute is a continuing education program that prepares participants to perform more complex treasurer duties and meets the requirements for treasurers seeking the renew the MiCPT and CPFA certifications.

The Advanced Institute is scheduled to cover some very timely topics, including the following:

• Risk Management: The Anatomy of a Law Suit

• Thriving and Surviving During Challenging Times

• Advanced Principle Residence Exemptions

• BSA Customized Report Writing

• Hiring and Interviewing in a Facebook World

• Online Behavior On and Off the Job

• Technology Policies

• Lansing’s Impacts on Local Government (This will be a dynamic, interactive session with former legislators and will be one that you won’t want to miss!)

March 2011 page 3

MMTA BASIC AND ADVANCED INSTITUTESSubmitted by: Annge Klinger, CPFA, CMC, MiCPT City of East Tawas MMTA Director - Education

Both Institutes will be held at the Comfort Inn Conference Center on the campus of Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant. More information on both Institutes, including a registration form is available here. The registration deadline for the Basic Institute is May 6th and the deadline for the Advanced Institute is April 27th. If you register after this date, you will have to pay an additional charge. Please keep in mind we offer scholarships if fees present a problem. To see if you qualify, please contact me at (989) 362-6161 or via email, or you can access the scholarship guidelines and application here.

On behalf of the members of the Education Committee and the Professional Development Committee, it’s my pleasure to invite you to attend these invaluable educational opportunities. I hope you’ll take advantage of them!

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basic basic basic basicadvancedadvanced advanced advanced advanced

MMTA Basic InstituteMay 15-20, 2011

The Basic Institute is designed to enhance the overall job performance of treasurers from small and large municipalities and is required for those seeking the MiCPT and recommended for CPFA certification.

MMTA Advanced InstituteMay 11-13, 2011

The Advanced Institute is a continuing education program that prepares participants to perform the more complex treasurer duties and meets the requirements for those seeking to renew the MiCPT and CPFA certifications.

Both institutes will be held at the Comfort Inn Hotel and Conference Center located on the campus of Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant.

More information is available here.

mark your

calendars!

March 2011 page 4

NoticeB y l a w D r a f t C h a n g e s

the Board of Directors presented some changes to the MMta Bylaws at the fall Conference this past October. Our membership had some questionsandrecommendedchangestosomeof the sections, and instructed the board toform a committee to address these concernsandbringadraftbeforethemembershipatthenext fall Conference.

Please take the time to look at the draft thatwas presented at the last fall Conference (available here) and forward your concerns and recommendationstoanngeKlingerbyMay15th at aklinger@easttawas.com.

Michigan has the longest freshwater shoreline in the world Michigan has more shoreline than any other state except Alaska.

Editor’s Note: To help Michigan regain its prosperity and thrive in the 21st century, Michigan State University’s Land Policy Institute, People and Land initiative, with support from MTA and other organizations, launched the Pillars for Prosperity initiative.

By exploring the power of communities in preserving Michigan’s future and helping rebuild Michigan’s economy, we can work together to impact the future of this great state.

The following article—the final in a series of six articles exploring each Pillar tenet—focuses on vibrant and attractive neighborhoods and communities. This article aims to encourage and inspire townships to look at how changes in regional cooperation, policies and practices can help to encourage economic growth in the New Economy.

Visit www.michigantownships.org/MTNpillars.asp to see previous articles in the series.

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Maintaining and creating attractivecommunities for a new Michigan

Michigan’s communities are faced with ever-perplexing challenges related to the state’s economic problems. Michigan has had 10 consecutive years of job losses, and places near the top in national rankings of highest unemployment (2nd) and near the bottom (37th) in per capita income. Unemployment statewide hovers near 13 percent and is actually much higher in some regions if those who are not actively seeking jobs are included. As a result, townships, as well as other local governments throughout Michigan, are struggling with declining property values and tax revenues.

Much of the economic demise can be attributed to the decline of Michigan’s manufacturing prowess. However, new strategies have been earmarked to help lead Michigan’s communities out of the economic doldrums. These strategies include initiatives identified by the Michigan Townships Association (MTA), Michigan State University’s Land Policy Institute, and the People and Land Program regarding the “Pillars of Prosperity.”

This article focuses on the importance of maintaining vibrant and attractive communities, which draw and retain knowledge based workers and industries. Knowledge-based industries have been identified as a key growth sector, which will help the state of Michigan emerge from its reliance on manufacturing and spur local economies to new prosperity.

Knowledge-based industries, such as finance, communications, computer technology and health care, require talented workers with a unique combination of knowledge, creativity and entrepreneurship who deliberately choose to live in attractive and vibrant communities. Because of their talents, knowledgeable workers are very mobile and can live anywhere they want. Communities that focus upon the importance of a quality living environment with attractive neighborhoods, and also provide a wide variety of choices in recreation, shopping, transportation, cultural amenities and housing types will in turn attract knowledge-based workers who are an essential component in spurring the global New Economy.

IMPOrTANCE OF KNOwLEDgE-BASED ECONOMyIn Michigan’s new economic future, talent- and knowledge based industries will replace manufacturing plants as the currency of economic growth and prosperity. States with the highest per capita income have a concentration of jobs in knowledge-based industries. This is where more than 30 percent of workers have a four-year degree or even higher education. This concentration of talent provides creativity and

Waterford Township is an almost fully developed community. We brand ourselves as the #1 Neighborhood Community as we have no actual downtown. We have had the same gateway sign or entrance sign, as some individuals call them, for many years. The beautification committee, of which I’m a member, independent of the Township, that we needed a new “branding” and out with the outdated, antiquated signs we presently have. We have been raising funds for new gateway signs to “Brand” ourselves with a new look. It has taken us 4 years of fundraising, but we finally raised enough independent funds, without utilizing funds from the Township, put up 1 new entrance sign, at a cost of almost $13,000.00. We are giving it as a gift to the Township.

The hair raised on my arms when I watched it being erected. It is so unique. It captures the state of the art appearance, but the simple lettering style of Waterford Township also captures our “neighborhood community style.”

It is a simple way of making our community attractive by seeing our wonderful new gateway sign as you enter our township.

Margaret Birch, CPFIM Waterford Township Treasurer

entrepreneurship, which in turn creates new opportunities for employment and economic growth.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has identified six potential growth sectors for the state’s economy. These are:

• Alternative energy• Automotive engineering• Life sciences• Homeland security and defense• Advanced manufacturing• Film industry

All of these sectors rely upon a pool of talented and creative workers.

However, the availability of creative workers is just one part of the equation. The other part is providing attractive communities where talented workers desire to live. In Thomas Friedman’s book The world is Flat, it is clear that globalization and technology have changed the economic landscape as well as the way we live. The playing field has been leveled, and geographical destinations are becoming increasingly irrelevant. Talented people and the advances of technology allow people to live where they wish. People are choosing to live in attractive communities. The importance of maintaining and improving Michigan’s attractive communities, including townships, is therefore an essential component of regional economic growth.

CHArACTErISTICS OF QUALITy COMMUNITIESIn richard Florida’s book The rise of the Creative Class, the author states that the new sectors of economic growth will hinge upon knowledge-based workers. He also points out that knowledge-based industries and their employees will be attracted to communities with desirable amenities. Communities with attractive neighborhoods, housing, recreation, shopping, schools and cultural amenities will attract knowledge-based workers and their companies. the National Bureau of Economic research has conducted studies that have found that knowledge-based workers prefer communities with high levels of amenities. Economic development efforts should focus not only on attracting new industries but also on maintaining the quality of life in our communities.

In past years, workers would relocate to find jobs. A new trend has emerged where companies relocate to areas where there is a concentration of talent. This, in part, explains google’s decision to locate in Ann Arbor and IBM’s decision to locate their new delivery center in East Lansing.

what are the components of a “quality community” and what are the community attributes sought by knowledge-based workers? Planners and local elected officials continually strive to promote quality in our communities, but how is quality measured, and what are the principles or foundations of a “quality community”?

A variety of organizations have published standards by which to gauge a quality community. Some of these organizations promote a specific focus, such as environmental, health or urban design, while other organizations are broader-based. The organizations include:

• Smart growth Network (EPA)• Livable Communities• Congress for New Urbanism

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• Communities by Design (AIA)• Healthy Communities (CDC)• Sustainable Communities Network• Michigan Association of Planning—Community Planning Principles• National Complete Streets Coalition

After reviewing the criteria for each organization and their factors for assessing attractive communities, certain overlapping and common standards emerge (Planning and Zoning News, January 2008). It is no coincidence that the standards are also the characteristics that will help communities attract the knowledge-based workers of the future.these common standards include:

• range of housing opportunities• walkable neighborhoods and open spaces• Physical sense of place and placemaking• Mix of land uses• Open space, recreation and farmland preservation• Alternative forms of transportation• Compact urban form• Access to technology

It is interesting to note that many of these standards are supported by the MTA Policy Platform statements (see page 36) as well as other leading planning and municipal organizations. They are also a barometer by which communities can measure their attractiveness. Michigan State University’s Land Policy Institute (www.landpolicy.msu.edu) has supported these standards, and incorporated the principles in many of the findings of the New Economy Conference presentations held on Oct. 7, 2010. By incorporating these principles, communities can maintain their attractiveness and at the same time promote economic development. An elaboration of these principles and quality features are included as follows:Range of Housing Opportunities—Knowledge-based workers desire a range of housing choices. This includes higher-density urban living as

well as lower-density rural choices. Single family housing and multi-family housing should be included. we have also witnessed a desire by young professionals and the elderly to have a wide range of housing options. This includes loft conversions, apartment buildings and rental units above commercial businesses, as well as independent and assisted housing options for seniors. Housing choices should reflect a range of housing costs.

One southeast Michigan township has a long history of creative zoning to enhance the “liveability” of its community. “Charter Township of northville (wayne Co.) has long believed that vibrant neighborhoods and planning initiatives do play a role in attracting and retaining residents and businesses,” asserts Jennifer Frey, township director of community development.

That commitment to vibrant communities dates back to the early 1970s, when the township’s zoning ordinance included a provision for a One-Family Cluster Option, which allowed the clustering of residential lots in return for preservation of open space and flexible design. The township’s forward-thinking zoning expanded through the ‘80s and ‘90s, when the ordinance was updated to include increased residential options such as Lot Averaging and Open Space Communities—both of which provided alternatives and flexibility to the traditional zoning requirements, according to Frey—as well as planned unit development options and provisions for mixed use.

This planning has drawn businesses to the township. Said Frey, “In 2010, Techno SemiChem MI (TSC) purchased a building that had been vacant for over 10 years and is making extensive improvements to house their North American headquarters. TSC is a leader in the development and manufacture of components for the lithium ion battery. One of the reasons they indicated that they selected Northville Township was the quality of life and close proximity to housing options for their employees, some of whom will be relocating from Korea and have already purchased homes in the community.”

Walkable neighborhoods and Open Space—Knowledge-based workers value communities that are walkable. walkability promotes physical fitness and social interaction as well as a compact urban form with vitality and interest. walkability places an emphasis on linkages to rural areas with rails-to-trails networks and connection to open spaces.

Michigan is a national leader in the rails-to-trails movement. A non-motorized trail links a community’s green infrastructure and also promotes regional recreational opportunities and regional economic assets.

Northville Charter Township has created a brochure titled “Live, work & Play” that highlights many of the quality of life elements that are provided within the township. Such quality of life elements include a commitment to non-motorized pathways—a pathway plan was developed in the ‘90s for the entire community and continues to be implemented.Capitalizing on open space assets can also require reaching across

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boundary lines. This fall, township officials from washtenaw and east Jackson Counties gathered at a three day regional workshop, along with their city and village counterparts, local businesses and natural resource managers to develop regional action plans for their communities centered on preserving community and recreation opportunities. The workshop, called “Partnerships for Prosperity: Linking Conservation, Commerce and our Communities,” provided training in several areas, including sustainable tourism and community practices, land conservation, tourism economics and funding sources for program development.

Sense of Place—Successful communities have a sense of place—a recognition of those characteristics that make a place special or unique—and understand the importance of parks, public streets, waterfronts, village centers, town squares and farmers marketplaces. Placemaking—the process of creating a sense of place by capitalizing on an area’s assets and amenities—promotes the social interaction enjoyed by knowledge-based workers. Successful places can be as simple as a popular coffee shop or as complex as a town center plaza or regional parks. In either form, a sense of place is an important quality component that indirectly supports social interaction and entrepreneurship.

A sense of place is not limited to a specific community or location but can also be regional in nature. Soji Adelaja, director of the Land Policy Institute at Michigan State University, emphasizes the importance of regional placemaking as a method of combining the assets of multiple communities—such as townships and the cities they surround—for economic growth.

Mix of Land Uses—A mix of land uses promotes vitality and interest. Communities that are attractive to knowledge-based workers include a mix of residential, office and commercial uses all within close proximity. within mixed-use developments, there can be greater social interaction as well as concentrations of nightlife and a network of cultural activities in many cases. Mixed uses promote alternatives to driving, enhance walkability and aid public safety. Planners and local decision-makers should promote land use policies that encourage mixed-use projects as a tool toward the maintenance of local economic attractiveness.

Open Space, Recreation and Farmland Preservation—Open space provides highly valuable opportunities. It protects valuable farmlands, environmental features and the amenities often favored by knowledge-based workers. Protection of open space also directs growth to those areas more conducive to development (such as those with existing sewer and water infrastructure), and indirectly enhances the vitality and attractiveness of more densely developed areas.

Preservation of farmlands promotes agricultural production and food-based industries. Localized farming and the purchase of locally grown agricultural products are also assisted by the preservation of farmlands and open space. the Michigan department of agriculture reports that if each week, every Michigan household spends just $10 of their current grocery budget on local food products, more than $37

million would circulate within Michigan’s weekly economy instead of paying for out-of-state agricultural produce.

After more than a year of planning, the Bath Farmers Market opened for business this summer in Bath Charter Township (Clinton Co.). The market, which is open year-round, was developed to not only provide access to locally grown produce from area farmers, but also to serve as a community meeting place—connecting local farmers with their neighbors and their community.

“In this era of tight budgets, the farmers market offers a chance, at very little cost, to boost economic activity and bring people to the Township Activity Center,” noted Superintendent Troy Feltman. “Studies have shown that across the country farmers markets are economic engines that spur activity at businesses located nearby, even those that sell food items.”

Transportation Alternatives—Successful vibrant and attractive communities are not just reliant on the automobile, but instead also provide alternative methods of transportation, including bicycling, walking and public transportation. Complete streets with varying forms of transportation can provide a wide variety of benefits to Michigan’s municipalities. Successful communities, which attract knowledge-based workers, will have a variety of transportation alternatives including walkways, bike lanes, bus transportation and even light rail systems in large cities.

Compact Urban Form—Communities that promote denser, more compact development are often more vibrant and can provide greater community enjoyment. There is a richness of “urban form”—or more compact development—that also enhances public spaces, walkability and sustainability. In Jane Jacobs’ book The Death and Life of great American Cities, Jacobs advocates denser, mixed-use communities, whose richness promotes a local fabric that stimulates the sharing of ideas and community. There is also the added benefit of reducing urban sprawl and preserving important farmlands. Social and business networking can also promote an entrepreneurial exchange of ideas.

Access to Technology—Technology access is also a factor in evaluating communities by knowledge-based workers and industries.

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Access to broadband and high-speed information technologies is a component that promotes the health of communities and opportunities for telecommuting, business networking, data exchange and entrepreneurial ventures. Oakland County recently adopted a “Technology Planning Toolkit,” which was featured in the April 2010 Michigan Township News’ cover story, “Planning for the Information Age.” This document promotes local strategies to attract and retain high-tech corporations and the growing numbers of technology savvy workers.

All of these elements can work together to improve the quality of life in the region for everyone, while also improving the economic competitiveness of the region. All that is required is a commitment by local governments, nongovernmental organizations and the business community to work cooperatively together to implement a few strategies that all parties agree will improve economic competitiveness and the quality of the places in the region to attract and retain knowledge-based workers and industries.

PrOMOTE A CULTUrE OF COOPErATIONwhile the above characteristics of a successful community include physical or tangible features, there are also intangible assets that should be considered. These intangible assets include community leadership and hospitality to new business enterprises.

according to Mathew Gibb, Orion Charter Township (Oakland Co.) supervisor, “your community must be a welcoming community.” Townships should help facilitate business development. gibb frequently organizes breakfast round table meetings with business leaders to encourage entrepreneurship, the exchange of new business ideas and networking. This networking has created a virtual business incubator, and has facilitated business expansion and job growth. The township has also created an updated website (www.advantageorion.com) that promotes economic and community development.

In addition to being a “welcoming community,” hospitality and economic initiatives should extend beyond the boundaries of a local community. regionalism should promote knowledge based industries. The assets of any one community are never as significant as the amenities of a region.

DeWitt Charter, Bath Charter and Watertown Charter Townships (Clinton Co.) have recently organized a regional partnership for

economic growth (see more on page 11). the partnership promotes the area’s regional assets. “One of the objectives of the regional organization is to promote entrepreneurial enterprises through the recognition of the areas assets,” said Feltman. An important asset for Clinton County is the region’s agricultural base and opportunities for local food production.

Bath Charter Township also recently initiated the development of a “community kitchen,” which promotes local agriculture by allowing producers to rent commercial kitchen facilities and assists in the production of locally produced food products, such as packaged food, preserves, specialty dips, sauces, etc. These goods are then sold in local stores and at the new township farmers market, thereby spurring economic gardening and entrepreneurship. These are creative measures to retain, grow and attract new knowledge workers and industries based on the unique assets of the area.

A rESPONSIBILITy FOr ALL LOCAL gOvErNMENTSMichigan will need to be less reliant on the auto manufacturing sector of the state’s economy and more reliant on diverse knowledge-based industries. This will require attracting and keeping talented workers in our communities. Michigan’s townships, as well as its cities and villages, have a responsibility to maintain quality urban and rural communities, which will provide vibrant and attractive living areas. Communities that promote quality housing, walkable neighborhoods, attractive public areas, open space and alternative forms of transportation will be successful in the future.

Townships that promote access to technology and opportunities for networking will provide entrepreneurial leadership and the skills necessary for the emergence of economic growth. Communities that work cooperatively together on a regional basis to prepare and implement regional strategic growth plans will position their region to be competitive in the global New Economy.

Don Wortman, vice President,Carlisle/wortman Associates, Ann Arbor

Wortman can be reached at (734) 662-2200 ordwortman@cwaplan.com.

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INVESTING: DUE DILIGENCE AND MANAGING THE RELATIONSHIPSubmitted by Bruce Malinczak, Assistant TreasureCharter Township of Canton

One of the questions I get asked the most by treasurers in our membership is “How do you know who to invest with and how do you manage the relationship”?”

First of all, congratulations if you’re lucky enough to have some excess funds to invest. If you are one of the lucky ones, then you really should have some type of procedure in place for how you deal with cold calls, phone calls and email from potential brokers and relationship managers. For the purposes of this article, I will not be referring to your primary banking relationship. In that case, I would assume you’re working under some type of agreement that you entered into through the request for proposal process. If you didn’t, well, that’s another article altogether.

In many cases you’ve probably either walked into a situation where the majority of the investment decisions were made by your predecessor or you’re following past protocol. Even in these situations, you should still take the time to review those practices to see if you are comfortable with the path you are following. After all, in the end, it will be you who is ultimately responsible for the investment decisions.

KNOW WHO YOU’RE DEALING WITHWhen I started working for Canton, they had many brokers and many customer representatives already in place, but I made sure to personally reach out to all of those people within my first few weeks. I was fortunate enough to have met most of them already, but there were a few strangers. After reviewing Canton’s Investment Policy myself, I then sent a copy to each person we were investing with and asked them to sign an Investment Policy Certification. The certification was my way of ensuring that they read and understand the investment parameters Canton had established. A few of them called and said we already had one on file; but, I insisted that a new certification be signed.

For the brokers/relationship managers I wasn’t as familiar with, I studied the investment files that Canton maintains as required by our Investment Policy to ensure that we had a completed broker/dealer questionnaire from that individual, as well as, audited financial statements for their organization. If I was dealing with a broker I also checked that we had their Michigan registration and proof of their certification.

I follow this practice to this day with anyone who approaches Canton for investments. Generally, the first thing I ask is “Do you have an office in Michigan”. If the answer is “no” and many times on cold calls it is, then I can’t do business with them as that is a dictate of Public Act 20 of 1943 (as amended). If the answer is “yes”, then I

send them all the items Canton requires as discussed above. This isn’t an assurance that they’ll get some business from Canton. It’s just a starting point. At some point, before we would even consider investing with a new company, we will check references, research the brokers on www.finra.org (The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) and review their audited financials. Another option that Canton pursues is an independent company that provides a rating on each of the banks in our portfolio. You can also get similar information through the FDIC website www.fdic.gov (I’ve placed samples of Canton’s Investment Policy, Certifications and Questionnaires on the MMTA website www.mmta-mi.org.

CLOSING THE DEALAfter you’ve decided that this institution/person is a good fit for you, I recommend a visit or a phone call to set the “rules” in your relationship. We’re all busy professionals. It’s better to have a discussion up front about how you want to communicate going forward. I would estimate that I have between 5-10 phone calls a day from my current brokers and that doesn’t include the cold calls. If you don’t want calls, let the person know. I personally don’t care for unannounced “drop ins” and because I communicate that, I don’t have them. If email works, let them know. It’s also a good time to go over when you have investable funds and when you need those funds back. The more information you can provide at the beginning will make the relationship that much more successful. I personally like everything emailed to me so that I can do an analysis on the best investment for the Township without a person waiting on the line for a quick decision.

This is also the time to get the new institution added to your list of approved investors. Generally, this list should go before your board or council for approval; however, the exact process you should follow is more than likely outlined in your Investment Policy.

FOLLOW THROUGHJust because the institution/person is on your approved investors list doesn’t mean your work is done. Those audited financial reports required in your Investment Policy should be reviewed every year. You should be making periodic trips to www. finra.org to make sure your broker’s status has not changed. If you get a new broker or relationship manager you should send a new certification and questionnaire and start the process all over. If you are not satisfied with your service level or if the “fit” isn’t right for you, request that someone else is placed on your account.

The work never ends but doing your due diligence and setting parameters will definitely afford you the best chance for success.

March 2011 page 11

ENJOY THE RIDESubmitted by Frances DeWyseCity of Essexville 1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate antidepressant.2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to. 3. Buy a TiVo (DVR), tape your late night shows and get more sleep. 4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, “My purpose is to___________ today.” 5. Live with the 3 E’s -- Energy, Enthusiasm, Empathy.6. Watch more movies, play more games and read more books than you did last year. 7. Always pray and make time to exercise, practice meditation, yoga. 8. Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of six. 9. Dream more while you are awake. 10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that are manufactured in plants. 11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds and walnuts. 12. Try to make at least three people smile each day. 13. Clear your clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life. 14. Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead,

invest your energy in the positive present moment. 15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class ... but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime. 16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out credit card. 17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away. 18. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good. 19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. 20. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does. 21. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree. 22. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present. 23. Don’t compare your life to others’. You have no idea what their journey is all about. 24. Ladies - Go on and burn those “special” scented candles, use the 600 thread count sheets, the good china and wear your fancy lingerie now. Stop waiting for a special occasion. Every day is special. 25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you. 26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: “In five years, will this matter?” 27. Forgive everyone for everything. 28. What other people think of you is none of your business. 29. Time heals almost everything. Give it time, time! 30. However good or bad a situation is--it will change. 31. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch with them. 32. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful. 33. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need. 34. The best is yet to come. 35. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up. 36. Do the right thing! 37. Call your family often. 38. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: “I am thankful for _________________________.” Today I accomplished ________________________. 39. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed. 40. Enjoy the ride. Remember that this is not Disney World and you certainly don’t want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life, so make the most of it!

March 2011 page 12

Summary of Statement No. 54 of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB)

Reprinted with permission from Rob Klaczkiewicz of Smith & Klaczkiewicz, PC

Introductionthis statement focuses on classifying governmental fund balances based on the level of restrictions placed on use of the related assets, and on defining governmental funds so that only those governmental funds with balances having external legal restrictions on their use are segregated and reported separately from the general fund.

Fund balance classifications reported on the financial statements will be based on both legal restrictions and internal restrictions regarding fund balance. governing board policy may identify the level of management that can assign fund balance, the order in which the various classification of fund balance are utilized to fund expenditures and the organization’s minimum fund balance policy. there is no requirement for a governing board policy to be adopted regarding fund balance, but a governing board policy can be adopted to identify managements ability to assign fund balance, the order in which fund balance classification are utilized to liquidate expenditures and the governing body’s minimum fund balance policy.

governmental funds that have no external legal restrictions as well as budget stabilization funds will be merged with the general fund for annual financial reporting purposes. note that you can maintain and budget for these merged funds separately on your accounting system but that they will be merged with the general fund for financial reporting purposes. Following are the most common funds that will be required to be merged with the general fund due to the lack of legal restriction on the use of related balances (school athletic funds, budget stabilization funds, compensated absences funds, public improvement funds and other special revenue funds established to segregate assets from the general fund that are not actually legally restricted for a specific use).

Summarythe objective of this statement is to enhance the usefulness of fund balance information providing clearer fund balance classification that can be more consistently applied and by clarifying the existing governmental fund type definitions. This statement establishes fund balance classifications that comprise a hierarchy based primarily on the extent to which a government is bound to observe constraints imposed upon the use of the resources reported in governmental funds.

Fund definitionsgeneral fund – used to account for and report all financial resources not accounted for and reported in another fund.

Special revenue fund – used to account for and report the proceeds of specific revenue sources that are restricted or committed to expenditure for specified purposes other than debt service or capital projects. the term proceeds of specific revenue sources establishes that one or more specific restricted or committed revenues should be the foundation for a special revenue fund. the restricted or committed proceeds of specific revenue sources should be expected to continue to comprise a substantial portion of the inflows reported in the fund.

Capital projects fund – used to account for and reporting financial resources that are restricted, committed, or assigned to expenditure for capital outlay.

debt service fund – used to account for and report financial resources that are restricted, committed, or assigned to expenditure for principal and interest.

permanent fund – used to account for and report resources that are restricted to the extent that only earnings, and not principal, may be used for purposes that support the reporting government’s programs.

2011 MMTA Board of Directors MeetingMay19,2011COMfOrt Inn cOnferencecenter,MOunt Pleasant

July29,2011hOMe Of lew & Mary bender,lerOystrategic Planning sesssion

SePteMber16,2011WrOughtIrOngrIll,OwOssO

Michigan State University has the largest single campus student body of any Michigan university. It is the largest institution of higher learning in the state and one of the largest universities in the country. Michigan State University was founded in 1855 as the nation's first land-grant university and served as the prototype for 69 land-grant institutions later established under the Morrill Act of 1862. It was the first institution of higher learning in the nation to teach scientific agriculture. Detroit is known as the car capital of the world.

Alpena is the home of the world's largest cement plant.

Rogers City boasts the world's largest limestone quarry.

Elsie is the home of the world's largest registered Holstein dairy herd.

Michigan is first in the United States production of peat and magnesium compounds and second in gypsum and iron ore.

Colon is home to the world's largest manufacturer of magic supplies.

The state Capitol with its majestic dome was built in Lansing in l879.

Although Michigan is often called the (Wolverine State). There are no longer any wolverines in Michigan. (However, one was spotted in 2007, so there are some.)

Michigan ranks first in state boat registrations.

The Packard Motor Car Company in Detroit manufactured the first air-conditioned car in 1939.

The oldest county (based on date of incorporation) is Wayne in 1815.

Sault Ste. Marie was founded by Father Jacques Marquette in 1668. It is the third oldest remaining settlement in the United States.

In 1817 the University of Michigan was the first university established by any of the states. It was founded by priests. Originally named Cathelepistemian and located in Detroit , the name was changed in 1821. The university moved to Ann Arbor in 1841.

The city of Novi was named from its designation as Stagecoach Stop #6 or No.VI.

The largest village in Michigan is Caro.

Michigan's state stone, the Petoskey, is the official state stone. It is found along the shores of Lake Michigan.

The Mackinac Bridge is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. Connecting the upper and lower

peninsulas of Michigan . It spans 5 miles over the Straits of Mackinac, which is where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet.

The Mighty Mac took 3 years to complete and was opened to traffic in 1957.

Gerald R. Ford grew up in Grand Rapids and became the 38th president of the United States . He attended the University of Michigan where he was a football star. He served on a World War II aircraft carrier and afterward represented Michigan in Congress for 24 years. He was also an Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Boy Scouts.

The Kellogg Company has made Battle Creek the Cereal Capital of the World. The Kellogg brothers accidentally discovered the process for producing flaked cereal products and sparked the beginning of the dry cereal industry.

The painted turtle is Michigan 's state reptile.

The western shore of Michigan has many sand dunes. The Sleeping Bear Dunes rise 460 feet above Lake Michigan. Living among the dunes is the dwarf lake iris the official state wildflower.

Vernor's ginger ale was created in Detroit and became the first soda pop made in the United States. In 1862, pharmacist James Vernor was trying to create a new beverage when he was called away to serve our country in the Civil War. When he returned, 4 years later, the drink he had stored in an oak case had acquired a delicious gingery flavor.

The Detroit Zoo was the first zoo in America to feature cageless, pen-exhibits that allowed the animals more freedom to roam.

Michigan is the only place in the world with a floating post office. The J. W. Westcott II is the only boat in the world that delivers mail to ships while they are still underway. They have been operating for 125 years.

Indian River is the home of the largest crucifix in the world. It is called the Cross in the Woods.

The Ambassador Bridge was named by Joseph Bower, the person credited with making the bridge a reality, who thought the name (Detroit-Windsor International Bridge) as too long and lacked emotional appeal. Bower wanted to symbolize the visible expression of friendship of two peoples with like ideas and ideals.

Michigan has more than 11,000 inland lakes and more than 36,000 miles of streams.

Michigan has 116 lighthouses and navigational lights. Seul Choix Point Lighthouse in Gulliver has been guiding ships since 1895. The working light also functions as a museum, which houses early 1900's furnishings and maritime artifacts.

Forty of the state's 83 counties adjoin at least one of the Great Lakes .

Michigan is the only state that touches four of the five Great Lakes .

Standing anywhere in the state a person is within 85 miles of one of the Great Lakes .

Michigan includes 56,954 square miles of land area; 1,194 square miles of Inland waters; and 38,575 square miles of Great Lakes water area.

Sault Ste. Marie was established in 1668 making it the oldest town between the Alleghenies and the Rockies.

Michigan was the first state to provide in its Constitution for the establishment of public libraries.

Four flags have flown over Michigan -- French, English, Spanish and United States .

Isle Royal Park shelters one of the largest moose herds remaining in the United States.

Some of the longest bulk freight carriers in the world operate on the Great Lakes. Ore carriers 1,000 feet long sail Michigan 's inland seas.

The Upper Michigan Copper Country is the largest commercial deposit of native copper in the world.

The 19 chandeliers in the Capitol in Lansing are one of a kind and designed especially for the building by Tiffany's of New York . Weighing between 800-900 pounds apiece they are composed of copper, iron and pewter.

The first auto traffic tunnel built between two nations was the mile-long Detroit-Windsor tunnel under the Detroit River .

March 2011 page 13

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This is Michigan...

CONTINUED ON PG. 14.

March 2011 page 14

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Julia JodoinPublic Funds Coordinator

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Public FundsExpertise…Yesterday,Today andTomorrow.

Call your local public funds team leaders:

Western Eastern Michigan MichiganDavid Dams Aron Kominars616-653-5206 248-603-0528

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MMTA—BY THE NUMBERSWe all like numbers don’t we?Submitted by Bruce Malinczak, Assistant TreasureCharter Township of Canton

849—Members of the Michigan Municipal Treasurers Association747—Active Municipal Members82—Associate Members20—Sustaining Members (the majority are Past Presidents)17—New members signed up this year11—Members from Comerica Bank (most from single business/municipality)

81—Counties represented in the membership (out of 83, no members from Luce and Keweenaw)107—Members from Oakland County (the largest represented)

572—Members currently utilizing the MMTA listserv

52—Members that still don’t have email addresses registered with MMTA (Come on people!)

184—Members with the CPFA designation

244—Members with the MiCPT designation

10—Members with the CPFIM designation

1—Associate with the longest tenure in MMTARich Garay, Cutwater Holdings LLC, 1981

1—Active member with the longest tenure in MMTASue Slaughter, Rose Township, 1982

The world's first international submarine railway tunnel was opened be-tween Port Huron , Michigan, and Sarnia, Ontario , Canada in 1891.

The nation's first regularly scheduled air passage service began operation between Grand Rapids and Detroit in 1926.

In 1879 Detroit telephone customers were first in the nation to be assigned phone numbers to facilitate handling calls.

In 1929, the Michigan State Police established the first state police radio system in the world.

Grand Rapids is home to the 24-foot Leonardo Da Vinci horse, called Il Gavallo. It is the largest

The State Motto (written in Latin) translates to: "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, Look about you.."

This is Michigan...

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CONTINUED FROM PG. 13.Maureen L. DonehueSenior Vice President - Wealth ManagementFinancial AdvisorWealth Advisory Specialist

35055 W 12 Mile Road Tel 248 358 7027/258 358 5000Suite 101 Tel 800 283 7084Farmington Hills, MI 48331 Fax 248 358 7122 maureen.l.donehue@smithbarney.com