Debunking Myths About the Affordable Care Act | 6 Quick Ways to Use Social Media for Branding| The Best Credit Card Processing For Small Business Owners

Debunking Myths About the Affordable Care Act As a business owner, it's important to understand how the Affordable Care Act may affect your business. As part of our ongoing blog series to clear up misconceptions, we're debunking another common myth: Business owners will be fined if they don't provide notification to their employees about the new Health Insurance Marketplace. > Read more http://www.sba.gov/community/blogs/myth-vs-fact-myth-3-business-owners-will-be-fined-if-they-don%E2%80%99t-notify-their-employees-about-new-health-insurance-marketplace New Guidance on Information Reporting Requirements Under the Affordable Care Act Under the provisions of the Affordable Care Act, employers that are subject to the Employer Shared Responsibility provisions must report certain information regarding the health coverage they offer their full-time employees. Here's what you need to know. > Read more http://www.sba.gov/community/blogs/myth-vs-fact-myth-3-business-owners-will-be-fined-if-they-don%E2%80%99t-notify-their-employees-about-new-health-insurance-marketplace 3 Signs That Social Media Might Not Be the Right Fit for Your Small Business As a small business owner, do you sometimes wonder, “What should I be doing on social media?” It's a great opportunity to take a step back and consider whether it’s actually a good fit for your business. Here are some signs that social media may not be right for your small business. > Read more  http://www.sba.gov/community/blogs/myth-vs-fact-myth-3-business-owners-will-be-fined-if-they-don%E2%80%99t-notify-their-employees-about-new-health-insurance-marketplace Hang out with SBA & Cover Oregon for Health Care Answers Not sure how the health care law may impact your business in Oregon? SBA and Cover Oregon are teaming up to bring you another Google+ Hangout so you can learn how to access health care coverage for your small business. When: September 17 | 12 -12:30pm PT Where: Watch from either SBA’s YouTube Channel or Google+ Page  > Read more  http://www.sba.gov/community/blogs/myth-vs-fact-myth-3-business-owners-will-be-fined-if-they-don%E2%80%99t-notify-their-employees-about-new-health-insurance-marketplace 6 Quick Ways to Use Social Media for Branding While there’s no overnight success when it comes to converting social media followers to customers, some strategies can help you see results. Here’s how to make sure your social media efforts convey exactly what you want about your brand. > Read more Register for a Free Affordable Care Act Webinar Throughout September, SBA and Small Business Majority will hold a weekly Affordable Care Act 101 webinar. During each presentation, small business owners can learn about the law and what it means for their company and employees.     Thursday, September 19 at 2:00 PM ET: Click to Register Thursday, September 26 at 2:00 PM ET: Click to Register The Best Credit Card Processing For Small Business Owners Are you looking to accept credit cards from your customers? Is building your company's creditworthiness essential to you? Learn how to determine which merchant for credit card processing would be best for your small business. > Read more http://www.sba.gov/community/blogs/myth-vs-fact-myth-3-business-owners-will-be-fined-if-they-don%E2%80%99t-notify-their-employees-about-new-health-insurance-marketplace Leveling the Playing Field for US Small Business Exporters This month, U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) will bring together exporters around the country through a series of roundtables to help document trade barriers that disproportionately affect small business exporters in the European Union. > Read more  http://www.sba.gov/community/blogs/myth-vs-fact-myth-3-business-owners-will-be-fined-if-they-don%E2%80%99t-notify-their-employees-about-new-health-insurance-marketplace

NYCON's Upcoming Events & Trainings

[Tomorrow!] Organizational Capacity Assessment Clinics for  Mid-Hudson Valley Nonprofits [Poughkeepsie] NYCON Staff Experts - September 18th, 2013     Reserve Your Time Slot In this 45-minute session our staff experts will help to answer your "big picture" organizational questions. Session topics may range from day-to-day operations, program development, legal or human resource issues, to administrative and governance challenges among others. A 45-minute session may not be enough to answer all of your questions of course - in fact it may just start a conversation. If, at the completion of the clinic session, you feel that you would like to continue working with NYCON there are options to help you do that. Funding is available for additional technical assistance, consulting, training or meeting facilitation and more from The Dyson Foundation's Mini-Grant Program or perhaps even their Nonprofit Strategic Restructuring Initiative, if your organization is contemplating a serious collaboration or merger with another entity. More information on available capacity building funding & resources. The Dyson Foundation Mini Grant Program enables nonprofit board, staff, and volunteer leaders to develop new skills by providing organizations with financial support to hire consultants to lead specific capacity building activities. Mini-grants may also be used to defray the cost of conferences, seminars, and other training opportunities for staff and board. Our Expert Staff Include  Michael West, Esq.   Meetings with Michael West, Esq. can cover topics areas related to nonprofit Legal, HR, Policy Development, Contracts or other topics that are compliance or accountability related. Please have your questions ready.  Audrey Grifel, Capacity Building Advisor Meetings with Audrey Grifel, Capacity Building Advisor, can cover topics related to general nonprofit governance, leadership, structural or operational issues including board recruitment and development, fund development and strategic planning issue. [Thursday!] NYS Grants Gateway Webinar #2: Best Practices for Governance & Policies [Members Only] September 19, 2013 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Register Here Are you in the process of becoming 'prequalified' with New York State in order to receive funding for a contract currently in place or for future funding for which you'd like to be considered? Your prequalification status may be delayed for multiple reasons. If your application is being held (or if you haven't been able to complete it) due to questions about any of the following reasons this webinar will be a great resource for you. Operational documents (charitable determination letter from the IRS, audit, IRS Form 990, Organizational chart, etc.) Governance Policies & Practices (internal controls, separation of duties, nepotism and other clauses in your bylaws and personnel policies) Other Documents or Governance Policies that you don't have and aren't sure how to create. In this session we will be focusing on best practices for nonprofit governance and policy creation as they relate to the Grants Gateway portal, the prequalification questionnaire and the online Document Vault. We will also be discussing the options and process for NYCON assistance available to you as a member.   Join us on Thursday, September 19th, 2013 from 10:30am to 12:00pm to learn what your organization needs to do by way of best Governance and Policy practices in order to become a prequalified nonprofit with New York State.Register Here Fundraising on a Napkin: An Interactive Workshop for Bigger, Better Fundraising  [Utica] Camp Finance: Rethink, Retool, & Reboot! Preparing for Better Days Ahead October 10th & 11th, 2013    New Paltz, NY  With Special Keynote Speaker Dan Pallotta Workshop Descriptions Online, Register Now!   Camp Finance is truly an experience you'll never forget! Our annual conference is almost here, and we have a few exciting announcements for you! Workshop Descriptions & Agenda Online Now. Click HERE!   Join us at the Mohonk Mountain House for Camp Finance 2013!    We are happy announce our current agenda and workshop descriptions for this year's Camp Finance. Also new, we have available a printable paper-based registration form for your convenience. Questions? Please contact our Membership & Marketing Associate, Amber Vanderwarker at (518) 434-9194 ext. 126 or email her atavanderwarker@nycon.org for further details or questions. We do expect this event to sell out the capacity of the Mohonk Mountain House, so please register soon!  What Funders Need to Know About the New York State Grants Gateway [Funders Only Webinar] October 16th, 2013 10:00AM to 11:30AM Presented by Doug Sauer, CEO, NYCON and Michelle Jarvais, CFO, NYCON Register Here   This free session is exclusively for funders and provides insights gleaned from NYCON's unique knowledge and perspective of the Gateway from work with hundreds of nonprofit members statewide.NYCON has also worked in partnership with the State of New York in developing webinar training content and a FAQ tool on the topic, has conducted webinars serving over 400 participants to date, and has gone through the Gateway process ourselves.       As a funder in New York you may be aware that many of your nonprofit grantees are in the process of becoming 'prequalified' with New York State. All nonprofits must now go through the "Grants Gateway" and become "prequalified" by NYS in order to receive funding for a state contract currently in place or for future funding for which they would like to be considered. This initiative aims at raising the governance and operational standards for state grantees while down the road making the contracting process easier and more efficient. There are bumps in the road however that may result in current contract renewals being delayed. As a philanthropic investor or local government grant source, you should know how this prequalification process affects your applicants, grantees and funding criteria strategies.  Register Now Beyond Collaboration: Exploring & Navigating Corporate Affiliations [October - December] A Series of Free Workshops Provided to Mid-Hudson Valley Nonprofits by the New York Council of Nonprofits with Support from The Dyson Foundation  Presented by Doug Sauer, CEO of NYCON, Dave Watson Senior VP of Legal Accountability and Compliance Services Locations: Middletown   Kingston  Hudson Perhaps now more than ever, community-based nonprofits are seeking ways to do business differently and are exploring whether affiliation may be a path to sustainability and growth.  Join NYCON's highly experienced staff experts in learning about the various forms, processes, potential benefits and risks associated with corporate affiliations,including merger, acquisitions, subsidiary relationships and shared service arrangements. Who Should Attend:    Board members Executive Directors/CEOs CFOs and other nonprofit leaders The "Beyond Collaboration" Workshops are provided as a part ofThe Dyson Foundation Nonprofit Strategic Restructuring Initiative. This initiative is available to help nonprofit organizations, libaraies or units of government based in the Mid-Hudson Valley (Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, and Ulster counties) move from the exploring the feasibility of strategic restructuring, to planning the restructuring and implementing the plan, to enhancing the restructured entity. Funding is available for additional technical assistance, consulting, training or meeting facilitation and more. If, after this session, your organization is contemplating a serious merger or restructuring, then we encourage you to take advantage of this valuable resource through The Dyson Foundation. Workshop Dates & Locations: OCTOBER 22nd 9AM-12:00PM - Middletown - Hampton Inn Register Here OCTOBER 23rd 9AM -12:00PM- Kingston- Courtyard Kingston Register Here DECEMBER 11TH 9AM- 12:00PM- Hudson - St. Charles Inn Register Here

A CPA Who Makes it Count for Nonprofits

2013 Michael H. Urbach, CPA Community Builders Award Winner Announced Jeremy Noble is a CPA Who Makes it Count for Nonprofits!  Jeremy Noble, CPA of Latham, NY is the 2013 recipient of the Michael H. Urbach, CPA Community Builders Award. The New York Council of Nonprofits, Inc. (NYCON) and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA) co-sponsor the tenth annual award. The award recognizes exemplary achievements of a certified public accountant who serves on the board(s) of directors of charitable organizations. Jeremy Noble, CPA of Latham, NY is the 2013 recipient of the Michael H. Urbach, CPA Community Builders Award. Mr. Noble joined Tully Rinckey PLLC as the Chief Financial Officer in 2007 and has since played a key role in managing the firm's growth by providing critical analysis for various opportunities, implementing efficiency and cost-savings strategies, strengthening internal controls, and managing and forecasting cash flow. In addition to his career, Mr. Noble extends his financial insight far beyond the walls of Tully Rinckey, as he strongly believes in community service. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accounts and the NYSSCPA. Mr. Noble previously served as the President of the Northeast Chapter of NYSSCPA and also held the positions of President-elect, Vice-President, Treasurer and Chair of the Young CPAs Committee. Attend the NYCON Annual Lunch or Place Your Message of Congratulations in our Annual Program Journal. .  About Jeremy's Dedication to Nonprofits & Community Service... Bob VanZetta, LCSW, Executive Director of Family & Child Service of Schenectady, said in endorsing Mr. Noble's nomination for this award that he "found Jeremy to be hardworking, thorough, conscientious, generous and supportive...and entirely engaged in the matters of the Agency." Of Mr. Noble's six (6) years of service on the Family & Child Service of Schenectady's Board of Directors, he aided in the organization's growth; reduced ballooning expenses; improved cash flow; and acted as Chairperson for a fundraising event. He also served as the Treasurer from 2006-2010 and President from 2010-2011. Mr. Noble's leadership, encouragement and knowledge are valued in the regional communities he helps. Some of the additional organizations that have had the pleasure of being one of the beneficiaries of Mr. Noble's volunteerism and leadership include acting as Treasurer of Not So Common Players, Inc; Treasurer of Schenectady County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SCPA); Captain of the SCPA's Humane Law Enforcement Division; and Treasurer of Early Care & Learning Council. Not So Common Players, Inc. remarked that Mr. Noble's leadership aided them in obtaining grants of at least $50,000 annually for productions, equipment and administrative expenses; as well as be the driving force to the formation of the entity and obtaining 501(c)(3) status. Mr. Noble has also volunteered on and off stage since 2002, performing in numerous productions, working backstage and set building. Doug Sauer, NYCON CEO stated "It's a pleasure and honor to award a CPA for the first time from Michael's home community - the Capital Region. It is also very encouraging and rewarding to recognize a young professional who has demonstrated through his actions, exemplary leadership and commitment."  Thank You to Our Supporters! NYCON and NYSSCPA would like to recognize The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region for their grant contribution towards the Michael H. Urbach, CPA Community Builders Award. About the Award   The Community Builders Award is named in honor of the late Michael H. Urbach, CPA, and former partner of Urbach, Kahn and Werlin, former NYS Commissioner of Tax and Finance and Chair of the State Employees Federated Appeal. He served on the boards and as an Officer on numerous New York State charities including NYCON, Equinox, Inc., Albany Jewish Community Center, Albany Boys and Girls Club, United Way of Northeastern NY and St. Peter's Hospital Associates, among many other organizations.    The 2013 award will formally be presented at the Annual Business Meeting of NYCON slated for the afternoon ofOctober 10th at Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, NY The Luncheon will take place during Camp Finance,  a two-day retreat aimed at boosting the financial expertise and accountability of nonprofits. To register for the luncheon onOctober 10th, contact Melissa Currado atmcurrado@nycon.org or call1.800.515.5012, ext. 100. PLACE AN AD OR REGISTER FOR ANNUAL MEETING For More Information visit NYCON at www.nycon.org or contact Melissa Currado at (800) 515-5012 ormcurrado@nycon.org  Co-sponsored by The New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants www.nysscpa.org