Past Events
FAR Side Part IV: Preparing for Year-End + Your Indirect Cost Rate Submission
For the fourth and final installment of “Welcome to the FAR Side,” Diana Strassmaier, CPA, CCIFP®, will help you prepare for year-end and submit your indirect cost rate.
In this webinar, you’ll learn about:
- Trends in overhead rates
- Proposed updates to the AASHTO Audit Guide
- What you need to do to get ready for year-end
Who should attend: Accounting department staff, controller/CFO, and any staff needing a better understanding of the FAR
Level of understanding needed: Basic
DATE
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
TIME
12:00 pm PDT
LOCATION
Virtual
Featured Presenters
Diana Strassmaier, CPA, CCIFP®
Partner
FAR Side Part III: Ins + Outs of the Internal Control Questionnaire (ICQ)
For the third installment of “Welcome to the FAR Side,” Diana Strassmaier, CPA, CCIFP®, will cover the ins and outs of AASHTO’s internal control questionnaire (ICQ) for consulting engineers. She’ll go section by section to discuss what’s being asked and why, as well as how your answers to the questions can lead to improved internal controls or uncover areas where controls need to be strengthened.
In this webinar, you’ll learn about:
- The importance of internal controls as they relate to your overhead audit.
- What is being asked by the ICQ—and why.
- How to understand your risks and mitigate them.
Who should attend: Accounting department staff, controller/CFO, and any staff needing a better understanding of the FAR
Level of understanding needed: Basic
DATE
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
TIME
12:00 pm PDT
LOCATION
Virtual
Featured Presenters
Diana Strassmaier, CPA, CCIFP®
Partner
Navigating Social Security: What You Need to Know
For many, the topic of Social Security can feel very daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Do you have questions about when to start, how much you’ll receive, or simply need some guidance on the fundamentals of the program? Whether you’re just starting out in your career or preparing to retire and claim Social Security, we’re here to help answer your questions.
Please join Kathy Peterson, CPFA™, CRPC®, AIF® , Senior Retirement Plan Consultant at Aldrich Wealth, and Tom Gilbers, CFP®, Senior Financial Planner at Aldrich Wealth, as they break down this expansive subject into easy, digestible topics, including:
- Basics of the program
- How benefits are determined and calculated
- Claiming strategies / deciding when to collect
- Spousal benefits
Social Security is intended to make our lives easier and more comfortable in retirement and we want you to have the information you need. You will have the opportunity to submit questions ahead of the webinar through the registration link.
DATE
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
TIME
12:00 pm PDT
LOCATION
Virtual
Kathy Peterson
Senior Retirement Plan Consultant
Tom Gilbers
Senior Financial Planner
Far Side Part II: Payroll + Timekeeping Best Practices
For the second installment of “Welcome to the FAR Side,” Diana Strassmaier, CPA, CCIFP®, will cover payroll and timekeeping requirements, the importance of consistency across your company, and how all this relates to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). In this webinar, you’ll learn about:
- The background and business cycle related to timekeeping
- The interplay between timekeeping, payroll, and billing processes
- Best practices with timekeeping for professional service companies
- Paid overtime: exempt vs. non-exempt
- Unpaid overtime: salary variance method vs. effective rate method
- Reconciling your books to payroll records
Who should attend: Accounting department staff, controller/CFO, and any staff needing a better understanding of the FAR
Level of understanding needed: Basic
DATE
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
TIME
12:00 pm PDT
LOCATION
Virtual
Featured Presenters
Diana Strassmaier, CPA, CCIFP®
Partner
Recruitment, Retention, Reflection
HR + Benefits Masterclass
List of Events
Welcome + Keynote
“If you build it; they’ll stay – how to attract and engage during changing times.”
Building on last year’s “Dancing in the Rain,” Lou Radja will address how employers can improve their recruitment and retention by creating a sense of belonging in a time of isolation, mental health challenges, and quiet quitting. Employers will pick up helpful tips on how to enhance and maintain culture within a fragmented work-force and how to reimagine a post-COVID workspace.
Connect with Lou Radja
Founder, Lou Radja Enterprises
- 5331 Southwest Macadam Ave. Suite 299
Portland, OR 97239 - Phone: (503) 367-7409
- Fax: (503) 643-1851
- Email: bemoregivemore@louradja.com
Staying Current to Stay Competitive: Understanding Today’s HR & Benefits Trends
Every time you log onto LinkedIn you are bombarded with articles and posts promoting the latest trends in employment practices. The problem is, these posts are often contradictory – everyone should return to the office, no, everyone should work remote, no, hybrid is the way to go! This session will help you cut through the noise as we discuss the HR and Benefits trends worth taking note of. Want to know what “quiet quitting” really means? Or how about the newest hashtag worthy phrase, “Bare Minimum Monday.” What do these trends mean for you and your company culture? Attendees of this session will learn about what HR practices and benefits are having the greatest impact in today’s employment market.
Connect with Evan Cole
- Phone: (503) 716-9338
- Email: ecole@aldrichadvisors.com
Connect with Carrie Koble
- Phone: (805) 704-8146
- Email: cindy@hrannieconsulting.com
Let’s Talk About Money! Building Blocks for Equitable Compensation
Did you know that 49 of 50 states have enacted their own Equal Pay Act mandates since the federal law went into effect in 1963? It’s a good thing and requires detailed work to ensure your wage and compensation programs are clear, fair, defensible, and let’s not forget attractive and competitive to retain our top-notch talent. Join HR Annie Consulting’s Compensation Consultant, Heather Wall, and Head of Consulting, Erin Frost, for this jam-packed break-out session as they share an overview of tools and strategies to build an equitable wage & compensation program, plus provide answers to frequently asked questions.
Connect with Heather Wall
- Phone: (805) 704-8146
- Email: cindy@hrannieconsulting.com
Connect with Erin Frost
- Phone: (541) 243-2604
- Email: erin@hrannieconsulting.com
HR Compliance Considerations: A Conversation with the Experts
Join Erin Frost, HR Annie’s Head of Consulting, and Peter Hicks, Employment Attorney at Jordan Ramis, for a conversation about HR and Employer Compliance considerations. In this session, we will be sharing real-life examples of the potential pitfalls that often lead to liability for employers. We will also discuss HR and compliance legal updates that are around the next corner and where to look more closely to avoid miss-steps that could lead to bigger issues. Bring your burning questions, and let’s talk!
Connect with Erin Frost
- Phone: (541) 243-2604
- Email: erin@hrannieconsulting.com
Connect with Peter Hicks
Attorney, Jordan Ramis PC
- Email: peter.hicks@jordanramis.com
Jumpstarting Your DEIB Efforts – how to make meaningful progress
A recent survey found that 81% of employers nationally are focused on improving their DEI but, of those only 56% have an established strategy, and an even fewer 38% of them have a multi-year strategy in place. While there is widespread agreement about the value of DEIB initiatives, employers often report a great deal of difficulty taking their first steps and setting up means of accountability. This session will provide you with a framework to take meaningful steps in your DEIB efforts. Seniye Groff will share tactical, practical, and hands-on ways to develop and grow your DEIB plan.
Connect with Seniye Groff or request a copy of the slide deck
- Phone: (503) 577-4184
- Email: seniyegroff@gmail.com
The Future Challenges of Access to Healthcare
With staffing shortages, cost pressures, and pent up demand, America’s healthcare system is facing a looming challenge of access and affordability. The panel will focus on the current and future challenges from the perspectives of a large healthcare provider, an insurer, and a benefits consultant. The discussion will cover the impact of technological advances on healthcare delivery, rising healthcare costs, and the changing landscape of healthcare regulations. The panelists will share their insights and experiences while exploring the importance of collaboration among healthcare stakeholders to improve access to healthcare. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with panelist on these critical topics.
Connect with Tracey Davis
- Phone: (503) 485-2482
- Email: tdavis@aldrichadvisors.com
DATE
Thursday, April 27, 2023
TIME
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
LOCATION
Tualatin Country Club | 9145 SW Tualatin Rd, Tualatin, OR 97062
Featured Presenters
Lou Radja
Founder, Lou Radja Enterprises
Evan Cole
Employee Benefits Consultant, Aldrich Advisors
Carrie Koble
Senior HR Consultant, PHR, SHRM-CP, HR Annie
Heather Wall
Compensation Consultant, HR Annie
Erin Frost
Head of Consulting, HR Annie
Peter Hicks
Attorney, Jordan Ramis PC
Seniye Groff
CEO, Groff Solutions, LLC
Tracey Davis
Partner, Employee Benefits Consultant, Aldrich Benefits LP
FAR Introductory Training: Welcome to the FAR Side
Come with us on a journey to get “comfortable” with Part 31 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and government contract accounting. For this introductory training, Diana Strassmaier, CPA, CCIFP®, will cover the most common pitfalls, how to avoid them, and critical control areas. In this webinar, you’ll learn:
- What it means to comply with the FAR
- How financial information is presented under the FAR vs. under standards required for financial statements and tax returns
- Your role in supporting compliance
Diana will outline future trainings to help you become a true FAR aficionado, or at least a willing accomplice. Subsequent sessions will cover best practices for timekeeping and payroll, internal controls, chart of accounts, maintaining books and records, and being prepared for self-certifying your rate or having an audit.
Who should attend: accounting department staff, controller/CFO, and any staff needing a better understanding of the FAR
Level of understanding needed: basic
DATE
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
TIME
12:00 pm PDT
LOCATION
Virtual
Featured Presenters
Diana Strassmaier, CPA, CCIFP®
Partner
Recruitment, Retention, Reflection
HR + Benefits Masterclass
List of Events
Welcome + Keynote
Lou Radja, founder of Lou Rodja Enterprises, discussed how we can make the best of the challenges we are currently facing. The relentless global health pandemic has turned the world upside-down. The responses to the pandemic, from social distancing to working from home, are not without side effects, including isolation, stress, health challenges, the great resignation, burnout, and mental health issues. In addition, we are facing an economic downturn exacerbated by the global pandemic. We are also in the middle of polarizing political and racial division, an ugly reminder of the inequities that continue and how far we must come. Dancing in the Rain was an opportunity to come together to unpack proven strategies to turn these adversities into advantages, thus letting our teams, clients, and customers thrive!
Connect with Lou Radja
Founder, Lou Radja Enterprises
- 5331 Southwest Macadam Ave. Suite 299
Portland, OR 97239 - Phone: (503) 367-7409
- Fax: (503) 643-1851
- Email: bemoregivemore@louradja.com
Paid Leave Oregon – The Definitive Presentation
Evan Cole, Employee Benefits Consultant with Aldrich Benefits, presented an in-depth review of the Paid Leave Oregon program. Evan discussed the practical impact that the new legislation will have on employers of all sizes. The presentation covered the latest rule adoptions, how employers can navigate the new requirements, and some practical advice on whether a private plan option may be an appropriate solution.
Connect with Evan Cole
Employee Benefits Consultant, Aldrich Advisors
- Phone: (503) 716-9338
- Email: ecole@aldrichadvisors.com
Innovative Self-Funding Strategies:
David Underwood, Senior Stop Loss Specialist at Sun Life Financial, and Brian Glock, Employee Benefits Consultant with Aldrich Benefits, explored some of the innovative solutions available to employers considering going self-funded. Attendees learned about the pros and cons of bundled versus unbundled self-funding and how to know which is the best fit for their business. The presentation covered a number of self-funded strategies including level-funding, graded-funding, Reference Based Pricing, and Direct Contracting.
Connect with David Underwood
Senior Stop Loss Consultant, Sun Life Financial
- Phone: 206-669-5780
- Email: david.underwood@sunlife.com
- Website: sunlife.com/us
Connect with Brian Glock
Employee Benefits Consultant, Aldrich Benefits
- Phone: (503) 720-6338
- Email: bglock@aldrichadvisors.com
Recruitment: Managing a Dynamic Workforce with a Modern Mindset
Jessica Ortman, Head of Recruitment for True Calling Recruitment (Powered by HR Annie), covered the latest best practice recruitment strategies and how to lean into the changing workforce demographics. Since the pandemic, we have seen a significant amount of people leave the workforce, change industries, and even create alternative realities for what a career can look like. Not all potential employees are seeking a traditional career any longer. What are they wanting? How do we develop a multi-pronged approach to attract and retain top talent, who may have differing values and aspirations?
Connect with Jessica Ortman
Head of Recruitment, True Calling Recruitment (Powered by HR Annie)
- Phone: Phone: (503) 465-8825
- Email: jessica@hrannieconsulting.com
HR Landmines
Cindy, HR Annie’s CEO, and Peter Hicks, Jordan Ramis’ Employment Attorney, presented ways to avoid stepping on Hidden HR Landmines. In this session, we shared real-life stories of the hidden landmines that grabbed the unexpected footing of employers, talked about what is around the next corner for employment legal updates and where to look more closely, and discussed HR best practices to avoid miss-steps that could lead to bigger issues.
Connect with Cindy Free
CEO, HR Annie
- Email: cindy@hrannieconsulting.com
Connect with Peter Hicks
Attorney, Jordan Ramis PC
- Email: peter.hicks@jordanramis.com
2023 Economic Forecast
Darin Richards, Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Aldrich Wealth, and Kyle Baisch, Vice President and Relationship Banking Officer at Pacific West Bank, presented a live discussion of the 2023 Economic Forecast. Darin and Kyle shared market commentary and made projections for the year ahead. They also provided attendees with practical and valuable insights into how current economic trends could effect employers and their employees.
Connect with Darin Richards
Partner, Chief Investment Officer, Aldrich Wealth
- Phone: (503) 716-9381
- Email: drichards@wealthadvisors.com
Connect with Kyle Baisch
Vice President, Relationship Banking Officer, Pacific West Bank
- Email: KBaisch@bankpacificwest.com
DATE
Thursday, September 15, 2022
TIME
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
LOCATION
Ironlight Lake Oswego | 525 3rd Street Lake Oswego, OR 97034
Featured Presenters
Lou Radja
Founder, Lou Radja Enterprises
Evan Cole
Employee Benefits Consultant, Aldrich Advisors
David Underwood
Senior Stop Loss Consultant, Sun Life Financial
Brian Glock
Employee Benefits Consultant, Aldrich Benefits
Jessica Ortman
Head of Recruitment, True Calling Recruitment (Powered by HR Annie)
Cindy Free
CEO, HR Annie
Peter Hicks
Attorney, Jordan Ramis PC
Darin Richards
CFA, Partner, Chief Investment Officer, Aldrich Wealth
Kyle Baisch
Vice President, Relationship Banking Officer, Pacific West Bank
Exclusive Presentation for Oregon Alliance Employees
Understanding Oregon’s New Paid Leave Legislation
In 2019, Oregon became the eighth state to approve a Paid Leave law. Paid Leave Oregon will soon allow for employees of companies of all sizes to take paid time off for significant life events. With the program is set to begin collecting contributions on January 1st, 2023, and begin paying out claims in September of the same year, we understand that many questions remain unanswered.
Please join us for a webinar exclusive to Oregon Alliance members, where we will discuss the practical impact that the new legislation will have on employers of all sizes. Aldrich Benefits has been tracking the latest developments and working with our carrier partners to make sure we are delivering the most timely and relevant information to our clients and partners. We will discuss how employers can navigate the new program and provide practical advice on whether a private plan option may be an appropriate solution.
Register Here
DATE
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
TIME
10:00 am - 11:00 am
LOCATION
Virtual
Featured Presenters
Evan Cole
Employee Benefits Consultant, Aldrich Advisors
2022 State of MFG in the PNW Forecast Series
Improving Manufacturing Operations through the Appropriate Application of Technology
As most manufacturers look for a competitive edge through technology, many plan to increase their investment over the next 12-months. The future of manufacturing technology is shifting from an emphasis on “applications” to one on “data”. Data is the foundation and can drive results through predictive analytics that enable business leaders to make better decisions faster.
Download Slides | Watch Recording
DATE
Thursday, May 26, 2022
TIME
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
LOCATION
Virtual
Featured Presenters
Peter Adams
VP Busines Strategy, Aldrich Technology
Michael Cohen
Shareholder, Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt
2022 State of MFG in the PNW Forecast Series
Workforce Challenges
Manufacturers see the workforce as both an opportunity and a challenge. According to the 2022 State of MFG in the PNW Survey, while seven out of ten anticipate hiring more full-time employees over the next year and roughly half will add part-time or contract employees, it’s been difficult to find qualified and skilled labor. If you’re fighting the battle of workforce challenges, you’re not alone. Join Schwabe and Aldrich Benefits as we discuss insights to be aware of in the current workplace conditions. This webinar will include topics on:
- Rising Cost of Employee Benefits
- Challenges in Attracting Qualified Employees + Tips for Retaining Talent
- Hiring Expectations
- Diversity + Equity in the Workplace
Watch Recording
DATE
Thursday, February 24, 2022
TIME
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
LOCATION
Virtual
Featured Presenters
Evan Cole
Employee Benefits Consultant, Aldrich Advisors
Jean Back
Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt
Preparing for Your Nonprofit Audit
Is your nonprofit ready for an audit? Between the documentation requirements and expense analysis, audits can quickly become a daunting task. Bobby LaCour, Partner and nonprofit audit expert from Aldrich CPAs + Advisors, will present with Walter D’Souza from the Mutual of America Financial Group to help you create a roadmap for your nonprofit’s audit. They’ll cover:
- Assembling the correct team for the audit
- Organizing all necessary information
- Preparing an internal control structure
Download Slides
DATE
Thursday, February 24, 2022
TIME
9:00 am
Featured Presenters
Bobby Lacour
Partner, Aldrich CPAs + Advisors
Walter D’Souza
Associate Account Executive, Mutual of America Financial Group
2022 State of MFG in the PNW Forecast Series
Developing a Business Transition Plan
Succession plans that involve a transition to the next generation of leadership within the company often require a long runway. According to the 2022 State of MFG in the PNW Survey, half of the survey participants said they already have a succession plan for the transition of executive leadership or ownership while a quarter still does not. Join Schwabe and Aldrich for a roundtable discussion where we’ll discuss the importance of planning ahead for succession planning. This webinar will include:
- Due Diligence
- Business Valuations
- Succession Planning Best Practices
Download Slides | Watch Recording
DATE
Thursday, February 10, 2022
TIME
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
LOCATION
Virtual