Texas Payroll Conference
Start planning now to attend the
21st Annual Texas Payroll Conference
September 15th - 18th 2010
The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel
The Woodlands, Texas
TEXAS PAYROLL CONFERENCE
(866) 849-6534 Voice Mail
P. O. Box 191473
Dallas, TX 75219
http://www.txpayrollconference.org
2009 Texas Payroll Conference
The Texas Payroll Conference (TPC) is an annual statewide conference with approximately 300-400 attendees from Texas and surrounding states. In 2009, the 20th Anniversary TPC was held September 15th-19th at the Westin La Cantera Hotel and Resort in San Antonio, Texas. Participants were offered five general sessions led by keynote speakers and were able to personalize their development and educational needs with 47 top-quality payroll-related workshops plus the largest statewide Exhibit Hall featuring over 40 vendors.
In 2009, the Alamo Chapter of the American Payroll Association supported TPC by providing a Hospitality Booth to the conference. The Hospitality Booth was manned by Chapter volunteers and was open to attendees starting on Tuesday the 15th. The Alamo Chapter gave attendees several AC-APA items inside of their drawstring backpack plus a coupon for a door prize drawing. The Hospitality Booth table also displayed brochures on the Chapter, “Things to Do in San Antonio”, the San Antonio Travel & Leisure magazine, discount coupons for attractions, maps and much more.
The Chapter also hosted a booth in the Exhibit Hall themed “Celebrate San Antonio.” The booth was manned by Alamo Chapter Board members and volunteers and was decorated in “FIESTA” – a colorful Mexican blanket, piñata and other San Antonio-themed decorations graced the table.
A total of 39 Alamo Chapter members were scheduled to attend this year’s conference. Attendees were: Dana Mirabelli, CPP – President; Valery Noakes, CPP – Public Relations Officer; Elvira Cervantes, CPP – Membership Officer; Stephanie Garcia – Government Liaison; Karen Brown, CPP – Speaker Coordinator; Jennifer Cordes, CPP; Christie Whitted, CPP; David Anes, CPP; Risa Lundquist, CPP; Rebecca Lynch, CPP; Lorraine Hellums, CPP; Bernita Helberg, CPA, CPP; Don Barham, CPP; Angie Reyna; Peggy Nolan; Lisa Jimenez, CPP; Bridgette Leopold; Delia Rosas; Diana Roensch; Renee Kierstead; Rachel Thompson; Patty Privett; Sharon Garis, CPP; Sharon Haley; Stacey McAllister; Tiffany Anderson; Kim Marshall, CPP; Pam Marshall, CPP; Michele Mozuch; Margaret DeLeon, CPP; Karina Lopez, CPP; Mary Quintanilla; Lisa Jimenez, CPP; Gloria Schillo Autrey, CPP; Diane Kilborn, CPP; Emma Jackson, CPP; Irene Ochoa, CPP; Rosalie Lozano, CPP; and Barbara Biri, CPA, CPP. Two of our members served on this year’s Board of Directors for the Texas Payroll Conference -- Valery Noakes, CPP – Volunteer Chair; and Risa Lundquist, CPP – Board Advisor. Three of our members were conference speakers – Bernita Helberg, CPP, CPA; Gloria Schillo Autrey, CPP; and Valery Noakes, CPP.
The conference opened on Wednesday afternoon with a pre-conference opening and general session on “ID Theft Watch”. Six pre-conference workshops followed and the evening ended with an Exhibitor Reception in the Exhibit Hall from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Thursday’s opening general session presented the keynote speaker, Marilyn Sherman. Marilyn is a well-known author and speaker and her dynamic presentation “Why Settle for the Balcony? How to Get a Front-Row Seat in Life!” certainly encouraged all attendees to take action. Three milestones of six workshops each followed with lunch served in the Exhibit Hall. The Alamo Chapter sponsored a “cocktail hour” get-together at the Westin La Cantera for members and guests on Thursday from 5 p.m. -7 p.m. The turnout was great and everyone enjoyed appetizers, libations and the opportunity to chat. The day officially ended with a candlelight “Chocolate and Champagne” celebration in the Westin’s Emily’s Rose Garden at 9 p.m. Attendees were able to view past conference memorabilia while sipping champagne and nibbling on Dove chocolates.
Friday’s opening general session was an awards breakfast and ceremony at the Westin’s San Saba area. Attendees were seated al fresco at tables decorated elegantly and everyone received a TimeLink “spooner mug” containing the awards ceremony program and TPC history. Past Presidents and Texas Payroll Professionals of the Year (TPPY) were recognized and each awarded a flower bouquet. The Premier Volunteer, Special Recognition, TPPY and Special Friends awards were also presented. Three milestones of six workshops each followed with lunch served in the Exhibit Hall.
The Friday Night Gala was held at the Westin La Cantera Hotel and Resort. Everyone was encouraged to dress in formal or “after-five” attire. Attendees enjoyed a plated steak or chicken dinner, music, and dancing.
On Saturday, William Dunn, CPP with APA provided a Legislative Update for all attendees and the Closing Session featured Patrick Henry, as the keynote speaker and entertainer. His topic on “Keeping Your Team in Tune” was full of music, laughter, and educational.
