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October 10-16, 2010
Texas Association of Counties Events Center
1210 San Antonio Street, 4th Floor
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 478-8753
Educational Co-Sponsor: Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, University of Texas at Austin
Overview
In today’s economy, sound management of a county’s financial assets can mean the difference between an embarrassing financial disaster and investment returns that can supplement precious tax dollars. Prudent, professional management of public funds requires specialized knowledge and expertise. Investment laws, the current state of the economy and other factors must be taken into consideration when developing a county’s financial strategy. Proper and frequent training for public funds investors can prevent costly errors.
The Texas Association of Counties’ County Investment Officer training program provides investment education through a variety of conferences and workshops. Through the training, you’ll have access to accurate, in-depth information as well as a network of experienced county investment officers from across the state.
Why is TAC investment training valuable?
Level I training includes presentations on products and services in the public funds markets and updates on the latest laws and strategies. Course graduates are in a better position to ensure the safety of principal, portfolio liquidity and appropriate returns — three key areas of concern for county investments. The program meets the education requirements of the Texas Public Funds Investment Act.
Topics in the CIO Level I training (entry level course) cover the basics with a strong emphasis on the requirements of the Texas Public Funds Investment Act. This introductory course will help you make sense of financial jargon and concepts that may be unfamiliar to new portfolio managers. You’ll receive a basic understanding in the laws and regulations governing investment operations and learn to avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your county’s financial standing. Course topics include how to put together an investment policy, allowable investment options, how to manage the various types of risk, math of finance, and how to compute investment yields.
What’s involved in CIO certification?
The Level I course is your first step if you’re seeking CIO certification. The introductory class is primarily taught by experienced peers who know the ropes and pitfalls in the county investment world. TAC strives to keep these initial classes small (fewer than 25 attendees) so instructors can work with you on a personal level.
In the CIO Level I class, you’ll receive approximately 35 hours of classroom instruction over a weeklong period. To receive certification, you must take a written examination at the end of the course. Once you pass the exam, you’ll receive a CIO credential. The county investment officer certification program is governed under procedures established by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies for Approval of Certification Programs. Participation in approved continuing education is a requirement for maintaining your CIO certification.
Who should attend CIO classes?
Any county official can attend TAC’s CIO training courses. Those who oversee public investments, such as auditors, commissioners court members, county investment officers and treasurers are especially encouraged to participate. We recommend that mid-sized to large counties, or those with considerable assets have at least one certified county investment officer on staff.
Are there any continuing-education requirements for certified CIOs?
To maintain the CIO credential, certified individuals must comply with continuing-education requirements established by the TAC County Investment Officer Certification Committee that oversees the entire program. Education credits can be earned at various TAC-sponsored events throughout the year, including the Texas Public Funds Investment Conference held in the fall and CIO Level II training held in the summer. Following approval by the CIO Certification Committee, CIOs may earn credits through participation in non TAC-sponsored educational offerings that include topics considered “new knowledge.”
TAC’s Texas Public Funds Investment Conference is open to public funds investors from any Texas local government and features a faculty of noted industry experts from a broad spectrum of financial institutions covering relevant and timely topics.
History of TAC’s CIO Training
TAC has offered training to public funds investors for 18 years. The idea for an investment training program was born in the early 1990s when TAC realized the need to keep public funds investors up-to-date and knowledgeable about investment strategies. In 1992, TAC held its first CIO certification course, which was attended by 10 county investors. Since then, TAC’s CIO program has grown to include more advanced training and more opportunities for continuing education.
2010 County Investment Officer Certification Committee
Honorable Linda Robinson, Chairwoman
Jefferson County Treasurer
Mr. Edwin Harrison
Harris County Director of Finance
Honorable Charles Jones
Bell County Treasurer
Honorable Suzanne Kucera
Retired Matagorda County Treasurer
Honorable Sharon Reynolds
Brazoria County Treasurer
Honorable Vergie Moreland
Orange County Treasurer
Mr. Edward Dion
El Paso County Auditor
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