49th Annual County Treasurers' Continuing Education Seminar

April 19 - 22, 2021

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos Hotel, Conference Center & Spa
1001 E. McCarty Ln.
San Marcos, 78666

For more information, contact Deanna Auert or Nino Miranda at (800) 456-5974.

In-Person Event Safety Guidelines

CTAT is committed to providing a clean and safe experience when attending meetings and events, and prioritizes the safety and social wellbeing of all attendees, guests and staff. We continue to monitor guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Local Health Authorities (LHAs) and state and local governments for regulations and guidelines. physical distancing and safety measures have been put into place for currently planned conferences and events.

From registration to meeting rooms, exhibit halls and meals, the Education and Event Services team has developed detailed plans, processes and procedures to help you feel safe.

Due to possible capacity limitations, some conferences may have to limit the number of attendees to accommodate physical distancing guidelines. For more information, please contact Deanna Auert or visit the facility's website for specific safety guidelines pertaining to venues.

How Event Staff Are Keeping You Safe

Event staff will wear protective face coverings and gloves in all public areas of the meeting venue.

Event staff will practice physical distancing with Plexiglas shields and/or face shields at registration desk; place floor markers at registration area, meeting rooms, exhibit halls and food and beverage stations.

Event staff will clean and sanitize frequently touched surfaces and provide hand sanitizer for all attendees.

Event staff will conduct a daily symptom assessment of themselves.


Find the full list of guidelines and processes here*.

Don't miss this great opportunity to get together with fellow treasurers from across the state. Attend the 49th Annual County Treasurers' Continuing Education Seminar, set for April 19-22, in San Marcos.

The seminar will present the most recent and relevant information you need to enhance your knowledge base and help you perform your duties as treasurer.

NEW this year! Leadership miniconference: Closing the Gaps Between What Sounds Good & What Gets Done. The County Treasurers’ Association of Texas (CTAT) will offer this additional training from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on April 19  for an additional $75 fee.

Most leaders struggle to close the gaps between the types of employee behavior they desire and the types of behavior they get. Too many leaders believe that the words and phrases contained in their mission statements, core values and other such documents adequately describe the things they expect employees to do. In this powerful miniconference, Jim Bearden will:

  • Expose a myth that limits individual and organizational success;
  • Shed light on the powerful, but often overlooked, mental dimension of leadership; and
  • Describe specific steps leaders can take to get more of the behavior they expect.

Participants will leave with a better understanding of specific LEADERSHIP behavior for Closing the Gaps Between What Sounds Good & What Gets Done.

Monday, April 19
8-9 a.m. Legislative Committee Meeting
9-9:30 a.m. Fundraising Committee Meeting
9:30-10 a.m. Education Committee Meeting
10 a.m.-noon CTAT Board Meeting
1-5 p.m. Leadership Miniconference: Closing the Gaps Between What Sounds Good & What Gets Done**
*Lunch is not provided.

Who Should Attend

The 49th Annual County Treasurers' Continuing Education Seminar is open to all county treasurers and assistant county treasurers.

Registration Fees Early Fee After March 28
County Officials and Employees $180 $205
Non-County Government Officials $195 $220
Non-Government $220 $245
Leadership Mini-Conference (additional fee) $75 $75

Payment

Checks payable to Texas Association of Counties
Mailed to:
Texas Association of Counties
C/O CTAT/Education Dept.
PO Box 2711
San Antonio, TX 78299

Special Services

The conference is ADA accessible. Please contact Nino Miranda at (800) 456-5974 if you need assistance.

Embassy Suites San Marcos Hotel
1001 E. McCarty Ln.
San Marcos, TX 78666
(512) 392-6450

The Embassy Suites San Marcos Hotel is the host hotel. Call (512) 392-6450 for hotel reservations. Ask for the "49th Annual County Treasurers' Continuing Education Seminar" room block to receive the conference rate.

Or reserve your room online. Enter in the group code “CESCTC” to receive the group rate.

The conference rate is $96 single or $149 double, per night, plus tax. Hotel reservations must be secured by March 28. After March 28, all rooms are subject to availability and a price increase.

Any reservation not canceled 72 hours before arrival will be subject to a one-night room and tax cancellation fee.

Parking

Self-Parking: Free

Check-in: 4 p.m.
Check-out: Noon

Silent Auction

Everyone is invited to participate in the silent auction set for April 21. Drop off silent auction items at prior to 8 a.m. sessions starting on April 21. Throughout the morning visit the silent auction items and place your bids. Last bidding will be announced during the luncheon on the 21st. All proceeds benefit the CTAT scholarship fund.

CTAT Treasurer of the Year Nominees & Scholarship Recipient Announcement & Luncheon

April 21.

Monday, April 19
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration (Veramendi Ballroom Foyer)
8-9 a.m. Legislative Committee Meeting (Veramendi A-D)
Chair: Hon. Gayla Hawkins, 1st Vice President County Treasurers' Association of Texas and Grayson County Treasurer
9-9:30 a.m. Fundraising Committee Meeting (Veramendi A-D)
Chair: Hon. Jennifer Henderson, President-Elect County Treasurers' Association of Texas and Schleicher County Treasurer
9:30-10 a.m. Education Committee Meeting (Veramendi A-D)
Chair: Hon. Katherine Hudson, Wise County Treasurer Co-Chair: Hon. Tracy Soldan, Treasurer, Kerr County Treasurer
10 a.m.-noon CTAT Board Meeting (Veramendi A-D)
Chair: Hon. Mitzi Baker, President County Treasurers' Association of Texas and Midland County Treasurer
1 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Leadership Mini-Conference: Closing the Gaps Between What Sounds Good & What Gets Done  (Spring Lake Ballroom)

Most leaders struggle to close the gaps between the types of employee behavior they desire and the types they get. Here are three possible explanations for those gaps:
  • Employees understand what they’re expected to do, but they’re unable to do it.
  • Employees understand what they’re expected to do, but they’re unwilling to do it.
  • ​Employees don’t understand what they’re expected to do.

Contrary to what many leaders believe, the most common explanation for not getting more of the behavior they expect is because their employees do not understand what they’re expected to do.

The Problem:
Too many leaders believe that the words and phrases contained in their mission statements, core values and other such documents adequately describe the things they expect employees to do. Those words and phrases have two things in common:
  • They all sound good.
  • They have little or no impact on employee behavior or organizational performance.
According to Jim Bearden, closing the gaps between what sounds good (mission statements, core values or core beliefs) and what gets done (employee behavior) is a key leadership role.

In this powerful workshop, Bearden will:
  • Expose a myth that limits individual and organizational success.
  • Shed light on the powerful, but often overlooked, mental dimension of leadership.
  • Describe specific steps leaders can take to get more of the behavior they expect.
Mr. Jim Bearden, Bearden Resource Group
***Preregistration, plus an additional fee, is required for the mini conference.
Tuesday, April 20
7 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration and Information Desk (Veramendi Ballroom Foyer)
7-8 a.m. Morning Coffee With Exhibitors (Veramendi A-D)
Veramendi E-J Ballroom
8-8:10 a.m. Welcome

Call to Order and Announcements

Presiding: Hon. Mitzi Baker, President, County Treasurers’ Association of Texas, and Midland County Treasurer

Pledge to the American Flag

Pledge to the Texas Flag

"Honor the Texas flag; 
I pledge allegiance to thee, 
Texas, one state under God, 
One and indivisible."


Introduction of Officers
8:10-9:50 a.m. ONE

Everyone makes a difference. How you see your contribution may make the difference in another life. Being motivated to live each moment with joy and purpose isn’t easy, but it becomes easier when you realize: Every day we are given one more day to do one more thing to change one more life. Living and working to make a difference makes our days fuller and our lives matter.
Ms. Trish Wilson, Trish Wilson LLC
9:50-10:10 a.m. Break With Exhibitors (Veramendi A-D)
10:10-11 a.m. Legislative Update

Hear a timely update on issues at the 87th session of the Legislature and how possible outcomes could affect your office.
Mr. Jason McElvaney, McElvaney Public Affairs
Ms. Aurora Flores, Legislative Consultant, Texas Association of Counties (TAC)
11-11:50 a.m. $$$ Local Government Investment Pools: What Are They and
How Can They Best Be Utilized


This session will point out how using all investment sources is to the advantage of a county.
Ms. Karen Proctor, Regional Director, Texas CLASS
11:50 a.m.-1:20 p.m. Lunch (on your own)
1:20-2:10 p.m. $$$ Banking Trends in the Age of COVID

Banking services are an important cornerstone of cash management for local governments. In recent years, banks have heavily invested in technology to promote digital processes. This session will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of new technologies, as well as recent trends in the banking industry – including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic – that have resulted in municipalities rethinking the way they collect, disburse, and, manage cash.

When you complete this session you should be able to: List two new services that can be alternatives to existing processes and procedures, recognize how banks charge for services, understand compensating balance arrangements, and discuss the impact of current events on banking relationships for municipalities.
Mr. David Walters, CFA, CTP, Director, PFM Asset Management LLC
2:10-3 p.m. Human Resource Compliance Trends for 2021

This year has been filled with many new compliance requirements. Stay informed and up to date with this interactive session that will cover human resource compliance issues that every county treasurer should understand. We will discuss key issues for the year, including DOT, posters, LGBTQ, DOL and COVID-19 compliance. We will review some best practices that will help you sail smoothly through 2021.
Ms. Lorie Floyd, Human Resources Consultant, Texas Association of Counties (TAC)
3-3:20 p.m. Break With Exhibitors (Veramendi A-D)
3:20-4:10 p.m. Human Resource Compliance Trends for 2021 (continued)

This year has been filled with many new compliance requirements. Stay informed and up to date with this interactive session that will cover human resource compliance issues that every county treasurer should understand. We will discuss key issues for the year, including DOT, posters, LGBTQ, DOL and COVID-19 compliance. We will review some best practices that will help you sail smoothly through 2021.
Ms. Lorie Floyd, Human Resources Consultant, Texas Association of Counties (TAC)
4:10-5 p.m. The Cyber Security and Privacy Risks to the County Treasurer's office!

In today’s digital world, do you know some of the cyber security and privacy risks your office and related third-party vendors might face? The task of managing cyber and privacy risk is everyone’s job. This session will provide an overview of some common risks, threats and how to manage and mitigate them with some cyber security and privacy best practices.
Mr. David Sandoval, Cyber Security Consultant, Texas Association of Counties (TAC)
Wednesday, April 21
7:30 a.m.-4:50 p.m. Registration and Information Desk (Veramendi Ballroom Foyer)
8 a.m.-1 p.m. Silent Auction

Everyone is invited to participate in the silent auction. Drop off silent auction items outside the general session prior to the 8 a.m. sessions. Throughout the
morning, visit the silent auction items and place your bids. Last bidding will be announced during the luncheon. All proceeds benefit the CTAT scholarship fund.
8-9:40 a.m. Developing Dynamic Communication Dexterity

In this dynamic session, you'll explore how to cultivate credibility to improve your communication with key stakeholders. You'll also delve into understanding motivation to better balance task accomplishment with harmonious relationships. Come prepared to develop — and exercise — your communication dexterity!
Ms. Christina Moore, Lecturer, Texas State University
9:40-10 a.m. Break With Exhibitors (Veramendi A-D)
10-10:50 a.m. $$$ The 3 Essential R’s: Rates, Relationships and RFPs

This session will encompass an overview of the RFP (request for proposal) process while tying in the current and past rate environment. We will also cover the importance of good relationships between the bank and the county. Within each topic, we will discuss the rate-driven products and the options, bank products and essentials of the RFP process, as well as overall relationship management.
Mr. Noah Elrod, Vice President, TM Senior Public Funds Specialist, Independent Financial
10:50-11:40 a.m. Electronic Records Retention

This session will help you understand steps to take to legally use electronic records as official records. You will also gain insight on how to effectively manage electronic records retention.
Ms. Joslyn Ceasar, Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Ms. Anne Poulos, Texas State Library and Archives Commission
11:40 a.m.-1 p.m. CTAT Treasurer of the Year Nominees & Scholarship Recipient Announcements & Luncheon

Veramendi E-J Ballroom
Texas' Outstanding County Treasurer Award Committee Chair: 
Hon. Dianna Spieker, Tom Green County Treasurer
CTAT Scholarship Chair: Hon. Tracy Soldan, Kerr County Treasurer
1-1:50 p.m. $$$ Review of Your Investment Policy and Procedures

This session will provide as a reminder, along with factors to consider, relative to the County's Investment Policy and the Public Funds Investment Act (PFIA). The session will also consider procedures for designated investment officers and treasury staff of the county.
Mr. Ken Couch, National Director, Client Advisory Services, Texas Fixed Income Trust ("TX FIT")
1:50-2:50 p.m. Tech Tips & Tricks

Frustrated by spreadsheets? Feeling overwhelmed with email? Learn some of the top tips and tricks for Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Outlook to help you become more efficient, organized and productive. Software now has more features than ever, and most people have less time than ever to learn. In less than an hour, we'll cover some favorite tricks and expert tips to help in your day-to-day work. No matter what version of Microsoft Office you use or your proficiency with software, all are welcome!
Ms. Isabel Garcia, Double Click Trainers
2:50-3:10 p.m. Break With Exhibitors (Veramendi A-D)
3:10-4 p.m. Your Chair Doesn’t Restrain You: Health at Your Desk

Attendees will learn why physical activity and fitness is important and how we can incorporate simple exercises and stretches throughout the workday to improve our overall health.
Ms. Ashley Cureton, Wellness Consultant, Texas Association of Counties
4-4:50 p.m. Unclaimed Physical Property

This presentation will include information about unclaimed physical property as it relates to lost and
found and the treasurer’s role. We will also discuss confiscated property whether from entering the
courthouse or the jail.
Hon. Dianna Spieker, Tom Green County Treasurer
Capt. Todd A. Allen, Jail Administrator, Tom Green County Jail
Thursday, April 22
7:30-11 a.m. Registration Desk and Information Desk (Veramendi Ballroom Foyer)
7:30-8 a.m. Morning Coffee (Veramendi Ballroom Foyer)
Veramendi E-J Ballroom
8-8:50 a.m. Demographics in Texas and the 2020 Census

This presentation will provide an overview of Texas demographic characteristics and trends for counties and regions of the state. The importance of a complete census count will be reviewed along with strategies that local governments can employ to encourage participation.
Dr. Lloyd Potter, State Demographer, Texas Demographic Center
8:50-9:40 a.m. COVID-19 and Workers' Compensation: A Year in Review

2020 presented so many obstacles due to the pandemic that we not so affectionately know as COVID-19. First responders and many other county employees on the front line were exposed to this communicable disease. Come to this session to learn about the handling of COVID-19 claims under the Workers' Compensation Act, about county reporting responsibilities involving this disease and about other considerations as the light at the end of the tunnel begins to appear.
Ms. Stacy Corluccio, Claims Manager, Texas Association of Counties
9:40-10 a.m. Break (Veramendi Ballroom Foyer)
10-10:50 a.m. Getting to Know the County Government System — Sheriff

Get a good look at the office of county sheriff and how it affects the treasurer’s functions. Learn how all must work together to get the job done.
Hon. Ray Scifres, Hockley County Sheriff
10:50-11:40 a.m. $$$ Public Funds Investing: The Final Challenge

Come prepared to use your knowledge of Public FundsInvesting AND your cat-like reflexes as we seek to crown a Public Funds Investment Quiz Champion for 2021. Multiple choice questions are designed to test your knowledge of investment risks, controls, and compliance with the PFIA…but you’ll have to be faster than your colleagues to finish in the top three and win a prize.
Mr. Sam Vaughan, President, Basis Investment Services
11:40 a.m. Closing Remarks & Adjournment

*Agenda subject to change

Applications have been made for approval of continuing education credit hours for county treasurers and assistant county treasurers, Public Funds Investment Act compliance and County Investment Academy members.

All cancellation and refund requests must be received in writing (fax or email acceptable). Refunds requested before April 2 are subject to a $50 processing fee. Refunds after April 2 will be subject to an administrative fee equal to one-half of the registration fee. No refund requests will be honored after April 16. Please email Nino Miranda at ninom@county.org or fax (512) 477-1324 to cancel your conference registration.

Join us in San Marcos this April as 250+ Texas county officials and staff gather. This is a prime opportunity to display your goods and services to decision-makers in county government.

Sponsors and Exhibitors

Please complete a sponsorship form or contact Hon. Cindy Yeatts Brown for sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities.​​ Sponsorships over $1500 include a complimentary exhibit booth.

Booth Specifications

A standard space will be a 6’ table with two chairs and will be assigned on a first come first served basis. Exhibit space can NOT be selected until we receive both a signed sponsor form and full payment.

Schedule of Events

Monday, April 19
8-9 a.m. Legislative Committee Meeting
9-9:30 a.m. Fundraising Committee Meeting
9:30-10 a.m. Education Committee Meeting
10 a.m.-noon CTAT Board Meeting
1-5 p.m. Leadership Miniconference: Closing the Gaps Between What Sounds Good & What Gets Done**
*Lunch is not provided.
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