Conference of the County Investment Academy

June 12 - 14, 2023

Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel & Conference Center
1101 Woodlawn Ave.
Georgetown, TX 78628
(737) 444-2700

Online registration is closed. You may register onsite.

For more information, contact Deanna Auert or Amy Lawson at (800) 456‑5974.

Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel & Conference Center 
1101 Woodlawn Ave.
Georgetown, TX 78628
(737) 444-2700

Education Co-Sponsor: McCoy College of Business at Texas State University

The Conference of the County Investment Academy brings together investment officers, economists and other experts to discuss the leading influences on the economy and trends in investing. This training is open to all county officials and staff members who want to learn more about county investment operations. The annual conference features roundtable discussions by portfolio size to meet your investing needs. Join us for 15 hours of discussions on timely public-funds investing topics.

Continuing Education/Prerequisites

The McCoy College of Business at Texas State University is the education co-sponsor of the Conference of the County Investment Academy. There are no prerequisites to attend this program.

Fifteen hours of continuing education are approved for County Investment Academy members. CPAs, auditors, treasurers, clerks, commissioners and tax assessor-collectors may also earn credit toward mandatory continuing education requirements.

County Investment Academy

The County Investment Academy is a partnership between the Texas Association of Counties and the McCoy College of Business at Texas State University to work together in the planning of education programs for county officials and employees.

  • Membership in the academy is acquired through completion of the Basics of County Investments Course or completion of a previous County Investment Officer (CIO) Level I course.
  • Fifteen academy hours per calendar year are required to maintain membership, with five outside hours and five carryover hours allowed per year.

Registration Fees

Registration Type Before May 20 After May 20
County Official or Employee $250 $275
City, School or Special District $305 $355
Nongovernment $500 $550
     
1-Day Registration, Tuesday, June 13 Only $150 $150

Please make checks payable to Texas Association of Counties.

Sponsors and Vendors

For information on sponsorship opportunities, please click here or contact Deanna Auert.

Special Services

To ensure that our conference is ADA-accessible to all, please contact Deanna Auert or Amy Lawson at (800) 456‑5974 if you need assistance.

Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel & Conference Center (SOLD OUT)
1101 Woodlawn Ave.
Georgetown, TX 78628
(737) 444-2700

The Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel & Conference Center is the host hotel. To receive the $169 single/double conference room rate, call (800) 477‑3340 and ask for the "2023 Conference of the County Investment Academy" room block. Please reserve your hotel room before the group rate cutoff of May 20, after which availability and rates are no longer guaranteed. Or click here to reserve your room online.

Parking:
Self-parking: Complimentary

Hotel Cancellation

If you must cancel a room reservation, please notify Deanna Auert. In the event of a waitlist, this gives others the opportunity to stay at the host hotel.

Surrounding Hotels:

Best Western Plus Georgetown 600 San Gabriel Village Blvd Georgetown, TX 78626 (512) 868-8555 Approximately 2 miles from the host hotel.

Holiday Inn Express 431 I-35 Georgetown, TX 78628 (512) 591-7890 Approximately 1.5 miles from the host hotel.

Candlewood Suites Georgetown 451 N Interstate Hwy 35 Georgetown, TX 78628 (512) 591-7888 Approximately 1.5 miles from the host hotel.

Monday, June 12
5-6:30 p.m. Welcome Reception
Here's a great opportunity to network with fellow attendees over beverages and hors d'oeuvres.
Tuesday, June 13
Noon-1 p.m. Recognition Luncheon
All conference attendees are invited to this special luncheon honoring those who have pursued excellence in investment education for five, 10, 15 and 20 years. Those who completed the Basics of County Investments Course in 2023 and are new members of TAC's County Investment Academy will also be recognized.
Monday, June 12
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Registration
1 p.m.

The Economic Outlook for the Texas Economy
This session will offer a perspective on the current state of the Texas economy and the factors influencing future growth, including major policy issues. Dr. Ray Perryman will also summarize his projections for key economic indicators as well as the industries and geographic areas likely to lead the way.

Dr. Ray Perryman, President/CEO, The Perryman Group

2-2:10 p.m. Break
2:10-3 p.m.

Interest rates are up. Do I need to worry about Arbitrage Rebate?
This session will discuss the impact of the rising interest rates on the rebate and yield restriction requirements for issuers of tax-exempt bonds. We will cover the general rebate requirements; some of the calculation basics; discuss the difference between arbitrage rebate and yield restriction; cover some of the exceptions to rebate and review IRS enforcement.

Mr. Brian Helming, Managing Director, Head of Arbitrage Rebate, Hilltop Securities Asset Management, LLC

3-3:50 p.m.

SVB, Signature, and Credit Suisse: The What, Why, and How of Bank Failures
This session will examine the recent bank failures and what it means for your county.

Dr. William Chittenden, CTP, Associate Professor of Finance, McCoy College of Business Administration, Texas State University

3:50-4:10 p.m. Break
4:10-5 p.m.

Evaluating Broker/Client Relationships
Broker/client relationships are discussed to show attendees how brokers work with counties. We will discuss factors pertinent to selecting a broker and will hear tips on controlling the relationship.

Mrs. Amy Perez, Deputy Executive Director, Office of Mgmt & Budget, Harris County
Mr. Stuart Ford, Vice President, Hilltop Securities Asset Management

5-6:30 p.m. Welcome Reception
Here's a great opportunity to network with fellow attendees over beverages and hors d'oeuvres.
Tuesday, June 13
7:30-8 a.m. Coffee & Continental Breakfast
7:30 a.m.-3:50 p.m. Registration and Information Desk
8-8:50 a.m.

Working Effectively in County Government and Investment Committee Best Practices
Former county official review the need for building relationships to make your job easier and more effective. Look at the various county government offices and how each affects the others. See how they all must work together to get the job done. A panel will also evaluate an investment committee's effectiveness and simple strategies to increase their usefulness.

Mr. Alan Bristol, County Relations Officer, Texas Association of Counties
Hon. Judge Bradley, Schleicher County Judge
Hon. Renee Couch, Comal County Treasurer
Hon. Tracy Soldan, Kerr County Treasurer

8:50-9:40 a.m.

The Banking Structure Built To Serve Your Needs
Banking continues to change and how you structure your bank relationship and accounts can definitively affect you service alternatives and materially impact your earnings potential. This session discusses how to put the best flexible bank account structures in place to serve you in multiple rate environments.

Ms. Linda Patterson, Director of Consulting, Meeder Investment Management

9:40-10 a.m. Break
10-10:50 a.m.

The Federal Reserve
The session would examine the Federal Reserve, the tools it uses to influence the economy and what it means for you as a county official.

Dr. Holland Toles, Senior Lecturer, McCoy College of Business Administration, Texas State University

10:50-11:40 a.m.

Internet Resources for Public Entities
In this session we'll share internet sources relevant to public funds investors. Well show you how to perform broker/dealer background checks, where to find credit ratings data, and share sources for current and historical economic releases and quarterly benchmark data. Participants will learn exactly where to find the knowledge and key information needed to thrive in today's uncertain interest rate environment.

Mr. Greg Warner, Managing Director, Co-Head of Municipal Cash Management, Hilltop Securities Asset Management, LLC

11:40 a.m.-1 p.m.

Recognition Luncheon
All conference attendees are invited to this special luncheon honoring those who have pursued excellence in investment education for five, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years. Those who completed the Basics of County Investments Course in 2023 and are new members of TAC's County Investment Academy will also be recognized.

Sponsored by: Texas Regional Bank

1-1:50 p.m.

What Are Others Doing That You Are Missing Out On? Choose Your Own Adventure, Eligible Securities Concurrent Breakouts
Hear from subject matter experts and your peers who discuss various security types that are allowed or prohibited by the Public Funds Investment Act.

Sweeps, Other Deposit Products and Money Market Mutual Funds - Breakout #1
Ms. Joanna Caudillo, Executive Director, Sr. Relationship Manager, Texas Capital Bank
Mrs. Amy Perez, Deputy Executive Director, Office of Mgmt & Budget, Harris County

Certificates of Deposits - Breakout #2
Mr. Samuel Vaughan, Associate Financial Advisor, Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
Mr. Carlos Pereda, Dimmit County Auditor

Local Government Investment Pools - Breakout #3
Mr. Zach Brewer, Director of Investment Services, Texas CLASS
Hon. Tambra Kile, Ochiltree County Treasurer

1:50-2:10 p.m. Break
2:10-3 p.m.

What Are Others Doing That You Are Missing Out On? Choose Your Own Adventure, Eligible Securities Concurrent Breakouts
Hear from subject matter experts and your peers who discuss various security types that are allowed or prohibited by the Public Funds Investment Act.

US Treasury Notes - Breakout #1
Mr. Greg Warner, Managing Director, Co-Head of Municipal Cash Management, Hilltop Securities Asset Management, LLC
Hon. Scott Heselmeyer, Williamson County Treasurer

US Government Agencies - Breakout #2
Ms. Linda Patterson, Director of Consulting, Meeder Investment Management, Patterson & Associates
Hon. Tracy Soldan, Kerr County Treasurer

Municipal Bonds - Breakout #3
Ms. Kathryn Perry, Senior Vice President, Raymond James
Hon. Renee Couch, Comal County Treasurer

3-3:10 p.m. Transition Break
3:10-4 p.m. Roundtables by Portfolio Size
Here's a great opportunity to discuss with your peers timely topics in county investments. Take advantage of this guided discussion to learn what other counties of similar portfolio size are doing and share your ideas.
Wednesday, June 14
7:30-8 a.m. Coffee & Continental Breakfast
7:30-11:40 a.m. Registration and Information Desk
8-8:50 a.m.

Investing in ARPA Funds
Effectively investing ARPA funds before they are spent can impact County budgets because all interest earned on these funds can be used to support the general operations of County governments. Discover practical strategies and best practices for local governments to maximize the impact of their ARPA funds through smart and strategic investments.

Mr. Garrett Macdonald, CTP, FPAC, Senior Vice President three+one

8:50-9:40 a.m.

Economic Update
Hear the latest on the economy and what important events are on the horizon.

Dr. William Chittenden, CTP, Associate Professor of Finance, McCoy College of Business Administration, Texas State University

9:40-10 a.m. Break
10-10:50 a.m.

Confronting the Global Cyber Storm
This session will include a look into the global cyber threat facing America, along with what Russia has/is doing against Ukraine in that conflict in the cyber domain. Then we will talk about what we are doing at Texas Capital Bank to confront the cyber threats and then conclude with what everyone can do to protect themselves.

Mr. Steve French, Executive Director of Cyber Operations & Risk Management and InfoSec Chief Operating Officer, Texas Capital Bank

10:50-11:40 a.m.

Public Funds Investing: The Final Challenge
Come prepared to use your knowledge of public funds investing with this interactive quiz game. Bring your A-game to compete in multiple choice questions that are designed to test your knowledge on what was presented the last day and a half. Questions will also cover investment risks, controls and compliance with the Public Funds Investment Act. In addition to bragging rights, the top three winners will receive cool prizes.

Mr. Samuel Vaughan, Associate Financial Advisor, Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

11:40 a.m. Closing Remarks and Adjourn

*Agenda is subject to change

The McCoy College of Business at Texas State University is the education co-sponsor of the 2023 Conference of the County Investment Academy.

Continuing Education Type Hours
Attorneys (MCLE) Not Approved by State Bar of Texas MCLE Division
CPA/Auditors 15 hours
Commissioners 15 hours
County and District Clerks 12:40 hours
County Investment Academy 15 hours
County Judges Not Approved by Texas Judicial Academy
Justices of the Peace Not Approved by Texas Justice Courts Training Center
PFIA 15 hours
Sheriffs and Constables (TCOLE) Not Approved by TCOLE
Tax Assessor-Collectors 15 hours
Treasurers Up to 10 hours

All cancellation and refund requests must be received in writing (email acceptable). Refunds requested before May 20 are subject to a $10 processing fee. Refunds after May 20 will be subject to an administrative fee equal to half of the registration fee. No refund requests will be honored after July 7. Please email Amy Lawson to cancel your conference registration.

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