Financial Executives International Summer Seminars Focus on Tax Risks, Employment Law, Crisis Communications, Business Intelligence and Negotiating

-- Speakers to Present at Regional Locations throughout Los Angeles --


LOS ANGELES, June 15, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Los Angeles Chapter of Financial Executives International (FEI) will feature its summer seminars series on five critical issues facing financial executives today: Tax risks; Employment Law; Crisis Communications; Business Intelligence; and Negotiating. A schedule of events is available at www.fei.org/chapter/LA/meetings.cfm.

Tax Risks -- Greg Dunlap, a tax partner from Deloitte & Touche, will speak on "Managing Tax Risks in the Current Environment." His presentation will include recent changes in the regulatory, accounting and enforcement areas; a description of various areas of tax risk and some common activities that influence those risks; and what companies can do to address those risks.

Employment Law -- Roger Mansukhani, a partner with Gordon & Rees LLP, will speak on "Proactively Managing Employment Liabilities and Avoiding Litigation." This seminar will provide insight as to the recent developments of law affecting financial executives in the workplace. Mansukhani's practice focuses on employment litigation and counseling, defending clients against claims of discrimination, retaliation, FMLA, and harassment, as well as wage and hour issues.

Crisis Communications -- Linda Press, Senior Vice President of public and investor relations consulting firm PondelWilkinson, will address "Crisis Communications: A CFOs Perspective on Protecting Corporate Reputation and Shareholder Value." Her presentation will analyze the stakeholder communications employed during recent disasters facing Martha Stewart Omnimedia, Tyco and Arthur Andersen. Press will discuss effective communications strategies that can dramatically impact the outcome of crises such as these, and present specific suggestions for CFOs involved in crises.

Business Intelligence: Fueling Business Performance with Information -- Dave Stark, President and CEO of Analysis Team, Inc., a Business Intelligence/Business Performance Management consulting firm, will talk about how information-driven companies are leveraging their wealth of corporate data to improve efficiency, competitiveness and profitability. His presentation will describe practical ways to integrate management process, data and technology to improve business analysis, management reporting and planning. Case studies will illustrate how specific companies have achieved benefits from Business Intelligence.

Negotiating Methods That Work! -- Dave Bowman, chairman of TTG Consultants, a member of Lincolnshire International, will present a highly practical workshop on honing our negotiation skills. Each day, we are negotiating with our bosses, subordinates, peers, suppliers, customers, bankers, lenders, regulators, auditors, insurers, etc. Internally we are negotiating with our own agenda, calendars, values, and beliefs. Different skill sets are necessary when dealing with each of these numerous contacts; the approach that succeeds with one may prove disastrous with another. In his presentation, Bowman will explain that how we define "success" for each of these contacts is crucial.

The seminars will be presented from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Thursday, June 17, July 15 and August 19. These sessions will be held in Woodland Hills, Pasadena, Manhattan Beach, Whittier and Los Alamitos, and are open to all interested professionals. Details on the locations where each session will be held are available at www.fei.org/chapter/LA/meetings.cfm along with additional information and reservation form; reservations are required. News media may call Roger R. Stephens, president, Los Angeles Chapter of Financial Executives International, at 323-727-0900, ext. 122, for reservations.

About FEI

Founded in 1931, Financial Executives International is a professional association for senior level financial executives, representing 15,000 individuals. Headquartered in Florham Park, N.J. with offices in Washington, D.C., the organization is comprised of 86 chapters across the United States and Canada and nine technical committees.

The organization's mission is to provide leadership on emerging issues concerning the financial community, personal and professional development, advocacy services and peer networking opportunities for chief financial officers, vice presidents of finance, controllers, treasurers, tax executives, and finance and accounting professors in academia. Other typical titles held by FEI members include assistant controller, subsidiary chief financial officer or controller, assistant treasurer and director of tax.

The LA chapter of FEI currently has approximately 400 members who represent a full array of industries including defense, entertainment, financial services, manufacturing, insurance and technology.


            

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