This event is a combined monthly Lunch 'n' Learn meeting and audio conference of the Association of Government Accountants (Des Moines Chapter).

Lunch 'n' Learn topic is "Citizen Centric Reporting" presented by Natalie Storm and Patricia Townsend.  The presentation will include the completed Citizen Centric reports for the Des Moines Chapter AGA and the Iowa Communications Network (ICN).  The audio conference will follow with the topic, "Avoiding Surprises: Insights for Implementing the New GPRA Modernization Act".

The new Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) Modernization Act makes more than 150 changes or additions to the original 1993 law. Which changes are most significant? When is action due? Why were the changes made? What do you need to do?

John Kamensky, MPA, a senior fellow with the IBM Center for The Business of Government, and a longtime observer and participant in federal performance management issues from both inside and outside government, will address these questions and more. The GPRA Modernization Act builds on the basic principles of the original act. Thus, it can help guide a government agency on more effective use of strategic planning and performance information. Richard Beck, Ph.D., director of Planning and Performance Management at the U.S. Department of the Interior, has applied the Modernization Act to: create a more representative strategic plan; develop priority goals for key objectives; review progress with senior leaders each quarter; and implement an annual performance plan. The more focused and integrated approach required by the Modernization Act has made a significant difference at Interior, as senior leaders are using performance information to make better decisions and get better results.

One CPE is offered for the lunch meeting and two CPE are offered for the audio conference (3 CPE total for the event).

Community Service focus for the month of October is Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.  Attendees may make monetary donations at the September and October meetings.  In addition, AGA invites you to join our Race for the Cure team. Becoming a team member is easy! All you need to do is click on the link below and register for the Race for the Cure© and "Join a Team".  The password to join our team is AGADSM (all in capital letters).  Or if you cannot attend but would like to contribute your support, select "Support AGA Racers!"  October 9, 2011 is the deadline to join our team!!  Contributions can be made through October 21, 2011.

Click here to view the team page for AGA Racers.

To register, please select the appropriate member status and lunch type.  Please enter your name, organization, email address and lunch selection.  At the bottom of the payment screen, select your payment option.  If you choose to pay by check, select other Payment Option, then Pay By Check.  Please send your check to: Association of Government Accountants, Des Moines Chapter, PO Box 1351, Des Moines, IA 50305  with a copy of your registration confirmation.  Your ticket is not needed for admission into the conference.

For more information, contact Natalie Storm at (515) 281-8047.