Schedule
Download a pdf document of the State Treasurer’s Conference 2006 agenda.Featured Sessions
U.S. & State Economic Update - Gary Thayer & Dr. Jack Strauss The US economy has remained strong despite a number of challenges, but can it continue to grow at the current pace or are we headed for a slowdown? Gary Thayer, chief economist of AG Edwards and Dr. Jack Strauss, professor of economics at St. Louis University and director of the Simon Center for Regional Economic Forecasting, will provide an overview of economic trends for the nation and the state. Update on Local Public Retirement Systems Many experts see lower returns for traditional asset classes in the future. In response, many pension systems have increased their allocations to hedge funds and other assets previously considered “exotic”. The chief investment officers from the Public School Retirement System (PSRS) and Local Government Retirement System (LAGERS) will discuss strategic changes to their investment portfolio, possible changes in law and other developments in the pension arena.
Breakout Session Topics
Alternative Infrastructure Financing - Transportation funding is a growing component of state budgets. Many states are exploring innovative financing methods, including public-private partnerships and specialty purpose bond financing to fund road and other infrastructure development. Banking Tools and Techniques for Improving Collections - With the electronification of payment and collection processes, agencies have additional tools to help speed up and improve their collections. Learn about ways you can "expand the pie" by using collection tools such as remote image capture, ARC, POP, RCK and other processes. Communicating Financial Information Effectively - Learn effective communication skills that will enhance your ability to convey financial information to citizens, the media and other groups. How Good People Make Tough Choices: Tools for Ethical Financial Decision-Making - What constitutes ethical behavior in the public arena? This session outlines the difference between ethics and values and provides useful tools and strategies for making ethical decisions. Investing Strategies in the Current Interest Rate Environment - DeMasi - Stark - Economists differ on whether the Fed will continue to raise interest rates past summer or whether we may even be in an easing cycle by late 2006. Constructing your portfolio to take advantage of rising rates or alternatively to take a defensive stance can impact your returns for the next several years. Learn from strategists and other investors on strategies that they are using. Short-Term Investing - Short-term investing is often a neglected part of an agency’s cash management program. Yet, an efficient plan to invest short-term funds can boost interest earnings considerably. This session covers tools and the various asset classes available to fixed-income investors. The New MO$T College Savings Program - In May, the State announced that Upromise was selected as the new manager of the State's 529 college savings plan. Learn about the new investment options offered, new ways to save for college, and efforts to involve public schools in the process.
Preparing for the Financial Aftermath of a Disaster— State and local governments devastated by natural or manmade disasters are often eligible for federal financial assistance. This assistance usually comes in the form of reimbursement for costs documented in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Too often, governments do not have systems and procedures in place to properly document disaster-related expenditures, thus jeopardizing reimbursable dollars. This session will offer guidance on how to prepare for the financial aftermath of a disaster.