Addendum ... final kudos and encomiums.

• Author: McCormally, Timothy J.
• Position: Less Taxing Matters

I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the hospitality and courtesies extended to me on my "farewell tour," which included visits with leaders of six TEI Chapters in October and November. Mid-October found me in Des Moines, where the chapter not only hosted an excellent legislative update session but gave me an opportunity to reminisce about my tenure with TEI and the founding of the Iowa Chapter in 1996. The October 16 meeting also afforded me the chance to be on hand to see the chapter recognize the contributions of its 2011-2012 President, Todd Beuse of Meredith Corporation. It was also at this meeting that the chapter announced, on behalf of the entire organization, that it has worked with Eli Dicker and TEI's Executive Committee to endow a scholarship in my name at the University of Iowa. Special thanks to Bob Birch of Welmark (Chapter Representative), Rob Scallon of Wells Fargo Bank (this year's Chapter President), and Rick Wireman of Principal Financial Group, who is the Institute's Vice President-Region V. On hand for the announcement was my nephew Thomas Lindner who works in the Principal Financial Group's IT group. What a classy thing to do!

The following week, just days before my last Annual Conference, I made my first trip to the Austin Chapter ... ever. Louis Mestier of Hanger, who is doing double duty as Chapter President and Chapter Representative, chauffeured me from his office to the Dell campus where the assembled group heard an informative presentation on implementation of the IRS's "tangibles" regulations. Louis humbled me by announcing the chapter's decision to help fund the Iowa scholarship. Among the members I had a chance to talk with on October 24 was Melissa Tyner of Dell, who will serve as the chapter's president next year. The chapter will be in excellent hands.

The second full week of November found me in Ohio and Oklahoma. On November 13, the Cincinnati Chapter held its annual scholarship night in Columbus, combining presentations to several deserving students with a fabulous Chief Tax Officer Round Table. Bruce Thompson of Nationwide, the chapter's representative on the Institute's Board of Directors, and Craig Schmidtgesling of Givaudan Flavors Corporation, made me feel right at home, announcing the chapter's donation to the Iowa scholarship fund and presenting this Hawkeye with a great Ohio State Buckeyes fleece. Bruce served as my driver, giving me an informative tour of Columbus, treating me to a great...