GFOA past president speaks at first meeting for new finance association.

• Position: News & Numbers - Government Finance Officers Association - Conference news - Brief article

GFOA Past President Kenneth L. Rust recently made a presentation on the value of a professional association at the inaugural meeting of the Association of the Financiers of the Local Self-Governing Units of Georgia, or the Georgia Finance Association. The group, which is affiliated with the Government Finance Officers Association, held its meeting October 23-24, 2009, in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Rust, the chief administrative officer for the City of Portland, Oregon, outlined a number of benefits to being part of a group like the GFOA or the new Georgia Finance Association. He noted that such organizations provide a source of expert knowledge, serving as a recognized source of information on matters involving financial management; promoting the exchange of information on financial management issues and resources; providing forums for discussing policy issues and developing policies and recommended practices; and engaging in research and consulting projects that produce best practice information for application by governments. Professional associations also provide education and standardized training...