Pittsburgh Chapter winter meetings.

• Position: Chapter News

The Pittsburgh Chapter held six events during the months of November through February consisting of one half-day seminar, one evening meeting, and four luncheon meetings.

On November 4, 2003, the chapter held an IRS Liaison luncheon meeting entitled "The Joint Audit Planning Process." The luncheon speakers included John Niederst, Case Manager, LMSB, and Ron Loncharich, Territory Manager, Natural Resources, LMSB. John and Ron presented the TEI/IRS video on the Joint Audit Planning Process and answered questions regarding the LMSB initiative to make IRS audits more effective and efficient for both the IRS and taxpayers.

The chapter's annual state and local half-day seminar was held on November 19th. Chuck Potter of Pepper Hamilton opened the seminar with a discussion of recent developments in Pennsylvania taxes. Several Deloitte tax experts (including Jeff Kessel, William Poad, Dave Hurrell, Richard Sloniker, Ed Kenawell, and Josiah Osibodu) discussed various legislative changes in state taxes.

The Chapter's holiday luncheon was held on December 10th. Linda Burke, who recently left the Internal Revenue Service where she served as Large and Mid-Size Business Division Counsel, gave her impressions and relayed her experiences while at the IRS. Ms. Burke's many years in industry enabled her to impart a unique perspective on current tax events and the relationship between industry and the IRS.

On January 7th, Harry (Hal) Hicks, Associate Chief Counsel-International, addressed the Chapter and some questions from the Pittsburgh Tax Club. Mr. Hicks gave a great presentation and also was kind enough to stay after the meeting for a roundtable discussion with international practitioners.

Mr. Hicks gave the group an update of hot issues in the International area, addressing the...