NATP's Tax Professional of the Year

Do you know a fellow colleague who stands out as a dedicated tax professional and NATP member?  Now is your chance to recognize that person for everything he/she has done!

Why Nominate Someone?

The NATP Tax Professional of the Year exists to recognize all those leaders who go above and beyond in their profession.  This is the highest honor that a member can receive from the Association.  This program is completely separate from the Chapter awards, in that it focuses on a member's contribution to his or her community, profession and NATP.

The person could have mentored another tax professional, been instrumental in a volunteer effort, organized a program to assist other tax professionals, the list is never ending. We know there are a lot of people out there who make our profession better, and we want to be able to share their stories with the rest of the NATP members.  This is the perfect opportunity to recognize a person who has helped you become who you are today in a way they will never forget!

We are calling all members to nominate a peer, a mentor, or a colleague, who has made a difference! The nominee does not have to be someone who is already recognized nationally by NATP, it can be someone who stands out in your own community!

How Does It Work?
Simply submit the name by clicking here and you are done! Nominate as many people as you would like. We do the rest by following up with the nominee for the required questionnaire information.

Rules and Regulations

All entries must be received at National Headquarters in Appleton, WI by May 22, 2009.

NATP's Tax Professional of the Year Award
The purpose of this award is to recognize those tax professionals who go above and beyond in service to their community and profession. 

Entry Guidelines
Board of Directors and compensated individuals are not eligible candidates for the Tax Professional of the Year Award. The following is a list of criteria used to select the Tax Pro of the Year. This information will be obtained once we receive the nomination.

  • Number of years candidate has been preparing tax returns.
  • NATP member in good standing for 5 or more years.
  • Complete a minimum of 24 hours of NATP education within the past 12 months.  (May include 8 hours of Chapter education.)
  • Consistent volunteer on either the NATP National or State level.
  • Must have involvement with their community.

    Awards Presentation
    The winner of this award will receive a FREE trip to the 2009 National Conference & Expo in Reno, NV to receive the award.  Award will include airfare, five night hotel stay at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, and a full Conference registration.  A plaque inscribed with the candidate's name and date of award will also be given. The winner will be featured on www.natptax.com, and will be given recognition in the TAXPRO Journal.

    Judging
    Each completed entry returned to the National office will be reviewed by National staff to complete preliminary checks of the required criteria. Names of all qualifying nominations will be forwarded to a selection committee to choose the final NATP Tax Professional of the Year.

    Deadline
    Entries must be received by May 22, 2009.  This ensures that there is appropriate time for fact-gathering, judging, and travel arrangements to be made for the winner.  NATP is not responsible for entries lost or delayed in the mail.   Candidate names may be submitted via www.natptax.com, the e-mail address below, via fax, or by mail.  The fax number to send entries to is 800.747.0001. All mailed entries need to be sent to: NATP, Attn: Tax Professional of the Year, PO Box 8002, Appleton, WI  54912-8002

    For More Information Contact:

    Jennifer Van Elzen
    jenniferp@natptax.com    
    800.558.3402, ext. 1129   

    or

    Chris Dachelet
    chrisd@natptax.com
    800.558.3402, ext. 1100

    2008 Tax Professional of the Year

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    Denise Madeira Named NATP Tax Professional of the Year

    When you mention the name Denise Madeira to either NATP members or staff who know her, the reaction is the same – a smile. Even before she was chosen as the 2008 Tax Professional of the Year, Denise was a favorite daughter of this Association.

    "My first contact with NATP was in 1985 when I decided to take a workshop on Partnerships and Corporations only to find out, after I arrived, that it was an advanced course," explained Denise. "I didn't have a clue." Quite fortuitously, she was sitting next to NATP member, Dave Kisha. By her own account, he heard her 'whining' and offered to help. They further discussed the class, followed by other business topics including Dave's membership with NATP. He made a lasting impression on Denise. "After that experience I thought – I am crazy if I don't join this Association."

    Denise didn't just sit idly by simply reading the publications NATP sends, or taking a few classes. Oh no – she's a woman who goes BIG! In 1987, Denise passed the EA exam and between that and her new involvement with NATP she saw a huge growth in her business. She went on to become the first Vice President of the NATP Pennsylvania Chapter. From 1991-1999 she was elected to serve on the National Board of Directors and then again from 2001-2003. In 2003, she proudly served as the President of the National Board of Directors. In Denise's words, "I was the sucker who said yes – and I am so glad I did."

    "Denise was the first woman President of NATP," recalls Kathryn Keane, EA, former NATP National Director. "Her unending love of NATP has never been surpassed. She is the friend we all want to have – generous with her time, never saying no. Sometimes she says later, but never no." The dedication to her clients, community, and NATP is one of the qualities that Kathryn finds most admirable about Denise. "You can catch her on planes writing cards, or taking notes during conversations so she can follow up. At the auction at Conference, you can find Denise in the back with her checkbook in hand," Kathryn continued. "That is Denise. Always there to help out those in need."

    On July 7, 2008, at the National Conference & Expo in Atlanta, GA, Denise was honored as the NATP Tax Professional of the Year. To be chosen for this award a member must meet many requirements, including a good-standing membership for at least five years, 24-hours of completed NATP education in the past 12 months, and volunteer service on either the national or state level. Denise more than fulfilled those requirements with her dedication to the National association, as well as sharing her gifts of leadership within the Pennsylvania Chapter.

    Paul Cinquemani, Director of Member Relations and Business Development, finds it easy to understand why Denise was voted the Tax Professional of the Year. "The first time I met Denise she was President of NATP. We quickly connected because she is such a genuine and outgoing person," he continued. "She showed such a practical grasp of the appropriate relationship Board members and staff should have in both business and social circumstances. When it's business, she's ALL business. And when it's fun, she's ALL fun!"

    It's been almost a quarter of a century since Denise has been president of Main Street Tax and Accounting Services, Inc. in her hometown of Bernville, Pennsylvania. What is most extraordinary is that her enthusiasm for her work, and more specifically her clients, has not waned in all those years. Her secret? Upfront and honest communication. "If you try to fool a client, you will get burned," advises Denise. "If you don't know something, you tell them you don't. I am fortunate that with all my resources and connections formed through NATP I can always find someone who can help, and of course, I rely on the researchers at NATP, too!"

    While she can see a future that might include more personal time and fewer trips to the office, Denise acknowledges that it would be very hard to let go. She thinks one option to fulfill her personal goals of spending more time with family, traveling the country, and camping could also be accomplished while still serving her clients. "As technology has advanced, so has our opportunity to serve our clients from anywhere in the world," explains Denise. "We no longer have to meet face-to-face to provide great service and excellent results for our clients. Who knows? You might just see me in an office on wheels someday – traveling the country in my RV!"

    Whatever the future holds for Denise is yet to be determined, but NATP members are fortunate that she chose to share some of her past and her present with this Association.

    Congratulations Denise, on being chosen NATP's 2008 Tax Professional of the Year.


    All contents copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
    National Association of Tax Professionals
    720 Association Drive, PO Box 8002, Appleton, WI   54912-8002
    Phone: 800.558.3402  Fax: 800.747.0001
    E-Mail: natp@natptax.com
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