News

Bennett Thrasher sponsored The ESOP Association's New South Chapter annual conference in Atlanta, GA on October 21 and 22.  The conference drew nearly 100 participants from around the southeast to discuss hot topics surrounding employee stock ownership plans, including the merger and acquisition environment, employee communication in a tough economy, distribution and diversification policies, and many additional subjects.  New South Chapter Officer Adrian Loud, a Shareholder at Bennett Thrasher, participated in the event.

Peter Stathopoulos, Bennett Thrasher's State and Local Tax Director, will be speaking at the Economic Development Financing in Georgia Seminar on January 21, 2010.  The seminar will be held in Atlanta, Georgia at the Cobb Galleria Centre.    Other speakers include Michael Diamond and Drew Marlar of Kutak Rock LLP, Lynn Gavin a sole practicioner, and John Gornall and Andrew Schutt of Arnall Golden Gregory LLP.

The Seminar is designed to communicate how local governments can use local, state and federal tax programs to attract and expand economic development activity.  Specific topics include Entertainment Tax Credits, Statuatory Tax Credits, and Getting a Deal off the Ground and will be followed by a question and answer period with the speakers.

For more information on State and Local Tax, please contact Peter Stathopoulos at pstathopoulos@btcpa.net or 770.396.2200.

For a triathlete, there is no bigger day in the 2009 calendar year than October 10.  For Haley Chura, a Senior Auditor at Bennett Thrasher competing in her first Ford Ironman World Championships, there was no better place to be on that day than Kona, Hawaii.  Chura, a University of Georgia graduate and member of the 2005 Bulldogs National Champion swimming and diving team, finished the grueling, 140.6 mile Kona course, in 12:32:58, placing 12th in her age division.

To compete in the the Kona Ironman, a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run, a triathlete must either earn a spot through qualifying or win a spot in the lottery.  Haley earned her entry by winning her age group at a half-Ironman in Rhode Island in July.

In Hawaii, Haley got off to a quick start, finishing the swim in 53:33, first in her age group and sixth overall among both woman amateurs and professionals.  She followed that with a 6:06:03 bike, second in her group, and a 5:25:38 run in the marathon.

Chura was thrilled with the opportunity to compete and with her finish in Hawaii, but is looking forward to coming back next year and improving on her first time success.

BT Wealth Management, along with Bennett Thrasher, hosted their Fall Investment Conference, "Uncovering Opportunities" on September 30, 2009 at Maggiano's Little Italy.  The Conference was designed to help individuals learn more about the current opportunities in today's financial markets by hearing from top investment managers and networking with other Atlanta business leaders.

Steve Barth, Partner and Chief Investment Officer of BT Wealth Management, moderated a panel discussion with Chuck Doty, President of Asset Preservation Advisors, Chris Hovis, Porftolio Manager of EARNEST Partners, and Milton Williams, Principal of Infinity Capital Group.

To learn more about BT Wealth Management or to inquire about future presentations, please contact Steve Barth at 770.396.2200 or sbarth@btwealthllc.com.