NATP's Tax Professional of the YearDo you know a 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 a member can receive from the Association. We know there are a lot of people out there who make our profession better, and we want to be able to share their story with the rest of the NATP members. The nominee could have mentored another tax professional, been instrumental in a volunteer effort, organized a program to assist other tax professionals, the list is endless. This is the perfect opportunity to recognize a member 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! How Does It Work?
Simply submit the nominee name by clicking here. Nominate as many members as you would like. We do the rest by following up with the nominee for the required questionnaire information. Rules and Regulations NATP's Tax Professional of the Year Award
This award recognizes tax professionals who go above and beyond in service to their community and profession. Entry Guidelines
NATP National Board of Directors and other 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 in their community.
Awards Presentation
The winner will receive a FREE trip to the 2010 National Conference & Expo in Austin, TX to receive the award. This also includes airfare, a five night stay at the Hilton Austin and a full Conference registration. A plaque inscribed with the winner'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 that will choose a winner. Deadline
Entries must be received by May 24, 2010. NATP is not responsible for entries lost or delayed in the mail. Candidate names may be submitted at the e-mail address below, 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
2009 Tax Professional of the YearSandy Schroeder Named NATP Tax Professional of the Year On a very hot Minnesota day in June 1988, Sandy Schroeder decided to attend a local Chapter meeting for an association she had joined a few months earlier, but didn't know much about. She had been preparing taxes for more than ten years and had a thriving business. She forced herself to go. That decision proved to be a life-changer as Sandy was introduced to the Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Tax Professionals that day. Twenty-one years and countless contributions later, Sandy was chosen as the 2009 Tax Professional of the Year. That first meeting serves as a landmark in Sandy's memory because of the 20+ year relationships that began for her that day. "My life is so much better than I could have ever dreamed because I joined that group," recalls Sandy. "The people I have met have been wonderful and precious to me." One such person is Jo Ann Schoen, fellow Minnesota Chapter member and current National Board member. Sandy and Jo Ann roomed together at National and State NATP events and served on the MN Chapter Board together for at least ten years each. "Sandy always has a twinkle in her eye and is always looking for an adventure," explains Jo Ann. "Sandy and I spent our Orlando Conference free time one year using a five-day Disney Park hopper pass where we opened five parks, closed four parks, and went on every ride we could. We were exhausted, but had a great time." On July 20 of this year, Sandy was honored as the Tax Professional of the Year at NATP's 2009 National Conference & Expo in Reno, NV. To be chosen for this award, a member must meet many requirements including five years of membership in good-standing, 24 CPE credits of NATP education in the past 12 months, and volunteer work on either the national or state level. Sandy more than fulfilled those requirements with her dedication to the National Association, as well as sharing her gifts of leadership within the Minnesota Chapter. Paul Cinquemani, Director of Member Relations and Business Development, finds Sandy very worthy of this honor. "Sandy has been a devoted member of NATP since 1987. She has always been active in some way in her Chapter and her community and church, a genuine shining light," said Paul. "There were a lot of good, solid candidates for the honor this year, but none were more deserving than Sandy." Winning this award has allowed Sandy to reflect on her 32 years in the tax profession and how the story of her life intertwines with the story of her work. Her business was formed out of necessity and a choice to stay home with her children, Amy and John, when they were young. In 1992, John became ill and through the progression of the illness he eventually required 24-hour care, which his parents lovingly provided in their home. Although he was dependent on a wheelchair, Sandy believed that John deserved to go and do what anyone else could do – and he did. Jo Ann recalls many NATP National Conferences with John. "Sandy always made sure he would experience as much as she could offer him." She continues, "Many a time we used freight elevators to get somewhere that was not especially accessible so John would be able to do or see something. He was able to visit so many great places throughout the country." In 2006, at the age of 36, John passed away from complications related to his illness. In the hospital room with Sandy & Melvin that sad day were Phyllis and Dennis Meyer, a couple met decades earlier when Sandy attended her first Minnesota NATP Chapter meeting. "Now THAT is friendship," Sandy explains, reflecting on their support that day. As for future plans, Sandy is showing no signs of slowing down. Between her volunteer work with her church and with NATP, cheering on her grandchildren, Julia and Jacob, at their sporting events, spending time at their cabin with her husband of 44 years, Melvin, and serving her more than 250 clients, she will be busy. Being named NATP Tax Professional of the Year has been a humbling experience for Sandy. "I was just doing my job. I was doing what I enjoyed and wanted to do. That is just me." She continues, "It means so much to me to be chosen. It says the work I do matters." Without a doubt. Congratulations Sandy, on being chosen NATP's 2009 Tax Professional of the Year! | 
