NATP's Tax Professional of the YearDo 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 has been set up 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 organization. This program is completely separate from the Chapter awards, in that it focuses on more than NATP participation, although that is a part of the requirement. The program looks at the member's contribution to the community, to the profession, and to 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 a better place and we want to be able to share their stories with the rest of the NATP members. Why not highlight some of those members who go above and beyond, who can be an inspiration to upcoming generations of tax professionals. What better way to showcase the tax profession. Many of us have had mentors in our professions, who have helped us become who we are. This is the perfect opportunity to recognize that person and show your appreciation in a way they will never forget! We are calling all members to nominate that special person in their career who has made a difference! The nominee does not have to be someone who is already recognized nationally, it can be someone who stands out in your own community! How Does It Work?
It's simple really. Submit the nomination form online or fill it out and mail or fax it to NATP. Nominate as many people as you would like. Rules and RegulationsAll entries must be received at National Headquarters in Appleton, WI by June 2, 2008. 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
When nominating someone for Tax Professional of the Year the following form must be filled out as completely as possible. Board of Directors, compensated individuals, and Chapter Advisory Council Chair shall not be eligible candidates for the Tax Professional of the Year Award. Nomination criteria of the NATP Tax Professional of the Year will include the following: - 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 2008 Annual National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia to receive the award. Award will include airfare, five night hotel stay at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, 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 in 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 June 2, 2008. 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. Entry forms may be submitted electronically over the web, 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 Click here to download a Nomination Form in .pdf format
2007 Tax Professional of the Year
Jean Millerchip Named NATP Tax Professional of the YearWhen NATP member Jean Millerchip learned that she was chosen as this year's Tax Professional of the Year, she found herself speechless. "And that's not an easy thing to do," she joked. While Jean would tell you that she's rarely short on words, she is better known by others for not being short on generosity to her family, compassion to those in need, and dedication to her profession and to the NATP association. Thirty-one years ago Jean began her career with a large tax franchise, moving on ten years later to open the one-woman tax business she now operates out of her home. She currently prepares about 400 tax returns each year, primarily 1040s and Estates & Trusts, a career she thoroughly enjoys. "This profession works with my life," said Jean. "I do the bulk of my tax work from January through April and I take my summers off. My summers are all about my grandchildren, going to NATP Conference, spending time on the Jersey shore, and doing what I want," explained Jean. "It's a good life!" Steward of Her Community Fortunately for her community, 'doing what she wants' actually means doing some wonderful things for those in need. Jean's volunteerism, simply put, is impressive. She is a very active member of her church parish, where she serves as a lector each Sunday. Additionally, she is chair of the committee that prepares and presents the Parish budget, and she serves as secretary of the Parish Council. "Jean's personality shines as she works with fellow parishioners, encouraging them to share their time and talents." said Fr. Thomas Ciba, parish pastor. "She has great enthusiasm." Recently, Jean became active in a program called Project Linus, an organization whose mission it is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth, and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. "This program began initially to give handcrafted blankets to kids who were on chemo," explained Jean who knits blankets. "It has since expanded to pediatric cancer patients and kids who have lost parents. We even donated to kids who were affected by the World Trade Center tragedy." It would seem almost impossible that Jean would have anymore time to give, but she somehow finds time to participate in the yearly "Letters to Santa" program sponsored by the Newark, NJ post office. Jean responds to the needs of underprivileged children and their families with gifts of toys, clothes and Christmas Dinner. This is a tradition she has proudly passed on to her children and grandchildren. Jean's generous ways do not stop with just people – she is also caregiver to some very needy cats as well. Currently Jean has made a home for four strays and one badly abused cat. "I take in the ones that nobody will give a second look at in the shelter," Jean explained. "I adopted two kittens for my son years ago - two sisters, one with only one eye. When I told the person at the shelter that I wanted that kitten, she thanked me saying that nobody else would ever adopt her." Wife, Mother, Grandmother Jean loves the career that she has chosen. She loves the community and state that she calls home. But if you asked her what her true passion is, it would be her family. She and her husband Tom have been married for 40 years and in that time they have been blessed with three children. Their daughter Kerry lives in New Jersey with her husband and their two boys, ages eight and six. Jean's son, Tom, has recently moved to Washington, and her daughter, Heather, and her husband live in Virginia with their 14-month-old son. For Jean, the upcoming tax season is sure to be extra exciting as her daughter Heather is expecting her second child, due in March. A tax-season baby! Embodiment of NATP Pride To be the NATP Tax Professional of the Year, one 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. Jean more than fulfilled those requirements with her dedication to the National NATP association, as well as sharing her gifts of leadership within the New Jersey Chapter. Jean served as a member of the National Nominations Committee in 2006, assisting in the interview process to choose Board of Director nominees. She was also asked to represent NATP at the Thomson Prometric Writing Workshop for the development of the new Enrolled Agent Exam. Jean also volunteered as a table captain at the Leadership Session at the 2006 National Conference in Boston, leading Nominations/Chairing Committees. While she gives of her time at the NATP national level, it's Jean's efforts within the New Jersey Chapter that have made it one of the most-admired and active in the Association. Jean's resume of experiences with the Chapter includes: past president, current Board of Directors member, editor of the newsletter and chair of that committee. She has been an instructor at Chapter symposiums and a State Tax Volunteer for many years, helping New Jersey tax professionals with state tax questions. "Times in the tax business have changed," said Jean. "When I started out I did simple returns. Nothing is simple anymore." She points to her NATP membership as one of her earlier professional decisions that has truly paid off over the years. "I have been a member of NATP for 19 years," recalls Jean. "The association has always been there to keep me up-to-date on everything." Deserving Award Winner "In addition to being a sharp 'tax woman' and business person, Jean is one of the more compassionate people you will ever come to know," shares Paul Cinquemani, Director of Member Relations and Business Development. "She is an extremely active and dedicated volunteer in her community and church, as well as in her profession." He continues, "Jean was one of the first Chapter leaders I came to know at NATP, as she was president of the New Jersey Chapter at the time. She brought outstanding leadership to that great and growing Chapter, having the vision and good sense to provide and plan for its future." The entire NATP organization commends Jean for her kindness, generosity, and contributions to the profession. Congratulations, Jean, on this well-deserved award. | 
