Spotlighting ASA’s participation in the gem and jewelry industry’s largest recruiting event.
ASA participated as a sponsor at the GIA Career Fair in Carlsbad, CA this past October 6, 2023. The Career Fair is the gem and jewelry industry’s largest recruiting event attracting hundreds of GIA graduates and industry professionals. It is “where opportunity happens” and the central place for candidates seeking a rewarding career and employers seeking to hire qualified professionals to connect.
Candidates benefit from career coaching opportunities featuring one-on-one conservations with industry professionals providing invaluable insights and new perspectives. The diverse group of companies represented included recruiters from iconic brands, top design houses, innovative start-ups and associations like ASA.
Theresa Brossmer, ASA, ARM, MGA® represented the Society onsite where they introduced ASA to attendees and provided marketing materials with details about upcoming gems and jewelry courses, Jewelry Appraisal Handbook, and student and Ally membership.
After the event, ASA’s membership team followed up with attendees who provided their contact information.
ASA’s 2023 Litigation in Valuation Conference agenda offers an unparalleled learning experience, specifically designed for business valuation experts. This conference spotlights the exceptional lineup of presenters, each a leading figure in their respective fields. Our presenters, comprised of esteemed valuation and damages experts, seasoned lawyers, and distinguished judges, will bring a wealth of experience and insights to attendees.
Our Current Lineup Includes:
Jay E. Fishman, FASA, FRICS | Financial Research Associates Jay E. Fishman, FASA, is a Managing Director of Financial Research Associates and has been actively engaged in the appraisal profession since 1974. He specializes in the valuations of business enterprises and their intangible assets. Mr. Fishman has co-authored several books, including the Guide to Business Valuations, Standards of Value, A Consensus View Q&A Guide to Financial Valuation and The Business Valuation Bench Book. He has also written numerous articles on business valuations as well as qualifying as an expert witness and providing testimony in twelve states. He has taught courses on business valuation to the Internal Revenue Service, the National Judicial College, the Hong Kong Society of Accountants and on behalf of the World Bank in St. Petersburg, Russia. He taught courses in Moscow, Russia and for the Slovenian Institute of Auditors in Ljubljana, Slovenia. In 2020, in full recognition of his outstanding services in the Society and contributions to the appraisal profession, the American Society of Appraisers gave him their Lifetime Achievement Award.
Kenneth J. Pia, ASA, CPA, ABV, MCBA | Marcum LLP Kenneth J. Pia, Jr. is a partner and the leader of the National Matrimonial and Business Valuation groups of Marcum LLP. With more than 30 years of professional business valuation and litigation support experience, Mr. Pia has developed a national reputation working on a wide range of complex valuation engagements. He has performed valuations of businesses and partial business interests for a variety of purposes including, but not limited to, family law matters, employee stock ownership plans, business damages, buy-sell agreements, shareholder litigation, estate and gift tax matters, and buying and selling businesses. Ken is a past Chair of the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) Business Valuation Committee and a member of the National Business Valuation Education Sub Committee. Mr. Pia is also a Co-Chair of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Foundation’s Forensic & Business Valuation Division. Ken is qualified as an expert witness in Federal District Court and State Courts of Connecticut, Florida, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, New York, Virginia and California as well as various arbitration proceedings. He has also rendered extensive services relating to court testimony.
William Scally, CFA | Marcum LLP William Scally is the national leader of Litigation Advisory Services. He has more than 20 years of management consulting experience advising clients on a broad range of business issues. As a valuation and dispute advisory specialist, William provides financial, economic, and statistical services to companies, with a focus on equity and debt valuation, business enterprise valuation, business model due diligence, and contract compliance.
Steven M. Veenema | Murphy & King Steve Veenema helps clients resolve complex business disputes both in and out of court, focusing primarily on issues arising among shareholders in closely held companies, litigation over intellectual property and unfair competition, and employment-related matters for both employers and employees. Steve advises companies, board members, and individual employees and shareholders across industries, including finance, high-tech, real estate, and retail. He also has notable experience litigating issues involving commercial real estate and leasing, insurance coverage, securities fraud, construction projects, and mergers and acquisitions. Steve’s intellectual property practice includes representing clients in court and before the Patent and Trademark Office and the Trademark Trial and Appeals Board in trademark prosecution, maintenance, and protection.
Neil J. Beaton, CPA/ABV/CFF, CFA, ASA | Alvarez & Marsal Neil Beaton is a Managing Director with Alvarez & Marsal Valuation Services in Seattle. He specializes in the valuation of public and privately held businesses and intangible assets for purposes of litigation support (lost profits claims, marriage dissolutions and others), acquisitions, sales, buy-sell agreements, ESOPs, incentive stock options and estate planning and taxation. He also performs economic analysis for personal injury claims, wrongful termination and wrongful death actions.
William F. Dolan | Jones Day With more than three decades of experience, Bill Dolan has been retained as lead trial counsel in more than two dozen trials and arbitration hearings in venues throughout the United States. His practice places particular emphasis on antitrust litigation, including state and federal class actions; intellectual property disputes, including trademark and copyright infringement and patent damages; labor and employment disputes, including class actions alleging violations of wage and hours laws; defense of consumer class actions involving the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and state consumer fraud statutes; and corporate governance/shareholder disputes. His trial work also has included matters such as product liability, takeover disputes, fraud, insurance insolvency, fiduciary duty, and breach of contract.
Jeffrey S. Tarbell, ASA, CFA | Houlihan Lokey Mr. Tarbell is a Director in the Financial Valuation and Advisory practice of Houlihan Lokey Financial Advisors, Inc. He has more than three decades of experience providing valuations, financial opinions, and expert witness testimony regarding private and publicly traded companies. Mr. Tarbell is Head of the firm’s Estate and Gift Tax Valuation practice, Co-Head of the firm’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan Valuation practice, and a member of the firm’s Technical Standards Committee. Mr. Tarbell is an Accredited Senior Appraiser of the ASA and a member of its Board of Governors. he holds the designation of Chartered Financial Analyst of the CFA Institute. He is registered with FINRA (formerly the NASD) as a General Securities Representative (Series 7 and 63) and a Limited Representative – Investment Banking (Series 79). He has testified in various forums, including state, federal, and tax courts, a congressional hearing, Department of Labor panels, as well as in arbitration, mediation, and deposition proceedings.
Thomas J. Rechen | McCarter & English, LLP Thomas Rechen is an accomplished trial lawyer and business litigator with three decades of experience handling complex business disputes on behalf of public and private companies in Connecticut and across the nation. He is well known among the Connecticut state and federal judiciary as a result of his courtroom presence and leadership within the Connecticut and Hartford County Bar Associations.
Hon.Lynda B. Munro (ret.) | Munro /Draginis PLLC The Honorable Lynda B. Munro is an experienced mediator, independent arbitrator, litigator, and consultant. After 20 years of distinguished service on the State of Connecticut trial bench, Judge Munro retired from the bench in 2014 and joined Pullman & Comley, LLC in their Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Appellate, and Family Law practice groups. Judge Munro began her independent practice in 2021. Judge Munro handles both family and civil disputes in her ADR practice. She offers mediation, arbitration, med-arb, private judging, and discovery master services on all civil matters. The same services are available for family matters involving financial, parenting, and custody disputes, as well as pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements. Her combined experience in family and complex civil makes Judge Munro uniquely situated to handle complex financial business disputes.
ASA recently held its 85th annual International Conference on October 1-3, 2023, offering a hybrid format for all disciplines, both in New Orleans, LA at Sheraton New Orleans, and online. In keeping the tradition of providing the highest-level of education for appraisal experts, this year’s conference featured more than 75 sessions of the most comprehensive educational programming available taught by preeminent thought-leaders from all appraisal disciplines.
Preceding the conference on September 30th, ASA CEO, Johnnie White, joined members for a golf outing, followed by a chapter leadership training that afternoon.
The official 2023 ASA International Conference kicked off Sunday, October 1st with a Welcome Reception, which included hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, allowing attendees to get to know one another and network prior to the start of sessions on Sunday.
Monday was the first full day of the conference with introductions and welcoming remarks from ASA’s International President Garrett Schwartz.
Next, Johnnie White, ASA’s CEO, spoke and then invited Conference Keynote Sponsor, Ariel Fischman, CEO at 414 Capital, to the stage to introduce keynote speaker, Nick Talbot.
Nick Talbot then discussed: “Attempting Everest the Harder Way”.
Following the keynote presentation, attendees adjourned to the appropriate specialized educational track they chose.
The first educational sessions of the day included Mistakes to Avoid in Litigation Appraisal with Charles Blau, ASA; Valuations in a High Inflation Environment: Update on Cost of Capital Assumptions by Carla Nunes and James Harrington; Appraising Food Processing Equipment: A Case Study by Carlos Lavin, ASA; The Beginning and Evolution of Valuation Around the World presented by Ivo Kostov; and Repair and Alteration to Jewels and Their Effect on Value with Duncan Parker.
The afternoon got under way with ASA’s Annual International Awards Luncheon. ASA International President Garrett Schwartz, ASA presented the following awards:
ASA’s Chapter Education Event Award was presented to the International Virtual Chapter and The Chapter Member was given to Fernando Sosa, ASA.
Next Schwartz announced the Real Property Awards winners. The Real Property Paul Wetzel Award was given to Mike Pratt, ASA, the Real Property Educator of the Year Award was given to Mike Lange, Jr., ASA, and the Real Property Appraiser of the Year award was given to Robert Solotist, ASA.
After a brief break, the awards then continued with The Jerry Larkins Volunteer Service Award given to Michael Salvadore, Jr. , ASA and The Sylvia Wade Olson Award of Merit went to ASA’s Education Manager, BV/GJ, Nathaly Alcocer.
Following the awards presentation, Schwartz recognized current Past ASA President Richard Berkemeier, as well as other past Presidents and the Board of Governors.
The conference also included presentations on: Introduction to ESOP Valuation by Eric Dollin, ASA, and Hillary Hughes, ASA; Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuation Update with Antonella Puca and Justin Kuczmarksi; Appraising Heat Treat Furnaces & Ovens by John Bouley; The Market for Louisiana Art: Two Decades in Review by Amanda Winstead; Modernizing Gemology: Applications of Basic Spectroscopy Techniques in Everyday’s Gem Laboratory Practice with Alberto Scarani; Appraisal Institute Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal (AI PAREA) by Ray Martinez as well as The Daubert Challenge presented by David Bolls.
After attendees continued to network and visit a variety of exhibitor booths, our presentations of the day concluded with: Expert and Attorney Insights: A Litigation Panel Discussion with Karl Schwabauer, Asif Charania, ASA, and Matt Woolf; Personal Goodwill in Mergers & Acquisitions: An Integrated Theory presented by Brent Sloan; An Offsite Tour of Laitram Machinery; Blockage, FMV Rental Rates & Fractional Ownership with Charles Rosoff, ASA, Mark Campbell, ASA, and Garrett Schwartz, ASA; Precious Metal Hallmarks: Identification, Verification, Location and Dating by Danusia Niklewicz, ASA, and William Whetstone; Statistics and Statistical Fallacies in Appraisal Practice by Mark Shirley and Necessary Preparation for Depositions and Key Distinctions Between Deposition and Trial Testimony Presented by Ed Kainen.
After a day full of networking and impressive educational productions, day 1 of the 2023 ASA International Conference came to end with the Rising Stars exclusive happy hour sponsored by Borrowman Baker, LLC and Business Valuation Resources.
Moving on to the final day of the 2023 ASA International Conference, educational sessions began immediately after the Continental Breakfast, namely: Estimating Growth Rates and Valuation with Roger Grabowski, FASA; Buyer’s Premium and the Appraiser presented by Charles Dixon, ASA; Inherited Land: Cracking the Code Using Archival Records presented by Beryl Hunter Lewis; State of the Jewelry Industry: Facts, Figures and Future by Harold Dupuy; Protecting Yourself from Complaints by Isaac Peck as well as Post Pandemic Reality: Working in Remote Teams with Carlos Lavin, ASA, and Natalia Szubbocsev.
The morning sessions also included: Evaluating the IRS’s Estate and Gift Tax Target List: An In-Depth Review of Recent Valuation Cases by Marissa Pepe Turrell, ASA, and Stephanie Loomis-Price; Interaction of Intangible and Tangible Asset Valuations presented by Justin Burgess, and Kurt Huie, ASA; Plastic Recycling and the Circular Economy by David Pietig, ASA and Alan Clarke; Navigating the Secondary American Craft Market Through the Lens of Objects: USA (1969) with James Zemaitis; Lab-Grown Diamonds: Screening Challenges by Guy Borenstein; as well as Determination of Value in Bankruptcy Proceedings with Christopher Caplinger.
Following the all-discipline network break, we had: The DLOM: Beyond Option Pricing Models with Sarah von Helfenstein; Top 10 Divorce Valuation Hot Topics by Ken Pia, ASA, Jay Fishman, FASA, and Michael Mosberg; THE PERFECT STORM…Convergence of Inflation, Climate Risk and Social Inflation by Peter Jagger, Kevin Madden, Brian Valery, and Ed Mazman; Confronting Documentation Gaps in the Legacies of Black Artists by Jennifer Mass, Douglas Bort, and Renée Vara; Hallmarks Around the World, an Advanced Session with Danusia Niklewicz, ASA, and William Whetstone as well as From Horror Movie to Legal Drama – Limiting your Liability by Jeffrey Rauland, ASA.
As the day approached lunchtime, our business valuation group branched off to their exclusive luncheon, as all other attendees were able to grab a bite and continued networking and checking out our exhibitor and sponsor tables.
During the break, attendees continued to network with one another while participating in ASA’s annual Educational Foundation auction. In lieu of the traditional live auction, the ASA Educational Foundation had launched its auction online, offering both in person and virtual attendees to take advantage of bidding simultaneously. This event offered a fresh and innovative experience with 31 unique items being donated. Participants enjoyed bidding both from the ease of their computer or live in New Orleans, while supporting a great cause.
Following the final session change of the day, the 2023 ASA International Conference closed with sessions including: How Can Valuation Professionals Play a Role in the Future of ESG by Adam Smith, ASA, and Carla Nunes; What the Pharma? A Closer Look at Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharmaceutical Equipment by Joseph Joyce, ASA; The Do’s and Don’ts of Charitable Contributions with John Russell and Sandie Tropper, FASA; From Madagascar with Love with John Ferry; Using AVMS if YOU Dare presented by Robert Schlegel, FASA and Byron Miller; and lastly, Federally Regulated Transactions and USPAP with Raymond Rath, FASA, Carla Glass, FASA, and Michael Evans, FASA.
The 85th Annual ASA International Conference was a memorable experience with forward-thinking discussions that won’t be forgotten by attendees.
The ASA Educational Foundation successfully concluded its 2023 Virtual Auction this past month. Held September 1 through October 3, the popular tradition was held in conjunction with the 2023 ASA International Conference.
The annual auction and your cash contributions, replenish the Foundationsfunds to give course-taking grants to needs-basis up-and-coming appraisers and grants to develop appraisal books.
Last year, ASAEF gave $13,212 in grants for seven (7) POV courses in PP, GJ and BV disciplines, and funded the development of ASA’s POV required textbooks for (BV, 6th Ed) and (PP, 1st Ed), and The Lawyers Book (1st Ed), which promote our profession and may increase ASA’s membership headcount.
Auction items included networking and connecting events, eat+drink+sing consumables, wearables+gems+silver, and valuation textbooks & software.
This year’s auction, along with cash donations received, raised over $9,000.
A special thanks to the ASAEF Board of Directors and organizer Carol Akers Klug, ASA for their support, to those who bid, and to the following donors:
ASA Headquarters, ASA Boston Chapter, $$ ASA Detroit Chapter,$$$ ASA Houston Energy Valuation Conference, ASA Houston Chapter, ASA Hudson Valley New York Chapter, ASA New Mexico Chapter, ASA NorCal Chapter, $$$$ ASA Philadelphia Chapter, $ ASA Phoenix Chapter, ASA Portland Chapter, ASA San Diego Chapter, ASA New Orleans Chapter, Jay E. Fishman FASA, Andrew Pike ASA, AN Valuations, $$ Analee McClellan ASA, Borrowman Baker LLC, Curtis Kimball ASA, Dennis A. Webb ASA, $$$ Douglas Krieser FASA, $$$ G. Adrian Gonzalez Jr. ASA, Gary Trugman FASA, Mona Miller FASA, Garrett Schwartz ASA, $$ J. Mark Penny FASA, Joel Forman ASA, John Borrowman, $ John Cento ASA, John Henley ASA, Kenneth J. Pia Jr ASA, Kuali Foundation Hawaii, Lynn Hightower ASA, J. Mark Penny FASA, $$ Sandie Tropper FASA – In Memory of Edie Yeomans FASA, Nene Glenn Gianfala ASA, $ Peter Held ASA, Ronald L. Seigneur ASA, Roger J. Grabowski FASA, Susan Golashovsky FASA, Sarah von Helfenstein on behalf of BVRP, Sharon Smith Theobald ASA, and $ Vicki Lant ASA.
We encourage all ASAs to give back (even $50 helps) to support needs-based aspiring appraisers and develop appraisal books. Your cash donations are meaningful and welcome anytime online at https://bit.ly/45Jr37V.
Learn more about the impact of ASA’s Educational Foundation. View three testimonials from grant recipients and the difference ASAEF has made in their personal and professional lives.
ASA Educational Foundation
ASA’s Educational Foundation (ASAEF) is a separate, nonprofit corporation established by ASA and chartered in 1967. The mission of the ASAEF is to carry on educational, research and charitable activities related to the advancement of the appraisal profession. The ASA Educational Foundation is a 501(c)(3) entity enabling tax-deductible CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS for individuals. A tax letter for the FMV of your contribution will be provided. Significant contributions include needs-based grants for appraisal courses, and to develop appraisal books.
The IVSC Annual General Meeting (AGM) convened in October at Maison de la Chimie in Paris, where 150 valuation leaders and experts from across the globe gathered for three days of productive discussions and networking.
During the three-day programme, the IVSC’s technical boards met to review feedback received during the recent consultation on proposed updates to the IVS. These discussions allowed them to reach consensus on many of the proposed changes, setting the stage for the anticipated release of an IVS update in January 2024.
Notably, the technical boards explored the possibility of revising the IVS publication schedule in two significant ways. Firstly, to extend the implementation period into 2024, granting Valuation Professional Organisations (VPOs) additional time to incorporate and adopt the revised standards. Secondly, considering a shift to a three-year update cycle from the current two-year framework. This approach is intended to balance the need to be responsive to market and practitioner requirements, with the practical implications of adopting the latest international standards.
The Membership and Standards Recognition Committee (MSRC) and the Europe Committee convened to further their mission of raising awareness and demand for IVS and high-quality valuation professionalism. This included initiatives to establish a network of VPOs and experts across Africa, and to foster university engagement in Europe and globally. The Europe Committee also allocated time on their agenda to consider the ongoing topic of ‘prudent value’, as outlines in the Basel III requirements.
The AGM featured in-depth discussions by the IVSC Advisory Forum Working Group and Advisory Forum of VPOs and other IVSC member organisations included three sessions with specific questions applicable to VPOs globally that were addressed in a round table format:
Session 1: Future of Valuation and the Valuation Profession included Johnny White, representing ASA and an IVS Sponsor, addressed these questions:
Impact of AI and Technology: Given the rapidly advancing technological landscape, how do you perceive the role of AI and other technologies in shaping the valuation process over the next decade?
ESG and Sustainability: ESG criteria are playing an ever-increasing role in business and investment decisions. How do you think this will influence valuation in the future?
Specialization Trend: As we see a move toward increased specialisation within the profession, what are the potential advantages and challenges this brings? Could this lead to a more fragmented valuation landscape?
Data Availability: With more and more data now available, how can valuers ensure they are utilising the most relevant and accurate data in their valuations? How has this affected the traditional methods of valuation?
Changing Role of Valuers: As these trends progress, what core skills and attributes do you believe will be essential for the next-generation valuer?
Client Expectations: As clients become more aware of these emerging trends, especially ESG, how have their expectations of valuation services evolved?
Training and Education: What changes are necessary in the current training and education regimen for valuers to prepare them for this evolving landscape?
Regulations and Standards: With all these changes, there’s a potential need for new regulations and standards. How can the industry proactively approach this to ensure that they remain relevant and effective?
Session 2: Growing Recognition for the Profession was led by IVS CEO Nick Talbot:
Global Recognition:(Nick Talbot) To what extent do you feel there’s a need for a more globally recognised valuation profession? How does this align with your organization’s views?
Benefits for VPOs (Ben Elder) What benefits or advantages do you anticipate for VPOs with the establishment of a more globally recognised valuation profession? Are there specific examples from your organization or market?
VPOs’ Position (Amelia Hodge) How eager or hesitant are VPOs, including your own organization, to champion or endorse this global recognition? What motivates this stance?
Challenges and Barriers:(Dave Bunton) In the journey towards global recognition, what do you see as the main barriers or challenges? Are there specific experiences or insights from your market or organization that highlight these obstacles?
How would a global recognised valuation professional body benefit international property companies? (Christian Luft) How would an International Property Business embrace a global Valuation Profession? What would be the challenges and impacts on business and its clients?
Session 3: How is ESG shaping the Valuation Landscape was moderated by Jack Beckwith, ASA’s Representative for the AFWG?
The ESG Evolution: How have you seen the significance of ESG principles shift within the valuation sector over the past decade? In what ways do you believe it’s still evolving?
Valuers and Adaptation: With ESG increasingly factoring into valuation practices, how are valuers adjusting their methodologies and approaches to address these concerns adequately?
Client Dynamics: How have client expectations regarding ESG and valuation changed in recent years? Are there specific ESG-related demands or questions clients are bringing forward more frequently now?
Regulatory Landscape: As ESG becomes more integrated into valuation practices, what changes in the regulatory environment are you anticipating? How might these changes impact the day-to-day work of a valuer?
Data Nuances: Given the critical importance of accurate and relevant data in valuation, how are organizations ensuring the quality and relevance of ESG data being used? Are there challenges specific to ESG data collection and application in valuations?
Standardization vs. Flexibility: As the valuation sector grapples with ESG integration, is there a need for more standardised ESG valuation guidelines? Or should the approach remain flexible to cater to the unique needs of different markets and clients?
Preparedness for ESG Shifts: With the evolving importance of ESG, are there areas within the valuation sector that you feel are still unprepared or resistant to this shift? What can be done to bring them onboard?
Long-Term Perspective: Looking ahead, how do you see the relationship between ESG and valuation evolving over the next 5-10 years? What should valuers and their organizations be doing now to prepare for the future landscape?
The key issues shared by all those attending is the continuous support of education in our profession and the recruitment of the next generation of valuers where the IVS serves as the framework for valuation bringing consistency, comparability and transparency to valuations of all assets and liabilities throughout the globe.
Jack Beckwith, ASA CEA, serves as ASA’s representative to the IVSC. He has performed and supervised valuations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe, as well as published articles for various valuation topics in Equipment Finance Advisor, the M&TS Journal, and the ASA Professional. In addition, Jack has been an instructor for ASA teaching Principle of Valuation courses. Honorariums include: ASA International Conferences Presenter and ELFA Annual Conventions Presenter. He can be reached at beckwith@eagi.com.
Posted in October 22, 2023 ¬ 5:45 amh.adminComments Off on ASA + IVSC–Spotlighting the Effort for International Accepted Standards for the Valuation Profession
Editor’s Note: ASA’s role as sponsor of the International Valuation Standards Council (IVSC) plays a critical role in meeting the Society’s mission to foster public trust of our members and the appraisal profession through compliance with the highest levels of ethical and professional standards. To learn more about this relationship we sat down with CEO’s Johnnie White (ASA) and Nick Talbot (IVSC).
Q: Why is the role of an IVSC sponsor critical in today’s valuation profession?
Johnnie: Today more than ever, valuers are working with clients around the world. Fostering the public trust through compliance with the highest levels of ethical and professional standards is a growing concern. Supporting the efforts of the IVSC as a sponsor helps to address this.
Nick: Sponsor organisations play a pivotal role in IVSC’s mission of enhancing the appraisal industry. These organisations firmly believe that by elevating the standards of international appraisal practice, we can offer immense benefits to businesses, fortify financial markets, and safeguard public interest. At the heart of this belief is the understanding that internationally agreed standards foster transparency, which in turn catalyses the growth of robust economies through confidence given to local and international investors and creates a favourable environment for all users of appraisal information. As a not-for-profit with a global perspective, IVSC is passionately committed to elevating the global appraisal profession through the universally accepted standards of ‘IVS’. Through this, our vision is to enhance the stature and trust in the appraisal profession amongst its stakeholders. Our sponsors are indispensable in this journey. Their multifaceted contributions – from providing invaluable feedback during consultations, active participation on our standard-setting boards, to forming collaborative engagements with regulators and investors – are paramount. The respect and esteem the ASA and its members command globally can’t be overstated. In unity, with our expansive network of IVSC sponsors and members, we are charting a path to refine appraisal practice. ASA advocates IVS for members outside of the US, and in the US where there is also USPAP there is a bridging document on how to comply with USPAP and IVS which is particularly helpful for work being done by US appraisers for international clients based in the US or elsewhere.
Q: What changes around the world do you see impacting the valuation profession and international standards?
Johnnie: The one primary change that continues to play a vital role for valuers and International Valuation Standards is the increasing demand for confidence by our global financial system.
Nick: Today’s global landscape is increasingly complex, with intensifying geopolitical tensions in regions like Europe and the Middle East, growing inflationary and supply chain disruptions leading to macroeconomic fluctuations, and an escalating climate emergency. Beyond the immediate human repercussions, these challenges will undoubtedly ripple through many sectors, the appraisal profession being no exception.
A significant concern emanates from the investor community, which is eager for enhanced consistency and transparency in the standards that anchor the appraisals they undertake or commission globally. With many investors operating across borders, it’s paramount that their asset and liability valuations are comparable, quality and consistent, ensuring they’re comparing “apples with apples”. To address this, the IVSC, in collaboration with our sponsors including the ASA, is leading a programme of engagement with heads of valuation from some of the world’s most prominent sovereign wealth and pension funds, institutional investors, and private equity firms. Cumulatively, these entities command an astounding $20 trillion in assets under management, accentuating their significance in the broader financial landscape. We also have a quarterly Investment Banks forum in NYC with the top Investment Banks in the world. Our overarching aim is to encourage them to mandate globally accepted valuation standards, executed by well qualified appraisers who have solid, top-tier credentials. These professionals benefit from the continual support and professional development opportunities that organisations like the ASA provide. This initiative is one of many concrete steps the IVSC is taking, fortified by the insights and backing of our sponsors.
Navigating these changes, especially amidst heightened market volatility, demands a cohesive and collaborative approach. In these testing times, the foundational pillars of our profession – impartiality, integrity, ethics, and standards – become even more paramount. Consistent, trustworthy data and information are what our economies and financial systems perennially seek. Appraisers, with their adept skill sets and astute judgement, will undoubtedly be at the forefront. Alongside these global challenges, technological advances in areas like Artificial Intelligence and automation, emerging skills deficiencies, competition for the ‘next gen’ professionals, and the increasing significance of appraisal advice in strategic boardroom discussions will shape the future of our profession. Some investors may also start to behave differently once sustainability disclosures begin from 2024 onwards in line with International Sustainability Standards which are backed by IOSCO regulators, and will again be looking to valuers to help them understand the impact of these disclosures on the value of their assets, and what actions they may need to take to maximise value. Collaborative efforts will be crucial in understanding and addressing these evolving dynamics.
The one constant in all this is change, and in times of change investors look to qualified appraisers to give them confidence to help their decision making and understand the value of their assets.
Q: You recently spoke at the ASA International Conference – what did you share in your address?
Johnnie: ASA will be hosting a new IVS compliance virtual course for machinery & technical specialties valuers. The new ME218—MTS International Valuation Course will be held December 12-14, 2023 with class times geared towards international audiences. It has been designed to prepare machinery & technical specialties valuers to meet International Valuation Standards (IVS) compliance. Course registration is available online at https://bit.ly/3PsMvYl or by calling (800) 272-8258 or +1 703-478-2228.
Nick: It was a privilege to give the keynote at the ASA International Conference in New Orleans. I shared my personal journey of summitting Everest after barely surviving the two worst natural disasters on the mountain, and the pride of being the first individual with Cystic Fibrosis to achieve this feat having once been given a life expectancy of 16. Drawing parallels between this challenge and my tenure at the IVSC, a significant portion of the success is attributed to the relentless efforts happening behind the scenes and being unafraid to aim at what might seem to be overly ambitious targets. Yes occasionally you might not succeed but if you succeed at everything then you are probably not truly pushing yourself to your potential. At the IVSC, much of the success is down to ambition to change the world of appraisal and is thanks to the dedication of our volunteer boards and working groups, comprising over 100 experts hailing from more than 40 distinct countries. Many of these professionals, including a number of ASAs, epitomise professionalism, investing countless hours to ensure the standards we propagate are in line with global best practices. But beyond the hard work, it’s the relationships and collaborations that stand out. Our collective endeavours allow us to achieve far more than what we could individually. Appraisers play a pivotal role in shaping our world, and both IVSC and ASA will relentlessly champion their cause, underscoring their indispensable role in our interconnected global landscape.
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To learn more about ASA’s upcoming ME218—MTS International Valuation Course, visit ASA online. To learn more about the IVSC visit www.ivsc.org.
Spotlighting ASA’s Houston Chapter’s Upcoming Rock Star Workshop
ASA’s Houston Chapter is set to offer an Expert Witness Workshop and Mock Trial on November 3, 2023, from 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM in the Bellaire/Galleria area of Houston, Texas and online.
The event will feature a mock courtroom with professional attorneys, judge and expert witnesses, and provide hours of CE/CPE/CFLC/MCFLC/MCLE educational credits.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the role and process of the expert witness appraiser or professional when testifying in a mediation.
Understand the role and process of the expert witness appraiser or professional when testifying in a deposition.
Understand the role and process of the expert witness appraiser or professional when testifying in a court of law.
Demonstrate proper testimony skills and the proper manner in which to explain and educate an opinion of value presented in an appraisal or professional report.
Learn the appropriate manner in which to educate a trier of fact about an expert witness’ opinion.
Understand the utilization of expert witness testimony to educate triers of facts, and learn an overview of the standards required of appraisers, including Ethics Rule obligations.
The conference agenda will feature presentations from nationally recognized speakers who are profession leaders, covering a range of fair value measurement and valuation topics, as well as other current and future expected trends regarding the FASB, SEC and international accounting standards.
Our current lineup includes:
Marianna Todorova, CFA, CPA/ABV | Kroll, LLC Marianna Todorova, CFA is a Managing Director in the Office of Professional Practice (OPP) of Kroll (formerly Duff & Phelps), with over 25 years of experience. In her role, Marianna provides technical and application guidance on valuation issues in the context of financial reporting, assists in the development and implementation of best practices and quality control, and engages with standard setters, regulators, public accounting firms, and professional organizations on valuation- and industry-related issues.
Mark O. Smith | AICPA Mark is the Director of Valuation Services with the AICPA’s Forensic and Valuation Services (FVS) section where he oversees the Certified in Entity and Intangible Valuations credential (CEIV), Accredited in Business Valuation credential (ABV), and Certified in the Valuation of Financial Instruments credential (CVFI). Mark is also responsible for monitoring and managing advocacy efforts that impact AICPA members in coordination with the AICPA’s FVS Executive Committee and Business Valuation Committee. Mark was a member of the Performance Standards workstream of the Fair Value Quality Initiative where he acted as technical author. The Performance Standards workstream was responsible for the development of the CEIV’s Mandatory Performance Framework and the Application of the Mandatory Performance Framework. Prior to joining the AICPA, Mark was an auditor with a focus in the technology and life sciences industries.
Mark Zyla, ASA| Zyla Valuation Advisors, LLC Mark Zyla is the Managing Director of Zyla Valuation Advisors LLC. He has over 35 years of experience in business valuation and litigation services, with a particular focus on valuation issues in financial reporting, litigation consulting and valuation issues in tax reporting requirements. He is a frequent presenter, author and instructor on valuation issues. Mr. Zyla has been a designated member of ASA for 31 years, an active volunteer and currently serves on ASA’s Business Valuation Discipline Committee as a Member At-Large.
Gary Roland, CPA, CFA, CEIV| Kroll, LLC Gary Roland joined Duff & Phelps (rebranded as Kroll) in 2005. He is a managing director in the Philadelphia office and part of the Office of Professional Practice, which interacts with financial reporting standard setters and regulars, tax authorities, audit firms and professional associations with the objective of supporting client facing efforts throughout the firm.
Mark Edwards, CPA, CFA, ABV| Grant Thornton Mark Edwards is a partner in Grant Thornton’s Valuation Services practice and serves as the practice leader for the Mid-South market territory. Prior to joining Grant Thornton, Mark served more than 13 years with Arthur Andersen and other national valuation firms.
Amanda Miller, Ph.D. | EY Amanda Miller is a Valuation Audit Assist Leader at Ernst & Young, LLP with over 15 years in the industry. She also serves as co-chair of the AICPA “Cheap Stock” task force (revising the guide in 2020) and was co-chair of the AICPA PE/VC task force for the guide that was published in 2019. Her projects focus on assisting clients in understanding fair value issues, and on valuing complex securities such as options, warrants, preferred & common stock, performance awards, convertible notes, debt and related embedded derivatives, loan portfolios and contingent considerations.
Vincent Covrig, Ph.D., CFA | Crowe LLP Vincent Covrig is a principal in the Crowe LLP advisory services group specializing in providing financial transaction valuations across multiple areas. Vincent has published significant research results and taught graduate, undergraduate, and corporate training classes at domestic and international universities.
This month we celebrate the success of the 2023 ASA International Conference, as well as look at recent strategic partnership/membership development efforts, spotlight education accomplishments and upcoming offerings; and issue an important reminder for members.
2023 ASA International Conference
ASA’s 86th annual conference lived up to its reputation as being the profession’s main event and New Orleans was the perfect backdrop for attendees from around the world to learn and connect. Over 600 professionals participated in the hybrid event with 75% participating in-person and 25% virtually. Outside the U.S., attendees from 16 countries were represented including Australia, Barbados, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Czech Republic, India, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Saint Lucia, Serbia, Spain, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.
Before the event, a line-up of pre-conference courses and golf outing were held. Congratulations to Matt Kaufman, ASA, Jason Kimball, ASA, Bill Tomlinson and Craig Warren for winning and Andy Dzamba for winning closest to the pin.
The event kicked off with an inspiring keynote address from IVSC CEO Nick Talbot, followed by two full days of programming featuring 70 educational sessions across six discipline tracks, the ASA Annual Business Meeting, ASA Educational Foundation Silent Auction, Welcome Reception, Awards Luncheon, Rising Stars Happy Hour, Personal Property M.S. Rau Gallery Reception and Post-Conference Tour, and sponsorships & exhibits from 21 industry partners.
It was especially great to welcome and host a group of distinguished guests, as well as a group of students from local universities.
For those unable to attend, be sure not to miss our full event recap to be posted to the ASA Blog and spotlight in the November ASA Valuer e-newsletter. Recorded sessions will be available for post-event viewing or purchase shortly. View our list of 2023 ASA Award Winners or watch a recording of the luncheon ceremony. Be sure to save the date for next year’s event to be held September 15-17 at the Hilton Portland Downtown in Portland, OR. Website and registration to open in March 2024.
Strategic Partnerships/Membership Development
While at the 2023 ASA International Conference, I had the opportunity to provide a sneak peek of a promotional video that featured member testimonials and showcased how ASA connects appraisers or those looking to become one with a professional community of experts to help advance their career or business. The video and follow-up discipline-centric shorts will be posted to ASA’s YouTube and TikTok channels and ASA’s website and promoted on social media. View the “Why Join?” video. For more information about ASA’s new “Why Join” phase in The ASA Difference Campaign and how you can help, view our latest announcement.
Also at the Conference, during the annual awards luncheon, we played a member spotlight video featuring Donald Osborn, ASA with special guest Jay Leno. View the Osborn-Leno video.
I also recently had the opportunity to sit down with Amy Timmerman of The Appraisal Foundation and discuss ASA as part of their Appraisal Talk podcast. You can watch the recorded episode here.
Earlier this year, ASA launched a new online member community called ASAConnect. The new tool is generating a lot of excitement and we are seeing a growing number of ASA members joining and using, including new first-time users. Members who have yet to join are encouraged to do so. View our “Everything You Need to Know” announcement for help in getting started.
Looking for more Message from the CEO updates by Johnnie White? Visit ASA’s online newsroom here.
Spotlighting why to support ASA’s Educational Foundation.
ASA’s Educational Foundation plays a critical role in carrying on educational research and charitable activities related to the advancement of the appraisal profession. This includes providing grants to aspiring appraisers. To help illustrate the difference the organization makes a series of videos were produced featuring testimonials from recipients.
Below are transcripts from the video stories of these three individuals.
John Henley (PP)
Hi, I’m John Henley. I live and practice in Portland, Oregon. My specialty is books and man scripts and archives, and I have been with ASA since 2008. But I’ve done appraisals going all the way back to the 1980s. I’ve been in the book business in some sense since I was a teenager in the 1960s, and so valuation has always been part of my job because people are always asking me, what’s this worth? In 2008, the book business tanked, and one of the casualties was my business. So, I found myself unemployed. And to make matters worse, the bookstore that I owned part of caught fire and burned own when nobody was there watching. I was in my mid-fifties and I had no prospects. Who’s going to hire a used bookseller? Well, here I was, the manager of the buying used book buying and rare book buying at just I started ended up doing a lot of appraisals just because there’s nobody else. Now, it just so happened that one of my clients was Senator Mark Hatfield from Oregon. Asked the senator, I said, could you do me a favor and call some of your friends and ask them which organization they would recommend? So, he did, and then he got back to me, and he said all of his friends in the House of Representatives said flat out, the American Society of Appraisers is the one to join. And I said, why? And they said, Higher standards of education. And so, you’re going to get the best quality education. A fellow by the name of Patrick Ila, who appraises personal property in Los Angeles, took interest in me and he said, well, when are you going to get your accreditation? I said, well, I don’t know, I don’t have any money. And he said, well, you know, you can get grants, I got a grant. And my education for all four POV courses was paid for by the foundation. Well, those courses changed my life. Those courses changed my professional and personal life. At the courses, I made friends for life. I’m not kidding people who now I will say, are some of my very best friends I met in that course. I also met the amazing professors Sandy Patty, the late Edie Yeoman’s and Fran Zieman, many of whom, everybody I met at that has now a dear friend for life. And I’ve worked with all of them, professionally and non-professionally, just pal around. What did the ASA Educational Foundation can do for me? Well, it made my accreditation possible. Educational foundation changes lives, and it changes lives for the better.
My name is Lily Yu and I am a personal property appraiser. I am a candidate member for the USA.I live in San Francisco. I work primarily in California, but I love to travel, and I will not turn down any assignments to work anywhere in the world, wherever I’m needed. I first came to the valuation profession through my clients. I’ve been an art advisor for over ten years, and it was my client’s needs that pushed me to become an appraiser. It was not a difficult choice to make. It was actually the natural choice to make and a natural progression. And I’m really glad that I’ve gone down this path. What is great about ASA training is that it is not just a how-to, it’s not just a training. And then they let you go and say good luck. No, they are with you. The organization is with you. There’s so much value in the POV principles, evaluation of courses, but it’s so much more than just learning how to research and write a report. Joining the ASA has connected me to a whole world of specialists and who are there to support me and to help me be the best appraiser that I can be. I am so grateful to the Education Foundation that has given me so much, that has given me the training and the support I need to be an excellent art appraiser. I love that I feel like my work and my time is going towards a very worthwhile organization that helps so many people. I am so proud to be a part of the ASA.
I went to specialize myself a little further in minority and noncontrolling value. We don’t have many guidelines and institutions in Brazil that we can study with. So I believe the ASA is one of the best places I can go to. I started working as an intern and ASA was always a guideline. I always knew ASA since I started working. He offered courses that I could continue studying with them to gain further knowledge. And I realized that a few months ago, right before coming to Miami. That’s when I saw the opportunity to be closer not only to ASA but that people who work for ASA and who are ASA accredited members. So that’s when I got more involved with the ASA as well. One simple course would cost like five to six minimum salaries in Brazil. So it can be very expensive for us to pay for this kind. Of course, ASAEF gives the opportunity to people that usually couldn’t afford to do a course like that to get access to this kind of schooling, being part of the ASA, doing all the classes with the ASA. When I go back to Brazil, I’ll be able to share this content with all the people that I work for, I work with, and I’ll be able to disseminate the knowledge with them. And also I believe it will be a trigger for many people that want to get continuous education to look for this kind of thing, to look outside of Brazil, to world-class courses and to gain further knowledge and to improve our market. Because it’s a very young market yet and it’s improving every day, it’s growing every day. And I believe it’s not only for personal growth, for professional growth, it’s also for personal growth. You get to meet a lot of people that share interests with you, but not only working know, after all, everybody’s a person, it’s not only professional, so you get to meet a lot of people as well. So it’s been great for me to being close to the ASA.
ASAʼs Educational Foundation (ASAEF) is a separate, nonprofit corporation established by ASA and chartered in 1967. The mission of the ASAEF is to carry on educational research and charitable activities related to the advancement of the appraisal profession. ASAEF is exempt from income tax as a 501(c)3 organization; thus, contributions are deductible as charitable contributions. The foundation is managed by a board of directors, four of whom serve as officers. The directors are appointed by ASAʼs Board of Governors and sit as trustees but have no other legal connection with ASAEF, which manages its affairs independently of ASA. The foundation is supported by contributions and proceeds from its annual silent auction.