Our team in the news.

Did you see Laurie Siebert on WFMZ 69 News last week? She was interviewed about Women United’s funding for non-profits assisting women, children and families.

Plus, Elizabeth Wilson’s interview with PICPA went live via the organization’s CPA Conversations podcast.

We’re Hiring Entry-Level Professionals
Valley National’s Entry Level Professional (ELP) program is designed to hire a select group of Associates who can be immediately integrated into Valley National’s expanding “one-stop” financial planning business model. Ideal candidates are recent graduates of top university programs, or professionals with one to two years of experience, who are looking to establish a long-term career in the Lehigh Valley area. The ELP program will train, educate, and teach each employee the foundations of financial planning, tax preparation, and investment management in order to give them the skills necessary to serve and grow Valley National’s client base. READ MORE / APPLY

Service Team Promotions
We are pleased to announce the promotions of Stefany Allen to Senior Administrative Assistant, and of Donna Young to Vice President, Client Service.

Stefany has been part of the VNFA team since February 2018, helping clients as Administrative Assistant to Founder & Chairman, Tom Riddle.

Donna has been at the firm since 1989. She has worked alongside Tom and many of his clients as one of VNFA’s first employees. In addition to her role as service representative, Donna is Head of Clients Services and Designated Principal.

Both Donna and Stefany will continue to serve Tom’s clients as part of their day-to-day responsibilities. Stefany will also support other advisor and clients, and Donna will be providing leadership and training for VNFA service team members.

Our #TeamVNFA is partnering with Northeast Community Center for our 2020 Volunteer Challenge project.

Learn more about the competition and save the date for the Volunteer Center’s largest fundraising event – May 12, 2020. https://www.volunteerlv.org/volunteer-challenge

Meet our tax season interns!
They will be assisting our tax preparation team with document intake and digital set up as well as support on special projects.

All four students were selected for VNFA’s tax season internship program, which is in its sixth year. The program is designed to provide real-world experience for individuals interested in a career that may include tax planning. Tax interns are exposed to and participate in every part of the process, working alongside seasoned CPAs and financial planners in a professional office environment.

Jose is a senior at DeSales where he is a member of the Accounting/Finance Club. Last year, he completed an accounting summer internship at Victaulic.

Shane is a senior at Kutztown where he is also minoring in Information Technology. His internship experience includes Wenz Tax & Financial Services and Central Susquehanna Opportunities.

Jack is a junior at Muhlenberg and is working on the final stages of becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). He balances his studies with on the Muhlenberg football team.

Jeffrey is a junior at Lehigh where his accounting major is focused on an information technology track. Last year, he completed an accounting internship with Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites.

#TeamVNFA In the News
Financial Advisor Mike Ippoliti, MBA, CFP was featured in a special FISCAL supplement of the Express Times on Sunday – 10 great ways to maximize your long-term wealth.

Our Head of Investments, Connor Darrell CFA, was featured in a Lehigh Valley Business article last week about AI in the financial industry.

“It’s changing the role that an analyst or portfolio manager might have and takes away what might have been a time-consuming task, Darrell said. “I think it augments the process, just having more information at your fingertips. It gives us more tools to choose from.” READ MORE at lvb.com

We welcome Lorin Ross to the VNFA Team! Lorin joined us in the full-time position of Finance Associate. She has seven years of experience in operational and technical accounting.

Lorin will work out of VNFA’s Bethlehem headquarters as part of the internal finance and accounting department under the supervision of Elizabeth Wilson, CPA who has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer. She will manage all aspects of wealth management fee billing and commissions, as well as help maintain accurate and reliable financial records.   Lorin has a Master of Business Administration in Accounting from St. Josephs College and has spent the last three years working as a Senior Accountant in Long Island, NY.

Lorin is also a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and has a Property & Casualty Insurance license. “I’m very excited about joining Valley National and I look forward to using my skills and background to help VNFA grow,” she said. Lorin loves spending time with her family. She lives with her husband of eight years and her seven-year-old daughter, as well as four dogs and some chickens.

A fresh look for valleynationalgroup.com!
We have been working with a talented team at Weidenhammer to update our website, and we are pleased to be unveiling the new valleynationalgroup.com this week. We can’t wait to hear what you think about the refresh.

Donna D’Imperio, EA
Client Relationship Manager & Tax Preparation Specialist
Years at VNFA – 20 Years

“I always preach to our clients that they should ask any and all questions they have, because I do not want them walking out the door with any doubts in their head.  If I don’t know the answer, I will get them an answer.”

About Donna: I work with Frank Stettner in the New Jersey office.  My many roles involve tax preparation, customer service, meetings with clients, effectuating money and account transfers and daily management duties of the Phillipsburg office. I enjoy the challenge of helping people with transferring estates. The best part of my position is getting to know our valued clients on an intimate basis, and I look forward to our new relationships.

Interests/Hobbies: When not in the office, I am usually outside doing something or spending time with my grandchildren.  I enjoy traveling and having new adventures with friends or new acquaintances. 

In 1985…

• Coca-Cola introduced New Coke (in April and six months later they returned to the original formula).
• Microsoft Corporate released the first version of Windows (Windows 1.0)
• Michael Jordan was named the NBA’s “Rookie of the Year.”
• Compact Discs were introduced to American consumers.
• Route 66 was removed from the United States Highway System.
• Live Aid Concerts in Philadelphia and London raise more than $50 million for famine relief.
• Hurricane Gloria caused New York’s stock exchanges to close on September 28.

Tom Riddle established his company to help clients with their financial choices on August 28.

We’re kicking off our tax preparation season. That means it is time to confirm tax preparation arrangements. Later this week, our tax team will be sending out customized communications to our clients with instructions and forms. You can also find these items and additional resources at our website: valleynationalgroup.com/tax