State auditor plans visit to local luncheon

Friday, July 16, 2010

GREENCASTLE -- The chief financial officer for the state will be visiting the city as a speaker at Greencastle Greater Chamber of Commerce's quarterly luncheon.

Tim Berry, who was elected as Indiana's 54th state auditor in November 2006, will discuss the state's fiscal outlook Aug. 3 at Dixie Chopper Business Center. Auditor Berry has stated he is a "committed fiscal conservative" who keeps taxpayers first in recognizing they deserve a government equipped to do more with less.

As the Allen County treasurer, he cut the budget expenditures to the lowest cost per capita of any treasurer in the state. During his tenure as state treasurer, Berry returned 12 percent of his budget appropriations back to the state's general fund, and since taking office in January 2007 he has cut office expenditures 3.8 percent from prior levels.

Under Berry's leadership, late in the fall of 2009 the state successfully implemented a fully integrated financial system -- the first of its kind for all Indiana government, providing more efficient and transparent government operations.

Additionally, Indiana's annual financial reports have received the certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting, which is the highest standard available, from the Government of Finance Officers Association each year of Berry's tenure as state auditor.

Prior to his election, Berry served two terms as Indiana's treasurer. In that role, he earned a record $1.7 billion for Hoosier taxpayers through the prudent investment of state dollars. He led the effort to obtain favorable legislation providing tax incentives for families saving for college through the CollegeChoice 529 plan.

Through the 20 percent tax credit on contributions, more families will be financially prepared to meet the cost of higher education.

The National Association of Government Defined Contributions Plans has recognized Berry for his initiatives in financial education and literacy.

Berry is a graduate of Wayne High School in Fort Wayne and is a life-long member of Trinity English Lutheran Church. He serves as the treasurer of the Fishers Youth Hockey Association and is an active hockey dad.

Berry holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Bowling Green State University in Ohio and a MBA from Indiana University. Berry and his wife Kim are the parents of two sons, Ian who is a student at Craig Middle School and Colin who is a student at Forest Glen Elementary School in Lawrence Township. Since 2001, Kim Berry has served as the state director of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

During Berry's inauguration speech he said, "As auditor we won't often make headlines, but we will continue to listen, continue to lead and continue to make a difference for all Hoosiers."

To make a reservation for the Chamber's quarterly luncheon and hear Berry speak on the state's fiscal outlook, call the Chamber of Commerce at 653-4517. There is a $15 per person fee for all members of the Chamber. Reservations must be made by July 30.

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