Author Archives: mdcphilly

Dr. Daniel Folkinshteyn Presented on Bitcoin: Features, Security and Scams

The Philadelphia ASA would like to thank Dr. Daniel Folkinshteyn from Rowan University for an interesting and informative presentation on Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies at our January 20, 2021 General Meeting.

If you would like to see Dr. Folkinshteyn’s slides, they are attached here: Bitcoin Presentation PDF.

You may also contact Dr. Folkinshteyn directly via his Rowan University page noted below if you have questions about how to value Bitcoin.

Dr. Folkinshteyn is a professor of finance at Rowan University. The presentation consisted of the following items:

*Overview of what bitcoin is and its strengths and weaknesses

* Safety and security in using cryptocurrency: scams, frauds, thefts

* Blockchain and how it could be useful for things other than cryptocurrency

Dr. Daniel Folkinshteyn received his Ph.D. in Finance and M.B.A./M.S. in Finance from Temple University, as well as a B.A. in Molecular Biology from Yale University. His teaching interests include corporate finance, financial markets, behavioral finance, and cryptocurrency. As a member of the Department of Accounting and Finance at Rowan University, he teaches courses in the undergraduate major. He is also the faculty advisor to the award-winning Rowan Chapter of the Financial Management Association, the Rowan Student Investment Group, the Rowan Cryptocurrency Club, and the Rowan University Gaming Club. His research interests include public debt markets, investor behavior, and cryptocurrency. Prior to joining Rowan University in 2011, he had taught undergraduate finance at Temple University for 4 years.

Education
Ph.D., Finance, Temple University
M.B.A. and M.S., Finance, Temple University
B.A., Molecular Biology, Yale University

Register Today for January and February 2021 Real Property Seminars

Dear ASA Members and Friends,

We wanted to let you know that we are moving ahead with offering Real Property Continuing Education Classes in early 2021.

Robert Luciani and his team will be offering the following Real Property Seminars:

Seminar Topics:

Multi-family Income Property Valuation

Understanding Leases

APB Valuation Advisory #8 From the Appraisal Foundation: Collection & Verification of Residential Data in the Sales Comparison Approach

RP Seminar: PA Appraisers/Assessors Certification Law

Dates/Times/Fees:

Download the PDF with dates, times and fees here for January and February courses here.

Registration:

Send a note with your name, address, email address and phone number and mail with check for the appropriate amount payable (see PDF) to:

Metro. Phila. Appraisal Seminars
℅ Blythe Kelly (609-502-4037)
135 Wells Road
Doylestown, PA 18901

Registration Information Required
Name:
Address:
Email Address:
Phone Number:

Advisory: Please note that due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the classes will be conducted with appropriate safety measures and social distancing. If any of the classes cannot be held, participants will be notified in advance and either credit will be provided for future classes or refunds will be available.

Jon Geeting from 5th Square shared insight on the organization’s advocacy work.

Jon Geeting, a members of 5th Square shared how the organization is working to improve Philadelphia and the region at the ASA Philadelphia November General Meeting.

5th Square is Philly’s urbanist political action committee. They formed in 2014 to support candidates for local elected office who are committed to policy change in the areas of transportation, land use, and public space, and to advance a vision for a more accessible, sustainable and equitable Philadelphia for all residents.

The name 5th Square refers to the last of Philadelphia’s five original public squares, Centre Square, the seat of City Hall, and the heart of our rapid transit network. It’s the literal convergence of politics, transportation, and public space in Philly’s metropolitan center.

Key elements of the 5th Square platform include zoning reform to support the development of more housing, amenities and jobs in the region, support for building livable communities with bike paths and transit oriented development and ensuring that we invest in our natural and cultural assets.

During campaign season, the organization rates candidates for local and state office based on their voting records, campaign positions, and support for urbanist policy goals. They then endorse, fund, and provide volunteer support for the candidates best positioned to advance our mission. Between elections, 5th Square engages in issue advocacy and rapid response to legislation, hosts events, and provides political support to other urbanist advocates, organizations, and campaigns.

5th Square is a nonpartisan political action committee (PAC) organized within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, co-chaired by Jake Liefer and Dena Driscoll. It is supported by a large extended family of volunteers and activists, along with over 500 small donors.

You can sign up for their weekly newsletter, which reaches over 10,000 subscribers each week. Learn more at their website.

ASA Auction for Educational Foundation Is Live October 11-13, 2020

Unlike any conference before, this year’s ASA International Conference offering will be completely virtual, promising a fresh and innovative experience, where valuers will learn and connect with results. Save time and money with our online format; explore the latest ideas, trends and best practices with leading presenters; interact and engage with fellow professionals via e-networking opportunities. Don’t miss this future-changing experience. Learn more here.

In addition, as always, there is an auction with a variety of items available for bidding to raising money for the ASA Educational Foundation. Bid today!

The American Society of Appraisers 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. 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 ASA’s Board of Governors and sit as trustees, but have no other legal connection with ASAEF, which manages its affairs independently of ASA.

David Rowland, President of 2nd Federal Savings and Loan Presented in September 2020

The Philadelphia ASA thanks David Rowland for presenting at our September 2020 General Meeting. We made a $100 donation to the Old York Road Historical Society to thank David for his time.

David Rowland is the President of Second Federal Savings and Loan Association and the President of the Old York Road Historical Society.

David will speak to us about what he looks for in appraisals as President of Second Federal Savings and Loan Association and will share stories about Old York Road as Presidential of its Historical Society.

Second Federal Savings and Loan Association of Philadelphia has been offering superior service since 1924. They are located at 1727 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, PA.

Old York Road Historical Society

The mission of the Old York Road Historical Society is to preserve and promote the history and folklore of the communities along and adjacent to the Old York Road from Philadelphia to New Hope with special focus on those communities in eastern Montgomery County.

Fall 2020 Update and Upcoming Event Summary

Dear Philadelphia ASA Chapter Members,

We hope this message finds you well and write to provide you with an update of planned activities for the upcoming months. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, we will be conducting chapter meetings and seminars virtually through at least the end of November 2020.

Dates and details for upcoming events are noted following and also on the Philadelphia ASA Chapter website and you can register for events here.

Business Valuation Seminar – Thursday, September 10, 2020

Thanks to the hard work of Frank Merenda and the support team at SOBEL-EAC Valuations LLC, the annual BV Seminar will be on September 10, 2020. The seminar offers a variety of fantastic speakers and topics of interest to many appraisers and service professionals. You can get last minute early bird discounts until September 1, 2020 but even the full price is reasonable.

September General Meeting – Wednesday, September 16, 2020 @ 6:30pm

A mix of appraising and local history – Hosted Virtually on Zoom and Free

David Rowland is the President of Second Federal Savings and Loan Association and also the President of the Old York Road Historical Society.

David will speak to us about what he looks for in appraisals as President of Second Federal Savings and Loan Association and will share stories about Old York Road as President of its Historical Society.

Second Federal Savings and Loan Association of Philadelphia has been offering superior service since 1924. They are located at 1727 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, PA.

September Meeting Agenda

We note that we will start the Zoom sign-in at 6:30pm. Our guest speaker will start at 6:35pm.

Following the presentation by our guest speaker, we will have our Philadelphia ASA Board meeting.

We have allocated roughly 45-60 minutes for the special guest presentation and Q&A and 30 minutes for our board meeting. Board meetings are open to all ASA members and candidates and are a good way to learn about chapter activities and build relationships. Register here to receive a Zoom invite to our September meeting.

Other Upcoming Activities

Details for our November General Meeting, when we will hear about the regional advocacy work of 5th Square, and other upcoming seminars are on the Philadelphia ASA website. One seminar that may be of interest is A Team Approach to Purchase Price Allocation and Cost Segregation.

We will keep you updated on a USPAP update or real property classes that may occur in December as well as plans for 2021.

Submit News Items for the Website

If you have professional or appraisal related news or articles that you would like to have highlighted on the Philadelphia ASA website, please send us a note or links here.

As always, we welcome your involvement and suggestions on how we can better serve you.

We hope to see you in the coming months.

Best regards,

Walter O’Connell and the Philadelphia ASA Board

Susan Galashovsky, ASA, Appointed to ASA Board of Governors

Susan G. Photo

Susan Galashovsky, a long time, active member of the American Society of Appraisers, has recently been appointed as the Personal Property representative on the ASA Board of Governors for the next three years. Having served as a recent past International President of ASA, Susan is the past Chair(and a current Director of) the ASA Educational Foundation as well as a current Director for the ASA Philadelphia Chapter.

As an independent Personal Property appraiser in Pennsylvania, Susan Golashovsky holds Accredited Senior Appraiser designations from ASA in multiple specialties. Susan completed her appraisal studies through ASA at George Washington University and a earned a connoisseurship certificate from Winterthur Museum’s Winter Institute Program for the study of American Material culture. She entered the appraisal profession through a retail background, having sold antiques and decorative arts for 20 years through shows as well as bricks and mortar shops throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Susan has developed connoisseurship courses in Furniture, Silver, Residential Contents, Ceramics and Object of Art for the Personal Property Committee of ASA for those wishing to accredit, gain a specialty designation or update their scholarship. She has been both expert and facilitator for subject matter panel discussions. Her appraisal practice specializes in antiques, decorative arts and folk art with clients in the corporate, governmental, institutional and private sectors.

If you have questions about personal property appraisals, Susan’s contact information is here.

The 2020 Business Valuation Seminar has been rescheduled!

The Philadelphia Chapter of the ASA will hold its 15th Annual Business Valuation Seminar on September 10, 2020 as a virtual meeting organized and hosted by the Philadelphia ASA on Zoom so you can attend from the comfort of your home or office.

We’ve also made the program more affordable because we understand that this has been a tough year and because we do not have the usual overhead of meeting space, etc.

The program will include a variety of topics presented by key thought leaders.

For more details, click here.

USPAP Continuing Education Classes Update

Dear ASA Members and Friends,

To say this year has been a challenge is an understatement.

Nonetheless, the ASA hopes to continue with USPAP classes before the end of 2020. If they are in person, there will be social distancing.

If they cannot be in person, they will likely be hosted virtually. As always, your trusted instructor Robert Luciani and his team will keep you up to date and informed.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out by contacting us.

Regards,

The ASA Philadelphia Chapter Board.