I recently attended a festival at the local airport, where people from around the world displayed their artistic talents. I wanted to share one of the many photos I took, as they had just uncrated this beautiful carving of a Pelican standing on a piling. I had to take the photo from just the right angle so-as to hide the fact that everything in the photo, with the exception of the two young ladies on the right that appear to be standing on a stump, is actually painted on the flat surfaces of plywood.

I wanted to share this example of something that appears to be one thing if it is looked at from one specific angle when, in realty, it is something totally different if viewed from another perspective. When you analyze the information in your business, make sure that you look at it from more than just the one angle that makes it appear to be how you want it to appear.

On behalf of Red Wing Software, I want to thank all the brave men and women that are dedicated to keeping us safe and free. This is a special time of year for many people around the world. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a prosperous New Year to our customers, employees, partners, and suppliers.

CenterPoint Payroll features tools to handle the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Reporting. This function within CenterPoint Payroll allows employers to track and report required ACA information for tax filing purposes. The ACA Reporting is included within CenterPoint as a standard feature. Please note that Red Wing Windows Payroll Users who need to handle ACA Reporting are highly encouraged to migrate to CenterPoint Payroll, as ACA Reporting will not be available within Red Wing Windows Payroll. To receive more information about upgrading to CenterPoint Payroll, please call 800-732-9464, or email sales@redwingsoftware.com.

If this information looks familiar, it’s because I repeat it every couple years and I think it’s so important. We are fast approaching the end of 2015, and I want to point out some important information that needs to be considered before year-end, or shortly after the beginning of a new year.

Even if your company operates on a fiscal year, there are a few things that may need to be considered to prepare for the new calendar year:

• How is your budgeting process going for next year? Will next year be the same as this year, or should you be planning some much needed changes to make it better?
• Have you installed all of the latest versions of your software? You don’t need to (and shouldn’t) wait until after the first of the year to get up-to-date. Doing it now saves pressure later.
• There are new Affordable Care Act reporting requirements for 2015 that need to be considered for many companies. Have you collected all the information needed to complete the forms? Did you know CenterPoint Payroll helps maintain this information and can fill in the forms and file them electronically?
• How about retirement plans, and other items important to you and your employees? It is harder now than ever to find good employees, and we need to remain competitive in the marketplace to keep them.
• It is a good time to remind employees to update their W-4 information for changes that have occurred during the year like getting married, having children, buying a house, or anything else that might change their withholding needs.
• How is your budgeting process going? Oh, did I already ask that? I read once that “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always be where you already are.” Is it time for some changes?

So, update that important technology today, review procedures and policies, help employees be better managers of their information, and plan for the New Year.

- Ken Hilton, President

Red Wing Software’s approved forms vendor, Computer Forms Incorporated has created a simple tool for helping you decide. Please visit the link to learn more:

Estimate Your ACA Filing Requirement!

Katrina Nelson is the new voice at Red Wing Software! If you call Red Wing Software, you will likely talk to Katrina, as she will now be answering calls, as well as a host of other functions at her job as administrative assistant at Red Wing Software. (Please note: Roxie is still here and continues to work at Red Wing Software, and you may still hear from her from time to time.) Katrina was kind enough to share a little about herself for this newsletter.

Katrina has traveled and worked all over the U.S., having been married to her husband Josh, who is in the Air Force. Originally a native of Red Wing, Katrina moved back to the area recently and is enjoying being back home again. In addition to having her degree in Cosmetology, Katrina has also had experience in several medical office settings, working in busy offices and keeping things organized.

When asked what she likes most about working at Red Wing Software, she replied, “I have enjoyed learning about Red Wing Software’s background and history. I was especially impressed with the fact that the company still sends out hand-written thank you notes to its customers! I am happy to work for the kind of company that still does that!”

Katrina and Josh have one daughter, Kyla, who is three years old. They enjoy golf outings, going to car shows, and spending time with family. Katrina is an avid fan of drag racing! Not only is she a fan, but she is a drag racer and it is one of her favorite things to do. Please give Katrina a warm welcome to Red Wing Software. We are excited to have her as part of the team!