According to the Comox Valley Economic Development Society, the Valley is home to nearly 450 farms that contribute more than $30 million to the local economy. If your expertise is raising livestock, tending crops or otherwise putting food on tables, that鈥檚 a lot of money to keep track of.

Business advisor and agricultural specialist Joe Renooy will speak about the challenges of bookkeeping for agricultural businesses May 7 at the first meeting of the Vancouver Island North chapter of the Institute of Professional Bookkeepers of Canada. The meeting at Carmie鈥檚 Caf茅 in Cumberland is open to IPBC members and guests. Non-members can attend up to two meetings to evaluate the group.

鈥淲e鈥檙e incredibly excited to have Joe speak at our inaugural meeting,鈥� says Sherri-Lee Mathers, owner of Balsam Way Bookkeeping and co-regional developer of the new IPBC chapter. 鈥淭his presentation will be valuable to all bookkeepers, particularly those with clients in agriculture.鈥�

The presentation will cover inventory adjustments, business-use-of-home deductions, HST and other issues concerning bookkeeping for farms. Renooy will also discuss ways to financially assist agricultural clients, including the availability of government farm income programs.

A chartered accountant with MNP in Courtenay, Renooy specializes in owner-managed businesses with a focus on agriculture. Raised in small-town Manitoba, Renooy moved to the Valley in 1999.

To reserve a spot visit www.ipbc.ca or contact Mathers at 778-427-1122 or sherri-lee@balsamway.ca.

The IPBC, Canada鈥檚 most prestigious association of professional bookkeepers, officially launched its North Island chapter in late-February. The new chapter is comprised of 13 members in the Comox Valley and Campbell River.

鈥淭his puts the incredible resources of the IPBC within reach of North Island bookkeepers, which ultimately benefits the businesses they serve,鈥� Mathers said.

For more information visit www.ipbc.ca.