2023 NCSA Annual Business Conference – Invitation to Speak

 

Please Note:  IRS Guidelines for Speakers

The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association is a tax-exempt organization under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  As such, we must adhere to certain criteria when inviting speakers to our Annual Business Conference.

Under the IRS guidelines, we are authorized to invite you to speak because you currently hold a public office.  Any invited speakers who are or may be political candidates must adhere to the following IRS guidelines: (1) The individual must speak only in a non-candidate capacity; (2) Neither the individual nor any representative of the Association may make any mention of the individual’s candidacy or the election; and (3) No campaign activity may occur in connection with the individual’s attendance at the Association’s Annual Business Conference.

We appreciate your adherence to these IRS guidelines so as not to jeopardize the 501(c)(3) tax exempt status of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association.

Please Note:  State Ethics Act – Registration Fees

While the Association would prefer to extend a complimentary registration to you, we have been unable to obtain confirmation from the North Carolina State Ethics Commission that it is permissible for us to do so. We understand that the North Carolina State Ethics Commission is responsible for administering a very complex law, with minimal staff and an avalanche of requests for advice and guidance.

Absent clear guidance from the North Carolina State Ethics Commission, we feel that it is prudent that registration fees be applicable to your visit as follows: (1) if your attendance involves simply a short visit and acceptance of our opportunity to speak with the sheriffs, no registration fee is applicable; (2) for an extended visit at the Conference up to 24 hours, a one-day registration fee of $75 is applicable; (3) a visit for more than 24 hours would make the full Conference registration fee of $325 applicable; and (4) a registration fee of $85 is applicable if you only plan to attend the Annual Banquet. Note that these fees include, at no additional cost, your spouse and/or children not yet 19 years old, and your children who are in college or in the military and are not yet 26 years old.

While it is regrettable that we cannot confirm the ability to issue a complimentary registration on your behalf, we trust that you will understand the sensitive nature of compliance with the State Ethics Act and that you will understand our caution in proceeding without the benefit of advice and guidance from the North Carolina State Ethics Commission.

We are providing this information in case you may be a “Covered Person” under the State Ethics Act. You are also welcome to call the North Carolina State Ethics Commission at 919-814- 3600 for additional information or guidance.

PLEASE RESPOND USING THIS SPEAKER FORM BY JUNE 16, 2023.