Bridgepoint co-sponsored the Corporate Luncheon Series Event on May 7 at Austin Music Hall. Guests of the Corporate Luncheon Series event enjoyed a presentation by Clayton Christopher, Co-Founder and CEO of Deep Eddy Vodka. The 100+ group of corporate executives listened to Clayton as he discussed his Sweet Leaf Tea journey, how he has done it differently at Deep Eddy Vodka, and what he has learned and put into practice during his second venture in consumer packaged goods. Deep Eddy Vodka donated their premium vodkas, including the newest Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka, and featured signature drinks for the guests.

The NASDAQ Stock Market recently filed a proposed rule change with the SEC requiring all NASDAQ-traded companies to have an internal audit function. If approved, it would require companies listed on NASDAQ to have an internal audit function established no later than December 31, 2013. This article highlights more details, as well as the pros and cons of the proposed rule.

Congratulations to the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013 finalists for the Central Texas region. Bridgepoint Consulting is proud to have partnered with four of the companies that boast finalists. Here’s the list: Mark Friedman, Accruent; Eddie Machaalani and Mitchell Harper, Bigcommerce; Dan Graham, BuildASign.com; Bob Pruitt, Cal-Tex Protective Coatings; John Erwin, Carenet; Glenn Garland and Jim Stimmel, CLEAResult; Rony Kahan and Paul Forster, Indeed; Veronica Edwards, InGenesis; Kendra Scott, Kendra Scott Designs; Chris Hester, Kinnser Software; John Arrow, Mutual Mobile; R. Paul Deere, Tolteq Group

The Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, known as Dodd-Frank or DFA, was signed into law in response to the financial crisis of 2008. Enacted to reduce risk and increase financial system transparency, Dodd-Frank has brought about the most significant changes to financial regulation since the Great Depression. This article hightlights important considerations and questions for energy companies that trade derivative transactions.

Bridgepoint Consulting hosted an event for internal audit executives at Whole Foods Market World Headquarters in Austin, TX on April 25. Attendees shared insights on developing strategic alignment and effective communications between internal audit departments, executive management, audit committees and boards. Chris Yost, Internal Audit Director at Whole Foods, facilitated the discussion and David Roe, Director of Governance, Risk and Compliance at Bridgepoint Consulting, was the moderator.

Bridgepoint Consulting participated as a sponsor the recent Turnaround Management Association (TMA) Regional Conference at the Westin La Cantera Resort in San Antonio, Texas. Attendees included Bill Patterson, Principal, Dawn Ragan, Managing Director, and Gina Budd, Director of Marketing. Ragan is currently the Treasurer and Secretary and a member of the Board of Director’s for the TMA Dallas Chapter.

As evidence of Bridgepoint’s further commitment to its expansion into the Houston market, they participated as a Gold-level sponsor at the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Conference in Houston at Reliant Center on April 8. It was a great opportunity for the Bridgepoint team to introduce their comprehensive services, including internal audit and risk management services, to more than a thousand internal audit professionals and executives.

What’s the cost of not being ready when a potential suitor comes a’ calling? Incalculable, if you talk to business owners whose transaction fell through because they weren’t prepared.  Business owners should operate in a “Due Diligence Ready” state. What does this mean? Get your “house” in order to be in a position for a sale at any time. Whether you are in the selling mode or not, it’s just good business practice. When the time comes, potential buyers will ask hard questions and request [...]

Michael Johnson, principal at Bridgepoint Consulting and head of its IT services practice, was a featured presenter at the annual TASBO (Texas Association of School Board Officials) Conference in February. Johnson’s presentation to the group of school board officials was titled Dymystifying Internal Audit.

Johnson presented about how internal audit can be more than a “gotcha” function and can provide real value to school districts. The session provided audience memebers with an increased understanding of what internal audit really involves and the benefits it can deliver. Here is a summary of topics that Johnson covered:

Bridgepoint Consulting is pleased to announce the completed merger with Harder Consulting, an an Austin-based recruiting firm specializing in accounting, finance, banking and human resources. The transaction was fueled by Bridgepoint’s business strategy to further expand their existing direct hire recruiting practice to serve the growing need for this service.