_{The award was presented to Kevin Bertles by Mayor Rob Sawatzky at council on February 13th.}The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) awarded a Canadian Award for Financial Reporting to the City of Vernon for its annual financial report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.  The Canadian Award for Financial Reporting program was established to encourage municipal governments throughout Canada to publish high quality financial reports and to provide peer recognition and technical guidance for officials preparing these reports.

In order to be awarded a Canadian Award for Financial Reporting, a government unit must publish an easily readable and efficiently organized annual financial report, whose contents conform to program standards. Such reports should go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles and demonstrate an effort to clearly communicate the municipal government’s financial picture, enhance an understanding of financial reporting by municipal governments, and address user needs.

A Canadian Award for Financial Reporting is valid for a period of one year only. Kevin Bertles, City of Vernon Finance Manager says, "We believe our current report continues to conform to the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting program requirements, and we are submitting it to GFOA.”

A copy of the 2010 Annual Financial report can be found at: http://www.vernon.ca/services/finance/documents/2010_ANNUAL_REPORT.pdf

Marg Bailey, Interim Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Vernon says, "This award is a result of a great team effort by several departments, especially the Finance department, and underscores the professionalism and dedication of our Staff."

The award was presented to Kevin Bertles by Mayor Rob Sawatzky at council on February 13th.