Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Mexican Red Cross Volunteers among Those Assisting in Houston


As president of Seminal Financial Group, Inc., Sue Ann Ma provides a host of tax accounting services to Houston clients. Community involved, Sue Ann Ma supports the American Red Cross, which has played a vital role in rescue and relief efforts in Houston in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and related flooding events.

As reported in Reuters, Mexican Red Cross volunteers were among those who arrived in the Houston area to assist. Wearing vests with the emblem Cruz Roja Mexicana, the volunteers came equipped with food, supplies, and a compassionate attitude as they distributed what they had brought in the George R. Brown Convention Center. As many as 1,800 refugees of the storm have been housed within the temporary shelter.

One volunteer described the tragedy as transcending geographical barriers, as Mexico oversaw the distribution of more than two dozen trailers filled with beans, coffee, rice, and chocolate. Also among the volunteers were physicians and paramedics, and equipment supplied included mobile kitchens and generators. The deputy foreign minister of Mexico for North America characterized the effort as a demonstration of neighborliness and solidarity.

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

National Institute for Certified Estate Planners Offers Designations


With more than two decades of experience working in banking and insurance, Sue Ann Ma serves as president of Seminal Financial Group, Inc. in Houston, Texas. She completed her certified financial planner program at the University of Houston Center for Executive Development. In addition, Sue Ann Ma earned the designation of Master Certified Estate Planner (MCEP).

The National Institute for Certified Estate Planners (NICEP) issues MCEP certifications. The NICEP works with tax, financial, and legal professionals in regards to estate planning. Applicants must first obtain the Certified Estate Planner (CEP) designation. To get the CEP, candidates must score at least 70 percent on each of the eight modules. Courses cover topics such as wills, living trusts, and estate planning basics; applicants can complete the entirety of the coursework online. 

To obtain MCEP certification, candidates must have the CEP and be in good standing with the NICEP. After passing an eight-module course for the CEP, they must also complete an advanced estate planning course and examination. Following the estate planning course and exam, participants also need to secure eight hours of continuing education every two years.

Thursday, July 27, 2017

American Red Cross Blood Donation Eligibility Requirements


Sue Ann Ma has over two decades of experience in the financial services industry in roles that include branch manager, vice president, and controller. Sue Ann Ma is a Certified Public Accountant and the president of Seminal Financial Group in Texas. Outside of her professional work, she is an active community member and a supporter of the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian aid and service foundation that is headquartered in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1881, the Red Cross works to prevent and minimize human suffering during emergencies through a strong volunteer network, emergency response, training programs, and blood donation initiatives.

To donate blood, individual donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds at a minimum, and be in good overall health. In addition, each donor must pass a short medical examination that assesses pulse, blood pressure, and other vitals prior to a donation. Whole blood can be donated every 56 days, while platelets can be donated every 7 days and plasma every 28 days.

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Lamar's Center for Innovation, Commercialization, and Entrepreneurship


With more than 20 years of experience in the accounting and finance sectors, Sue Ann Ma serves as president of Seminal Financial Group, Inc., in Houston. Sue Ann Ma earned a master of business administration from Lamar University, which recently celebrated the opening of the Center for Innovation, Commercialization, and Entrepreneurship (CICE) on April 5, 2017.

Lamar University’s 21,000-square-foot CICE is a collaborative project between the university’s College of Engineering and College of Business and the business community in Southeast Texas. The center is designed to facilitate interaction between industry and the university through a variety of projects, including research and student experiential learning to prepare students for real-world entrepreneurial projects.

The CICE consists of 18 conference rooms and offices, three training rooms, four laboratories, a modeling and simulation center, and an event center. Other specialized areas within the CICE include a Student Idea Center and Hatchery and a Small Business Development Center, as well as the Center for Research in Educational Innovation and Digital Learning.

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

The Chateau de Chenonceau in France


The owner of an accounting firm in Houston, Texas, Sue Ann Ma also takes time off from work and enjoys traveling. One of the countries that Sue Ann Ma has visited is France. 

A popular tourist destination in France is Chateau de Chenonceau located in the Loire Valley. It is the most visited castle in France, right after the famed Versailles in Paris. The castle sits atop an exquisitely arched bridge spanning the River Cher, and boats can pass through below. 

It is often called “the ladies' chateau” as women were influential in its design and construction. The chateau had a series of owners beginning with the Marques family in the 11th century. Normandy nobleman Thomas Bohier bought the property in 1513, building a new castle whose construction was overseen by his wife, Katherine Briconnet. 

Later King Henri II granted it to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers, whose contribution was constructing the bridge over the Cher river. The death of Henri II saw the Queen, Catherine de Medici, forcibly taking over the chateau from mistress Diane. Queen Catherine then added the grand ballroom and gallery atop the bridge, giving the chateau its now distinctive image.

Friday, March 10, 2017

Hosting Blood Drives with the American Red Cross




CPA Sue Ann Ma has led Seminal Financial Group, Inc., in Houston, Texas, as president since 2001. With nearly two decades of leadership experience, Sue Ann Ma enjoys sharing her knowledge with newcomers to her field. Away from work, she spends time supporting the American Red Cross.

The American Red Cross provides a number of global disaster relief and emergency services. The organization’s many worldwide efforts would not be possible without the help of charitable donations and a vast network of volunteers. One of the easiest, most effective ways to help the organization involves donating blood or hosting an American Red Cross blood drive.

Individuals who make regular or one-time donations allow the Red Cross to maintain one of the world’s most reliable blood supplies. Any person interested in becoming more involved in blood donation should visit www.redcross.org to learn about hosting a blood drive. Hosts are tasked with securing a location for the drive, recruiting and scheduling donors, and promoting the drive as much as possible. The Red Cross takes care of everything else, including providing medical equipment and screening donors.

Friday, February 17, 2017

The American Red Cross Supports Military and Veteran Families


A certified public accountant with more than 25 years of experience, Sue Ann Ma serves as president of Seminal Financial Group, Inc., in Houston, Texas. Alongside her professional activities, Sue Ann Ma gives back to the community through her support of the American Red Cross.

In addition to providing a variety of assistance services to people affected by disasters, the American Red Cross oversees various programs and activities for military families. Through its Services to the Armed Forces (SAF) program, the American Red Cross offers services on military bases and in veterans' hospitals, provides support for military families with deployed loved ones, and assists veterans in obtaining benefits. 

The American Red Cross also delivers messages to military families during emergencies and provides on-the-ground support for active-duty service members. The organization has assisted more than a million military families since 9/11 and continues to serve hundreds more each day. To learn about the American Red Cross and its work with military families, visit www.redcrosss.org.