By Stephanie Elsen

Remember back in the 1980’s when financial accounting programs were really starting to sprout up here and there? Software developers from all over created and marketed their own applications to businesses and organizations. People in businesses of all sizes finally had the opportunity to track and manage financial information on a computer, rather than on paper. As time went on, some financial accounting software developers got purchased or merged, some closed their doors because of too much competition, and some thrived and are still improving and growing today.

Back when all the accounting software developers were starting up, even the smallest, one person developer could create and market his/her own accounting application. It was so much easier to do back then, since businesses often wanted to buy the system from someone local. They wanted a partner who could be there to help them if needed. Buying from a local software provider gave the business a sense of comfort, knowing there was someone who could help them when needed. And then, the internet changed everything. More and more support options became available online, phones became automated, and many software companies started providing telephone and internet support options. Bigger companies such as today’s Intuit and Sage started acquiring customers on a large scale. Many other smaller companies continue to grow and thrive as well.

Today, the practice of purchasing financial accounting software from a company that is not in your neighborhood is well accepted. There are still many wonderful local developers and also partners who represent the larger accounting software companies, by providing services for them locally. These days, the service you get from your software provider can vary greatly. That’s why you should always check out these aspects of the services they offer.

• Are they easy to reach?
• Do they speak your language?
• Are they experienced?
• Are they responsive and courteous?
• Do they make meaningful updates to their system?

No matter whether you choose a mass-marketed product or one from a smaller company, these questions are extremely important in your research process. Managing your company’s financial information is not a subject to be taken lightly. Ask the questions, get the answers, and choose the financial accounting system that is just right for you.

Red Wing Software offers live classroom training for customers at its facility in Red Wing, Minnesota, as well as other locations throughout the year. Customers have traditionally called to register for the classroom training. Signing up online makes the process simpler, for those who prefer to go online. (Those who prefer to register by phone still have that option as well.)

To register for live classroom training online:

• Go to www.redwingsoftware.com. (Be sure to sign in, so the system recognizes you as a customer.
• Choose Training>Classroom Training.
• Click on the link for the training session for your product, and the date you prefer.
• Click the ‘Register’ button.

Follow the cues to register. Customers who have a current Customer Care Plan are eligible for a discount, based on the level of their plan. If you are logged in and have a Customer Care Plan, the system will recognize it and show your discounted pricing.

To learn more, please see the Press Release.

Melissa Gora has been the HR Generalist at Red Wing Software for seven years. As the HR Generalist, she handles employment law, recruitment, benefits and payroll. You may have spoken with Melissa as she also answers the phones now and then.

Melissa has two lovely girls, Ella and Anna! They enjoy doing many activities, including attending concerts in the park and other musical events, walking dogs at the Humane Society, swimming, playing games and watching movies. Her girls enjoy school, and love arts and crafts! They even arranged an end of summer event at their daycare, where all the children participated and performed in a talent show for the parents.

While Melissa enjoys spending time with her family most of all, she also enjoys live music, reading, walking, cooking and meeting friends for coffee.

Jim Kelm of Kelm Management, a CenterPoint Accounting and Payroll customer was elected to a second term as president of the Farm Financial Standards Council at the organization’s annual conference in Billings, Montana.

Payroll may not be the most fun part of running a business, but it’s a necessity for those with employees. Red Wing Software® has been developing payroll software since 1979, and over the years our payroll systems have solved the payroll needs of many business organization types. In case you are wondering what kind of businesses purchase and use Red Wing Software’s CenterPoint Payroll Software, here is just a sampling of the businesses and organizations who have become customers recently!

• Accountant/Payroll Service Providers
• Farms
• Golf Courses
• Label Printers
• Law Offices
• Machine & Tool Shops
• Manufacturers
• Municipalities
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Orchards
• Restaurants
• Schools
• YMCAs

From a small farmer with one employee to a franchise owner with 70+ restaurants in 8 states, CenterPoint Payroll can solve a huge variety of payroll woes. Need better garnishment options? A way to pay an employee for different jobs on the same day? Pay by piecework? Local tax calculations? Reports the way you want them? Just a very few of the things people call us about each and every day.

Many people ask which industry is CenterPoint Payroll best for. The truth is that CenterPoint Payroll is not focused on only one industry and can work well for nearly any business or organization. We do see quite a few people who were using a basic payroll program and need something better, and also quite a few people using a payroll service who want more control or cost savings. If you would like to learn more about CenterPoint Payroll, please visit this page: CenterPoint Payroll Software. Or give us a call at 800-732-9464.