Thursday, May 5, 2016

The Greatest Comeback in Pittsburgh Steelers History


Roy Dowdell is an experienced financial planner who has provided a variety of consulting services to small- and medium-sized businesses. Beyond his financial planning activities, Roy Dowdell enjoys supporting Pittsburgh Steelers football.

On October 5, 1997, the Pittsburgh Steelers recorded the biggest comeback in franchise history. Early in the National Football League (NFL) season, the Steelers visited the Baltimore Ravens and quickly found themselves trailing by two touchdowns. Midway through the second quarter, the Ravens scored once again on a 24-yard pass to Brian Kinchen, increasing the lead to 21-0. The Steelers finally scored with just over three minutes remaining in the half, but the home team managed a field goal in the closing seconds of the second quarter, extending the lead to 17 points.

The third quarter began with a 67-yard kickoff by Baltimore kicker Matt Stover. Will Blackwell returned the kick 97 yards for a touchdown, igniting a furious second-half Steelers comeback. Pittsburgh held Baltimore scoreless throughout the quarter while tacking on another touchdown courtesy of quarterback Kordell Stewart. Stewart threw for two more touchdowns to start the fourth, suddenly giving Pittsburgh a 35-24 lead.

With about two-and-a-half minutes to play, Baltimore scored a touchdown and successfully converted a two-point attempt to pull within three points, but moments later Stewart ran 74 yards for another miraculous score. Baltimore forced a safety in the last seconds of the game but could not close the gap, ultimately blowing the 21-point first-half lead to lose 42-34. The Steelers also came back from 21-point deficits in 1953 and 1985. Both of these comebacks were at home games.

Thursday, April 7, 2016

The American Red Cross and Weather Channel Create New News Segment


Roy Dowdell recently analyzed, supported, and filed financial audits and other reporting duties as a consultant and director of financial reporting at CMS Bank. A dedicated member of his community, Roy Dowdell supports charitable organizations that help children and homeless individuals. He also supports the American Red Cross.

Recently, the American Red Cross and the Weather Channel television network created a new initiative focused on emergency and weather preparedness. Called the Weather Red Report, the collaboration premiered on March 20, 2016 on the Weather Channel’s weekend morning show “AMHQ Weekend.” Each weekly segment covers such topics as Red Cross disaster responses and home fire prevention. They also offer information and education regarding the American Red Cross’ various services.

The Weather Red Report is just the latest product of a long-standing partnership between the American Red Cross and the Weather Channel. Previously, the two organizations often worked together to ensure life-saving information is relayed to the public in an efficient manner. Weather Red Reports serve as an extension of these efforts. Beyond the information about Red Cross’ services and other safety measures, the segment will report on updates from the Red Cross’ lines of service like Biomedical Services and Service to the Armed Forces.

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Tips for Handling Business Finances as a Modern Day CFO


New York resident Roy Dowdell provides consulting on the financial aspects of business. Roy Dowdell possesses expertise in US Securities and Exchange Commission reporting, financial management, and working with chief financial officers to increase net income and profits.

With corporate finance and government regulations constantly changing, a chief financial officer (CFO) should consider the following tips for handling cash flow, risk, and earnings.

1. Never borrow funds from future earnings. This form of financial engineering, derived from earnings calls and projections, can quickly spiral out of control and cause long-term challenges in meeting quarter-end goals. This is especially true in the retail and hospitality sectors.

2. Invest in activities that enhance future growth. Consider discovery-driven planning and option value that will help a company stay competitive in its market. Innovation is the key to growing success, and that occurs when a CFO looks beyond traditional budgeting.

3. Look into debt financing to create shareholder value. This option provides vital funds to support acquisitions and is especially advantageous when stock prices are negatively impacted by rising interest rates.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Mindset of Effective CFOs


The former consultant and director of financial reporting for CMS Bank, Roy Dowdell is a financial professional with an MBA from Fordham University. In the past, he has worked as the chief financial officer (CFO) for several corporations, assuming duties that included budgeting, policy development, financial reporting, and leading mergers and acquisitions. Effective CFOs like Roy Dowdell tend to have certain habits that help bolster their success.

1. An effective CFO builds a strong team: Though a CFO’s job is to manage costs, an effective CFO knows that a quality team is worth budgeting for. Investing in a high-quality accounting and finance team allows a CFO to delegate responsibilities, freeing him or her up to focus on larger projects.

2. An effective CFO understands his or her business: Though they are depended upon to take command of financials, it is important for CFOs to understand the product or service that their companies produce. Without this understanding, a CFO may not be able to accurately communicate with investors and board members.

3. An effective CFO continues to learn: Economic conditions can change quickly, and changes in procedure come as a natural part of business growth. An effective CFO grows with the company, adapting to change and continuing to improve his or her financial skills to work in a company’s best interest.

Monday, August 10, 2015

Places to Enjoy in Jamaica

Wealth management executive Roy Dowdell most recently served CMS Bank and leverages more than two decades of experience in the financial sector to consult companies on reporting, auditing, and mergers. In his spare time, Roy Dowdell aids his community by donating blood to the American Red Cross and likes to travel to tropical destinations such as Jamaica.

Home to Seven Mile Beach, Jamaica has no shortage of enjoyable activities. The following are sites worth exploring, according to US News & World Report.

- Dunn’s River Falls & Park, located in Ocho Rios, offers a beach for relaxation and guided waterfall climbs. Those looking to climb to the top of a waterfall should take a waterproof camera to snap photos of the picturesque surroundings.

- Blue Mountains National Park in Portland Parish has areas for camping and paths for hiking. The summit stands at 7,402 feet and involves craggy terrain and muggy climates. Having good stamina is necessary to complete the ascent. For a more leisurely activity, the park also houses The Mavis Bank Coffee Factory. Tours are available to see the inner workings of the coffee bean processing plant.

- Port Antonio gives visitors access to clear waters at Boston Beach. Free to use, the beach is a good place for water sports like surfing, and after, tourists can lounge on the powder-white sands. The location also provides an abundance of authentic Jamaican foods.                            

Monday, July 20, 2015

How to Prepare to Give Blood


Roy Dowdell has drawn on skills in accounting, negotiation, and problem-solving as the CFO of such companies as TMA, the Julia Dyckman Andrus Memorial, and the Greyston Foundation. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Roy Dowdell supports the efforts of nonprofit organizations like the American Red Cross, where he donates blood.

Every year, the American Red Cross receives about 5.6 million donations of blood and 8 million transfusable blood products for a total of 40 percent of the nation's use.

Those thinking of donating blood should know a few important tips for preparation. First of all, it is important to drink plenty of fluids to remain hydrated, as this makes it easier to draw blood. Also, donors should eat iron-rich foods, especially in the weeks prior to donating blood. When coming to the blood drive, it is a good idea to wear clothes that grant access to the arm below the elbow. Donors should also bring proper identification and a list of current medications.

To read more about blood donations or to find a local blood drive, visit the Red Cross website at www.redcross.org.