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Minutes of the 50th Convention ALABAMA FEDERATION OF NARFE CHAPTERS
DAY ONE April 19, 2011
The Convention was held at the Marriott Legends in Prattville, AL from April 19-21, 2011 and was called to order at l:30 PM by Co-Chair Dean Morgan followed by the invocation given by Federation Chaplain Tom Billingsley. Roll call was conducted by Acting Secretary Jean Ingram. The Prattville High Color Guard made the Presentation of Colors with 2d VP Paul Hillman leading the Pledge of Allegiance and Beth Elliott singing the National Anthem. 2VP Paul Hillman introduced Mayor Bill Gillespie, Jr. of Prattville who expressed his appreciation at being asked to speak at the convention and welcomed delegates to the city. He spoke of the many activities and opportunities available to them and encouraged them to visit all areas. He thanked the members for their service to the Federal government and their dedication to their jobs. Co-Chair Robert Harrell responded in turn thanking Mayor Gillespie for attending and his kind remarks.
The convention was turned over to President Shelton Hawsey who thanked Co-Chairs Dean Morgan and Robert Harrell for their efforts in getting the convention organized and said it would be a productive and interesting meeting and a good time for fun and fellowship.
Chair of the Registration and Credential Committee David Reeves reported that there were 104 delegates registered.
Tom Billingsley, Chair of the Rules Committee, reported that the only change in the Convention Rules was on Page 4 of the NARFE Program where only the date and place were changed. The rules were passed as printed.
After distribution of the Federation Officer Reports Booklet Treasurer Theresa Scholz said there were three financial reports outlined in detail in the booklet. First is the Proposed Budget from May 1, 2011 through April 30, 2012 showing a projected funds balance of $40,797 and from May 1, 2012 through April 30, 2013 showing a projected funds balance of $38,851.00. The second report is the Budget versus Actual showing a balance of $31,583.00 for Budget; $42,726.00 for Actual and $11,143.00 Actual Over (Under) Budget. The third report in the Financial Report showed an Ending Balance as of February 28, 2011 of $45,900,84 and Projected Total Holdings at April 30, 2011 of $40,146.84. Co-Chair Robert Harrell concurred in the reports. The Floyd Clark CD matured in March 2011 and is temporarily deposited at the AL Federation Premier Credit Union Account.
Committee Reports
ALZHEIMER’S
Alzheimer’s Committee Chair Sara O’Berry first gave a report on the history and symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Donations in the amount of $6342.76 were made in 2009; $4,616.93 in 2010 and so far in 2011 $306.00 has been donated and forwarded. She pointed out that all donations are given to the Alzheimer’s Foundation. The computer raffle brought in $894.00 and she thanked everyone for participating.
FEEA
Committee Chair Virginia Hawsey stated that this fund has two purposes. One is for scholarships for children of members and the other is disaster aid. The sponsor for a scholarship has to live in Alabama and members may apply for disaster aid through NARFE and FEEA. The application is available on-line. She sent a letter to all chapters asking for a donation of $30.00 and so far has heard from only seven (7) chapters. She asked chapter presidents to follow-up and make sure their chapters contribute. She wants to reach a goal of $1,000.00 to pay for the scholarship. She is selling tickets for a 50/50 raffle and asked that all delegates participate.
NARFE-PAC
Chairman Paul Hillman said they wanted to reach a goal of $110.00 plus 2%. Last year’s contribution (2009-2010) was $1,345,160.59 nationwide with $21,155.61 from Alabama with 912 contributors. Region III donations were $158,409.04 and donations were made to two Alabama candidates – Representatives Bobby Bright and Mike Rogers. All monies contributed go to Headquarters and donations are tax deductible.
LEGISLATIVE
Ron Pearson reported that he attended the Legislative Conference held March 5-8 in Virginia. He gave a synopsis of the conference including a training session on (1) Budget Threats which was approved; (2) Presentation of the Protect America’s Heartbeat Program (PAH); (3) Contacting Congress on March 8 (there was not much interest in this program); (4) NARFE-PAC; and (5) the Congressional Budget Process.
RESOLUTION
Committee Chair Charles Baskin read the resolution submitted to convention Separating Operation Policies And Procedures From Constitution And By-Laws. Motion was made by Peggy Harrell to adopt and seconded by David Lazzari. The resolution was passed unanimously.
Co-Chair Robert Harrell introduced Region III Field Vice-President Don Stewart. VP Stewart thanked the Federation members for their invitation to attend. He announced the Regional Training Seminar to be held October 3, 4, 5 in Albany, GA. Registration is $45.00; the hotel rate is $78.00 per night. There will be four (4) breakout sessions and it promises to offer a lot of useful information. He then elaborated on issues pertaining to reconciling the current economic crises and protecting our earned and paid for benefits. He said the campaign approach is to put a face on federal workers and retirees and encouraged members to tell their stories and accomplishments; get involved – rise up and fight for what you invested and what you paid for; don’t underestimate yourself – do not be singled out to carry the burden; stay in touch with your legislators and let them know that the federal work force including retirees are not single handedly responsible for the national deficit; NARFE’s traditional methods and strategies have failed to address new and difficult challenges, the world we live in is changing and evolving and we need to take steps to move into the 21st century. The most important goal is to retain and recruit members and we can do this by participation in the Protect America’s Heartbeat Program (PAH) to pursue together our objectives with the strength in number that we can only achieve as a united force. United Federal workers and retirees would be force to contend with. In addition to the PAH Program NARFE has embarked on the e-chapter concept to offer the prospective member. The bottom line is to attract the new generation who will be drawn to NARFE because the information they want and need will be available on the NARFE web site. The electronic concept is in response to what is viewed as the way of life of the new generation of NARFE member.
Door prizes were awarded by Region 1VP Andy Leon.
President Hawsey asked that all chapters represented meet for a group photograph which will be posted on the website.
Chapter 443 President John Schmitz introduced The Honorable Robert Bentley, Governor of the State of Alabama. Governor Bentley expressed his appreciation at being invited to speak and explained that he had been to some of the areas hit by the latest storms and has signed a declaration asking for federal assistance. He said that people are important and emphasized the state had been living off stimulus money and it is easy to get addicted to that but the money has run out and he is being forced to make some tough decisions in order to balance the budget. He said that he is creating jobs and offering incentives to companies to either come or stay in our state. There have been 3,000 new jobs in Alabama mostly in Mobile and he is hopeful of at least 2,000 more. He said that his goal is to give the teachers a raise in the third year of his administration.
Break
Region III Alzheimer’s Chair Peggy Harrell thanked AL Federation Chair Sara O’Berry for her efforts on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Fund. She explained that every sixty-nine seconds another person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s so it is important to keep funding research. The donations are tax deductible
Past President Junior Wallace announced that he will be undergoing a full body scan on April 25 to determine his medical condition.
A Memorial Service to honor deceased NARFE members was held as “A tribute to our dear departed friends”. Reading of the 23rd Psalm was given by Robert Malone, Chapter 1480 Vice-President, followed by a prayer by Federation Chaplain Tom Billingsley. Co-Chair Dean Morgan read a poem and she and Chaplain Billingsley took turns reading the names of deceased members and as the names were read a representative from the respective chapter came forward to light a candle on a beautifully appointed table of honor. The benediction was given by Chaplain Tom Billingsley.
Adjourn Day One DAY TWO April 20, 2011
The convention was reconvened at 8:30 by President Shelton Hawsey. Chaplain Tom Billingsley offered prayer. Special guests Jimmy and Shirley Coleman were introduced. Acting Secretary Jean Ingram called the roll. Registration Chair David Reeves reported that 110 members were registered. Members were reminded to complete the evaluation forms and reminded to take part in the NARFE-PAC and FEEA programs.
President Hawsey introduced National Secretary Elaine Hughes. Secretary Hughes thanked the convention for their invitation and brought greetings from headquarters. She paid tribute to the late Charles Saylor, National Treasurer who recently passed away. She started out by saying that membership is critical because strong numbers mean more power and said that the dues increase was justified due to the rising cost, declining revenues and membership and the negative campaign going on against Federal workers. We have to be in a position to fight back stronger to overcome the image of overpaid Federal workers. Secretary Hughes elaborated on the new initiative that headquarters has introduced called Protect American’s Heartbeat which is an advocacy campaign. They are attempting to raise $1M in thirty days, information is available on the web site at www.ProtectAmerica’sHeartbeat.com and donations are appreciated. It is a difficult road and we have to decide if we are willing to be part of the solution. She encouraged reading of the Legislative Update and spoke of two bills introduced on the NARFE “proactive” agenda. S113 – Public Servant retirement Protection Act of 2011 sponsored by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. This bill amends Title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to repeal the current windfall elimination provision (WEP) to individuals first performing non-covered service beginning one year after enactment of this Act. HR1332 – Social Security Fairness Act of 2011 sponsored by Representative Howard McKeon to amend Title II of the Social Security Act to repeal the Government pension offset and windfall elimination provisions. She spoke of the Ryan budget submission which will substantially change Medicare. Among the items contained in this budget that will affect current employees are 1) a five year pay freeze 2) ten (10%) reduction of employees over three (3) years and 3) requiring much higher payments for both CSRS and FERS covered workers. She stated we must move into the 21 century and spoke of two programs approved by the National Board. The first is the E-NARFE membership program established to attract younger active and newly retired workers. This will be an on-line program where the same information is available that members receive by going to chapter meetings and will pose no threat to established chapters. The second initiative is NARFE Information Technology Advisory Committee (NIAC) which is composed of four (4) people who provide advice and assistance on the latest information and technology and its applicability to NARFE and is charged with articulating the 21st century strategic vision. A report from the NIAC board will be given at the meeting in Reno this summer. Membership was good in 2010. Nineteen federations gained members including Alabama. There were 22,000 new members but we lost the same number with 8,500 deaths and ended up with a deficit and now membership is under 300,000. There has been a change in the way NARFE welcomes new members. They are now sent an email. The NARFE Magazine has been restructured making it easier for members to contact NARFE. She encouraged the partnership approach by continuing to build partnerships with associations with like agendas and encouraged members to attend national conventions and trade shows pointing out that only 14% of active workers belong to NARFE. Secretary Hughes announced two growth committees: One for recruitment and one for retention and the first report will be made to the NEB in Reno. They have contracted with an outside firm to guide the committees and it will be firmly in place by 2012. Secretary Hughes then answered questions from members.
Health Insurance information was given first by Blue Cross/Blue Shield Representative Chris Alexander who reported that they have a 94% market share of members in Alabama with 96,000 contracts. He explained that the 2% increase was mainly due to the provision allowing children to remain on the policy until age 26. He said the Basic Plan does not allow mailing of prescriptions, but the Standard Plan does. Blue Health Assessment information is available on line and asked members to contact him if they have any problems. Ms Sherri Elrod briefed on the DeRamus Hearing Center and encouraged members to take part in the hearing test center examinations being offered during the convention. GEHA also had a booth with information available on their plan.
Door prizes were awarded by District 1VP Andy Leon
Break
District caucuses were held for the election of District Vice-Presidents.
At the resumption of the convention Nominating Committee Chair Ralph Ballew gave his report. In addition to Chairman Ballew the committee was comprised of Herb Hervet; Sharon Day, Judy Wilson and James Ray. Three officers did not seek re-election: 2VP Paul Hillman; Treasurer Teresa Scholz and Secretary Carolyn Whitehead. The following names were nominated for officer positions: President – Dean Morgan; 1VP – Tom Smith; 2VP – Ron Pearson; Secretary – Jean Ingram; Treasurer – Robert Harrell; President-Emeritus – Junior Wallace. This will be a two-year term 2011-2013. Nominations were asked for from the floor, there being none the nominations were closed. The installation for the new officers was conducted. The district vice-presidents elected as a result of the caucuses were announced with two new members: D1VP – Andy Leon; D2AVP – Leo O’Berry; D2BVP – Charles Rowe (N) – D3AVP – Tommy Elliott – D3BVP – Joyce Smith (N) – D4VP – David Reeves – D5VP – Stanley Fields – D6VP – Julie Elsberry. D4VP Reeves commented that he is interested in going with the E-chapter concept.
Ralph Ballew introduced a resolution to install Past President Junior Wallace as President-Emeritus of the Alabama Federation. This resolution was adopted unanimously by the convention members and graciously accepted by President-Emeritus Wallace
Members were again reminded to fill out their evaluation forms.
Lunch |
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Minutes continued on next page |