2014 Tennessee Federation 58 th Annual Convention Minutes April 22, 2014 Drury Inn, Franklin, Tenn.

Transcription

1 2014 Tennessee Federation 58 th Annual Convention Minutes April 22, 2014 Drury Inn, Franklin, Tenn. I. Welcome Remarks and Thank You to all the support organizations and individuals attending the NARFE Convention were offered by Convention Chairman Norris Alderson. II. Invocation was given by Ed Evans. III. Presentation of Colors was made by the Centennial High School Color Guard under the direction of Sgt. Michael Gill. IV. National Anthem was sung by Cindy Monarez. V. Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vallie Brooks. VI. Introduction of Tennessee s National Congressional Representative Marsha Blackburn by Norris Alderson. A. Rep. Blackburn welcomed everyone to Tennessee s Seventh Congressional District and offered thanks for NARFE s efforts toward Alzheimer Research. B. She is donating three first edition autographed books, No Higher Honor by Condoleezza Rice to NARFE s next Alzheimer Silent Auction. C. Encourage input from former and present Federal employees. D. Effective and responsive Federal government that supports the Constitution of the United States is her goal. E. Blackburn.house.gov is her newsletter; Marsha Blackburn on Facebook; on Twitter. VII. Introduction of Franklin Mayor Dr. Ken Moore by Norris Alderson. A. Dr. Moore offered thanks for our patriotism and for selecting Franklin, Tenn., for NARFE s Convention. B. Franklin is a historic and award winning community, recommended as a great place to raise a family and the 14 th most desirable destination in the VIII. world, and beat out Atlanta, Ga., in a Garden and Gun magazine survey. Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam presented the Convention with a Certificate naming April 22, 2014 a Day of Recognition for the Tennessee Federation of NARFE. IX. Memorial Service Names of NARFE members who passed away in 2013 were read by Ed Evans and a Memorial Bell was rung by Merilyn Evans after each name. The ceremony was followed by the playing of taps by Christopher Fowler of the Centennial High School Color Guard. X. Introduction of Federation President Larry Henderson by Norris Alderson A. President Henderson lauded Norris Alderson and the Nashville Chapter on providing an excellent Convention facility and amenities and welcomed attendees. B. He noted that NARFE is in the most significant transition in its history. XI. Introduction of Virginia Federation Immediate Past President, former FON Committee co-chair and Key Note Speaker Bill Shackleford was made by Larry Henderson. A. Organization in grave danger and situation has reached a critical point 1

2 B. Declining membership for variety of reasons and less membership participation which means less are willing to take on leadership roles, resulting in recycled officers. 1. NARFE has become over reliant on dues. 2. More funding resources needed. 3. Need to examine non-mission related expenditures. 4. Threats by Congress and White House are still present. 5. Lack leadership continuity, each new leader brings with them their own agenda which often causes a waste of money. 6. Our mission is protecting our earned benefits, maintaining this mission is a priority. 7. NARFE s current trends are well documented. Leadership has seen the same problems over and over again. The situation has now reached a critical point. C. President Beaudoin appointed a 12 member Future of NARFE (FON) committee whose members are from all across the country including an e- Chapter member to solve these problems. 1. Convened in August of 2013 and began meeting in September at headquarters (the first of three meetings), followed by four video conferences over the next six months. They also broke into smaller groups to discuss specific topics (structure of the organization, dues, etc.), and exchanged thoughts and ideas by Researched back seven years of NARFE studies and proposed programs that had been shelved. Also examined other organizations with similar missions to NARFE (NAACP, AARP, NRA, etc.) all of which also had membership problems. Determined that the FON committee results had to be heard and acted upon. 3. Decision by consensus of the 12 member FON committee. a. Had to make hard choices. b. All the decisions were not by by unanimous vote. (1.) Need a more focused advocacy mission. (2.) Need professional management by an Executive Director. (3.) Need new branding a better way to market NARFE even if it means changing the name only way to survive. (4.) Membership. (5.) Reorganization of headquarters. (6.) IT modernization. (7.) Need to streamline structure so that everyone s opinion is heard. Have an Executive Director who would be answerable to a Board of Directors. c. Find additional revenue sources other than dues, cards, calendars, etc. d. Future more focused on Congressional Districts with optional membership (not mandatory). Currently have 1309 Chapters nationally, with mandatory membership, that are literally dying off (National reported deaths at 2,539, so far for 2014). 2

3 (1.) Local focused on members. (2.) States would be focused more on advocacy. (3.) National would have more legislative impact by focusing on Jessica Clark and her staff. e. Chapters will continue and dues will continue to be collected. f. Eliminating Federations but will have 50 state representatives changing to Congressional District Leaders focusing on advocacy who will be elected by Chapter members in their district. g. District Leaders will in turn elect their State Representative. h. Future NARFE will have seven Board of Director members (currently have 14 members) who will be composed of those elected by the five regions and two pro-narfe appointed members (such as Congressmen, Congressional Aides, or people with strong contacts in Congress). i. Officers will have non-resident status must have two officers in the D.C. area under non-profit statutes. 4. FON Committee recommendations were sent to the Executive Board in February. The overall vision of the Future of NARFE was accepted unanimously. 5. Next step asks members to approve a continuous study of the recommendations set forth by the FON Committee. 6. Three recommendations that must commence immediately: a. Development of a fluid strategic plan. b. Conduct a very extensive branding study to better market NARFE. c. Immediately reduce the number of regions, which does not require membership approval because the Bylaws state the NEB has the authority to restructure the national regions any way they see fit, from 10 down to five effective November 1, Tennessee will be realigned from Region X to Region II with six other states. 7. At the National Convention, headquarters will seek to hold forth the reduction of national officers and regional officers, plus to secure a head-hunter service to hire an Executive Director (proposed salary to be $300,000 per year plus benefits), dependent on recovery of funds by changing the number of National officers, and streamlining NARFE s expenses. 8. Four Amendments to the Bylaws: a. Abolition of mandatory Chapter membership. b. Open membership to any and all who support our mission and may include opening our membership to the Military. c. Open membership to youth (who possibly have an interest in public service or majoring in political science in college) up to age 26. d. Streamline Officers to just two, a President and a Treasurer, which would not take place until an Executive Director is hired. e. Need to pass these by a vote of two-thirds plus one at Convention. 9. Not too late to save our organization, but must begin now. It will be an on-going proposition. Ask for your support on behalf of the NEB. 3

4 XII. XIII. 10. Questions: a. Will this Presentation be on the web site? Yes, at NARFE.org. b. Chapters are concerned about the reduced amount of dues dollars refunded to chapters. The FON proposed reduction in the current 10 percent given back to Federations down to five percent must be approved by the Delegates at the Convention and soonest this could be done would be Make sure you have delegates and proxies carry your votes representing your wishes. c. Are we moving from a membership run organization to a professional run organization? Just the Director will be a professional, the rest of us will be volunteers. d. How can we support the $300,000 plus benefits salary of the Executive Director plus the staff needed to run headquarter? New venues for membership and support will raise our rolls thus bringing in more funds, plus the reduction in national officers will help some as well, not to mention the possibility of adding the military as members. e. There is so much new information that has been given to us. Will all this be made available to the membership? New information on this study is being sent out to the membership in the latest edition of the NARFE Insider. This issue began distribution this past Tuesday. It contains the Power Points shown today as well as a lot of Q&A s from members across the country. He recommends that every Chapter President get the input of all his Chapter s members. f. Can members recommend other organizations where NARFE could possibly be advertised? Absolutely. Direct your recommendations to Region Vice Presidents or the National President at NARFE.org. g. Because it is difficult to get everyone to agree and enthusiastic with these changes, how do we get everyone to get on board? We have to ignite the fire in the belly of members at meetings like the one held here today. h. How would you motivate youth to join and what happens when they reach age 26? No specific strategies have been formulated yet, but Marketing will get them to join and hopefully continue to motivate them. They will already be public service oriented and interested in NARFE s mission if they join in the first place. Ken Thomas from the Florida Federation, a candidate for National President; Mississippi Federation President Jerry Janci, candidate for Region II Vice President; and Past Mississippi Federation President Mary Pierson, candidate for Region II Vice President, were recognized by Larry Henderson. Introduction of Bill Martin, Region X Vice President, by Larry Henderson. A. Greetings sent from National President Joe Beaudoin and the headquarters staff. B. NARFE not only meets the needs of our current members, but also must be an attractive organization to our prospective members. 4

5 C. Future NARFE must be critically focused on our core vision Legislative advocacy. Future NARFE will force us to take a closer look at how effective we are as an organization. Future NARFE will not come easy. If we don t do something now, the future of NARFE will be no NARFE at all. He emphasizes the five things asked to be considered at the National Convention in Orlando this coming August. D. As for Legislation, the only thing he would like to emphasize is NARFE- PAC. It is NARFE s political action committee. It represents the only way NARFE, as an organization, can contribute to the campaign of Congressional candidates who support NARFE and our legislative agenda. NARFE-PAC exists to ensure our friends in Congress stay in Congress. Donations have been declining over the years. NARFE-PAC is sustained by your voluntary contributions. By law, we cannot use your dues money for political purposes. He encouraged members to donate. E. Beside advocacy, one of the greatest benefits NARFE offers to its members is guidance on your Federal benefits. The Federal Benefits Service Department has responded to members questions and concerns through telephone calls, letters and s. 1. Updated the FH-10 Service Officer s Guide with a different format that includes more charts detailing complicated retirement matters in a simpler fashion. 2. F-58 updated and rewritten detailing the Chapter Service Officer s Duties and Responsibilities. 3. For the first time the Federal Benefits staff was asked to attend trade show conventions and represent NARFE at a vendor booth. This proved to be very successful in that many of the trade show participants were able to get answers to questions about their retirement and health insurance benefits. Due to the high level of expert advice and information provided on the spot by NARFE, potential members were recruited. 4. Redesigned NARFE magazine launched in January of 2013 is valued by members and found to be helpful in recruiting new members. F. Updated technology makes NARFE more efficient as in , OAM (Online Activity Module), and in receiving new information from National. addresses are not shared with anyone else and are used solely to update members on important NARFE information only. Members can optout of getting national updates and choose to receive only local Federation updates. G. Financially, the 2012 External Audit shows NARFE generated surplus funds and added to our net assets and the 2013 External Audit shows we generated more surplus funds and added about $800,000 to our net assets enabling us to be in better fiscal shape to support our Legislative mission and our membership marketing efforts, as well as be to react to any emergency that might arise. At the same time we completely funded the Life Member expenses through the general fund and the Life Membership Trust Fund Unfunded Liabilities are being decreased 5

6 XIV. dramatically. The Life Membership and Honorary Memberships Lists have been purged to more accurately reflect NARFE membership. H. NARFE has purchased the source codes for the Membership data base and is now under our control and can no longer be held captive by unreasonable demands by the former vendor we had. I. Current membership is now at 249,392 members, falling below the 250,000 mark for the first time in our history. We are doing better in retaining membership this year as compared to previous years, but still losing more than gaining. J. Significant net gain due to the offer of free membership retention of these new members is doing good. About eight percent are converted to paid membership. K. Legislation and the Service Officer are the two main benefits of being a member of NARFE. L. Ask you to Approve five things at the Convention: 1. Resolution voted on by secret ballot to continue the study the issues the FON Committee has submitted and the NEB has approved. It will be a two-year project. 2. Approve Bylaw changes presented such as adding youth to our rolls for $10 membership fee. 3. Reduce National officers to two, President and Treasurer, and reduction of Region Vice Presidents to five. 4. Search for a new Executive Director. 5. Eliminate mandatory chapter membership. Legislative Update by Grass Roots Manager Sarah Holstine via SKYPE A. Where we ve been Federal employees have had a three year pay freeze, along with furloughs and sequestration, and a smaller COLA raise of 1% in 2014 than the proposed 1.5%. 1. New budget to cover two years. 2. Chained CPI has been tabled for now, but not gone. 3. No change in retirement contributions by Federal employees. 4. Self plus one is now an option for health benefits. 5. Senate Postal Bill has been tentatively approved. B. What we re working on now 1. Senate Bill 1486 Postal Reform NARFE opposed this bill because: a. The FICA provision that drastically limits benefits for those injured on the job. b. It eliminates the FERS pension for postal workers that would be negotiated between the postal service and the union. c. It requires Medicare Part A and B for postal retirees. 2. Chained CPI still a possibility. It would be a.3% loss in COLA per year that would snowball to approximately 9% over 25 years. 3. HR1780 that would remove Federal employees from FHBP is stalled but is being reformed. It was a political legislation. 4. Comprehensive Reform is expected to be introduced by the Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. NARFE 6

7 is prepared to defend its FHBP position at a moments notice. Talking points are available in your Tool Kit. 5. Positive legislations: a. HR4202 would provide federal employees with a 3.3% pay raise in b. HR3744 would provide federal employees furloughed due to sequestration with back pay reimbursement for the time they lost during their furlough. c. HR4306 that would determine cost of living adjustments by using the consumer price index that would make for a more accurate COLA. C. How you can get involved: 1. Send letters through legislative action centers. 2. Get involved in Protect America s Heartbeat Grassroots Campaign. 3. Access the Tool Kit on web site and follow the tips offered. 4. Chapter Legislative Leaders keep you informed. 5. Build a personal relationship with your members of Congress. 6. Through NARFE-PAC to keep our friends in Congress. XV. Birthday congratulations offered to Larry Henderson XVI. Clara Weston Alzheimer s Region X Coordinator (See Attachment 1) A. NARFE has raised $10,790, for Alzheimer s with $6, coming from Tennessee this fiscal year. B. GEHA has contributed $5,000 to NARFE Alzheimer s. C. Viewed two short films on Alzheimer s, one dealing with Research and the other with the Financial Cost. D. Joan Gates presented the Weida White Tolley Memorial Alzheimer s Award to Dixon Chapter 727 for contributing the most amount per capita of $24.52 per person, and a second award to Clarksville Chapter 870 for contributing the most amount of money for a Chapter to the amount of $2, $8, donated by Tennessee Chapters in the Fiscal Year and the Silent Auction in 2013 amount was $1, bringing the grand total to $9, E. Silent Auction total for this year is $1,554.00, Quilt Drawing winner was Number XVII. Charles Thompson presented the NARFE-PAC Leo Potts Memorial Award to Cumberland County Chapter 1719 with donations of $1, A total of $ has been raised during this convention. (See Attachment 2) XVIII. Roll Call of Officers and Chapters (See Attachment 3) XIX. Reports: A. Larry Henderson, President (See Attachment 4) B. Larry Minniear, 1 st Vice President 1. Planned the 2013 Convention at Chattanooga, Tenn. 2. Planned the Region X Conference in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. beginning in May and continued plans via and telephone until September when the event took place. 3. Made Chapter visits when possible. 7

8 a. Brings information back to the Chapters. b. Gives me feedback as to what is happening out in the field, what their problems are and what they feel about NARFE. 4. Spent quite a bit of time trying to revive a Chapter that wanted to throw in the towel. Don t allow Officers to stick around beyond their time. 5. In August attended a Postmaster Convention in Seattle, Wash. and interfaced with the NARFE vendors there. 6. Experienced some face time with Senators and Representatives who reside in my area and was able to attend a lot of their functions and political events. C. Introduction of the Convention Parliamentarian Patricia A. Junkin. D. Rhonda Mooney, 2 nd Vice President (See Attachment 5) E. Ed Evans, 3 rd Vice President (See Attachment 6) F. Committees: 1. Credentials Julia Metcalfe (See Attachment 7) Larry Henderson stated that he noted the presence of a quorum. 2. Rules Wayne Baker for Chairman John Cushenberry A motion was made and seconded the report be adopted by the Convention. Motion accepted by unanimous vote. (See Attachment 8) 3. Resolutions Lorenzo Tyson No resolutions submitted. 4. Constitution & Bylaws John Harris No changes submitted. 5. Financial Ways/Means & Audit Howard Shelton a. Met with the Treasurer Marie Anglin and asked many questions all of which were answered in a positive manner. b. Commended Marie Anglin on her excellent bookkeeping. 6. Legislative Jim Glenn (See Attachment 9) 7. Public Relations Ed Evans (See Attachment 10) 8. Membership Rhonda Mooney (See Attachment 11) 9. Service Officer Herb Arnett (See Attachment 12) 10. Alzheimer s Joan Gates If you donate in memory of someone, please send her the name and address of the one being remembered so she can send out a card. Also, 100% of what is donated goes to Research (See Attachment 14). 11. Time and Place (2015) Rhonda Mooney April 20, 21, 2015 hosted by Clarksville and Dixon Chapters in Clarksville, Riverview Inn. 12. Response (2016) Larry Minniear Knoxville Chapter will host April 18, 19, NARFE-PAC Charles Thompson No report. 14. Nominating Herb Arnett (See Attachment 13) a. Nominations from the floor asked for by President Henderson. b. Motion made and seconded to accept the nominations as stated in Attachment 13. Motion unanimously accepted. 15. Election of Officers Ballot & Tellers 16. Three Guests expressing their candidacy: 8

9 XX. a. Ken Thomas spoke on Orlando Convention attendance and retargeting NARFE mission. Go to NARFE.org for more information about the Convention and Hotel. b. Jerri Janci, Mississippi Federation President, spoke on his candidacy for Region II Vice President. c. Mary Pierson, Past Mississippi Federation President, spoke on her candidacy for Region II Vice President. 17. Installation of Officers oath of office was administered by Bill Martin. 18. Distinguished Service Awards were presented by Larry Henderson to Norris Alderson for his work on the Convention as well as to District Officer Herb Arnett and the Officers and Appointed Officers that served under Larry Henderson this past year. 19. Remarks by Larry Henderson a. Vacant positions need to be filled: Membership and Public Relations b. District Officers needed. c. Deadline extended to June 15 for District Officer free trip giveaway. d. Constitution and Bylaws revision committee has been appointed with Ronnie Collins as Chairman. Larry Minniear, Rhonda Mooney and Ed Evans are Committee members. Any suggestions or concerns should be directed to your Vice President or Ronnie Collins. e. If your Chapter hasn t submitted an RS-990N, it is due by May 15. f. National Convention is August 24 th through 28 th in Orlando. On Line Delegate registration is a new feature being offered and the deadline is April 30 th. Paper Delegate Forms must be received by National by June 28th. Deadline for Proxy designation is August 9 th. Adjournment at 2 p.m. 9

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15 Attachment 3 Attendance NARFE Tennessee Federation Convention April 21, 2014 Officers: President Larry Henderson present 1 st Vice President Larry Minniear present 2 nd Vice President Rhonda Mooney present 3 rd Vice President Ed Evans present Secretary Merilyn Evans present Treasurer Marie Anglin present Legislative Chairman Jim Glenn present Membership Chairman Vacant Immediate Past President John Wells present Appointed Officers: Alzheimer s Coordinator Joan Gates present Financial Secretary Glenda Huff present NARFE-PAC Coordinator Charles Thompson present Newsletter Editor Max Coats absent Network Coordinator Ronnie Collins present Service Officer Larry Cunningham absent State Legislative Officer Jim Glenn present Public Relations Officer Vacant Special Project Officer Vacant Chapters: 0078 Memphis present 0935 Kingsport present 0108 Chattanooga present 0956 Greeneville (Andrew Johnson) absent 0152 Athens (Eugene F. Roberts) present 1382 Millington present 0204 Knoxville present 1476 Oak Ridge absent 0227 Nashville present 1576 Donelson present 0324 Johnson City (John Sevier) absent 1603 Morristown - absent 0519 Jackson present 1678 Sevierville (Sevier County) present 0727 Dickson present 1719 Crossville (Cumberland County) present 0793 West Ken-Ten present 1733 Memphis Postal Employees present 0806 Trenton (Tri-County) present 1950 Rogersville (Hawkins County) absent 0834 Murfreesboro present 1956 Cookeville (Putnam County) present 0859 Gallatin (Sumner County) present 1968 Germantown present 0860 Cleveland present 2009 Lebanon (Wilson County) present 0861 Shiloh (Ramer) present 2018 Fayetteville (Lincoln County) absent 0870 Clarksville present 2035 McMinnville (Warren County) present 0882 Columbia present 2075 Pulaski (Giles County) present 0883 Tullahoma (Coffee County) present 2133 Winchester (Franklin County) present 15

16 (Attachment 4) President s Report 58 th Annual Tennessee Federation Convention April 22, 2014 This has been a busy year! In an effort to save time, I have categorized much of my activity but I ll begin with a few significant individual items. May 1 7. I evaluated National Reports on member Congressional District status based on new Congressional Districts and established recommendations for Federation Vice-President Chapter assignments for board approval. May 11. I had the pleasure of attending the Weida White Tolley Day celebration hosted by Dickson Chapter 727 at NHC Healthcare in Dickson and presented a letter of appreciation to Mrs. Tolley. June I worked with Federation Treasurer Marie Anglin to reestablish the federation s state sales and use tax exemption. The application was approved on June 21. July I attended the NEB/Federation Presidents Meeting at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida. September I attended the Federation Executive Board meeting and Region X Conference at the MainStay Suites in Pigeon Forge. And I attended all meetings of Tri-County Chapter my home chapter. CHAPTER VISITS: I visited the annual Murfreesboro Chapter 834 picnic on June 6; the 4 th Annual NARFE West Tennessee Joint Chapter Meeting hosted by Shiloh Chapter 861 on August 8; a monthly meeting of Jackson Chapter 519 on October 10 and their Christmas Luncheon on December 12; a Franklin County Chapter 2133 monthly meeting on December 3; a joint chapter meeting with Shiloh Chapter 861 hosted by Jackson Chapter 519 on February 13; and a monthly meeting of Clarksville Chapter 870 on March 13. RECRUITING ACTIVITIES: I visited with Marie Anglin and Merilyn and Ed Evans at the NARFE recruiting table they were working at the Tennessee Rural Letter Carriers Association State Convention in Cool Springs; a recruiting table set up by Jackson Chapter 519 for a Blue Cross Blue Shield 16

17 seminar in Jackson; and I visited major post offices in my home chapter Logistic Support Area in November and March. ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES: I met twice with Senator Bob Corker s Field Director, Jennifer Weems, in his Jackson office; once with Senator Lamar Alexander s Constituent Services Representative, Laura Ray, in his Jackson office; I attended a Constituent Listening Session in Oakland and a town hall meeting in Alamo with Congressman Stephen Fincher; and I participated in all Legislative Action Center calls including a budget letter to the editor that was published in the Jackson Sun. NARFE HEADQUARTERS WEBINARS: I participated in a Grass Roots Advocacy webinar and a Membership webinar. NARFE HEADQUARTERS TELECONFERENCES: I participated in a Budget Committee teleconference and nine Protect America s Heartbeat region teleconferences. FEDERATION NEWSLETTER: I submitted 13 items for four editions of the newsletter. Since we are still searching for a Federation Membership Officer, I would also like to take this opportunity to report on our Federation sponsored Member Recruiting Contest. It has been promoted in three editions of our Federation Newsletter, so hopefully most of you are aware of it by now. The count began January 1 and goes through December 31 with prizes to be awarded at the 2015 State Convention. As of the end of March we have a first place tie with one recruit each between Carey Frazier, Jerry McDuffie, Larry Minniear, Carla Perry, Monty Ray and John Shannon. In closing, it has been a pleasure to work with and visit so many of our outstanding Tennessee chapters this year and I am honored to have the privilege of working with an exceptionally talented and supportive Federation Executive Board. It has been a very enjoyable year. James L. (Larry) Henderson Tennessee Federation President 17

18 (Attachment 5) Tennessee Federation 2nd Vice President Report for April 15, April 20, 2014 April 15 and 16 - Attended the TN Federation Convention in Chattanooga and chaired the Membership Committee Meeting. Also attended the Federation Board Meeting May 6 - Marie Anglin and I attended the Pulaski Chapter Meeting. August 8 - Attended Fourth Annual West TN Joint Chapter Meeting hosted by the Shiloh Chapter. The meeting was held at Pickwick Landing State Park and there were about 40 people from six chapters in attendance. Johnny Blakely, Field Representative for Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn, spoke to the group and then opened the floor for questions and answers. Our members had good questions and were obviously well informed. Larry Henderson, Federation President, gave information on NARFE and some of the issues NARFE has, and is, working on. August 15 - sent to NARFE Legislative Dept with copy to Jessica Klement with information about our legislative efforts at the Joint Meeting May thru September - worked with Bill Martin, Bill Shackelford, Bridget Boel, and B J Thomas-McMillan on the Membership agenda for the Region X Conference Sept Attended Federation Board Meeting in Pigeon Forge Sept Attended Region X Conference in Pigeon Forge and participated as a facilitator in the Membership session Sept 19 - Visited Millington Chapter Meeting Oct 8 - Worked with Dickson and Memphis Postal chapters on paper reports and discussed getting passwords set up for OAM and/or Online Reports Oct 26 - Notified all west TN chapter presidents of the six month free membership offer available for active employees and encouraged all chapters to take full advantage of this opportunity Oct 30 - Along with other Jackson chapter officers and Federation President Larry Henderson, manned a NARFE table at a Blue Cross/Blue Shield event in Jackson and signed up several new active employees using the six month free membership offer November 4 - Took applications for the six month free membership to a Jackson post office and spoke briefly with an employee who said she would place membership applications in their break room 18

19 November 8 - Along with other Jackson chapter officers, manned a NARFE table at a Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Fair in Jackson for federal employees. Several active employees joined NARFE using the six month free membership offer. This was great exposure for NARFE as only one person there had even heard of NARFE previously December 10 - Visited Tri County Chapter Meeting and installed 2014 chapter officers February 4 - Attended Donelson Area Chapter Meeting and installed 2014 chapter officers February 13 - Attended Joint Chapter Meeting of the Jackson and Shiloh chapters in Jackson February 20 & 21 - Attended Federation Board Meeting in Lebanon February 28 - Visited Memphis Chapter Meeting March 13 - Visited Clarksville Chapter Meeting and 2015 Convention Planning Meeting which followed March 19 - Visited Dickson Chapter Meeting April 7 - Visited Germantown Chapter Meeting Prepared and submitted four newsletter articles to Max Coats for Federation newsletters Attended all Jackson chapter meetings except Sept 2013 meeting (was at Region X Conference) and March 2014 meeting (attending Clarksville chapter meeting on same day) Rhonda Mooney Tennessee Federation 2 nd Vice President 19

20 (Attachment 6) NATIONAL ACTIVE AND RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION Tennessee Federation Contact: Ed Evans, PR Officer, rd Vice President Activity Report April April 2014 April 19, 2014 April September Administered Tennessee NARFE Twitter account (50 April September Administered the Tennessee Federation NARFE Facebook account (94 members) at and NARFE Chapter 1576 Facebook account (83 members) at April September Presided over Donelson Chapter 1576 meetings as Chapter President. October April Attended Donelson Chapter 1576 meetings as PR Officer. April 14-16, Attended the 2013 NARFE Federation Convention in Chattanooga, TN. With Merilyn Evans, provided Memorial Service for past Chapter members. May 13, In conjunction with Norris Alderson, submitted an article to the Federation Newsletter for the 2014 Federation Convention in Franklin, TN. June 21-23, Manned recruiting table at the Tennessee State Convention of the Rural Letter Carriers in Franklin, TN., with Marie Anglin, Glenda Huff and Merilyn Evans. July Telcon discussions with Jerry Hitchcock, President, Franklin County Chapter 2133; and Mattie Lee Smith, President of the Lincoln County Chapter 2018, concerning suspension of Lincoln Co. Chapter meetings and opportunities to revive the Chapter membership. August 14, Attended the Wilson County Chapter 2009 in Lebanon, TN, along with Rep. Diane Black's District Director, Teresa Koberlein, to discuss current federal legislation and NARFE's concerns, plans, and programs. August 22, Attended a conference on "U.S. Global Leadership: Impact on Tennessee" with Sen. Bob Corker, Rep. Jim Cooper, and Gov. Bill Haslam, along with 20

21 NARFE members Jim Glenn and Elaine Bustillos. The transcript can be read at Bob-Corker.pdf September 3, Completed plans for a membership recruitment presentation at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Retiree BBQ, at the Rockland Recreation Pavilion, Old Hickory Lake, on October 16, 2013; several hundred retirees expected to attend. September 9, Attended Federation Board Meeting in Pigeon Forge, TN September 10-13, Attended Region X Conference and Training Sessions, Pigeon Forge, TN. July Telcon discussions with Jerry Hitchcock, President, Franklin County Chapter 2133; and Mattie Lee Smith, President of the Lincoln County Chapter 2018, concerning suspension of Lincoln Co. Chapter meetings and opportunities to revive the Chapter membership. December 9, Attended Nashville Chapter Meeting, Franklin, TN December 11, Attended the Wilson County Chapter 2009 meeting in Lebanon, TN, installed Chapter officers. January 13, Attended Nashville Chapter Meeting, Franklin, TN February 28, Attend meeting with members of Lincoln County Chapter 2018, Fayetteville, TN, to discuss closing the Chapter. March 11, Attended meeting with members of Columbia Chapter 882, Columbia, TN., to discuss closing Chapter. January-March-April Attended home Chapter meetings at our home Chapter

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25 (Attachment 9) Legislative Chairman Report Jim Glenn 04/14/13 to 04/20/14 4/14-16/13 Attended the NARFE Federation Convention in Chattanooga. Gave legislative update from Training Conference and Training from the national legislative department in D.C. 4/18/13 Attended Warren County chapter meeting, reporting on the Legislative conference in D.C. 4/25/13 Submitted article for Federation Newsletter. 5/07/13 Attended the Franklin County chapter (2133) meeting in Winchester. Presented a summary of the Federation Convention in Chattanooga. Encouraged all to attend the Convention next year in Franklin, Tennessee. 5/21/13 Participated in the PAH region X conference call. Discussed Legislation update. Forwarded Summary of call to Federation Officers. 6/12/13 Participated in the PAH region X conference call. Discussed Legislation update, August Grassroots Month. Forwarded Summary of call to Federation officers. 7/23/13 Participated in the PAH region X conference call. Discussed Legislation update, Post Office reform, OPM, Congressional Schedule, and August recess. Forwarded summary of call to Federation officers. 8/21/13 Participated in the PAH region X conference call. Discussed Legislation update, visits during recess, and call in week. Forwarded summary of call to Federation officers. 8/22/13 Attended meeting with Ed Evans in Nashville with Bob Corker. Three members of NARFE were present with our NARFE pins On. 4/14-9/08/13 Worked with Ron Buffaloe on Region X training. Legislative Chairman Report 9/08/13 to 2/19/14 9/08,09 Attended Federation Board Meeting in Pigeon Forge 9/10 to Attended Region X Conference in Pigeon Forge. 25

26 9/13 Presented Legislative Training/Advocacy with Ron Buffaloe during conference. 9/18/13 Participated in the PAH region X conference call. Discussed legislative update, postal reform, FEHBP for congressmen and staff, and call congress week. 9/30/13 Submitted article for Federation newsletter. 10/17/13 Participated in the PAH region X conference call. Discussed legislative update, government shutdown, and debt limit. 11/14/13 Participated in the PAH region X conference call. Discussed legislative update, open season, and budget committee. 11/14/13 Attended Warren County chapter meeting, presented free membership offer and challenged each member to contact former coworker and solicit for membership. 11/22/13 Visited Social Security office, Department of agriculture, and Post Office, explained the free offer for six months membership and left applications with each office. 12/11/13 Participated in the PAH region X conference call. Discussed legislative update, need for contact with Diane Black on committee, and FERS stand alone bill. 01/16/14 Participated in the PAH region X conference call. Discussed legislative update, budget, debt ceiling, postal reform and health care. 01/28/14 Attended Chapter meeting in Manchester (0883), gave an update On legislative activities, reviewing Sarah s latest call recap and installed the officers. Also encouraged all members to come to convention In Cool Springs with a new facility and and great area. 2/13/14 Participated in the PAH region X conference call. Discussed legislative update, postal reform, debt limit, toolkit update, and webinairs. 3/13/14 Participated in Region X conference call. Discussed legislative update, congressional recess and postal reform. 26

27 (Attachment 10) Public Relations Committee Report The committee began with about a dozen attendees and were joined during the slide show presentation. Everyone agreed that Chapters and NARFE in general needed more publicity and a better PR presence. PA Officer job responsibilities were discussed along with members' examples of "how-to" that would work for all chapters. Packets containing PR examples from other PR venues were provided to attendees. Several member shared idea and projects they had put into use to gain media attention and advertise for prospective members. Clarksville Chapter joined a community even for Alzheimers funding and gained quite a bit of publicity. Their success showed you don't always have to run the show -- jut get NARFE member to how up with NARFE t-shirts or some way to let people know NARFE i there - - that federal employees and retirees are your neighbors. Federation President Larry Henderson is looking for a new PR person to be a Federation Board member. And I promise you Larry is a great guy to work with. Everyone on the Board is very supportive. I also promise my support to anyone who will take that position. -- Ed Evans 27

28 (Attachment 11) MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT April 21, 2014 The Membership Committee met at 1:00 p.m. with 11 people in attendance. In addition to myself there were 10 other folks representing 7 different chapters. Those in attendance in addition to myself were: (Please stand when I call your name and be recognized) Ronnie Born, Chpt 108 Dorothy Bolden, Chpt 1382 Wanda Ferrell, Chpt 870 J Dean McAlister, Chpt 860 Kathy Nash, Chpt 204 Pat Vizi, Chpt 519 Yvonne Hamilton, Chpt 1576 Lorenzo Tyson, Chpt 519 Larry Minniear, Chpt 108, Oscar Krosnes, Chpt 1576 Thank you all for participating in our meeting. We discussed and shared ideas and best practices for recruiting and retention. Everyone on the committee participated in our brain storming session. I think we will all be carrying new or improved ideas back to our respective chapters. I would like to submit this report as read. Thank you. Rhonda Mooney Membership Committee Chair That's my report and if there are no questions, I would like to submit this report as read. Thank you. Rhonda Mooney TN Federation 2nd Vice President 28

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30 (Attachment 12) 30

31 (Attachment 13) 31

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33 (Attachment 14) ALZHEIMER S CONVENTION REPORT APRIL 22, 2014 The Alzheimer s Chapter Coordinators met in the training room. Those attending were: Gale Jones, 727, Reba Collins, 1956, Dale Sims, 870, Pat Stanley, 806, Joan Gates, TN NARFE Coordinator, and Clara Weston, Region X Coordinator. We discussed the submitting of donations to the coordinator by the 15 th of the month in order for the report to be submitted to the Alzheimer s Research office in a timely manner. We discussed the other organizations in our area that are collecting donations for Alzheimer s, but their administration expenses take up a good part of their donations while the NARFE donations have no administration expenses and all goes to research. However, some of the other organizations do a lot for those in the local area The group discussed the Weida White Tolley Memorial Trophy. It is so large and the chapter that wins it never has any place to display it. It was suggested the Alzheimer s Coordinator keep it and bring it back to the convention and display it all during the convention. The winner s name for the year would be added just before the announcement of the winner is made so the winner would still be surprised. The winning chapter would receive a framed certificate to take home. The group agreed with this change. Ms. Gates informed the group of the letter from Jane Rogers asking coordinators who were using the IN Memory cards for thank you cards to discontinue doing so. We have regular thank you cards to be used for that purpose. Clara Weston informed the group about the findings of the number of people with Alzheimer s, and the number that will be with Alzheimer s by Also, what research is doing to find a cure, and in the mean time to find a medication that will help lessen the effects of the disease. Signed: Joan Gates, TN NARFE Alzheimer s Coordinator 33