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National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association

Florida Federation of Chapters

Your Future is Our Focus

Newsletter

January 2007

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DUE TO RECENT CHAPTER ELECTIONS,

IF YOU ARE NOT THE CURRENT CHAPTER

PRESIDENT OR SECRETARY, PLEASE FORWARD

THIS NEWSLETTER ON TO THE CURRENT

PRESIDENT OR SECRETARY.

President’s Podium

By Benjamin J. Pappa Jr

As we start a new year, let’s look back at what has

taken place this year, and look forward to what may

take place next year.

Over the past year, the Florida Federation has

continued its course in the fields of Legislation,

Membership and Communications.

In Legislation, we continued our program of

visitation to as many of our Florida national elected

officials as possible by our Federation Legislative

Officer. By keeping them informed of who we are

and what we expect of them, that being, to protect

or enhance both our earned annuity and health

program.

In Membership, our Membership Chair has

attended major events that attract 2,000 to over

12,000 seniors, and is presenting NARFE at pre-

retirements seminars when requested by National.

In Communications by way of our Federation

Quarterly Newsletter and Public Relations Press

Releases through our Newsletter Editor and PR

Chairman has informed and kept the face of

NARFE in the eyes of the public, members,

prospective members and our legislators.

We conducted our Annual Convention in May,

where NARFE businesses was conducted, old

friendships were renewed and new friendships

were established.

2006 being an even numbered year, we also saw

our National Convention, where dreams really do

come true. Margaret Baptiste was elected as the

first woman and first spousal annuitant to be

NARFE National President.

At the October 26-27, 2006 Federation Executive

Board (EB) meeting, the following elected and

appointed officers were installed.

William H. Leatham was elected Secretary by the

EB to fill the remaining term left vacant by the

resignation of John (Steve) Henderson.

I made the following appointments that were

confirmed by the EB:

Treva M. Devers, Legislative Officer

Diana M. Leatham, Automation Chair.

The Florida Federation EB is honored to welcome

each to their respective positions. A list of all

elected and appointed officers is found at the end

of this Newsletter.

November saw some major changes in the newly

elected political leadership in Washington. A

strong message was sent…no matter how much

money a candidate spends, it still comes down to

the power of the vote. What this means for

NARFE, only time will tell.

So what is in store for the Florida Federation over

the next year?

The three major programs of the Florida

Federation, Legislation, Membership and

Communications will continue on their present

course.

I also look forward to some changes at out National

HQ, but we must be patient and give our newly

elected National Officers some time to get oriented

and establish their programs, programs that will

require the help of many.

NARFE is not an Association that works for the

benefit of one or a few. Everything that is

accomplished is done for each and every one

of us, and yes, even those retirees who are not

members of NARFE also benefit from our many

hours of work.