Report of National Executive Board Meeting

September 6, 2006

To: Region III Federation and Chapter Officers

These are not the official minutes of the NEB meeting, Only my perception of what took place during the meeting of the National Executive Board. The official minutes will be published after approval by the NEB.
 
1. As always the meeting began with committee meetings held at the Hyatt Hotel on September 6, 2006. I continue to serve as the chair of the Strategic, Planning and Operations Committee. the other members of this committee are Region IV NFVP, Tom Johnson and Region VI NFVP, Jerry Hatfield.
 
2. The other three committees are;
 
    Financial Planning and Investments, Chaired by Richard Ostergren
    Legislation, Chaired by Dan Galvan
    Membership/PR/Benefit Services, Chaired by Dave Sullivan
 
The Strategic Planning and Operations Committee began by discussing the potential dates for the Strategic Planning Conference. It was decided that the most potential would be achieved by scheduling the conference as early as possible after the convening of the 2007-2008 NEB. The actual date chosen was November 16-17, 2006 in Alexandria, Va. The location and facilitator are to be coordinated by National Officers and Executive Staff.
This was submitted to the NEB by Motion 06-07-01 and approved. (This was the only motion made.)
 
Some of the recent changes to the Chapter Locator had eliminated information the committee members felt was needed. The recommendation of the committee was that NARFE return to the original format with the addition of chapter meeting dates and locations displayed. Chapter Presidents not wanting personal information displayed could opt out with only chapter information displayed. This action was approved by the NEB.
 
The committee reviewed proposals to add a "Personal Ad" column in the NARFE magazine. These proposals were submitted to the full NEB and rejected unanimously.
 
The recommendation of the committee on joining the Premier Credit Union were to be accepted (Note-The NEB voted to continue the discussion and forward recommendations to the legal authorities pertaining to the possibilities of it becoming known as the NARFE Federal Credit Union.)
 
Discussion of problems with preparation for a National Convention resulted in some recommended changes as shown below:
 
    1. National establish and prepare written guidelines for future Committee Chairs and members assigned to work at future conventions.
 
    2. That the procedures for tracking submitted resolutions be reviewed and revived to eliminate the confusion which occurred before this convention.
 
The Strategic, Planning and Operations Committee Report was approved by the NEB.
 
The Report of the Legislative Committee was given by Dan Galvan.
 
This report covered the status of NARFE legislation, strategies to push current legislation through current and future party leaders. NARFE must continue to tell the story of what has been accomplished to protect our current benefits; and
 
To establish Strategies for the 110th Congress to act on current and future legislation; and
 
Preparation for the legislative conference in March and Lobby week as key elements in meeting with legislators and committee heads; and
 
To continue telephone conferences with Federation Presidents and Legislative Officer; and
 
Have the Federations establish a legislative chair in each congressional district for more one on one contact; and.
 
Strengthen the NARFE website on state legislative issues.
 
The Legislative Report was accepted by the NEB.
 
The Membership/PR/Benefits Services committee report was given by Dave Sullivan.
 
A review of the 2006 Membership Plan disclosed the in the first seven months of the year we had recruited 14,029 new members, had 4,428 reinstatements (total 18,457). We had 5,364 deaths, dropped for nonpayment 18,508 and 368 cancellations (total 24,240). A net loss of 5,783 members.
 
Some recent recruiting efforts and their results are;
 
Spring lapsed member mailing - 29,000 letters mailed - 2,498 rejoined - 8.6% return rate
League of Postmasters mailing - 17,000 packets mailed - 370 joined - 2.2% return rate
Spring OPM blind mailing  - 51.000 packets mailed - 3,837 new members - 7.5% return rate
 
Public Relations review of current NARFE Advertising was provided along with a report of request for matching funds. During 2006 there have been 44 requests for matching funds in the amount of $23,638. (NOTE: This is an asset that is available to all of our chapters that is very under utilized. For the new criteria on requesting these funds see the latest Quarterly Report).
 
Review of the Model Chapter Program. This is an ongoing program with discussions held on future symposiums. (NOTE: There is one being planned for Region III in Columbus, GA during either September/October 2007. We need representatives from each of our chapters to make this an effective symposium).
 
A plan is being formulated on how to address members that have moved to other locations and have not changed their chapter of assignment.
 
A discussion was held on providing a stipend for those members which find and gain access into an agency for a formal PRS program. This was approved by the board with the amount to be determined later.
 
Some of the members felt that the 10% funds were not being spent appropriately and it was recommended that the committee support reinstating the 10% allocation report. (Note - This recommendation passed by the NEB over my objection.)
 
The Membership/PR/Benefits Services Committee report was accepted by the NEB.
 
The Finance and Investment Report was given by Richard Ostergren.
 
The NEB was briefed on the performance of NARFE's investments and they are on sound footing with a healthy return.
 
The only major expense item was the purchase of a new black and white printer for the print shop ($93,000). Much of this cost will be offset by eliminating one position in that department.
 
Pending outcome of proposed resolutions at the convention an actuarial study of the Life Membership Fund is planned this fall.
 
Talks are ongoing with the Premier Credit Union and details of the agreement are being forwarded to our legal counsel for review.
 
The Finance and Investment Report was accepted by the NEB
 
The NEB adjourned for the National Convention.
 
The Post Convention NEB convened on September 15, 2006 for a very brief session. There was discussion of some of the things we need to improve on before the next convention and also an opportunity for the new oncoming board members to introduce themselves.
 
This meeting adjourned after about two hours.
 
My sincere appreciation for your support in reelecting me for another term as your representative.
 
Thanks.
 

Bob Harrell
Region III, NFVP