THE
Publication of the State Employees Association of North Carolina • August 2008 • Vol. 26 No. 4 • Circulation 55,000
SEANC Nearly Doubles Governor’s Pay Proposal by Securing 2.75% Pay Raise, 2.2% COLA By Erica Baldwin RALEIGH – Although it’s not what state employees and retirees desired from legislators, SEANC increased the governor’s recommendations by nearly 83 percent in the final budget passed on July 16. While the governor proposed only 1.5 percent pay raises and 1.2 percent retiree cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), state employees will receive a 2.75 percent or $1,100 (whichever is greater) recurring base pay raise and retirees will receive a 2.2 percent COLA due to SEANC’s lobbying efforts.
to support her, stressed how difficult it was to make ends meet with the rising costs of basic living expenses. Many members, in a sea of blue SEANC shirts, held signs reading “Ask me about my second job” and “Food and gas costs the same for all state employees.” The Senate attempted to include a provision that would allow the governor to give teachers higher raises, above the 3 percent included in the budget, if revenues exceeded projections. This effort would sidestep the typical budget process and favor one set of state employees, teachers, above the rest. SEANC lobbyists and members worked diligently with House members in support of pay equity, and the provision was removed from the final budget.
Employees making $40,000 or less will receive the $1,100. State employees receiving 3 percent pay raises include teachers, university EPA faculty and nonfaculty, and community college faculty and professional staff. Pay raises and COLAs are retroactive to July 1. Photo by erica Baldwin
Lobby Day Success During SEANC’s Member Action Team Lobby Day on June 24, nearly 250 SEANC members sweat out the 90-degree heat to share their personal commitment to public services and the need for equitable pay raises. “We do our safe every day, ey,” said District cheering crowd.
Following Thorpe’s comments, Rep. Ty Harrell (D-Wake) pumped up the crowd with his enthusiastic support of pay equity, retirement reform and collective bargaining.
“I want you to knock on these doors and say, ‘Ask me why it is that I have to have a second job. Ask me how we can reform our Jerome Hasty of Distict 23, left, and Jerry Thompson of District 43 cheer retirement plan. Ask me how fair and equion lobby day speaker Ty Harrell (D-Wake) on June 24 in Raleigh. table pay raises are the best thing for all of us,’” said Rep. Harrell. “We need to make employees – for the holidays we work, for the weekjobs to keep our communities sure that that song is heard, not by the choir, but by ends we work, all 12 months of the year. Food and but quality services cost monthe congregation. Will you help me sing it? Will you gas is high for all state employees.” 45 member Pamela Thorpe to the help me reach the members of the legislature?” “We need pay equity for all state Thorpe, whose husband and daughter were there
SEANC’s Value – Money in Your Pocket
Other lobby day speakers included SEANC President Linda Rouse Sutton, Sen. Kay Hagan (D-Guilford), Jonathan Stephenson of District 19 and SEANC Executive Director Dana Cope.
More Work to Do
FINAL BUDGET • 2.75% or $1,100 base pay raise (whichever is greater) E S • 2.2% retiree COLA EA
% 3 8INCR Governor’s Proposal • 1.5% pay raise • 1.2% retiree COLA
Though the session is over, SEANC members can make an impact this fall during the November elections. “We’re going to elect people who are committed to our values, then we’re going to hold them accountable,” Cope told the crowd on lobby day. As of press time, Employees Political Action Committee (EMPAC) members were making endorsement recommendations for statewide offices and legislative seats. EMPAC’s endorsements of state employee friendly candidates will be published in the next Reporter. ebaldwin@seanc.org
2 mat lobby day
SEANC Members Rally in Raleigh on MAT Lobby Day June 24
SEANC members gear up to talk to their legislators on lobby day. Pictured front row, left to right, are Nicole Hunter of District 43, North Central Regional Representative to the Executive Committee Tara Minter, District 65 Chairwoman Vivian Bazemore and Youth Council Chairwoman Amaka Flynn, Diane Castellow and Betty Jones, all of District 42. Pictured back row, left to right are District 41 Chairman Wendell Powell, Insurance Board of Trustees Chairwoman Cheryl Moon of District 43, Whit Bridgers of District 56 and Joe Trostel of District 46.
“It’s time for these folks MENU fairness, to recognize dignity and justice. We’re asking for them to allow ➤➤ ➤➤ us collective bargaining rights. Working families demand ➤ equality.”
PHOTO BY ERICA BALDWIN
Photo by ERICA BALDWIN
Compiled by Erica Baldwin
– SEANC Executive Director Dana Cope
– Sen. Kay Hagan (D-Guilford)
PHOTO BY TONI DAVIS
“I want to thank each and MENU every one of you for all of the hard work that you ➤do ➤ for our state. You ➤➤are what makes the state of North Carolina great.” ➤
PHOTO BY CARRI DERRICK
PHOTO BY TONI DAVIS
Sidney Sandy of District 11 and Rep. Pat Hurley (R-Randolph) of District 17 share a quick “hello” before the House session begins.
Rep. Alice Graham Underhill (D-Craven) of SEANC District 67, left, offers her support for SEANC’s legislative priorities to SEANC President Linda Rouse Sutton and Eastern Regional Representative to the Executive Committee Bruce Jones of District 67.
3
PHOTO BY TONI DAVIS
PHOTO BY TONI DAVIS
mat lobby day
SEANC Legislative Affairs Director Ardis Watkins, center, and SEANC Lobbyist Suzanne Beasley Malysz, right, show appreciation to state employee advocate Rep. Linda Coleman (D-Wake) of SEANC District 38.
Shoshana Serxner, left, and Jayne Gallo, both of District 39, take time in the elevator to talk with Sen. Walter Dalton (D-Rutherford) of District 4 about SEANC’s legislative priorities.
“We all believe in quality MENU service…North Carolina is number one in my mind, but ➤ we ➤ have a lot of work ➤➤ ahead of us.” – Jonathan Stephenson of District 19, a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill employee, speaking on the importance of➤ improving pay and benefits to reduce turnover
Rep. Arthur Williams (D-Beaufort) and Pam Hailey of District 58 discuss what’s in store for state employees for this short session.
Sen. Steve Goss (D-Watauga) listens intently as SEANC members from western North Carolina request better pay and retirement security on behalf of all state employees.
PHOTO BY CARRI DERRICK
PHOTO BY ERICA BALDWIN
PHOTO BY carri derrick
“You are theMENU ones that make the engine of this state run, and if we continue to treat you➤like ➤ second-class citizens, ➤➤ the car ain’t going to go that far.”
PHOTO BY CARRI DERRICK
PHOTO BY TONI DAVIS
PHOTO BY CARRI DERRICK
Senate Minority Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) meets a group of state employees from his district on lobby day.
SEANC District 22 members Sharon Hucks, left, and Kathy Blackmon, right, meet with Rep. Margaret Dickson (D-Cumberland), also of SEANC District 22, in the hallway of the Legislative Building.
PHOTO BY CARRI DERRICK
– Rep. Ty Harrell (D-Wake) ➤ of SEANC District 42
MENU “I do work hard for my money – and you all work hard for your money to make a ➤➤ ➤➤ difference in our communities every day.” – Department of Correction health care technician Pamela Thorpe of District 45
➤
4
SEANC Stops Health Plan Co-Pay Increases by
Erica Baldwin
The State Health Plan (SHP) was unexpectedly active this short session, a time when health plan issues are typically not addressed. It began with the sudden firing of SHP Executive Administrator George Stokes in early July, when legislative leaders claimed the plan was at a loss of at least $65 million. Stokes was immediately replaced with former SHP head Jack Walker as interim administrator – a man who has had a lessthan-cordial relationship with health plan members. As part of his first official duties, Walker and legislative leaders attempted to shift costs to employees and retirees by raising doctor visit and prescription co-pays by $5 to $10. SEANC members mobilized quickly and called their legislators, letting them know that members could not afford the burden of this so-called “loss” in the health plan. As of press time, SEANC has not
told WRAL on July 16. “They’re not positive where the problem is. They just keep giving a number that seems to be completely false.” After the influx of calls and e-mails, House members backed off their efforts to raise co-pays. Senate Democrats, however, persisted with their attempts to make employees burden higher costs, but ended session without passing any increases on to SHP members.
seen a single actuarial report backing the claims of such a large loss in the SHP. “Our members have let the legislature know unequivocally that they will not stand by with manufactured numbers creating cost-shifting to them,” SEANC Legislative Affairs Director Ardis Watkins
SEANC urged legislators that enough money existed in the $21.4 billion budget and the almost $1 billion rainy day fund to fix the health plan, if in fact a problem existed. SEANC hopes legislative leaders look for more long-term solutions next session rather than asking for more money from employees and retirees. ebaldwin@seanc.org
Online SEANC Store…Coming Soon!
Shirts • Bags • Umbrellas Blankets • Hats And more! Order your SEANC merchandise at www.seanc.org beginning in mid-September!
5 columns
4 o
Quotes to Note
4 o
“I think the average rank-and-file state employee is going to be beside themselves and just feel like this is one more slap in the face. (An) 88 percent raise when state employees were suggested by the governor to get 1.5 percent is just preposterous.” SEANC Legislative Affairs Director Ardis Watkins on WRAL’s “Mary Easley defends 88 percent pay increase” on July 2. “That seems to be ridiculous. When state employees get additional job duties, very oftentimes they will get at best a 5 percent pay increase of what they were making.” SEANC Executive Director Dana Cope on Mary Easley’s 88 percent pay raise in the July 3 News & Observer article “May Easley’s NCSU pay soars.” “We can’t believe this would happen. We certainly can’t believe it would happen this year. It’s one thing for the governor to be meanspirited and give raises that don’t provide enough for a dollar value meal or gas to get to work for state employees, but the hypocrisy of $60 hamburgers and 88 percent raises being okay for the first lady.” SEANC Legislative Affairs Director Ardis Watkins on WTVD’s “First Lady’s pay increase questioned” on July 2. “We keep hearing about this rainy day fund for the legislature; well, there’s a monsoon where I live.” Brenda Hooker of District 27 on the proposed pay raise in The News & Observer article “State workers rally for better pay, bargaining” on June 24. “I’ve worked for the state almost 30 years now, so I’ve pretty much dedicated my life to working for the citizens of North Carolina, and I cannot live on what I’m making.” Carol Ann Huneycutt of District 45, a Department of Correction employee who also works part time in a veterinarian’s office, on WTVD’s “State employees rally for money” on June 24. “Our voices need to be heard, but legislators don’t even give us the opportunity to talk about the things we need like a safe environment, a healthy environment.” SEANC Insurance Board of Trustees Chairwoman Cheryl Moon in The News & Observer article “State workers rally for better pay, bargaining” on June 24. “We think that would achieve parity and send a strong message to all of the state employees across North Carolina that they are respected and treated with dignity.” SEANC Executive Director Dana Cope on pay equity for state employees and teachers in The Associated Press article “Budget talks: NC state workers want higher pay” on June 24. “We’ve got to have better pay so we can survive.” Dennis Hartley of District 10 in The Associated Press article “Budget talks: NC state workers want higher pay” on June 24. “North Carolina is one of only two states whose public employees don’t have collective bargaining. We’ve got to start rewarding folks who do their job with a collaborative rather than adversarial effort.” SEANC President Linda Rouse Sutton in The News & Observer article “State workers rally for better pay, bargaining” on June 24. “We all serve the state and the counties in different capacities, and it’s all vital.” District 41 Chairman Wendell Powell discussing the importance of both state employees and teachers in The News & Observer article “Lawmakers, Easley clash over raises” on June 17. “They should have anticipated these problems and we want them to be fixed. If the state doesn’t resolve this issue quickly by paying our state employees what they deserve and what they work for, then we will be looking to file a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor.” SEANC Executive Director Dana Cope regarding the state’s payroll problems on WRAL’s “Payroll issue has state employees coming up short” on July 2.
President’s Message by
Linda Rouse Sutton J
Time to Make Hannah Grace and Colby Lane Proud Of all the accomplishments and proud moments that we achieved together over the past two years at SEANC, a recent event in Sutton my life has made me realize why all the work we do advocating to make a better life for our families is worth it. On July 1, for the second time, I became a Granna. It made me think about the past, the present and the future. When Hannah Grace and Colby Lane grow up, I pray they won’t have to struggle as we state employees have had to for decent pay raises and a secure retirement. And I hope that our work has laid the foundation for great things to come in the future for SEANC members. This year, after much debate, discussion and member input, our SEANC delegates voted overwhelmingly to affiliate with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Now our organization is leading the way for state employees in the South and Southwest, and we are focused on growing our membership and making life better for state employees and retirees. Now I don’t expect this affiliation to get us all 88 percent pay increases like some folks, but by work-
ing with SEIU we will increase our political strength, win collective bargaining which will lead to better pay, have representation in the U.S. Congress and join a national network of state employees. This year we also connected with our future and our past by celebrating more than 60 years of representing state employees. We remembered and honored the work of our past SEANC presidents and revitalized this group seeking their input with meetings and ideas for future growth. We created the first SEANC Youth Council and the result was a new generation of future leaders for the association — at the district, regional and state levels. I want to thank each and every one of you who have stood firm by our SEANC principles in the good times and the hard times, especially my family and my supervisors. We have surely been challenged like never before. We must continue to be open to change, but at the same time never compromise our principles. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to serve as your SEANC president these past two years. I hope our actions made you — and one day, when they are old enough to read and understand this column, Hannah Grace and Colby Lane — proud. lsutton@seanc.org
THE REPORTER USPS 009-852 (ISSN 1069 2142) is published in the months of March, May, August and November for $3 per year, per member, by the State Employees Association of North Carolina, Inc., P.O. Drawer 27727, Raleigh, NC 27611-7727. Periodicals postage paid at Raleigh, N.C. and additional offices. POSTMASTER:
Judge Doug McCullough SEANC Member Since 2001 Up For Re-Election in 2008 I Need & Welcome the Support of My Fellow SEANC Members.
Send address changes to: THE
Go To
REPORTER, P.O. Drawer 27727,
www.re-electjudgemccullough.com
Raleigh, NC 27611-7727.
To Contact Me & Volunteer To Help. Paid for by the Committee to Re-Elect Judge McCullough.
6 columns
Counselor’s Comments By Tom Harris SEANC Chief of Staff/General Counsel
Time to Keep Pension Funds Secure Few things are more important to SEANC members than the integrity of the funds that pay for their pension benefits. Consequently, SEANC Harris devotes significant resources to oversee the system that invests the state’s pension funds. This year two bills in the General Assembly brought retirement fund investment issues to the forefront: House Bill 2758 and Senate Bill 2100. This article highlights the critical factors that led SEANC to support the first and oppose the second in the pursuit of keeping state pension funds secure.
Safety in Numbers SEANC supports House Bill 2758, which would change North Carolina from a sole investor system. Currently the state treasurer is the only person making the pension fund investment decisions. Recognizing that a sole investor system provides both opportunities and temptations for investment fraud, 46 states have enacted laws to spread the investment authority to more than one person, usually a board. The threat of fraud is real. The former sole investment officer for Connecticut’s state employees’ retirement system is serving a prison term for taking bribes to give lucrative contracts to certain investment firms. While we can hope that similar fraud will never happen in North Carolina, the current system certainly increases that risk. We only have to examine what has happened during the current administration to see. It has been estimated that investment firms selected by current State Treasurer Richard Moore will have been paid nearly $1 billion in investment fees by the end of his term of office (paid from the assets of the pension system). During that same period, people connected to those and other financial firms have made combined campaign contributions of up to $1.5 million to the sitting treasurer. While there is no firm evidence that any investment decisions are based on who
makes campaign contributions, circumstances can easily give that impression and the opportunity will always be present. In fact, any state treasurer who receives and chooses to retain campaign contributions from the very companies he or she grants lucrative investment contracts will always have a cloud of suspicion hanging over his or her head. House Bill 2758 will help eliminate any appearance or existence of actual fraud by spreading the investment decisions to the board of trustees of the retirement system. While the state treasurer would still be involved in making investment decisions as chairperson of the board, he or she would share that responsibility with the other members of the board, which includes persons appointed by the governor, the speaker of the House and the president pro tempore of the Senate. These board members are all fiduciaries who are required by law to act in the best interests of the members of the retirement system and who are legally accountable for their actions. SEANC will continue to press for retirement reform in next year’s legislative session.
“Moore” of the Same? Senate Bill 2100, introduced at the request of outgoing State Treasurer Moore, would expand the investment authority of the state treasurer in ways that will make the fraud concerns addressed by House Bill 2758 even worse. If adopted, this bill will allow the state treasurer to contract with investment firms in vastly greater instances than the law currently permits. For example, for the entire existence of the state pension plan, employees of the Department of the State Treasurer have managed investments in bonds and have done so with very good results. Under Senate Bill 2100, however, the treasurer would be given authority to contract with private investment companies to make bond investments. Not only would this result in more state pension funds being spent on fees to investment companies, leaving less funds for paying benefits, but it would create a whole new category of companies and persons who
would likely make campaign contributions to the treasurer, raising the same questions about whether fraud might be involved. There are other problems with Senate Bill 2100, as well. It would authorize the treasurer to invest in stock “derivatives,” a risky form of investment that historically has led to the bankruptcy of several governments. It also removes the current 1.5 percent limit on how much of the total pension system assets can be invested in the stock of one company. This increases the risk that the system might heavily invest in one company and could lose significant assets if that company goes under,
which happened to other states’ pension plans when Enron went bankrupt. Moreover, Senate Bill 2100 would permit investments in riskier “alternative” investments to grow beyond the limits set for those types of investments under current law. These are just some of the provisions that led SEANC to oppose Senate Bill 2100 on the grounds its passage would be not be in the best interests of state pension plan members. The Senate did not move on this bill this session, but SEANC will continue to fight these and similar efforts next year. tharris@seanc.org
7 columns
Member Action
FEATURED MEMBER DISCOUNT Your One and Only Card for Savings
By Kevin LeCount Member Action Director
Time to Drive Membership In an effort to realize a net increase of 2,500 new SEANC members by Dec. 31, the SEANC Member Action DepartLeCount ment kicked off an aggressive membership organizing, or recruiting, campaign on July 14. Now that affiliation with the Service Employees International Union has been achieved, it is time to commit time, energy and resources to building and organizing a bigger and better SEANC. Targeting tens of thousands of non-SEANC active employees and retirees, the potential is huge for an increase in SEANC membership.
It is going to take buy-in from our active members across the state, our Member Action Team members and our district leaders. I am confident this goal can be achieved. Our biggest enemy in terms of membership loss is turnover. As state employees leave for better paying jobs in the private sector, we lose SEANC members. We need to recruit two members to grow our overall membership number by one. It’s always two steps forward, one step back. Join us in bringing new employees and retirees into the SEANC family. Educate them about our legislative successes, member discounts, insurance programs and the importance of power in numbers. klecount@seanc.org
The Reporter Toni Davis, Editor-in-Chief Erica Baldwin, Managing Editor Carri Derrick, Associate Editor/ Advertising Manager Mary Adelaide Bell, Associate Editor Dylan Barlow, Intern STATE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION of NORTH CAROLINA P.0. Drawer 27727 • Raleigh, NC 27611 1621 Midtown Place • Raleigh, NC 27609 Telephone 919-833-6436; 800-222-2758 www.seanc.org (Please use Post Office Drawer for mailing purposes.)
ADVERTISING POLICY SEANC
accepts
advertising
material
from
companies and persons seeking to communicate with
SEANC members. Acceptance of this
advertising does not indicate
SEANC approval
or endorsement or any representation that the message, product or service is as represented by the advertiser.
SEANC accepts no responsi-
bility and shall not be liable for any use of or reliance on any such information, product or service.
SEANC is a private entity and is under
no obligation to carry advertisements of any nature, political or otherwise, that may be viewed as contrary to the interests of the association and its membership.
We are happy to announce that once again your SEANC membership card is also your SEANC PerksCard. Visit www.seancperks.com to SAVE MONEY on a variety of things such as home improvement, theme parks, movie tickets, restaurants, dry cleaning, automotive services and much more. We encourage you to take advantage of the discounts available to you. The more you use your SEANC PerksCard, the more you will save!
877-253-7100 www.seancperks.com
8 2 0 0 8 S E ANC CON V E NT I ON
25th Annual Convention: “Time to Drive” On Sept. 4-6, approximately 900 delegates from across North Carolina will convene at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro to make important decisions on behalf of SEANC’s 55,000 members. In addition to commemorating the association’s 25th annual convention, highlights from the agenda include the following: ➤ Election of SEANC officers ➤ Bylaws and Policy Platform decisions ➤ Training opportunities ➤ Community service backpack project ➤ SEANC spirit themed dinner ➤ Presentation of awards to outstanding SEANC members ➤ Drawing for a 2008 Ford Ranger to benefit the SEANC Scholarship Program ➤ EMPAC Legislative Dessert Reception and SEANC Idol Competition (for EMPAC contributors) ➤ SEANC banquet and officer induction ceremony Please visit the SEANC Web site at www.seanc.org for additional convention information.
Are YOU the next SEANC Idol? Whether participant or performer, come be a part of the
4th Annual EMPAC Event and SEANC Idol Competition Friday, Sept. 5 7:00 p.m. Legislative Dessert Reception 8:30 p.m.–12:00 a.m. SEANC Idol Competition and Karaoke If you want a chance to be the next SEANC Idol, simply: 4 Contact Susan Strickland at strickse@yahoo.com or 919-862-4906 by Sept. 1 4 Pick out two songs to sing on Sept. 5
9 Sept. 4-6 • Koury convention center • greensboro
Candidates for SEANC Statewide Office Announced by
Mary Adelaide Bell
SEANC leadership for 2008-2009 will be determined by approximately 900 delegates at the 25th annual convention on Sept. 5. SEANC Bylaws allow members to submit their candidacies for SEANC office to the Board of Governors up to 45 days prior to the convention, or nominations can be submitted from the convention floor. Officers’ terms begin Oct. 1 and run through Sept. 30, 2009. In addition to the election of statewide officers, district chairpersons will elect regional representatives to the Executive Committee by their respective regions (East, South Central, North Central, Piedmont and West). Only 2008-2009 district chairpersons are eligible to run for these positions. As of press time, the following members had announced their candidacies for statewide SEANC office: mbell@seanc.org
Candidates for President:
Art Anthony, a District 39 member and Raleigh resident, currently serves as SEANC treasurer. A 20-year state employee, he is a Research Specialist at the Center for Urban Affairs and Community Services at North Carolina State University.
Tony Smith, a District 5 member and Morganton resident, currently serves as first vice president. A 16-year state employee, he is a Maintenance Supervisor IV for the Department of Correction.
Candidate for First Vice President:
Pat Reighard, a District 3 member and Blowing Rock resident, currently serves as second vice president. A retired 30-year state employee, he is a Professor Emeritus at Appalachian State University.
Candidate for Second Vice President: Tommy Griffin, a Moncure resident, currently serves as the District 25 chairman and the Piedmont Region representative to the Executive Committee. A 35-year state employee, he is an HVAC Supervisor I at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Candidates for Treasurer: Sharon Dobson, a District 46 member and Raleigh resident, currently serves as her district’s EMPAC chairwoman. A 10-year state employee, she is an Auditor for the Department of Revenue.
Shanticia Hawkins, a District 26 member and Durham resident, currently serves as the Member Action Team/ Training Committee chairwoman. An 11-year state employee, she is the Central Region Program Manager for the Department of Correction.
Cheryl Moon, a District 43 member and Knightdale resident, currently serves on the Executive Committee as the Insurance Board of Trustees chairwoman. A 30-year state employee, she is a retired Driver’s License Hearings/ Problem Resolution Officer from the Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles.
Candidates for EMPAC Chairperson: Mark Dearmon, a District 39 member and Raleigh resident, currently serves as the Area 10 EMPAC chairman and the vice chairman of the State EMPAC. A 32-year state employee, he is a Media Production Specialist with the Department of Communication Services for North Carolina State University.
Susan Strickland, a District 64 member and Raleigh resident, currently serves as the Member Discount Committee chairwoman and State EMPAC secretary. A 20-year state employee, she works as an Office Assistant IV for the Department of Labor, Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau.
BACKPACKS, BACKPACKS!
Delegates to the 25th Annual SEANC Convention are invited to donate backpacks filled with school supplies when they come to Greensboro in September. The backpacks will be donated to the Governor’s One-on-One Volunteer Program for distribution to children in need around North Carolina. A list of grade-specific school supplies can be found on the SEANC Web site, www.seanc.org, or by calling the SEANC Central Office at 800-222-2758. Please mark the bag with the grade for which the backpack is designated. Thank you for helping continue SEANC’s tradition of giving!
10 S E A NC S C H O L A R S H IP S
SEANC Awards Annual Scholarships Compiled by Carri Derrick This year, the SEANC scholarship program awarded 48 statewide scholarships valued at a total of $39,500. Districts also awarded more than $50,000 in district-level scholarships. The five categories of scholarships are: PHOTO BY CARRI DERRICK
• Four-year financial — a $1,000 scholarship to attend a two-year junior college or four-year college or university
• Four-year merit — a $1,000 merit scholarship to attend a two-year college or four-year college or university • Two-year merit — a $500 merit scholarship to attend a community college, technical school or trade school • Member only — a $500 scholarship awarded to state employees who are SEANC members Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients! cderrick@seanc.org
CHARLIE LEE CASH SCHOLARSHIP Top four-year merit candidate ELIZABETH SONG Raleigh SCHOOL: University of Pennsylvania, International Law DAUGHTER OF SEANC DISTRICT 16 MEMBER: Yigin He, Business and Applications Technician, DENR
Photo by Carri Derrick
• Two-year financial — a $500 scholarship to attend a community college, technical school or trade school
The Scholarship Foundation Board met at the SEANC Central Office in Raleigh May 13-15 to judge 114 applications. Pictured, left to right, are Chevella Thomas of District 27, Carol Howard of District 43, B.J. Hodges of District 2, Carolyn Rajacich of District 16, Shoshana Serxner of District 39, George Thiessen of District 39, Chairman Mike Bell of District 61, Amanda VanGyzen of District 64, Albertina McGirt of District 17 and Sue Chosewood of District 64. Not pictured: Percy Underdue of District 56, Terry Westry of District 17, Judy Causby of District 5, Carol Caldwell of District 40 and Doris Greer of District 3.
4-YEAR MERIT—$1,000 LOGAN DAWSON Goldsboro SCHOOL: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Pharmacy DAUGHTER OF SEANC DISTRICT 59 MEMBER: Larry Dawson, Patient Advocate, Cherry Hospital, DHHS
4-YEAR MERIT—$1,000 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP Top member-only candidate SANDRA JONES Seven Springs SCHOOL: Mount Olive College, Business Administration SEANC DISTRICT 60 MEMBER: Purchasing Technician, Cherry Hospital, DHHS
WYATT EDSEL Moravian Falls SCHOOL: North Carolina State University, Engineering SON OF SEANC DISTRICT 8 MEMBER: James Edsel, Supervisor, DOT
4-YEAR MERIT—$1,000 DANIEL FARRELL Goldsboro SCHOOL: North Carolina State University, Engineering SON OF SEANC DISTRICT 60 MEMBER: Frank Farrell, Administrator, O’Berry Center, DHHS
4-YEAR MERIT—$1,000 RANJAN BANERJEE Raleigh SCHOOL: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Engineering SON OF SEANC DISTRICT 40 MEMBER: Reena Banerjee, Processing Assistant, DOC
4-YEAR MERIT—$1,000 JESSIE BREAZEALE Youngsville SCHOOL: Meredith College, Genetic Research DAUGHTER OF SEANC DISTRICT 42 MEMBER: Carl Breazeale, Program Consultant, Division of Social Services, DHHS
4-YEAR MERIT—$1,000 CASSIDY FLECK Matthews SCHOOL: Duke University, Education/English Literature DAUGHTER OF SEANC DISTRICT 12 MEMBER: Terri Fleck, Teacher, Union County Schools
4-YEAR MERIT—$1,000 KRISTIN HARTGROVE Greensboro SCHOOL: North Carolina State University, Agronomy/Horticultural Science DAUGHTER OF SEANC DISTRICT 17 MEMBER: Anna Hartgrove, Children’s Center Director/ Adjunct Instructor, Guilford Technical Community College
4-YEAR MERIT—$1,000 ROBERT HUNT IV Boone SCHOOL: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Physics SON OF SEANC DISTRICT 3 MEMBER: Robert Hunt III, Plant Protection Specialist, DOA
4-YEAR MERIT—$1,000 KRYSTIAN KOZEK Apex SCHOOL: North Carolina State University, Engineering SON OF SEANC DISTRICT 25 MEMBER: Lucyna Kozek, Statistician Research Assistant, DENR
4-YEAR MERIT—$1,000 REBECCA MILLER Clyde SCHOOL: The College of William and Mary, Business/ Marketing DAUGHTER OF SEANC DISTRICT 2 MEMBER: Suzanne Orbock-Miller, Teacher, Haywood County Schools
4-YEAR MERIT—$1,000 CHELSEA PERFECT Durham SCHOOL: Dartmouth College, Biology DAUGHTER OF SEANC DISTRICT 19 MEMBER: Sharon Rebecca Perfect, Grant Manager, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
4-YEAR MERIT—$1,000 MATTHEW PITTMAN Wilson SCHOOL: North Carolina State University, Biomedical Engineering SON OF SEANC DISTRICT 71 MEMBER: Harold Pittman, retired, DOT
4-YEAR MERIT—$1,000 JENILEE RENNER Edenton SCHOOL: Toccoa Falls College, Cross Cultural Studies DAUGHTER OF SEANC DISTRICT 69 MEMBER: Baldwin Renner, Counselor, Vocational Rehabilitation, DHHS
4-YEAR MERIT—$1,000 CODY RENEE SMITH Oakboro SCHOOL: North Carolina State University, Animal and Poultry Science DAUGHTER OF SEANC DISTRICT 11 MEMBER: Mark Crowell Smith, Transportation Supervisor II, DOT
4-YEAR MERIT—$1,000 STEFAN STRECKFUS Pinebluff SCHOOL: North Carolina State University, Engineering SON OF SEANC DISTRICT 20 MEMBER: Carol Streckfus, Office Assistant IV, DOT
4-YEAR MERIT—$1,000 DUSTIN WOOD Shelby SCHOOL: Appalachian State University, Financial Planning SON OF SEANC DISTRICT 4 MEMBER: Deborah Wood, Lead Consultant, ESC
11 S E A NC S C H O L A R S H IP S 4-YEAR FINANCIAL—$1,000 BENJAMIN BLOWE Colerain SCHOOL: Chowan University, Business Management SON OF SEANC DISTRICT 69 MEMBER: Douglas Blowe, Captain, DOC
4-YEAR FINANCIAL—$1,000 LAKETHA BROWN Greenville SCHOOL: East Carolina University, Nursing DAUGHTER OF SEANC DISTRICT 65 MEMBER: Lisa Brown, Administrative Assistant, East Carolina University
4-YEAR FINANCIAL—$1,000 BRIAN BURCH Marble SCHOOL: University of North Carolina at Asheville, Psychology SON OF SEANC DISTRICT 1 MEMBER: Angela Burch, Community Service Coordinator, DOC
4-YEAR FINANCIAL—$1,000 CEDRIC BYNUM Rocky Mount SCHOOL: Elizabeth City State University, Chemical Engineering SON OF SEANC DISTRICT 57 MEMBER: Sylvia Alston-Purnell, Teacher, Edgecombe County Public Schools
4-YEAR FINANCIAL—$1,000 LAUREN CARAWAY Glen Alpine SCHOOL: North Carolina State University, Physical Therapy DAUGHTER OF SEANC DISTRICT 5 MEMBER: Christal Mangum, Deputy Clerk, Burke County Clerk of Court, Judicial Branch
4-YEAR FINANCIAL—$1,000 CARL DOVER Raleigh SCHOOL: Tuskegee University, Veterinary Medicine SON OF SEANC DISTRICT 42 MEMBER: Helen Dover, Disability Specialist I, Disability Determination Services, DHHS
4-YEAR FINANCIAL—$1,000 ASHLEY JOHNSON Mount Airy SCHOOL: Appalachian State University, Education DAUGHTER OF SEANC DISTRICT 8 MEMBER: Edward Johnson, Jr., Maintenance Mechanic, DOT
4-YEAR FINANCIAL—$1,000 ASHLEY MUIRHEAD Clayton SCHOOL: East Carolina University, Nursing DAUGHTER OF SEANC DISTRICT 46 MEMBER: Lynne Muirhead, Administrative Officer, DOR
4-YEAR FINANCIAL—$1,000 CHARITY RAYBURN Asheville SCHOOL: Clemson University, Graphic Communications DAUGHTER OF SEANC DISTRICT 2 MEMBER: Sherry Rayburn, Assistant Teacher, Buncombe County Schools
4-YEAR FINANCIAL—$1,000 WILLIAM SMITH Fayetteville SCHOOL: North Carolina Central University, Education SON OF SEANC DISTRICT 22 MEMBER: Tracey Smith, Information Technology, Cumberland County Schools
4-YEAR FINANCIAL—$1,000 JEREMY UPCHURCH Fuquay-Varina SCHOOL: Barton College, Psychology SON OF SEANC DISTRICT 40 MEMBER: Dinah Grace Jones Upchurch, retired, DOC
4-YEAR FINANCIAL—$1,000 RASHIDA WHITENER Winterville SCHOOL: North Carolina A&T State University, Nursing DAUGHTER OF SEANC DISTRICT 64 MEMBER: Tammy Vines, Review Appraiser, DOT
MEMBER ONLY–$500 PATRICIA ARRINGTON Rocky Mount SCHOOL: North Carolina Wesleyan College, Criminal Justice SEANC DISTRICT 56 MEMBER: Correctional Officer, Caledonia Correctional Institution, DOC
MEMBER ONLY–$500 SHELLE‘ RUST Elizabeth City SCHOOL: East Carolina University, Instructional Technology SEANC DISTRICT 69 MEMBER: Instructional Technology Specialist, Elizabeth City State University
MEMBER ONLY–$500 LEE EDMUNDSON Pikeville SCHOOL: North Carolina A&T State University, Agriculture Education SEANC DISTRICT 59 MEMBER: Grounds Supervisor II, Cherry Hospital, DHHS
MEMBER ONLY–$500 GWENDOLYN EVANS Greensboro SCHOOL: University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Business Administration SEANC DISTRICT 17 MEMBER: Executive Assistant, North Carolina A&T State University
MEMBER ONLY–$500 BARBARA GREEN Jacksonville SCHOOL: Capella University, Human Services SEANC DISTRICT 70 MEMBER: Social Worker, Dobbs Youth Development Center, DJJDP
MEMBER ONLY–$500 YOLYNDRA GREEN Charlotte SCHOOL: Capella University, Human Services SEANC DISTRICT 13 MEMBER: Library Specialist, Central Piedmont Community College
MEMBER ONLY–$500 MILLICENT KAUFMAN Conover SCHOOL: University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Nursing SEANC DISTRICT 6 MEMBER: Registered Nurse, Broughton Hospital, DHHS
PARIS MOCK Raleigh SCHOOL: Kaplan University, Nursing SEANC DISTRICT 42 MEMBER: Nurse Consultant II, Division of Public Health, DHHS
SHALEE FORNEY Morganton SCHOOL: University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Speech Pathology DAUGHTER OF SEANC DISTRICT 6 MEMBER: Betsy Forney, Environmental Services, Broughton Hospital, DHHS
ALYCIA INGRAM Kinston SCHOOL: Winston-Salem State University, Business Administration DAUGHTER OF SEANC DISTRICT 66 MEMBER: Robert Ingram, Stock Supervisor, Caswell Center, DHHS
AMY COWEN Creedmoor SCHOOL: Vance-Granville Community College, Criminal Justice SEANC DISTRICT 26 MEMBER: Processing Assistant III, Polk Correctional Institute, DOC
MEMBER ONLY–$500
4-YEAR FINANCIAL—$1,000
4-YEAR FINANCIAL—$1,000
MEMBER ONLY–$500
MEMBER ONLY–$500 YVONNE PRICE Webster SCHOOL: Western Carolina University, Educational Administration SEANC DISTRICT 1 MEMBER: Basic Skills Retention Specialist, Southwestern Community College
2-YEAR FINANCIAL AID—$500 AMBER BRADSHAW Connelly Springs SCHOOL: Western Piedmont Community College, Education DAUGHTER OF SEANC DISTRICT 6 MEMBER: Terry Bradshaw, Western Regional Maintenance, Broughton Hospital, DHHS
2-YEAR FINANCIAL AID—$500 AMY STONER Sylva SCHOOL: Southwestern Community College, Education/ Social Work SEANC DISTRICT 1 MEMBER: Financial Aid Administrative Assistant, Southwestern Community College
2-YEAR MERIT—$500 TAYLOR GILLELAND Cullowhee SCHOOL: Southwestern Community College, Political Science SON OF SEANC DISTRICT 1 MEMBER: Melody Lawrence, Financial Aid Director, Southwestern Community College
2-YEAR MERIT—$500 JESSICA KIDD Wallace SCHOOL: Sampson Community College, Nursing DAUGHTER OF SEANC DISTRICT 61 MEMBER: Shelby Kidd, Equipment Coordinator/ Printing Technician, Sampson Community College
2-YEAR MERIT—$500 PATRICIA SONOVICK Burlington SCHOOL: Alamance Community College, Nursing WIFE OF SEANC DISTRICT 7 MEMBER: Roy Sonovick, retired, DHHS
2-YEAR MERIT—$500 BRANDON TISA Youngsville SCHOOL: Wake Technical Community College, Computer Science SON OF SEANC DISTRICT 39 MEMBER: Rosalie Tisa, Cashier’s Office Customer Service Representative, North Carolina State University
12 member action Compiled by Carri Derrick and Dylan Barlow
District Officer Training to Focus on Organizing New SEANC Members Aug. 21-22, Caraway Conference Center, Asheboro By Tiffany Woodard, Member Services Coordinator SEANC’s Member Action Department is retooling the District Officer Training to include a strong focus on organizing, or recruiting, more state employees and retirees into the SEANC family. Whether you are a first-time district secretary or a seasoned district chairman, SEANC invites you to District Officer Training Aug. 21-22 at the Caraway Conference Center near Asheboro. Training begins at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, and concludes at 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 22. Each year SEANC conducts this training to empower and inform incoming and returning district officers. With an enhanced focus on membership recruitment, please con-
sider coming again even if you have attended this training before. Other topics include: • District responsibilities • Conducting effective meetings • Empowering members • Member Action Team • Employees Political Action Committee • Retiree issues • SEANC’s insurance products This is an exciting training that you won’t want to miss. Up to three members from each district are invited to attend, including but not limited to, district chairmen, district secretaries and district treasurers. twoodard@seanc.org
Photo by Carri Derrick
The best products for the best State Employees!
Assistant Insurance Commissioner Joins SEANC District 47 member Doranna Anderson, left, signs up Assistant Insurance Commissioner and Assistant State Fire Marshal Wayne Goodwin at the SEANC Central Office in Raleigh on April 14.
Accident Insurance | Cancer Insurance | Disability Insurance Critical Illness Insurance | Whole Life Insurance Hospital Confinement Indemnity Insurance
NEW! Statewide toll-free telephone number
1-888-SEANC4U (1-888-732-6248)
In Raleigh, call: Barry Patterson (919) 785-2971 -or- Danny Cotten (919) 552-8584 In Charlotte: Tony Woodfin (704) 845-8460 In Greenville: Ken Lang (252) 353-7262 Agent-assisted internet enrollment is now available. barrett.patterson@coloniallife.com Colonial Supplemental Insurance is the marketing brand of Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company. Exclusions and limitations may apply
13
Photo by ANKE CAHOON
member action
District 63 Holds Successful Membership Drive
Photo submitted by DEBBIE AUSTIN
Sgt. Marion Drake, right, recruits a new member during District 63’s membership drive on June 19 at the Everettes Call Center in Williamston. Drake and District 63 Chairperson Anke Cahoon, with the assistance of SEANC Eastern Member Action Coordinator Benny Brigman, recruited 12 new members.
District 65 Raises Money for Cancer Research
Photo by MIRIAM HENRY
District 65 members pose for a picture at Pitt County’s Relay for Life fundraiser in Greenville held April 25-26. SEANC members helped raise approximately $8,000 for the American Cancer Society’s signature event.
District 59 Helps Fellow State Employee District 59 member Orie Henry, Jr., right, presents a gas card and check to Tomeka Wooten on April 8 at Cherry Hospital in Goldsboro to assist in her travels to Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville, where her son is being treated for chronic lung disease. Wooten is an employee at Wayne Correctional Center in Goldsboro.
14
Photo by JIMMY GILBERT
Photo submitted by George thiessen
member action
District 63 Holds MAT Training
Photo submitted by DEBBIE AUSTIN
District 39 member George Thiessen recruited Wake County District Court Judge Kristin Ruth on May 22 in Raleigh.
District 65 Members Volunteer with Children’s Miracle Network District 65 members, left to right, Mary Taylor, Carolyn Debmon, Lynn Tuthill, James Willis and Debbie Austin volunteer with the Children’s Miracle Network on May 31 and June 1 in Greenville. With their help, the Children’s Miracle Network raised over $1 million for the University Health Systems Children’s Hospital.
Photo by Steve Lawson
District 39 Recruits District Court Judge
District 63 held Member Action Team (MAT) training at Bertie Correctional Institution on June 11 with 17 members in attendance. Training was conducted by SEANC Member Action Coordinators Jimmy Gilbert and Benny Brigman. Pictured front row, left to right, are District 63 members (except those noted) Kim Lee, Kendell Mullen, Synovia Smallwood, Marion Drake, Theresa Walker of District 68, Doris Burke, Dorreen McClay and Reginald Russell. Pictured back row, left to right, are Anke Cahoon, Iris Liverman, Sheila Perry, Jesse Mobley, Mashell Wilson, Perri Small of District 64, Janet Martin and Linda Keech of District 68.
District 16 Retirees Stay Active District 16 Membership Chairwoman Melva Daniels, right, leads fellow retirees in stretching exercises during a retiree forum on June 26 at Winston-Salem State University.
15 member action Golf Tournament Raises Money for SEANC Scholarship Fund By Don Jones The Hyland Hills Golf Club hosted the annual SEANC Golf Tournament June 14-15 to raise funds for the SEANC scholarship program. With the help of 53 golfers and sponsoring partners, the event raised $644 for the program, which awards nearly $100,000 in state and district scholarships to deserving SEANC members and their dependents each year. Harvey Taylor of District 66 won the tournament for a second time by posting a two-day score of 146. Kay Manning of District 57 won the ladies’ championship, shooting a two-day score of 180. The senior championship was won by David Steinbock.
SEANC congratulates all of the 2008 golf tournament champions and all of those who support the SEANC scholarship program. djones@nc.rr.com
Photo by MITCH LEONARD
SEANC thanks golf tournament sponsors Acudata Forms, Boston
Mutual Insurance, Carolina Custom Golf, Carolina Mudcats, Carowinds, Colonial Insurance, Doug Sutton Insurance Services, Emerald Pointe Water Park, Golfsmith, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Kings Dominion, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Marriott Courtyard, State Employees’ Credit Union, Inc., Sutherland Benefit Group and Tweetsie Railroad. A special thanks to Colonial Insurance, who donated a set of golf clubs that were raffled off and raised an additional $600 for the scholarship fund.
Photo by MITCH LEONARD
Kay Manning, left, accepts the ladies’ championship trophy from Scholarship Golf Tournament Coordinator Don Jones.
Scholarship Golf Tournament Coordinator Don Jones, left, presents two-time winner Harvey Taylor with the championship trophy.
g
16
New SEANC Web Site… Coming in Early September!
SEANC Conference Rooms Conference rooms for up to 100 people are available for rent at the SEANC Central Office for individuals, organizations and companies. A daily fee of $150 per room per weekday includes a professional business environment with audiovisual equipment, access to a food preparation area and room arrangement to suit your needs. Conference rooms A and B can be combined into one large room for $300 per weekday. (1) Mitch Leonard Conference Room A, 859 sq. ft. (2) Mitch Leonard Conference Room B, 859 sq. ft. (3) Conference Room C, 280 sq. ft. Location: 1621 Midtown Place, Raleigh, NC 27609 Let SEANC provide an impressive environment to make your meeting or training session a success! Contact Mary Adelaide Bell at 800-222-2758 or mbell@seanc.org to secure your conference room today.
State Employees Association of North Carolina P.O. Drawer 27727 Raleigh, NC 27611
Periodical Postage
PAID Raleigh, NC