The Board of Governors met on May 19-20, 2017, at SEANC Headquarters in Raleigh to discuss business important to state employees and retirees. Here are the highlights from the meeting. Highlights Alternate Payment Option (Bank draft) contest announced With Senate Bill 375 passing through the Senate, the right of SEANC members to have their dues, insurance premiums, PAC donations and Purchasing Power payments deducted from their paychecks each month is under direct threat. SEANC is asking all members to consider switching over to bank draft, where these payments are pulled from members’ bank accounts each month instead. After gathering suggestions from board members at regional breakouts, SEANC’s Executive Committee decided to launch a contest to incentivize members to make the switch. SEANC will give away five prizes of $1,000 to randomly selected members in each district who have made the switch to bank draft by the SEANC Convention, for a total of $25,000. The 25 winners will be selected at the convention on stage. SEANC will promote the contest further in the days and weeks ahead. If you haven’t already, please visit apo.seanc.org to switch over to bank draft today!
Sgt. Callahan presentation SEANC President Stanley Drewery presented Wendy Callahan, the mother of the late Sgt. Meggan Callahan, with a check from donations to the fund SEANC set up in honor of her daughter. Sgt. Meggan Callahan, 29, was killed in an attack by an inmate at Bertie Correctional Institution on April 26. She was a member of SEANC’s District 63. SEANC collected more than $4,000 from individual member donations and SEANC districts all over the state. All proceeds collected were given to her family. In accepting the check, Callahan’s mother said Meggan “loved her job and she was very good at her job. She was a leader and she trained people well. We are very proud as a family of what Meggan did.”
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A former DPS employee himself, Drewery said he knew first-hand the dangers facing correctional officers each day. A correctional officer is assaulted every eight hours in North Carolina. “We just wanted to show our support as a SEANC family,” said Drewery at the presentation. “I know we cannot give her enough to bring her daughter back, but we want to give her love and show her support for the sacrifices her daughter made for each and every one of us.”
Hurricane Matthew Relief Connections Committee Chairwoman Linda Rouse Sutton reported that it had distributed $22,000 in relief grants to 61 members and their families who suffered losses as a result of Hurricane Matthew’s landfall last fall. The funds were raised solely from generous contributions from individual members, SEANC districts, and members of other locals of SEIU. Members submitted an application for a grant from SEANC, then a committee of members evaluated each and distributed funds according to need. Awards ranged from $100-$500 each. Recipients live in areas all over eastern North Carolina, including Wilson, Goldsboro, New Bern, Greenville, Kinston, Fayetteville and Lumberton. Convention Update The 34th Annual SEANC Convention will be held at the Sheraton Koury Convention Center in Greensboro Sept. 6-9. President Drewery has decided to forego the Saturday night banquet at the convention this year in favor of a Thursday night awards dinner that he hopes will get more members involved. The newly elected officers will be sworn in Saturday during the business section of the convention.The convention’s theme this year is “Take the L.E.A.P – Lead. Engage. Action. Participate.” Convention Deadlines: • July 21: District table reservation, hospitality preference room, raffle information, awards submission deadline • July 28: District delegate registration/rooming list • August 19: Banquet RSVP and ticket deadline; remembrance information/photo submission. Reports
President’s Report President Stanley Drewery opened by discussing the death of Sgt. Meggan Callahan. A former DPS employee himself, he said that prisons have been short staffed for a long time, and if the public knew how dangerous our prisons are “they wouldn’t sleep at night.” He challenged every district to give at least $100 in support of Sgt. Meggan Callahan’s family. Drewery reiterated how important members rolling over to the alternative payment option (APO) is for SEANC to survive. He urged everyone to get busy today to get everyone rolled over. He also asked everyone to step up to recruit new members.
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Executive Director’s Report Executive Director Mitch Leonard reviewed the happenings at the General Assembly. The Senate’s budget was approved two weeks ago and was very disappointing, but that was expected. It contained a $750 or 1% pay raise, whichever is greater, and no cost-of-living adjustment for retirees. Senate Bill 375, sponsored once again by Sen. Ralph Hise, passed through the Senate just before the crossover deadline. It would take away the ability of SEANC and similar associations and groups to deduct dues and other payments from paychecks. Though he said the bill may not move through the House, it’s critical that we move members to bank draft as soon as possible. Leonard also discussed working with state Treasurer Dale Folwell, who EMPAC endorsed in the last election, on pension and health plan issues. So far, Folwell has shown an eagerness to work with SEANC and seems to value our opinion immensely. As for SEANC, the IT study is almost complete. There are two job openings currently on staff – the Chief Operating Officer position and Member Relations Representative position for the East. Both will be filled ASAP. We are sending out a mailer to 9,000 retired nonmembers in a collaborative recruiting effort with SEIU. He passed out copies of Executive Order 5, issued by Gov. Roy Cooper, which gives SEANC greater access at worksites and allows for three days of administrative leave for delegates to attend the SEANC Convention. Treasurer’s Report General Treasurer Chevella Thomas reported that SEANC’s finances for the 2017-18 fiscal year remain on track. SEANC will have to file POL tax forms for 2014 and 2015. Future reports on SEANC reserves will contain more detail.
Alternative Payment Options (Bank Draft) Director of Member Services Brenda Hooker gave an update on SEANC’s efforts to switch members to bank draft. Members can enroll either by going to apo.seanc.org or by completing the traditional paper form. Hooker said the “kinks” have been worked out of the system, and we are ready for all members to make the change. She said that the largest group enrolling in APO is the retirees. She emphasized that the BOG are the leaders and need to roll over to APO now and convince others to do so as well. The time is now! There will be another APO enroller training in June. Anyone interested in working as an APO enroller should contact SEANC at 919-833-6436.
Awards Chairwoman Janice Bass encouraged members to discuss possible nominations during annual meetings. All awards submissions must be completed electronically with the exception of District of the Year. Deadline for nominations is July 22.
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Audit
Chairman Keith Renner reported that the committee reviewed and approved accounting policies that were implemented after the 2015 and 2016 audits. In addition, the committee selected two candidates -- District 44 members Regina Hill and Steve Lusk -- for potential election to three-year terms at the convention. Two more candidates are needed for the committee. The committee has developed and approved potential Audit Committee bylaws amendments to be submitted at the district annual meetings for consideration at convention. The committee is also looking at developing specific fiscal policies as to how district debate funds should be spent. In addition, they are developing an operational manual for the districts and planning for an audit training. The next audit committee meeting is June 6 at 10 a.m.
Benevolence Director of Communications and Public Relations Jon Owens reported for Chairwoman Deborah Fleming that the committee needs the districts’ help in collecting quality photographs and information for the Memorial presentation. A list of the deceased members thus far was distributed to each district. District 60 Chairwoman Hiawatha Jones suggested that the districts contact Human Resources and ask them for the names of those who have passed away during the past year and then contact the SEANC office. Bylaws Bylaws Chairman Jimmy Davis reported that every district must be represented at the Statewide Bylaws Committee meeting on July 19. The proposed amendment must be submitted on the standardized form to the State Bylaws Committee via staff liaison Chuck Stone no later than ten business days after the district annual meeting. It must be submitted no later than July 15, even if that date is less than 10 business days after the district’s annual meeting. Failure to meet either of these two deadlines will result in the proposed amendment being disqualified from consideration. Proposed amendments may be submitted by hand, fax, emailing a scanned copy, U.S. mail, the state courier service or any other overnight service. Connections Chairwoman Linda Rouse Sutton reported that $22,000 in Hurricane Relief grants were awarded to 61 members. Awards were given at three amounts: $100, $250 and $500 depending on the applicant’s needs. Phase two will be contacting some of the recipients to participate in some type of media. The committee intends to have the media shared at the convention. In addition, Sutton shared with the board thank you notes received by recipients. Emerging Leaders Chairwoman Emily Jones reported that the committee has plans to engage new delegates during convention. The committee members will be on hand to
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answer any questions attendees may have. She challenged each district chairperson to invite at least one new member to this year’s convention. EMPAC Chairman Tony Smith stressed the importance of everyone being actively involved in EMPAC and financially supportive. The EMPAC Spotlight was sent to every district via email and will be resent soon. Smith strongly encouraged members to read it, so you know what is going on in EMPAC. Smith needs a number of districts to send Government Relations Specialist Tony Booe the names of their EMPAC representatives. He asked that the board let the committee know what you would like to do at the EMPAC event at convention. Smith also emphasized needing help with the “grassroots army” because SEANC must get stronger politically. He encouraged everyone to let your legislators know what they have done that you like as well as what they haven’t done for state employees.
Contest – In an effort to build support for the PAC financially, there will be two sets of drawings: 1. New PAC contributors who sign up to give $3 or more from May 1-Sept. 8 will be entered into a drawing to win gift cards for $150, $100 or $50. 2. Current PAC contributors who increase their PAC contribution by $3 or more will be entered into a drawing to win gift cards for $150, $100 or $50. Winners will be announced at the convention on Saturday. Aug. 5 is the next EMPAC meeting at the Central Office from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Smith encouraged everyone to attend. Let him know if you want to attend so there is enough food. Executive Director Search Committee Chairwoman Martha Fowler reported that the committee is continuing the work and getting together a good set of guidelines.
Fight for $15 Director of Government Relations Ardis Watkins reported for Chairman Wendell Powell that SEANC is lobbying for a raise of $2,400 for the next few years in an effort to get the low paid state employees up to $15 an hour. Watkins urged members to call Rep. Chris Malone or email him no matter where you live in the state. It is important to thank him for what he is doing and motivate him to keep going. In addition, members need to call Rep. Nelson Dollar and thank him for being there for SEANC. Watkins reiterated the importance of employees to keep telling their stories to let the legislators know the truth about the sacrifices state employees make financially. We need to hear from more people like District 59 Chairwoman Kathy Merritt who stepped up and participated in a commercial to lobby for state employee raises.
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Insurance Board of Trustees Chairwoman Janice Smith reported that the board reviewed the offered insurance products to SEANC members and sent out requests for proposals (RFPs). The RFP presentations were held on April 20. During their meeting on April 19, they reviewed and passed the budget for 2017-18 and developed a comparison for the IBT to review at the May 5 meeting. Smith also encouraged the districts to have members sign up, not only for their dues but for their insurance products. The next meeting is June 26 at 10 a.m. Membership Director of Member Services Lynn Cote reported that between February 1 and April 30, there were 614 cancellations. Out of those 614, 529 called the Central Office. And, the office staff was able to retain the memberships of 60% of those calls! Cote reiterated that members who want to cancel need to be educated about why SEANC membership is essential. She encouraged everyone to reach out to coworkers and educate the ones who want to cancel their memberships. Member Discount Chairman Dennis Hartley reported that 49 new businesses have been added. District 18 member Sharron Patterson won a trip to Carowinds for recruiting the most businesses during the last recruitment contest. The winner of the next recruitment contest will receive a cash gift card. And, remember, for every five businesses recruited, members get $25.
Personnel Manual Review Committee Committee member Anne Castro reported for Chairwoman Doris Greer that the committee was developed to review the current Personnel Manual for updates, deletions, additions and relevance to the scope of the needs for the SEANC staff. The committee meets monthly to review. Upon completion, they will submit the manual to SEANC legal representation for confirmation. Upon legal approval, the manual will be presented to the BOG for review and approval from implementation.
Public Relations Committee Chairwoman Hiawatha Jones reported that the last lobby day was an extreme success and thanked everyone for doing a great job! More than 150 people participated. There were at least 33 retirees. In addition, Jones recruited two participants that were not SEANC members. Planning First Vice President Gloria Evans reported that the Five-Year Plan committee continues to meet. They will be meeting again in June. They are monitoring how the $5 dues increase affects the budget. Policy Platform Chairman Jim Pressley reported that the committee is working on a re-write of the Policy Platform. It is time to update and revise to make it a more workable
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document. There is an overabundance of objectives in our Policy Platform. For example, the committee is moving from 73 objectives to just a few. In addition, there will not be a top 10 anymore. Two pages from Section 6 of the Policy Platform was distributed to the board and reviewed and passed: 1. Section 6, page 6.1 – This page lists the rules to go by to move forward. 2. Section 6, page 7.1 – Policy: the State Policy Platform Committee is responsible for receiving, considering or initiating changes to the Policy Platform. Procedure: The Policy Platform consists of Foundation Statement, and Framework and Capstone Objectives After receiving this approval, the committee will begin the re-write that was passed by the BOG in October regarding compensation, health care, retirement and job security foundation (framework) statements. The next meeting is July 20 meeting. The advisory begins at 9 am. The state meets at noon. Retiree Council Chairman Benny Brigman reported that the council met on May 4. They came to Raleigh early on May 3 to participate in a lobby day, which coincidentally was the day that the Senate Pensions and Retirement Committee was hearing a bill to change the retirement system to a 401k. Eighteen SEANC members were present at the meeting, and because of the SEANC presence in the crown, legislators decided not to vote on it. During the May 4 meeting, the council passed to continue paying 50 cents for every SEANC retiree to be a part of SEIU. SEANC will have a member on the SEIU advisory board. Brigman said that it is critical for members to represent SEANC at the General Assembly, especially in these next two weeks because of the legislative decisions that will be made regarding SEANC members.
Scholarship Chairman Mike Bell reported that scholarship applications have been received and annual judging will occur on May 23 – 25 at the Central Office. Winners will be announced by June 1. There is a board opening representing the North Central Region. If any district in that region has someone willing to serve, please have them send an email to President Drewery, with a copy to Bell, indicating his/her interest, and a brief biography, as soon as possible. The foundation received a reprieve and will be able to participate in the State Employee’s Combined Campaign (SECC) again next year. He reported that in order to continue the foundation’s participation in SECC, SEANC must increase fundraising while continuing to control expenditures. The bowling fundraiser is scheduled immediately following the adjournment of the July Board of Governor’s meeting on Saturday, July 22. More bowling teams
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are needed. Bell requested assistance in the sponsorship of teams and lanes and in the solicitation of items for the silent auction. Bell reminded everyone of the importance in monitoring and tracking the scholarship raffle tickets issued to each district. Bring all tickets, sold and unsold, to the convention and be prepared to provide affidavit on all lost tickets. Standards Review Chairwoman Tara Minter reported that Maria M. Lynch, an attorney with non-profit organization experience, reviewed the SEANC Bylaws and Operations Manual. Her report was given to the committee with recommended changes.
Training Chairman Steve Lawson reported that District Chairperson and Treasurer training will be held Aug. 9-10 at Camp Caraway. More information will be coming. Leadership training is also planned for some time during the 2017-18 fiscal year.
Votes PASSED – A motion to approve the BOG minutes from the February 2017 meeting. PASSED – A motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented. PASSED – A motion to pay the political activity tax from the Fight Back Fight Forward reserve account. PASSED – A motion to transfer $100,000 from the Purchasing Power reserve account to the APO reserve account. PASSED – A motion to list reserve accounts individually on the financial report. PASSED – A motion to set aside $25,000 ($5,000 for each region) from the APO reserve for incentives. PASSED - A motion to accept the recommendation from the Retiree Council to continue its relationship with SEIU and to continue paying SEIU dues for retirees. PASSED - A motion to approve the changes for the Policy Platform Policies/Procedures in Section 6 PASSED – A motion to approve the changes for the Policy Platform Advisory Committee Policies/Procedures in Section 6. PASSED - A motion to postpone the adoption of the Operations Manual until the Standards Review Committee presents its report. PASSED – A motion to negotiate an additional three-year contract with Koury Convention Center to hold convention there. Next meeting: July 21-22
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