8 minute read
SPOTLIGHT
by SEANC
Highlights
SEANC board passes resolution on SECU changes
SEANC Past President Shirley Bell and former State Employees’ Credit Union CEO Jim Blaine visited the board to discuss changes coming to the credit union, particularly a shift to risk-based lending that will begin on March 1.
Currently, as it has since it started, the credit union treats each member the same when it comes to interest rates and loans. Approvals are based on many different factors rather than just a credit score.
This new risk-based lending strategy will factor in credit scores more heavily and split applicants into tiers based on their scores, similar to a bank. Those with lower scores will pay higher interest rates and be more likely to be denied a loan.
Blaine gave an example of a person with a lower credit score paying $2,000 more for an $18,000 car loan than an applicant with a higher credit score. This system, he said, discriminates based on race, gender, and age.
SECU’s board is meeting again on Feb. 24. SEANC’s board passed a resolution asking SECU to rescind this risk-based lending strategy, which has been sent to each member of the SECU board.
Sen. Hise has filed bill to take away dues deductions
Sen. Ralph Hise filed Senate Bill 87 to take away state employees’ right to have payments to associations like SEANC, including dues, insurance premiums and Purchasing Power payments.
The bill is currently in the Senate Rules Committee. Watch your email for important SEANC calls to action should the bill begin to move.
UNC Staff recognize SEANC for golf tournament sponsorship
Crystal Woods, chairwoman of the UNC System Staff Assembly, stopped by the board meeting to present SEANC President Martha Fowler with a plaque recognizing SEANC for our sponsorship of the 2022 UNC System Chancellor’s Cup Golf Tournament.
The tournament raises money for scholarships for UNC staff at all 17 institutions.
SEANC plans to sponsor the tournament again this year once details are worked out.
Leadership Reports
President’s Report President Martha Fowler
Fowler discussed the payroll deduction bill and told the board to be ready for a fight.
She alerted the board to a dispute between Humana and Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., that could affect state retirees. The State Treasurer’s office is aware of the situation and is working with both parties.
Fowler reviewed several committee meetings she had attended, as well as the national SEIU meeting in Los Angeles.
Executive Director’s Report Executive Director Ardis Watkins
SEANC continues to work around Impexium issues. There has been a marked improvement since Christmas but we still have work to do. Watkins is meeting with the new CEO of Impexium next week.
Aetna will take over administration of the State Health Plan in 2025. SEANC has already been in contact with Aetna to make sure they know we will represent our members’ concerns through the transition. If the State Health Plan goes into the red, costs will go to members in the form of higher premiums, out of pocket maximums, etc.
Watkins has scheduled a meeting with the UNC senior policy staff to discuss ways we can work together to help members.
Watkins will hold an informal Zoom meeting on March 16 at 6:30 p.m. with board members.
First Vice President's Report First Vice President Kirk Montgomery
Montgomery stated that the Planning Committee is working with the Insurance Board to look at all the processes and procedures of budgeting.
The two committees held a joint meeting on Jan. 18, and a subcommittee was formed. It met Saturday, Feb. 18, after the board meeting.
The Planning Committee will start the budgeting process in April.
Second Vice President's Report Second Vice President Wendell Powell
Powell stated that he had attended weekly Executive Committee Zoom meetings and other committee meetings.
He represented SEANC at a Legislative Reception at the Museum of Natural History on Jan. 25.
Treasurer’s Report Treasurer Emily Jones
SEANC General Fund budget is on track for 2022-2023. No drastic changes are necessary or expected at this time.
The board approved raising the reimbursement rate for travel to 65.5 cents/mile to align with IRS figures.
Convention Update Jacque Chatman
Chatman reported that planning has begun for this year’s convention, scheduled for Sept. 7-10. If you know a vendor who may be interested in coming to the convention, let Jacque know.
Committee Reports
Audit Alicia Warren
The committee met on Jan. 12 and reviewed SEANC’s prior year disbursements.
Districts are asked to submit Annual reports.
Audit Committee representatives are available to assist districts with any questions regarding reporting, compliance and any controls or segregation of duties inquiries.
Awards Janice Bass
Bass reviewed the criteria for each of the four categories for awards – District of the Year, District Chair of the Year, Member of the Year, and Distinguished Service.
The committee would like to present a monetary award with each category in the future and will ask the board for an increased budget to do so in the upcoming budget cycle.
Benevolence Deborah Fleming
Fleming reported that the committee continues to send cards to the families of members who have passed.
She asked that board members continue to send photos for the Convention memorial presentation to Communications Director Jon Owens (jowens@seanc.org).
Bylaws Kim Martin
The Bylaws Advisory Committee will meet on March 25 to discuss the many amendments that have been recommended by SRS Consulting.
Connections Margaret Reader for B.K. Garrett
There have been no applications for aid submitted since the last meeting.
DHHS Sonya Akbar
The committee received 400 responses on its survey of members who work at DSOHF facilities.
We are now in the process of compiling the findings of the survey in a report that will be given to the legislature and DHHS leaders.
Emerging Leaders Council Kiana Price for Carl Elliott
The Emerging Leaders Council met on Dec. 16 and completed a community service project at the SECU Ronald McDonald House in Chapel Hill.
Chairman Carl Elliott is working with Habitat for Humanity to hopefully schedule the next community service project.
The next scheduled meeting is April 29 and the council will be conducting its Adopt-A-Highway pickup that day as well.
EMPAC Mark Dearmon
EMPAC will hold its meeting next Saturday, Feb. 25.
Investment Advisory Patsy Acquista
The committee met on Feb. 7. Its purpose is to determine sound investments for SEANC’s reserves.
Currently SEANC’s reserves are not earning much in an SECU share account. The committee asked the board to move half of it to a money market and half to six-month CD with better interest rates. The board approved.
COMMITTEE REPORTS (CONTINUED)
Growth & Expansion Charles Streeter
The committee is working to increase membership and enthusiasm for younger members.
A survey of members under the age of 40 was sent out to gauge what they want in an association, but we only received 46 responses.
Insurance Board Laura Overstreet
The Insurance Board has had ongoing discussions with the Planning Committee about how to best budget for the future.
The board approved offering a new home health care plan through Manhattan Life for members
Member Discount Tim Southard
District 42 member Tracy Webb won $100 for signing up the most businesses for the program in the most recent contest.
The current contest will run through May 12.
The committee will once again give first, second and third place awards during convention for the most businesses signed up for the year.
Membership Spillman Grice
The committee is now running the Spring Into Action promotion through May 18. Recruiters receive $20 per member recruited, and if you refer a friend and they join you get $20 as well. You also get $25 for each event you schedule and hold.
Spillman Grice recognized the districts that are in the positive in membership numbers for the year. They are Districts 2, 6, 7, 24, 38, 65, 66 and 70.
District 70 had the largest percent increase and District 66 had the most total new members in January.
The committee will award top recruiters at Convention once again, and is planning to recognize the region with the best recruiting numbers with ribbons for each delegate from that region.
The board approved a motion to change the amount districts should spend on recruiting in the Operations Manual from 5% to 10%.
Policy Platform Betsy Lee Hodges
Hodges reviewed the various parts of the Policy Platform and how to suggest new ones in advance of annual meetings.
Prison Reform Deborah Harney
As of January 1, the Department of Public Safety Division of Prisons became a stand-alone agency, Department of Adult Correction. This was one of our committee recommendations.
Todd Ishee was sworn in as Secretary of the new Department of Adult Corrections. The DAC continues to name key personnel to leadership roles.
Phase 3 of the pay increase should be implemented in March.
COMMITTEE REPORTS (CONTINUED)
Public Education Mark Dearmon
The committee met on Feb. 7 to discuss last year’s Chancellors Cup Golf Tournament. SEANC was the lead sponsor last year and had an opportunity to meet staff members from the UNC System institutions which led to additional opportunities for SEANC on several campuses.
The 2023 tournament will be held at the Bryan Park Golf Course in Greensboro on September 26. NC A&T University will be the host university. The committee is planning on being the lead sponsor again in 2023 and will be asking the 14 SEANC districts that include universities to contribute to the sponsorship once again.
SEANC currently has payroll slots in 56 of the 115 public school systems.
Educators Appreciation Week to recognize all school employees is May 1-5, 2023.
The committee reviewed a draft survey intended to go out to all SEANC members who work in the public schools. The survey will go out in early March with an April 15 deadline. Employees who complete the survey will be entered into a drawing for one of three gift cards - $100, $75 and $50.
Retiree Council Benny Brigman
The Retirement Systems Board of Trustees decided that the system could not afford a cost-of-living adjustment this year based on gains. Instead, it recommended 2% bonuses in the next two years.
The legislature could still give a COLA, but would have to pay for it out of the general fund.
There will be no nominations from the floor this year for the Retiree Council. Please submit nominations 45 days before the convention in order to be considered.
Scholarship Foundation Mike Bell
The committee distributed cash raffle tickets at the board meeting. Contact Phyllis Byrd if you need additional tickets.
Scholarship Chairs should be receiving applications now. Bell reviewed application instructions, and deadlines. Deadline to apply is April 15.
Scholarship Chairs should check their contact information on the SEANC website for accuracy.
Training Jacque Chatman for Angela Lyght
Advanced Leadership Training will be held March 1-3 at the SEANC Office. This training will be conducted by Dr. Kendra Davis. The cost of the training is a $100 registration fee, and the hotel cost for two nights is $260.48.
If you or any of your members attended the Basic Leadership Training and would like to attend the Advanced Leadership Training, please get in contact with Jacque Chatman (jchatman@seanc.org).
