May 2022 Spotlight

SPOTLIGHT

HIGHLIGHTS

Guest Speaker: Candidate for U.S. Senate Cheri Beasley

Won Primary Democratic nominee for US Senate with EMPAC's endorsement

ƒ Beasley has been a SEANC member since 2003 and said she joined because it was "the best decision for me and my family."

ƒ Beasley commented that her opponent's supporters began running attack ads against her before the primary ended, which indicated that they knew she could win.

ƒ "When we stand united we win. I’ve been in tough fights before. I didn't back down then and I won’t back down now."

Guest Speaker: DHHS Secretary Kody Kinsley

DHHS Secretary Kody Kinsley visited the board meeting to receive his 2020 Unsung Hero Award for his efforts to keep employees informed and safe during COVID-19.

ƒ He thanked SEANC for its partnership with DHHS during the pandemic.

» At the time he was the deputy secretary in charge of DSOF facilities. He came to SEANC for help reaching out to members.

» Partnered with SEANC to push for hazard pay.

» Pushed tough issues/conversations with the legislature and training.

ƒ Kinsley also talked about the state of DHHS at the moment. The department is experiencing an unusually high vacancy rate and is having trouble hiring new workers. "We have got to invest in our staff," he said.

SRS Consulting Presentation Kim Westbrook Strach,

kwstrach@srsconsultingservices.com

ƒ SEANC has contracted with SRS Consulting to tackle major issues with our IT systems as well as the organization as a whole.

ƒ SRS will be looking into every aspect of the association to make sure we are in compliance with regulations and to offer suggestions on ways to improve at every level districts, committees, staff and membership.

ƒ Ultimate Goal: Efficient train, executive leadership making good decisions, and prospering and growing membership.

ƒ Currently, sorting out and refining payment processes and issues resulting from our change to a new database management system is the top priority. We are hopeful that an IT strategy currently being implemented will be effective at speeding up processing of reconciling payments and decrease headaches for members.

ƒ SRS is requesting copies of various district financial documents from Oct 1, 2020 - Dec 31, 2021. Send the documents to Accounting Specialist Michael Norris at mnorris@seanc.org no later than Fri., May 27. Kim Westbrook Strach will be sending emails and visiting the districts as a part of the information gathering process.

U.S. Senate candidate Cheri Beasley with SEANC President Martha Fowler

DHHS Secretary Kody Kinsley

LEADERSHIP REPORTS

President’s Report President Martha Fowler

ƒ The Executive Committee currently meets every week.

ƒ Members of the Executive Committee and SEANC Prison Reform committee attended the SEIU meeting in Washington D.C. to lobby on behalf of corrections. The meetings were very productive.

Executive Director’s Report Executive Director Ardis Watkins

ƒ Staff Changes

» New Hires - Chief Financial Officer Brenda Williams, Member Services Insurance Specialist Dina Ortez, Member Relations Representative (West) Luke Turner, Lobbyist Chris Hailey Jr., and Digital Communications Specialist Samantha Cline

» Flint Benson has been promoted to Political Strategist/Lobbyist (Government Relations).

» Operations Executive Assistant/Facility Manager Pat Millas is retiring.

ƒ SEANC is focusing on tighting up our business practices, policies and procedures. SRS has been a tremendous asset to use in working to realign our business structure in order to be ready for the growth we are working hard to achieve.

ƒ Membership Growth: Public School Employees - well-planned effort and insurance products to support that effort.

ƒ Political relationships continue to be excellent and growing. In the past few months, Watkins and SEANC Management Team have met with officials from OSBM, OSHR, DHHS, DPS, DOT and Congress. These conversations have been very productive and are already yielding results which will allow SEANC to help agencies show appreciation for employees while we get to do more recruiting.

ƒ If you would like Watkins to come to a meeting, or have members who just want to hear from SEANC about an issue, call or email Assistant to the Executive Director Jacque Chatman (jchatman@seanc.org).

First Vice President's Report First Vice President Kirk Montgomery

ƒ Working closely with SRS Consultant Brian Neesby regarding exceptions. Brian is in the process of writing a script to resolve the exceptions.

ƒ SRS information/update sessions will be offered to the Board of Governors throughout the year.

Second Vice President's Report Second Vice President Wendell Powell

ƒ Since the last BOG meeting Powell attended Planning, Audit and Membership Committee meetings, the Cinco de Mayo event, SEIU Corrections Council and the One Voice Candle Light Vigil for fallen law enforcement across the country, and the Central Region Hospital Employee Appreciation event hosted by District 28.

Treasurer’s Report Treasurer Emily Jones

ƒ Reviewed the Statement of Activity Report.

ƒ Bonding invoices will go out soon.

Regional Breakouts

The board members gathered with their peers from each of the five SEANC regions (West, Piedmont, North Central, South Central, and East). The regions discussed:

ƒ Whether or not the SEANC Annual Convention delegate attendance should be in-person only or hybrid.

ƒ Annual Meetings - make sure your Regional Representative has your meeting information.

ƒ SRS Consulting Presentation.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Audit Alicia Warren for Chair Linda Rouse Sutton

ƒ March 24 Committee Meeting - Bylaws were reviewed and recommendations were made for districts to put forth changes.

ƒ May 19 Committee Meeting: - Discussed updates on SRS's work and information requested from the districts.

ƒ The committee will meet again when SRS is ready to present their findings.

Awards Chair Janice Bass

ƒ No 2022 District of the Year Award due to the challenges districts are facing during the pandemic.

ƒ Nomination forms for District Chairperson of the Year, Distinguished Service, and Member of the Year are now available online at seanc.org/awards.

» Members are encouraged to submit nominations using the online form (seanc.org/award), or they can download a printable PDF version that can be submitted by email to Beth Dew (bdew@seanc.org).

» A member from any district may submit nomination forms.

ƒ Deadline for awards nominations is Sat., July 23 at 5 p.m.

ƒ Awards Judging is scheduled for Aug. 3 beginning at 10 a.m. at the SEANC Office.

Benevolence Chair Deborah Fleming

ƒ Please send the names, mailing addresses and photographs of recently deceased members to Jon Owens (jowens@seanc.org) and copy Deborah Fleming (seancbenevolencechair@gmail.com) no later than Aug. 15 for inclusion in the memorial presentation at convention.

Bylaws Chair Kim Martin

ƒ

All districts need to send to the SEANC office their current bylaws or a letter stating that your district does not have any changes to the bylaws from the previous year.

ƒ Advisory meeting (Zoom option) on June 18 beginning at 10 a.m.

ƒ Statewide Bylaws Committee meeting is July 20 beginning at 10 a.m.

ƒ Bylaws amendments are due July 15.

Emerging Leaders Council Wanda Carlisle for Chair Carl Elliott

ƒ Successfully executed their first Adopt-A-Highway cleanup on April 2. Watch a video of the event on SEANC's YouTube Channel (youtube.com/SEANCMedia).

ƒ The next projected cleanup will be July 9, 2022. They will meet at the SEANC office at 6 a.m. and begin cleanup by 6:30 a.m. The highway is located on "Old Crews" Road from Old Milburnie Road and ending at Buffalo Road intersection. The road is 1.83 miles long.

ƒ Fundraisers:

» SEANC 75th Anniversary 6 oz. white/blue coffee mugs cost $20 and 20 oz. white or blue tumblers cost $35.

» Donations - make checks payable to SEANC and put Emerging Leaders Council in the memo field.

ƒ Ultimate goal is to recruit members for the association as well as get more members active within their districts. The council asks for you to support the ongoing activities associated with the council.

COMMITTEE REPORTS (CONTINUED)

EMPAC Chair Mark Dearmon

ƒ Primary election - 82% of endorsed candidates one. Unfortunately, SEANC allies Bob Steinburg, Pat Hurley, and Shirley Randleman lost the election.

ƒ State EMPAC Committee Meeting on June 4 (virtual option) beginning at 10 a.m.

» Endorsement training during the meeting.

» Every area needs to be represented. If you plan to attend the meeting, RSVP to empacchair@seanc.org.

Growth & Expansion Chair Charles Streeter

ƒ Surveyed members under 40 years old. When asked to place their core values in order of importance, the results were: Integrity, Reliability and Commitment.

Insurance Board of Trustees Chair Janice Smith (full report in pre-packet)

ƒ Delta Dental went live Jan. 1 and still gaining momentum.

ƒ Teladoc went live May 3. All members are eligible to participate. To enroll go to SEANC website, click on the link in The Scoop and complete enrollment.

ƒ Liberty Mutual will increase their member discount from 7.5% to 15% effective Aug. 1.

ƒ The next meeting is July 13 at 10 a.m.

Member Discount Chair Tim Southard

ƒ There were 29 new businesses that signed up between Feb. 21 - May 13, 2022. District 4 member Tim Southard signed up the most businesses during that period and received a gift card.

ƒ The next contest will run May 23 - August 26, 2022. The person who signs up the most businesses during that period will receive a $100 gift card.

ƒ All new business forms must be received in the SEANC Central Office no later than the contest ending date: Aug. 26.

Membership Chair Spillman Grice

ƒ Spa Basket winner - District 42 Chair Virginia Sanders.

ƒ Recruiter/New Member Challenge is from May 20 - July 20. The members who recruit ten or more members will be entered to win a Summer Gift Basket, two theme park tickets, and summer accessories valued at $250.

ƒ Membership 101 Training held on March 3. The event was so successful that there will be a Membership 102 in the near future.

ƒ New members recruited: 544.

» District 69 had the highest percentage increase, and District 17 had the highest number of new members.

» Districts 1, 7, 40, 59, 65, 66 are in the positive.

Planning Committee First Vice President Kirk Montgomery

ƒ The 5-Year Planning Subcommittee met on April 26. Directors presented preliminary information about their short and long-term plans and budgetary needs.

ƒ The Planning Committee met on May 18 and approved a recommendation to the Executive Committee to extend the June 15 budget deadline to July.

COMMITTEE REPORTS (CONTINUED)

Policy Platform Chair Betsy Lee Hodges

ƒ July 21 Meetings: Policy Platform Advisory from 11 a.m. - Noon. Statewide Policy Platform from 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided.

ƒ Changes to the Policy Platform should be considered at the district annual meetings and submitted to Policy Platform Staff Liaison Suzanne Beasley at sbeasley@seanc.org within five days following the district annual meeting.

Prison Reform Second Vice President Wendell Powell for Chair Deborah Harney (full report in pre-packet)

ƒ The committee met with Guardian RFD in Cherokee, N.C.

ƒ March 16-18 - April 1 - Committee Meeting. Discussed: Pay Plan Phase 2, Pay Increase Issues, Community Corrections, Prisons

ƒ May 11-14 - While in D.C. attending the SEIU meeting, Harney attended the Correction Council Meeting and the One Voice United, Medal of Honor Vigil.

Public Education Chair Mark Dearmon

ƒ SEANC is sponsoring the UNC Staff Assembly Chancellor’s Cup Golf Tournament on Sept. 27 at Finley Golf Course, UNC-Chapel Hill.

» Each of the 14 districts that represent universities are asked to contribute at least $500 for the sponsorship, and more from larger districts or districts that have more than one university.

» Make check payable to SEANC with Golf Tournament written on the memo line, and send to Lynn Cote at lcote@seanc.org.

Retiree Council Chair Benny Brigman

ƒ SEANC is the only organization that attended the Retirement System Board of Trustees meeting and fought for COLA.

ƒ Retiree meeting minutes (Retiree Report, May 2022) were emailed to SEANC retirees on May 23.

ƒ The next meeting is July 14 at the SEANC Central Office (virtual option) from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Notify Carri Derrick at cderrick@seanc.org, or Lynn Cote at lcote@seanc.org, if you plan to attend.

Scholarship Foundation Chair Mike Bell (Full report in pre-packet)

ƒ The Scholarship Foundation is awarding $40,000 this year. In addition, the Retiree Council will fund ten $500 scholarships for retiree grandchildren.

ƒ District scholarship checks should be issued to the student's university, not to the student.

Training Chair Angela Lyght

ƒ April Trainings.

» Building/Rebuilding Credit - Lead by representatives from the State Employee’s Credit Union, the interaction session was well attended.  Over 60 people registered and attended. The facilitators reviewed different credit scenarios as well answered questions from members.

» Leadership Training - Lead by Dr. Alexis Davis, this 3-day training had 26 attendees. Participants learned their personality type, different leadership types and left the training equipped with a leadership tools and techniques to help them in all aspects of life. The committee is already discussing plans for the advanced leadership training.

ƒ Registration - June 10, 2022

» The delegation count and registration link will be emailed to the district chairs.

» Only the district chair or district secretary should complete registration forms

ƒ Raffle Tables, Hospitality Suites and Banquet Tickets - June 13.

» District Raffle Tables cost: $20 per day.

» Hospitality Suites on a first come, first serve basis.

» Banquet Ticket cost: $45 per ticket.

ƒ Deadlines:

» July 15, 5 p.m. - The link for the convention, raffle tables, hospitality suites and banquet tickets close.

» August 1 - Final delegation count emailed to the district chairs.

» August 7 - Districts will be responsible for making any changes to their hotel reservations.

» August 8 - Payment for raffle tables and banquet tickets are due to the SEANC Office.

ƒ Questions? Contact SEANC Meeting & Training Coordinator Phyllis Byrd at pbyrd@SEANC.org

MOTIONS from the Board of Governors

PASSED To accept and approve the Board of Governors’ Minutes from February 18 – 19, 2022.

PASSED (As amended) To recommend the SEANC President allow the 2022 SEANC Convention Delegates the option to attend via hybrid call, provided they have health issues or serious concerns of being in large crowds for extended times. It is strongly encouraged that everyone attends in person to participate as a delegate.

PASSED (As amended) To authorize the Executive Committee to extend the contract with SRS until Nov. 30, 2022 and that status reports be provided to the Board of Governors.

PASSED To grant an extension to the Planning Committee to move the time frame from June 15 to July 1, 2022, to provide a proposed budget for 2022-2023. Copies of the proposed budget will be distributed to the BOG prior to the July BOG meeting.

PASSED To go back to the procedure of providing a detailed account of SEANC expenditures and remaining budget to the Executive Committee/Board of Governors at their meetings.

38th Annual SEANC Convention, Sept. 7-10 ANNOUNCEMENTS

SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION BOARD One opening in each region. Contact Chair Mike Bell at mtwbell@nc.rr.com.

AUDIT COMMITTEE Four openings. Go to the Audit Committee page on the SEANC website and download the application. Send the completed application along with your resume to Chair Linda Rouse Sutton at lindarousesutton@gmail.com, no later than Aug. 1.

NEXT BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEETING IS JULY 22 - 23