SPOTLIGHT
BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEETING
HIGHLIGHTS
State Employees' Credit Union changes could affect SEANC members
NOVEMBER 18-19, 2022
Past President Shirley Bell of District 42 visited the Board of Governors to discuss possible major changes coming to the State Employees’ Credit Union. Bell served on the SECU Board of Directors for 22 years. The current SECU board is considering changes that she and former CEO Jim Blaine, a longtime SEANC member and partner, feel will be detrimental for some SEANC members.
The board is seeking to make SECU operate more like a private bank. The possible changes include:
Open membership – Anyone could join.
Introduction of risk-based lending that would severely undercut the likelihood of some of our members getting loans.
Ending its North Carolina focus and going to a regional or national credit union model, perhaps even changing the name to Southeastern Credit Union.
Merging with other credit unions like Local Government Federal Credit Union – LGFCU has already stated its opposition to this.
Tax preparation has been discontinued.
Loan review committee discontinued.
The SEANC board decided to ask members to voice their concerns over these changes by sending an email to SEANCCares@ seanc.org. We will share these comments with Jim Blaine, and invite him to the next board meeting in February.
SRS Consulting Presentation Kim Westbrook Strach, kwstrach@srsconsultingservices.com
Kim Westbrook Strach and Brian Neesby from SRS Consulting presented to the board on the company's ongoing work with SEANC. Strach and tax expert Tim Reilly are assisting SEANC with contract reviews, working with SEANC committees, preparing a customer service ticketing system, and working with SEANC staff to ensure compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements as well as align our governing documents where there are conflicts or gaps.
Neesby reviewed the current status of ongoing IT issues at SEANC. Neesby thoroughly explained the processes surrounding payment methods to insurance vendors and Purchasing Power, as well as problem areas that still need to be addressed.
The goal is to work on a custom IT solution to automate many of the processes that are now being completed manually by staff. A new IT staff member coming on board on Nov. 22 will alleviate some of the strain and allow Neesby to work on a new system.
The board voted to contract with SRS through the next board meeting in February, where SRS will present its progress again.
Celebrations since Convention
Executive Director Ardis Watkins opened the meeting with list of “celebrations” SEANC had accomplished since the Convention. The list included:
Engagement in SEANC’s social media has increased by 5% and we are now creating TikToks.
Districts have spent $15,000 for membership events.
697 new members have been recruited since convention.
District Treasurer Training was well attended.
72 checks have been sent out for member incentives.
SEANC hosted two Virtual Town Hall meetings with DHHS.
Great participation in community service projects during our “Week of Service.”
LEADERSHIP REPORTS
President’s Report President Martha Fowler
President Martha Fowler reported that $19,419 was raised at convention for the community service project benefiting the American Diabetes Association and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Fowler recently presented both organizations with checks on SEANC’s behalf.
Fowler told the board that SEANC’s contract with Purchasing Power ends on March 1, and we expect to renegotiate it.
She has been appointed to two committees by SEIU – one on moving the union into the next decade, and one on retirement.
She also reviewed the holiday calendar for 2023, which includes all of the state recognized holidays as well as Juneteenth, and recommended a new policy for announcing deaths to the board and the public. It passed.
The board voted not to offer a virtual option at the 2023 SEANC Convention. The cost of offering virtual options far outweighed the number of virtual attendees in 2022.
She also urged board members to start planning soon for the 2024 SEIU Convention.
Executive Director’s Report Executive Director Ardis Watkins
Along with the celebrations mentioned in the Highlights section, Watkins reported that the national One Voice committee asked SEANC to be a part of a national campaign because of our leadership on correctional issues.
Watkins and staff distributed notebooks to each board member containing important information they need to carry out their duties.
Watkins also called on each director to give an update of activities within their departments and reviewed the new additions to the staff. Daisy Stancill has joined the Member Services Department, Dina Ortez has moved to the Finance Department, Chris Allen joined the Communications Department and Taurean Walston has joined the staff as an Insurance Specialist.
Director of Operations Brenda Johnson announced that Renee Vaughan is retiring December after 38 years as a SEANC staff member.
First Vice President's Report First Vice President Kirk Montgomery
First Vice President Kirk Montgomery detailed a new retention policy for SEANC-related documents. The board voted to approve the new policy.
Second Vice President's Report Second Vice President Wendell Powell
Second Vice President Wendell Powell reported that he had attended statewide committee meetings and assisted with various recruiting events since the convention.
Treasurer’s Report Treasurer Emily Jones
Treasurer Emily Jones reported that SEANC’s budget is on track for the fiscal year.
Convention Update Jacque Chatman
Jacque Chatman reported that planning has begun for next year’s convention. More details will be announced at the February meeting. If you know a vendor who may be interested in coming to the convention, let Jacque know.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Audit Alicia Warren
The Audit Committee met on Nov. 15 to discuss ongoing issues with SEANC’s IT, set its goals for the coming year, discuss a new Internal Auditor position, and assign state audit committee representatives for each district.
A subcommittee has been appointed to consider changes to the Bylaws and Operations Manual on issues pertaining to the committee.
Awards Chair Janice Bass
Janice Bass reviewed the planned awards for 2023. Newly revised forms for the District of the Year award were distributed. District Chair of the Year, Member of the Year and Distinguished Service nomination forms have not changed. These forms will be available online in mid-February.
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.
Deadline for awards nominations is the Saturday of the July 2023 BOG meeting at 5 p.m.
The next Awards Committee Meeting to finalize the award nomination forms will be in February 2023.
Benevolence Deborah Fleming
Deborah Fleming reminded the board to send information to seancbenevolencechair@gmail.com. She added that the committee also sends get well, thinking of you, and congratulations cards if those items are sent in.
Bylaws Kim Martin
The Bylaws Committee recommended that seconding speeches no longer be given at convention. The motion passed.
Connections BK Garrett
BK Garrett said that two members asked had asked for assistance since the convention. He also asked that SEANC consider a death benefit for members.
DHHS Sonya Akbar
Sonya Akbar reported that SEANC had held two virtual town halls, hosted by SEANC Executive Director Ardis Watkins, in the last two months. The committee is looking for feedback from district chairs who have DHHS members.
Emerging Leaders Council Carl Elliott
The Emerging Leaders Council met on Oct. 22 via Zoom. The council will host a Christmas Social/Meet and Greet on Dec. 17 and participate in a Community Service Project on Dec. 17. District committee members’ travel should be covered by district.
EMPAC Mark Dearmon
Mark Dearmon reviewed the results of EMPAC’s endorsements in the 2022 election, where 21 of 27 candidates won, including all of our legislative candidates and all but one of our Congressional candidates.
EMPAC will be reorganizing on Jan. 1, 2023, and needs the list of committee members from each district. If you haven’t made those appointments, please do so. Each district has seats for the District Chair, District EMPAC Chair and two At-large members.
The next EMPAC meeting will be Jan. 28.
COMMITTEE REPORTS (CONTINUED)
Financial Advisory Patsy Acquista
This committee has not met yet but will start its work on Jan. 1, and have a report at the next meeting.
Growth & Expansion Charles Streeter
This committee will meet for the first time in this fiscal year later this month.
Insurance Board Laura Overstreet
The Insurance Board met on Nov. 9 and is in the process of reviewing contracts with all companies on commissions. It does not plan to approve any new products until SEANC’s computer system is on better footing.
Member Discount Tim Southard
Southard reviewed the Member Discount agreement and business verification and reminded the board that members receive $10 per business they recruit.
The committee will hold three contests this year, each for a $100 gift card. The current contest started Monday and ends on Feb. 10. Business agreements must be turned into the SEANC office by 5 p.m. on the last day the contest ends. If it is mailed, it must be postmarked/stamped by the close of business on the last day of the contest.
The committee will also give out three awards to the top recruiters for the year at the 2023 Convention. You must have at least 10 businesses recruited to be eligible for the prize.
The committee is also seeking regional members. If you know someone that would be interested email Tim Southard at rtntune@carolina.rr.com.
Membership Spillman Grice
Spillman Grice celebrated the fact that 697 new members had been recruited since the convention, with 471 in October! The top performing districts for last month were District 2 and District 67.
The committee is currently conducting the “Yule Love” promotion and contest, with three ways to win cash through Feb. 17, 2023. Each new member recruited will net $20 for the recruiter. Each person who schedules an event will get $25 and be entered into a contest for $250, and each person who refers a friend who joins will get $20.
Planning Committee First Vice President Kirk Montgomery
First Vice President Kirk Montgomery stated that the committee is hoping to hold joint meetings with the Insurance Board this year to have more precise, detailed accounting when the budget is developed.
Policy Platform Betsy Lee Hodges
This committee met on Nov. 15 to review the whole platform. Framework objectives will be deleted after this year, so each district needs to review them and decide what to bring up again, and whether or not to propose new ones.
Prison Reform Deborah Harney
Deborah Harney reported that the new Department of Adult Correction will start on Jan, 1, separating from the Department of Public Safety. “One voice” has approached SEANC about working with the new department on a study on stress at prisons.
Public Education Mark Dearmon
Mark Dearmon reviewed another successful UNC Chancellor’s Cup Golf Tournament, which raised $60,000. He thanked the 14 districts who took part. He also recommended that districts try to create relationships with leaders at their local community colleges.
COMMITTEE REPORTS (CONTINUED)
Retiree Council Benny Brigman
The council met on Nov. 10, and decided not to accept nominations from the floor at this year’s convention. Anyone interested in running for the council must announce by Aug. 15.
Brigman also passed out a Medicare fact sheet for state employees that is also available on the SEANC website. The council’s next meeting is Feb. 9.
Scholarship Foundation Mike Bell
Bell announced that the foundation raised more than $23,000 from the annual raffle. Every available ticket was sold35,059 in total, with four districts accounting for almost a quarter of all tickets sold (District 17 - 3000; District 42 - 2000; District 64 - 1624; and District 21 - 1600).
This year, we will increase our ticket order to 40,000 tickets, with the cash prizes to remain $10,000.
Training Angela Lyght
The committee hosted District Chair Training on Oct. 26. Its next meeting is in January, though a date has not been set yet.
Advanced Leadership Training will be held in early February. This training will be available for anyone who attended Leadership Training in the past. Information will be sent directly to those participants and their respective Chairperson
NEW BUSINESS
Government Relations Director Suzanne Beasley announced that the State Treasurer’s Office is planning a public forum on “The Deweaponization of Medical Debt" on Dec 13 in New Bern.
PASSED MOTIONS from the Board of Governors
To not offer a virtual option for the 2023 SEANC Annual Convention.
To approve and accept the State Employees Association of North Carolina Records Retention Policy as presented with a minor editorial correction.
To have information funneled through SEANC Cares regarding SECU and have the Past Presidents to review and compile information to present to Jim Blaine.
To adopt the SEANC Policy on Notification of Death and amended to include “Notifications will be sent electronically to, SEANC Cares, the current SEANC President, current Communications Director, and current Benevolence Chair.”
To give authority to the Executive Director and the General Counsel to continue with SRS Consulting with same material terms, subject to their agreeing.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
First Vice President Kirk Montgomery announced that he will be running for SEANC President.
Treasurer Emily Jones announced that she will be running for Second Vice President.
President Martha Fowler announced that Kemrey Lamarr will not run for Second Vice President.
