WASCOE CONVENTION

Director Meeting Minutes

4/20/07

Green Bay, Wisconsin

The meeting was called to order by President, Tom Oasen at 3:00 p.m. on the Ramada Inn, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.  The roll call found all present except:

Area 1 Director – Jared Singer and Sally Torgerson

Area 3 Director – Tom Schneider

Area 4 Director – Dave Heideman and Bev Osenga

Chairpersons – Diana Pernsteiner, Benefits, Brenda Kluesner, Programs, and Publicity, Lynn Ann Clausing.

Midwest Area Chairperson, Mark Vanhoose was introduced as a guest

Tom welcomed us all to this meeting and reported that Mr. Keppy is very excited to be here.  A real big thank you to Deb Ellingson for all of her hard work getting this convention together – round of applause.

Secretary, Linda Feldkamp, reported that the minutes of the prior meeting were printed in the WASCOE News.  Teresa Zimmer moved to accept the minutes as printed seconded by Kathy Morton.  Motion passed.

The Treasurer’s report was given.  A motion to accept the report as given subject to audit was made by Kim Iczkowski, seconded by Kathy Morton.  Audit committee was selected, Peter Peters and Jake Bourget.  Balance in Scholarship Account $3477.46; Balance in checking account $5917.90.  Detailed treasurer’s report printed elsewhere.

Deb Esselman Baird gave the following Vice President report:

I have been involved in WASCOE for many years and was your secretary for 3 years, but every position is a new experience and the Vice President spot proved that theory.  Tom is a wonderful WASCOE president and works harder for the members than anyone can imagine. As your Vice President, I make every attempt to help him and keep members up to date via the website on all WASCOE business.

Tom and I share a personal goal of improving communication for the members and increasing membership.  It is only through a strong organization that NASCOE/WASCOE will have any effect with Congress and FSA management.  Numbers speak louder than individuals and when Congress members or management look at membership numbers nearing 100%, they pay attention to what NASCOE has to say. Any group presenting issues before Congress with smaller membership numbers suggests to congressionals that the members are not behind the message they are hearing from the group and then, quite simply, nothing gets accomplished. I know I am “preaching to the choir” right now because anyone reading this is probably a member. However, I would like members to really find out why the person next to you in your office is not a member.  Find out their concerns and let Tom or I know.  In the past year, two office visits were made by WASCOE representatives to “clear the air” and answer questions by non-members. We are more than willing to do that for any office that would like one or two of us to visit and give that more personal touch.

After all, WASCOE is YOU.  As your officer, I take the role of your representative very seriously and need to hear what YOU have to say.

If you want to get out and have some fun, the Midwest Rally is just around the corner, literally, in Frankenmuth, Michigan on May 4-5. The National Convention is in sunny Myrtle Beach, SC in August.  That would be a great family vacation and you would get to meet many folks from Washington who will be there to answer questions.  Anyone who has attended a National Convention will tell you that once you go, you can’t wait for the next one!  I have made some wonderful friends all over the country through NASCOE and I can testify that FSA is a great family to belong to!

As always, please keep our soldiers and military families in your thoughts and prayers and be sure to visit www.usdamilitaryfamilies.org for information, support and ways to help our soldiers.

Tom reported at this time his President’s report will be saved until tomorrow.  He reported on his visit with the RASCOE group, which was mainly on what was covered at the recent legislative conference.

Also discussed was PAY/GO (Pay as you go) and Health Insurance issues such as employees that have health care through their spouse and do no need federal coverage.  Many different options are being discussed.

A press release that was released either yesterday or today was discussed fully.  The release states that FSA Administrator Teresa Lasseter and Secretary Johanns want to make arrangements to close un-staffed and small (one person) offices before the new farm bill is passed.  This created much discussion the restructuring plan and on what counties are still in the works.  It is hopped that WASCOE is involved in any discussion on the state level regarding the plan that will be submitted.

Committee Reports

Membership

Our current membership stands at 81% and this is a decline of 1% from last year. I am disappointed that we are not increasing our membership.  I plan on sending out letters in May and June to employees to thank those who support WASCOE and then to those that have not been a member of WASCOE.

We are going to need to stand together now, more than ever. As we move into another Farm Bill, let us remember that ultimately we work toward the same goal. Together we can accomplish so much. I would like this to be the message we spread to our WASCOE membership. We have and will continue to face many changes and challenges.  WASCOE has some very good reasons for asking you to become a member.  The benefits that NASCOE has secured for CO employees since its inception are impressive.  Did you know that CO employees are eligible for maxiflex and compressed work schedules because of actions being taken by NASCOE?    Did you know that NASCOE members can receive free legal assistance through a NASCOE attorney?  I hope you are aware of the excellent dental, cancer & heart disease, and long term care insurance policies that are available to NASCOE members.  NASCOE is currently working on up grades for Program Technicians and trying to obtain credit for unused sick leave for FERS employees when they retire or leave the agency. We are fortunate enough to have these benefits

We need to show Congress and management that we are committed and care what happens to the CO employees.  The more members the association represents the louder our voice will be and the more influence we can have. 

We need your show of support by becoming a member.  It would be nice to show that support to your office staff.  As CO employees, we need to make a united stand.

Remember, together we can accomplish so much. I hope that Wisconsin will be able to stand together united one and ALL

Also discussion was held on what should be given to a new employee at the time of hiring.  It was decided it would be very beneficial to give that employee one of the CD’s that have been prepared showing the history of NASCOE and what it can do for you.  Also the pamphlets showing benefits that are available would be important.  The Chairperson has decided that these could be included in a welcome letter to the new employee.

Scholarship

In 2007, we had eight applications for the WASCOE scholarships and five applications from Wisconsin for the NACOE scholarship. 

Our $750.00 scholarship winner for 2007 was awarded to Elizabeth Stark, daughter of Betty Janke, Program Technician from Jackson County.  Elizabeth is a high school senior who will graduate from Alma Center Lincoln High School and plans on attending the University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse.

The $1000.00 scholarship winner for 2007 is Ashley Johnson, a college freshman who is attending the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities.  She graduated from Columbus High School.  She is the daughter of Richard & Patti Johnson.  Richard is a Program Technician in Dodge County. Our congratulations go to these fine individuals who are planning on continuing their education this Fall.

I wish to extend my ‘Thanks’ and appreciation to the WASCOE members who gave up some of their free time to review this year’s WASCOE applications and select our winners.  The scholarship committee this year was Judy Schambow, CED Rock County, Karen Johnson, CED Clark County, Natalie Ponkauskas, PT Green County, Cheryl Hephner, PT Calumet County, LuAnn Lalibery, PT Barron County, Sis Dueholm, CED Sheboygan County, Teresa Zimmer CED, Green County, Andy Bourget, CED Eau Claire County and John Baird, CED, Crawford County.  Without the help of this group of individuals, the scholarship process could not be completed.

At this time President Tom, who is also the Midwest Chairperson for Scholarships, presented a certificate to Jake Bourget thanking him for his time in judging the Midwest scholarship.

After further discussion about the winners and recognition, Linda Feldkamp moved that both winners should be invited to the banquet for recognition. The motion was seconded by Teresa Zimmer.  Motion passed.

Awards

Awards will be given out tonight at the banquet.

Sick Leave Awards are as follows:

1000 Hours

Corinne Moore, Walworth County

Debbie Sahm, Eau Claire County

Linda Cabasos, La Crosse County

John Gilner, Marinette County

Joan Beck, Fond du Lac County

Diane Birschbach, Fond du County

Carol Giese, Outagamie County

Lisa Luebke, Manitowoc County

Carol Bell, Sheboygan County

1500 Hours

Mary Behm, Dunn County

2000 Hours

Christine Ruff, Buffalo County

Jean Prestebak, Taylor County

3500 hour

Ben Bosshart, La Crosse County

Benefits

Diana was not in attendance, report to be given on Saturday.

Legislative

I was not fully aware of the fact that by virtue of becoming Vice President, I also assumed the role of Legislative Chair.  Tom quickly and happily bestowed this honor on me, but I am happy that he did.  I had attended 4 legislative conferences prior to becoming the Chair person and had good working knowledge of how to set up appointments and what needed to be done.  We had 10 legislators to visit in early March.  Jon William, Tom Oasen, John Baird and myself, armed with position papers and very positive attitudes climbed the Hill and spoke with our legislators on your behalf.   NASCOE’s approach is to keep the position papers to a minimum and have ALL NASCOE members delivering the same basic message to ALL legislators.  This has proven to be the most effective means to get the NASCOE message to Congress.

A reception was held in the evening on Tuesday, March 6, for key legislative contacts (ag committees and appropriations).  NASCOE felt this was a very successful way to reinforce the position papers and get some good, open discussion started with the legislators.  Unfortunately, none of the WI legislators or aides could attend this function.

Some members have asked if it really pays to personally meet with our legislators considering the cost of a Legislative Conference can be expensive.  My answer would have been, not really, until I actually had the opportunity to be involved in a conference.  Now my answer is an unequivocal YES!  You have to build a relationship with the legislators and more often, their aides.  The aides are the ones who are informed of all the topics that the legislators vote on and when it comes time for a vote, the congressperson consults with the aid to determine how they should vote.  After meeting with the aides 2 and 3 times, they know who you are and what you do.  They will also be more likely to drop you a line if an issue comes up that the legislator might want clarified.  Is it the best use of our limited funds?  My answer would be: do you want to keep getting a paycheck?  That’s what it comes down to.  If we do not continue to keep congress educated of the situations in FSA, we as employees, have NO other representation.  Ask NRCS about this.  They have no one to fight for them and I have been told more than once by a NRCS employee how lucky we are to have NASCOE on our side.  We should share that with all the non-members!!!!!

Attending a Legislative Conference is an experience that you will never forget and I encourage anyone who would like to participate to let me know.  You develop an appreciation for our NASCOE Officers and Legislative Chairpersons immediately when you realize how truly hard they work for all of us.  At this time, the next legislative conference would be in 2009, unless the NASCOE Executive Board decides one is needed before then.

If you have any questions regarding the Position Papers or any legislative item, please be sure to contact me or Tom.

Publicity

Lynn was not available report will be given on Saturday. 

Website

Please visit the site.  If there is anything you would like added please let Deb Esselman know.  There are links to everything we need and more.   It was reported that the WASCOE Website has won first place in the MWA.  Congrats to Deb Esselman.

Program

I have only had one issue that has been brought to my attention.

It was on the signing authorities.  The issue stated that we are not qualified to be researching entity

papers and determining signature authority.

Shelly Odenkirk , the national program chairperson checked with her COR, and she agrees, if

you can not find who the signature authority is to be with looking at the Corp papers you can have a

FSA-211 filled out and signed by all members.  However you would first need the part of the entity papers that show

who the members are.

There were 47 negotiation PROGRAM items that were sent in to WDC.  At this time I have not heard any response for any of these items.

It was decided by the directors and officers in attendance to publicize the purpose of this program to all FSA employees so that they know what is available to us to help work through some of the daily problems we have or encounter.

Emblem

Farm Service Agency logo items can still be purchased through Designer Advertising in Colby, WI.  Information is on the WASCOE website.  It costs about $5 to have the FSA emblem embroidered on most items that you buy.  They have high quality items and reasonable prices.  Items such as shirts of all kinds, jackets, hats, blankets and much more are available.  Please be sure to contact Designer Advertising directly.                                                                                                                                 The NASCOE On-Line store is now offering over 140 different items on the site that can be accessed from the WASCOE website. . Some of the new items added include, 800 page Note Cube, six-pack cooler, NASCAR/NASCOE shirt, disposable cameras, different tote-bags, and a nice supply of polo shirts including Old Navy tee-shirts, can holders, a mini portfolio, and a nice pen with the NASCOE logo on it.   Sample packets can be sent to the state conventions, be sure to order these at least 6 weeks ahead of time.   A sample pack was ordered for the WASCOE convention, so be sure to stock up now!  NASCOE has received good commends on the quality of merchandise, with few complaints. Many states are moving to the NASCOE site from some state associations along with the RASCOE store. These mini-stores will not interfere with any of the sales for NASCOE.

CAPWIZ

Wisconsin and the MWA are doing very well.  We are in the top numbers in employees signed up, contacts made, etc.  A reminder when sending a CAPWIZ message is to be sure to press the send key at the bottom of the screen to register your comments.           

CAPWIZ is up for renewal this year and the NASCOE board is reviewing it very carefully since it is so expensive, but it is a effective tool.

Jim Sullivan moved to accept all reports, the motion was seconded by Kathy Morton.  Motion passed.

Old Business

Review of the Convention Agenda shows that time maybe very limited on Saturday, but it is a good agenda with the capabilities to get some really good information.

The discussion of the information received concerning our meeting with SED, Ben Brancel, Sandra Chalmers and the State Committee showed a little disappointment in some of the answers, but overall the meeting seemed successful.

Jake Bourget brought up the increase of our allowed mileage rate.  Since this wasn’t posted prior to the meeting and the time limited here at this meting, we were unable to act on this.   Additional action on this should be done at our next Council Meeting which is usually held in October.

New Business

Jon Williams has raffle tickets for the National Convention.  Linda Feldkamp moved to purchase two tickets in the name of WASCOE in the amount of $50.00. Kathy Morton, seconded the motion.  Motion passed.

Jon Williams brought up the proposal to allow GS employees to also be allowed to become WASCOE members.  He has indicated a change in our bylaws to read  -

**Section 1 – Any permanent employee who works in a Wisconsin County Office is eligible for membership in this Association regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation and marital or family status.  Eligible employees will become members upon payment of annual dues, or the signing of the authorization for dues check-off.**

Jake Bourget moved to give the GS employees the ability to become WASCOE members.  The motion was seconded by John Baird.  Under discussion it was determined that this change must be posted

For the general membership as required by our bylaws for action at our next meeting.  Since the change is being published in these minutes members should review the change and if there are any comments or other information please contact your Director or Officer.  The motion failed because of the bylaws requirement.

After further review of our by-laws it seems as if we could vote on this motion since a majority of directors and officers were present.

Since we were able to vote on the above matter it was moved by Teresa Zimmer to issue a statement of support for this change by the entire board and approve Section 1 as listed above.  The motion was seconded by Kathy Morton.  Motion passed.

Selection of delegates to the National Convention.  Kim Iczkowski moved that the delegates should be 1 officer in succession of office and 1 member from the body of our membership.  The motion was seconded by Kathy Morton.  Under discussion it was noted that this could be very beneficial to get others interested in attending the convention.  Because of the close voice vote when calling for the vote a show of hands was required.  Those in favor of the motion counted 5 those opposed counted 7.  Motion defeated.

A motion by Jake Bourget was to leave the nominations from the floor thereby leaving the procedure as is.  The motion was seconded by Marion Koca.  Motion passed.

A few comments were made by RASCOE President, Conrad Schepp.  He reported that the retirees like the Saturday meeting which happened completely by accident, but maybe something to remember for the future.  Election of officers shows; Elmer Strassburg, as President, Al Spaete, as Vice President, and Wanda Warner as Secretary/Treasurer.  The Board of Directors are Joe Janowski and Leon Wolfe.

Conrad wanted to remind us that associate membership is $15.

The number of retirees from Wisconsin are in the higher total numbers for the nation.  The MWA has 30% of the total members in the Nation.

The meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Linda Feldkamp, Secretary