SPOTLIGHT STATE EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION OF NORTH CAROLINA
BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEETING
MAY 25, 2021
The Board of Governors met via Zoom conference on May 22, 2021.
HIGHLIGHTS Convention to be held in Greensboro
The Board of Governors voted to hold an in-person convention this year, with a hybrid online version for those districts or members who wish not to attend. The event will be held at the Sheraton Koury Convention Center, as in years past. The event will take place Sept. 9-11, 2021. More details will be released about the convention as it nears.
Treasurer’s report
General Treasurer Chevella L. Thomas reported that SEANC’s finances were on target to meet budgeted goals. She also recommended that the mileage reimbursement rate be reduced to 56 cents per mile to adhere to IRS guidelines. The BOG voted to reduce the rate.
President’s report
President Jimmy Davis told the board that SEANC’s contract with Hyatt Place for lodging had expired. Director of Operations Brenda Johnson presented other options for nearby hotels, and the board chose to contract with the Hampton Inn Midtown. President Davis then asked Second Vice President Kirk Montgomery for an update on SEANC’s Association Management Software implementation. Montgomery stated that the new Impexium system is nearing full implementation. The Financial Management System has already been implemented. The whole project is still well under budget. The SEANC staff to return to the office full-time on June 1. President Davis asked that members not bombard the office with visits for the first month at least. There will be no telework options.
Executive Director’s Report
Executive Director Ardis Watkins opened by thanking the board for allowing the staff to telework during the pandemic and added that several staff members have told her that they are excited to return to the office. In the immediate future, membership will be a major focus. Member Relations Director Lynn Cote is working on rebuilding relationships with HR directors and has already seen positive results. She also thanked District 21 for hosting the first in-person event since March 2020! We are making connections in public education as well, and expect Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt to send a letter to all school districts telling them to allow associations to have access equally and to allow payroll deduction as well. Our legislative team is playing defense on several issues. State employees and retirees are under attack on everything from the retiree formula to personnel records. Our lobbyists have done an extraordinary job so far holding them back. The state budget is expected to be the next big fight. There’s a ton of money rolling around – billions of dollars – and the Senate and House have yet to agree on a target for spending. The State Employees’ Credit Union has opted not to sell theme park tickets in their branches this year, so all sales will be done online through the SEANC website. Watkins discussed Senate Bill 355 in an interview with Lockwood Phillips on WTKF 107.1 FM on Sunday. You can listen to the whole interview on our Facebook page. Continued on page 2