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TENNESSEE ASSOCIATION OF FSA COUNTY OFFICE EMPLOYEES The President, Donny Green, called the Directors' Meeting to order. Mickey Allen, Lawrence/Wayne Co CEDlDirector, led the delegation in prayer prior to conducting any business. Attendance SecretarylTreasurer, Lisa Parchman, called the Roll ofDelegates. A quorum was present and the directors in attendance were as follows: District 1 JoAnn Reece & Janie Valentine In addition to President, Donny Green, other officers present were Randy Carter, Vice President and Lisa Parchman, SecretarylTreasurer. Guests -Eugene Davidson, State Executive Director & Pam Davis, Administrative Officer for Tennessee State FSA Office. MinuteslFinancial Report Past Secretary/Treasurer, Shirley Redfearn, posted the Minutes ofthe September 2009 Annual Directors' Meeting. Motion to waive the reading and approve the Minutes was made by Mickey Allen and seconded by Kenny Cothron. The President asked ifthere was any discussion, as there was none the vote was called and the motion passed. Financial Reports SecretarylTreasurer, Lisa Parchman, presented the Financial Reports and the current data reflecting the Current Assets Checking Scholarship Convention Motion to approve the Financial Reports was made by Charla Daly and seconded by Darla Campbell. The President asked ifthere was any discussion, as there was none the vote was called and the motion passed. Comments from the President Donny Green, TASCOE-President, stated that he wanted to thank everyone for being in attendance at the meeting today. He recognized special guests in attendance, Mr. Eugene Davidson, SED, Pamela Davis, AO, and Tammy Tidwell, DD. He encourages participation and open meeting policy for TASCOE business meetings. Donny said the SED & AO agreed to allow a TASCOE representative sit in on the COT selection process and he (TASCOE President) served in this capacity. He stated TASCOE's appreciation for this role and opportunity to serve on the interview panel. He talked about the budget concerns and asks the county office staff to keep heads up and good spirits in order to be there and provide service to the farmers. Donny said good legislative efforts had accomplished credit for unused sick leave for FERS personneL Made mention ofcritical elements such as the upcoming 2012 farm bilL Donny reminded everyone ofCAPWIZ and told each one to be aware offorthcoming alerts. He reminds everyone that this tool works but must NOT be utilized from Government PC's or during official duty hours. Donny talked about the Workshop that was held during November 2009 at Fall Creek Falls State Park for training directors, committee chairpersons and officers roles and responsibilities. He listed the following goals established: (1) improving communication skills, (2) revamping website, (3) TASCOE Manual (draft copy available), (4) streamlining meetings by posting minutes and reports ahead oftime for members and directors review. Comments from the Vice-President Randy Carter, TASCOE Vice-President, thanked everyone for being here today. State Executive Director Eugene Davidson, SED, extended his sincere thanks to each and every employee. He stated his appreciation for the front end contact that we have with our customers. Mr. Davidson said that he wanted to commend Mike Mayfield for the testimony that he presented on behalfof NASCOE to the House Ag Committee. Mr. Davidson said that he had just received a phone call that the Tennessee State Committee had been announced today. He was returning to the STO to make necessary arrangements and notifications. He said that he wants the employees to feel free to contact him with any problems or concerns. He wants everyone to feel good about their jobs and don't be counting down days to retirement. Administrative Officer Pamela Davis provided 3 handouts to everyone in attendance. (1) FY 2009 FSA Awards Program -Tennessee Ms. Davis said that Tennessee had 6 new COT's. She anticipates a new COT class late summer or early fall because ofthe fact that we have 4 CED vacancies and 2 upcoming vacancies. As oftoday there are 10 more CED's eligible for retirement. Staffing 238 ceiling and we have 234 on board today. Ms. Davis made mention ofthe Work Measurement Tool and that Minnesota is now utilizing. She said 151 applications were received for the STO Farm Programs Program Technician. Concerning budget, she extended a thank you for the county offices being frugal and she appreciates the conservativeness. Hopes to be able to transfer funds from salary money saved due to the fact we did not have a SED, STC and some retirements during the past year. Reminder to process travel timely and that GSA will be downsizing to compact cars for FSA. She accepted questions and had open discussion with the group. Donny Green reminded Ms. Davis ofthe upcoming payroll deductions that need to be loaded for TASCOE members timely for PP 12 and she made a note to check on this matter with the Administrative Staff. Committee Reports Mickey Allen made a motion to waive the reading ofwritten committee reports and Virginia Johnson seconded the motion. The President asked ifthere was any discussion, as there was none the vote was called and the motion passed. Auction Committee -Written report attached. Lanny Morris told everyone to get in touch with him or Mickey Allen for transporting items. Benefits Committee -Written report attached. Convention Committee -Written report attached. Debbie Flippo encourages beauty contest participation at the annual convention. Coalitions Committee -Written report attached. Door Prize Committee -Written report attached. Fundraising Committee -Written report attached Legislative Committee -Written report attached.. Membership Committee -Written report attached. Virginia 10hnson has new cards for all members -see her ifyou haven't gotten yours yet. ProgramsiNegotiations Committee -Written report attached. Rhodes Platt said he wanted to thank everyone for submitting concerns for programs and negotiating items. Publicity Committee -Written report attached. Registration Committee -Written report attached. Scholarship Committee -Written report attached. Donnell Ford presented a written report for Nancy Niedergeses asking for approval offive (5) $500 Regular Member scholarship awards for 2010. Committee Reports: Charla Daly made a motion to approve all committee reports, which was seconded by Shirley Reagan. The president asked ifthere was any discussion, as there was none the vote was called and the motion passed. Old Business CAPWIZ update presented by Charla Daly who reminded everyone to keep e-mail addresses updated and encouraged the group to motivate everyone to be an active participant. New Business PAC UDdate Charla Daly, SEA Legislative Committee Chairperson had a slide presentation that was prepared by Mike Mayfield for review. She encourage all members to get on board in support ofthis effort. The NASCOE website has a link and Charla said that she would be glad to assist members in signing up. Please contact Charla or Mike Mayfield ifyou have further questions or need assistance. NASCOE Convention 1st Time Attendee Program A proposal was submitted for the Directors to consider funding a scholarship for first time attendees to a National Convention. Mike Mayfield had submitted this idea for such program to spawn interest in TASCOE leadership. After much discussion, W.T. Hime made a motion to approve up to $500 for one Tennessee TASCOE member to attend the National Convention each year with the following criteria that the member must be within their first 10 years ofemployment with FSA, a T ASCOE regular member in good standing and must have never attended a National Convention (other than the Convention hosted in TN this past year). This motion was seconded by Mickey Allen. The President called for the vote and the motion passed. The President established a committee consisting of Mike Mayfield (Chairperson), Mickey Allen, Shirley R. Smith and W.T. Hime to be responsible for this annual award. TASCOE Districts Randy Carter presented a written report for review containing data with the current T ASCOE districts and opened the floor for discussion to decide ifthere was need to consider re-aligning our districts across the state. After group discussion, Mickey Allen made a motion to leave the current districts as they are currently. W.T. Hime seconded this motion. The President called for the vote and the motion passed. NASCOE Convention Donation Joy English had submitted a suggestion for the directors to consider donating funds to Arkansas for the 2010 convention that they are hosting. After open discussion, the directors noted that TASCOE had previously purchased $600 worth ofraffle tickets as approved in the September 2009 meeting and recognized the fact that several more tickets had been sold within the state by TASCOE members, TASCOE plans to strongly support the convention with member attendance. Debbie Flippo made a motion to leave the donation at the $600 already sent to Arkansas and the individual raffle sales. This motion was seconded by Barbara Clay. The President called for the vote and the motion passed. 2010 NATIONAL CONVENTION Donny Green told the directors that several members have expressed interest in traveling to the 2010 NASCOE Convention in Arkansas and he made a suggestion that instead of the normal expense ofpurchasing airline tickets to attend the convention that they would consider renting van(s) and carpooling. W.T. Hime made a motion to explore the idea of renting van or vans to go to Arkansas. Mickey Allen seconded this motion and charged the directors to go back and get members' interest in carpooling this trip. The President called for the vote and the motion passed. TASCOE MANUAL A draft copy ofa TASCOE Manual outlining the TASCOE Constitution, By-Laws, officer's duties, board ofdirector's duties, and committee chairperson duties was passed out. The President asked that we review the proposed manual and make corrections and submit to Charla Daly no later than July 15, 2010. Donny stated that he plans to have a final copy to present for approval at the T ASCOE Convention in Chattanooga -August 2010. TASCOE WEBSITE The Executive Committee met with Turell Tidwell on Friday morning prior to the director's meeting and discussed redesigning the website. Andrea Stafford, publicity chairperson, previously completed a a questionnaire concerning what we wish our website to accomplish. After discussion, Charla Daly made a motion to approve this request and allocate up to $700 for the redesign and updated features. The motion was seconded by Darla Campbell. The President called for the voate and the motion passed. Adjournment- Doug Richardson made a motion that the meeting be adjourned, which was seconded by Barbara Clay. President’s Report With the National Convention behind us, it’s time to look ahead and chart TASCOE’s journey. I have spoken with many of our members, committee chairs, directors and our officers about things we can do to promote TASCOE, and more effectively communicate our mission. I look forward to the upcoming year and hopefully accomplishing some of the goals that we have set. We are looking forward to meeting our new State Executive Director and State Committee and building strong and meaningful coalitions. I welcome any suggestions that will help me be a better President for TASCOE. In closing, my challenge to each member is to step up and do whatever you can do for TASCOE. Learn as much as you can learn about this association, and be as active as you can. Be a proactive in learning and telling others what TASCOE/NASCOE has done for our employees over the last 50 years and where we are striving to go in the next 50 years. This is YOUR association. It is what YOU make it. Respectfully submitted,
Place: Murfreesboro, TN The President, Donny Green, called the Directors’ Meeting to order. Mickey Allen, Lawrence/Wayne Co CED/Director, led the delegation in prayer prior to conducting any business. Attendance Minutes/Financial Report Financial Reports Comments from the President Comments from the Vice-President Auction Committee – No written report. Directors commented that more effort will be needed for 2010 since TN didn’t have their auction this year. Mickey Allen encouraged all to start now. Awards Committee – No report. Benefits Committee – Update – PT Reclassification Team is meeting with progress on new positions, Perry will try to get more information. Cap Wiz Coordinator – Mike Mayfield stated that close to 50% of the membership had enrolled, picking up several at the National Convention. He stated that many didn’t agree with the wording of letters from time to time – Mike stated that the letters can be modified, they are just sent as NASCOE designs. On the FERS Sick Leave Bill only 800 responses were submitted – very poor – members needed to watch for CAPWI”Z alerts. Convention Committee – Written report attached. Fundraising Committee - Written report attached Legislative Committee – No report. Membership Committee – Written report attached. Programs Report – Description guidelines for determining Negotiation or Program Item. (attached) Publicity Committee – Written report attached. Discussion concerning delivery of newsletters took place. Web posting of newsletters, mailing by CD and personal email distribution - are all possible methods. STO positing could direct members to TASCOE web site. Pam Davis, AO, agreed to check on STO policy. Lanny Morris made a motion to start sending newsletters by electronic format through the TASCOE website, email or disc (hard copy to Associate Members) as long as the STO approved. Motion seconded and passed. Registration Committee – Shirley Redfearn reported that we registered 613 persons (430 members) at the National Convention. Scholarship Committee – Written report attached. NASCOE PAC Representative No report Web Master – Donny encourage everyone to keep office photos up to date. Submit to him for posting to the photo gallery on the web. This is an asset to everyone. Committee Reports: Charla Daly made a motion to approve all committee reports, which was seconded by Shirley Reagan. The president asked if there was any discussion, as there was none the vote was called and the motion passed. Old Business New Business Travel Policy The President presented a proposed change in travel policy to basically pay Mileage at a rate of 40% of the FSA mileage rate, as recommended by the Secretary-Treasurer. This is an effort to save money and directors, officers and committee chairs only travel two times a year. The feeling is that 100% of the FSA rate is over an above fuel cost. The directors discussed to policy and a motion was made to adopt the recommendation at 50% of the FSA mileage rate. Motion was seconded by Dave McDole. The President called for the vote and the motion passed. (written policy attached) Web Design Donny stated that Andrea Stafford has agreed to help with the web-site. Donny said she wants ideas. Directors suggested inclusion of: 2010 TASCOE Convention Charla Daly, Conv. Chrm., stated that the convention for 2008 was held in Nashville and the committee was looking at Chattanooga, Knoxville or Gatlinburg. There was discussion of the location, etc. Finally, Donny asked for a show of hands concerning location interest with results as follows: Franklin – 14; Murfreesboro – 4, Nashville – 3, Knoxville – 7, Chattanooga – 8, Jackson – 6 Convention Workers Hotel Expense Joy English, NASCOE Convention Chr., recommended that the directors approve payment of hotel expenses to convention workers, as funds are available. Barbara Clay made a motion to provide hotel reimbursement for convention workers, which was seconded by Charla Daly. The President asked if there was any discussion, as there was none, the vote was called and the motion passed. Donation to Arkansas Donny Green, President, informed the group that Arkansas had submitted raffle tickets for our assistance in selling the tickets. Shirley Redfearn, Treasurer, remarked that Arkansas had given TN $500 for the Area Rally in 2002 and $500 for the National Convention. Dave McDole made a motion for Tennessee to sell the tickets already in hand to the membership and that TASCOE purchased an additional $600 in tickets for our contribution. If we win, the item could be used by TASCOE in the future for fundraising. The motion was seconded by Mickey Allen. The President asked if there was any discussion, as there was none, the vote was called and the motion passed. Fundraising Jennifer Wilson, Chrm, requested the directors to determine if there was a need to continue with the Kroger Card program. The directors, with common consent, requested that the program be continued and that information to sent to the members for more participation. Election of Officers The Moderator called for nominations for the office of President. Mickey Allen nominated Donny Green. Charla Daly moved that nominations cease and that Donny Green be elected by acclamation. The motion was seconded by Jerry Wilmore. The Moderator asked if there was any discussion. As there was none, the vote was called and Donny Green was elected President. Randy Carter succeeded the role of Moderator back to Donny Green. The Moderator called for nominations for the office of Vice-President. Charla Daly nominated Randy Carter. Mickey Allen moved that nominations cease and that Randy Carter be elected by acclamation. The motion was seconded by Barbara Clay. The Moderator asked if there was any discussion. As there was none, the vote was called and Randy Carter was elected as Vice-President. The Moderator called for nominations for the office of Secretary-Treasurer. Mickey Allen nominated Lisa Parchman. Dave McDole moved that nominations cease and that Lisa Parchman be elected by acclamation. The motion was seconded by W T Hime. The Moderator asked if there was any discussion. As there was none, the vote was called and Lisa Parchman was elected Secretary-Treasurer. Labor Management Agreement Donny Green, President, inquired of the directors action on the Labor Management Agreement. As TASCOE held the National Convention with no State Convention, an updated agreement was not obtained. Shirley Redfearn, advised that the agreement remains in effect until action is taken. As appointments to SED are on hold the directors consented to authorize the President to enter into a revised agreement when an SED appointment is made and they further requested that policy on use of the internet and office space be included. 2010 Committees The President submitted his list of selected TASCOE committees and chairs. Mickey Allen made a motion to approve the appointments, which was seconded by Charla Daly. The President asked if there was any discussion, as there was none, the vote was called and the motion passed. Special Recognition Donny Green called for all Past Presidents of TASCOE to come forward. Then he requested that Shirley Redfearn, Secretary- Treasurer, come forward and stand with the Past Presidents. President, Donny Green, presented Shirley with a plaque in recognition of serving as Secretary/Treasurer of TASCOE for the past 13 years. Shirley expressed her gratitude for the recognition, and stated that Lisa will serve the organization well and it had been her pleasure to serve the TASCOE members in the position, while hugging each and every Past and Current President there. (Shirley elected not to serve again if nominated, but will assist Lisa and the directors when needed.) Adjournment Report on March 2009 On March 17, 18, & 19, President Donny Green, Vice-President Randy Carter, Sec/Tres. Shirley Redfearn, Past President Charla Daly, and Legislative Chairperson Perry Dykes represented TASCOE at the NASCOE Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. Mike Mayfield, NASCOE Legislative Co-Chair, was also among the Tennessee delegation that visited congressional offices. The group arrived on Tuesday, March 17 and sat in on an extensive briefing outlining the positions that would be discussed in our congressional visits. On Wednesday, March 18, the Tennessee group was very busy making scheduled visits with Congressman Bart Gordon, Congressman Lincoln Davis, Senator Bob Corker’s field representative, Senator Lamar Alexander, Congressman Phil Roe, Congressman John Tanner, Congressman Jim Cooper, Representative Marsha Blackburn, Congressman Steve Cohen, Congressman Zack Wamp, and Congressman John Duncan, Jr. During these congressional visits, your TASCOE representatives discussed USDA Modernization (FSA’s capabilities and infrastructure), FSA’s potential role in the Animal I.D. program. (IF this program becomes a reality) FERS Sick Leave Credit (H.R. 958), Social Security Windfall Elimination Provision (H.R. 235), extending the eligible age of dependent healthcare to age 25 for dependent children that remain in school (H.R. 1203), and strengthening partnerships to ensure crop insurance and conservation programs integrity systems are protected and enhanced potentially reducing and eliminating duplication of services and improving accountability. We received very positive responses to all of our concerns and issues that were presented. Since returning from the Legislative Conference, we have already heard some positive gains from our efforts as some of these bills have made progress through committees. We continue to urge all members to sign up for Cap Wiz and, when these issues are presented, take action to let our legislators know that we support these bills. Lastly, I want each member of TASCOE to be aware of the commitment and hard work being put forth, by your TASCOE and NASCOE representatives, to make sure all employees’ best interest are being protected and promoted. With your continued support and encouragement, TASCOE and NASCOE will continue to make a difference for you. Respectfully,
Vice-President Randy Carter and Sec./Tres. Shirley Redfearn meet with
Pic # 2: Vice-President Randy Carter, Past President Charla Daly, President Donny Green, and
Vice-President Randy Carter, NASCOE Legislative Co-Chair Mike Mayfield, and Sec./Tres. Shirley Redfearn
Past President Charla Daly, NASCOE Legislative Co-Chair Mike Mayfield, and President Donny Green visit with
President Donny Green, Past President Charla Daly, Sec./Tres. Shirley Redfearn, and Vice-President
Place: Nashville, TN – Radisson Opryland The President, Charla Daly, called the Directors’ Meeting to order. Bobby Tidwell, Associate Member and STO Program Chief, led the delegation in prayer prior to conducting any business. Attendance Minutes/Financial Report Financial Reports Comments from the President Comments from the Vice-President Auction Committee – Written report attached. Awards Committee – Written report attached. Benefits Committee - Written report attached. Cap Wiz Coordinator, Joy English, stated that Tennessee needed to increase participant numbers and to do a better job. She expressed a strong warning – DO NOT USE YOUR GOVERNMENT COMPUTER!!!! She added that NASCOE will continue the contract for this service as it has been very effective and well worth the cost. Increase the usage by sending the link to a friend with an Ag interest. Convention Committee – Written report attached. Fundraising Committee - Written report attached Legislative Committee – Written report attached. Membership Committee – Written report attached. Programs Report – Written report attached. Publicity Committee – Written report attached Registration Committee - Written report attached. Scholarship Committee – Written report attached. NASCOE PAC Representative No report Web Master - Written report attached. Committee Reports: Randy Carter made a motion to approve all committee reports, which was seconded by Mickey Allen. The president asked if there was any discussion, as there was none the vote was called and the motion passed. Old Business None New Business Bylaws/Constitutional Amendment & Travel Policy Update IRS-990 Additional Travel Expense Election of Officers The Moderator called for nominations for the office of Vice-President. Mickey Allen nominated Randy Carter and Lanny Morris nominated Barbara Clay. Betty Ray made a motion that nominations cease, which was seconded by Virginia Johnson. Ballots were passed out and Randy Carter was elected as Vice-President. The Moderator called for nominations for the office of Secretary-Treasurer. Darla Campbell nominated Shirley Redfearn. Rhodes Platt moved that nominations cease and that Shirley Redfearn be elected by acclamation. The motion was seconded by Debbie Flippo. The Moderator asked if there was any discussion. As there was none, the vote was called and Shirley Redfearn was elected Secretary-Treasurer. Adjournment |
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I want to express my sincere appreciation for our members’ trust and confidence in electing me to serve another term as your TASCOE President. It is truly humbling to work beside such dedicated people as we have in TASCOE and NASCOE. The best example of this was our National Convention that we hosted in Gatlinburg in August. Seeing the teamwork and leadership work so efficiently was simply amazing. I know that I would miss someone’s name if I started naming people that made such huge contributions to the success of this convention. But, I also know that I would be totally remiss if I didn’t specifically mention our key leaders Joy English, National Convention Chair, and Shirley Redfearn, TASCOE Secretary/Treasurer. These two ladies were our “bus drivers” and led us to our mission…….to make the 50th NASCOE Convention in Tennessee one to remember. That we did! With that said, I want to say “thank you” to every person (members, spouses, friends, and etc.) that did so much that I can’t even begin to describe.
