MEETING MINUTES – March 13, 2002

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Association held on
Wednesday, March 13, 2002, at the Best Western on Smokey Park Highway. Should you have any questions, comments or corrections, please contact Bridget Downey, PHR, our Chapter Secretary.

BUSINESS MEETING: 
Meeting opened by President Terry Clark, SPHR

Guests and New Members were welcomed.

Announcements:

Frank Pomeroy introduced representatives from Prepaid Legal Services, the Preferred Vendor for March.  This program helps cut absenteeism, keeps garnishments down and increases productivity.  The premiums are paid entirely by the employee.  Because the program is self-administered, it minimizes administrative work for the HR department. 

20% of the top 100 Companies offer Prepaid Legal Services.

Chapter Business:

Terry Clark reminded members that our membership list is not for distribution or commercial purposes.  The chapter will distribute information to the membership, but any announcements are to be sent via e-mail to Terry Clark, who will see that they are sent to the members. 

SHRM sends 25% of the revenue from selected mailings to the chapter.  They require each member’s title for participation.  The chapter agreed that this would be worthwhile. 

The WNC Human Resources Association has decided not to sponsor a booth at Bele Chere.  There was not enough interest to ensure that the booth would be appropriately staffed.  It was decided that the chapter would focus its energy on the fall HR Workshop.

Shelley Prochaska, Area II Mgr of SHRM sent an e-mail message congratulating the chapter on receiving a Superior Merit Award for 2001.  Terry Clark recognized Rick Cupp for his role in this achievement.

March Program Highlights: A New Age of Ageing

Susan Thompson introduced Joan Blee Tuttle, Director of Aging and Volunteer Programs at the Land of Sky Regional Council on Aging.  Ms. Tuttle has worked with governments, organizations, and volunteers.

Ms. Tuttle noted that presently 16% of the area’s population is over 65, a figure which is expected to grow to 17.5% by 2020.  This puts many Baby Boomers (38 – 55 yrs) in a care giving situation in which they are caring for both parents and children – the “Sandwich Generation.”  The Area Council on Ageing has resources to meet the challenges this situation presents.

Although medical costs continue to rise, the Medicaid waiver for non-institutionalized care has made these costs more manageable.  As one of her roles, Ms. Tuttle works as an advocate for older Americans, helping to develop plans and programs to meet their needs, and providing a wealth of information to those interested in helping. 

In North Carolina, the Area Agencies on Ageing are tied in with the regional council.  Our area council, Land of the Sky, includes Madison, Henderson, Buncombe, and Transylvania counties.

Ms. Tuttle announced an all-day conference on family care giving to be held Friday May 10th, 9:00 am to 4:00pm, "Answers, Assistance, Advocacy on Aging".  More information can be found on this and other interesting events at the Area Agency on Aging web site at http://www.landofsky.org/aaa/. 

The main Land of the Sky Regional Council site, http://www.landofsky.org/, also has a wealth of information of use to older Americans and their care-givers. 

Children First Survey:

Members were asked to participate in a survey on child care needs being conducted by Children First and UNCA.  Survey packages were distributed to members to be returned within the month to Children Firs.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.