Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Association held on Wednesday, December 8, 2004 at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville.  Should you have any questions, comments or corrections, please contact Bridget Downey PHR.

Chapter Business:

Renee Anderson opened the meeting and announced that, per our custom, there would be no formal program.

Frank Pomeroy introduced this month’s featured vendor, Susan Russell of AFLAC.  They are the #1 provider of supplemental insurance, and have earned an A+ Superior rate with AM Best.  Their customers give them a 95% satisfaction rate. 

There is no cost to the employer.  Because the benefits are pre-tax, this 
saves the company and the employee money.  AFLAC benefits cover out-of-pocket expenses with co-payments and deductibles, plus out-of-pocket expenses for major health expenses.  The benefits can cover loss of income and ongoing bills such as mortgage payments, groceries, etc.  Payments are made directly to the policyholder.

When an employee leaves the job, the premium rate and coverage levels remain the same.  This is good for life as long as the premiums are paid.

Renee recognized Donna Cator for her excellent work on our chapter web site.  She also noted that she would be sending Donna some information to distribute to the membership.  A doctoral student from UNC-Charlotte is doing research, and would appreciate the input of our membership.

Information will be coming soon on the scholarship program for graduate students at WCU.

Renee thanked the 2004 officers for their contributions.  She expressed appreciation to the general membership for their attendance and participation.  As special thanks went to Carol Rovello for putting together an excellent program schedule.

Renee introduced Valerie Edson, the state council director.  Valerie noted that there are now 195,000 national SHRM member.  She reminded members that the state council wants to be a resource for the chapters, and we should not hesitate to contact her.  Valerie swore in our 2005 officers:

            President:  Carolyn Worthington

            Past President:  Renee Anderson

            Vice President-Elect:  Kim Moser
            Secretary:  Bridget Downey

            Treasurer/Certification Representative:  Lorraine Poe

            Vice President, Membership:  Mike Neely
            Vice President, Programs:  Carol Rovello

Valerie noted that there are new challenges for SHRM as an organization.  There are 6 core areas that will be focused on:

1.      College Relations

2.      Legislative Initiatives

3.      Workforce Readiness

4.      Foundation

5.      Certification

6.      Diversity

 
Carolyn Worthington presented Renee with a thank you gift for her accomplishments in 2004.  She voiced her appreciation for the opportunity to serve as president in 2005, noting that the chapter now has 138 members. 

Frank Pomeroy thanked the vendors for their participation in the featured vendor program.  The vendors help fund the scholarship program.  Frank hopes that members will show their appreciation by utilizing their services.  He noted that there are slots available for 2005.  For $125, a business can present their services and have the ear of their target audience.

Holly Waltemeyer announced that UNC will be hosting a summer employment fair.  The deadline for participation is January 22, 2005.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.