UIC UNITED: A Chapter of SUAA Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting May 21, 2007

Members Present: Marsha Borders, Merrill Gassman, Richard Johnson, William Jones, John McCrosky, Irving Miller, Geraldine Piorkowski, Lawrence Poston, Marilyn Ruiz, Charles Stanislao, and Jacob Starks

Members Absent: Susan Sindelar and Frank Tachau

The meeting was called to order by President Irving Miller at 10:40am.

1. Approval of Minutes: Minutes of the Board meeting held on April 6, 2007 were approved.

2. Membership Report (Geraldine Piorkowski): The current membership count is 1738, 192 of which joined since January 2007. There have been 108 non-renewals. Gerry emphasized the importance of member retention and followup with the individuals who are not renewing their membership.

An error was noted in the pricing of the UIC Family membership dues by the state SUAA Office. The Family membership should be priced at $55 rather than at $50.

The newly elected Membership Chair, Sue Sindelar, informed Gerry and the Board that one of her goals is to recruit active employees from the Medical Center and to engage in more social activities.

3. Treasurer's Report (Chuck Stanislao): As of April 30, 2007, the balances were as follows:

A motion was approved giving the Treasurer permission to renew the CD on its maturity date, June 20, 2007. The Board also empowered the Treasurer to act on behalf of the Chapter to negotiate a deal with Credit Union 1 that would allow automatic dues deduction for the membership. The feasibility of getting automatic dues deduction through UIC payroll is also being pursued.

Irv will follow up with Frank Tachau regarding a recent Treasurer's Audit.

4. SUAACTION Issues (Richard Johnson): Dick reported the following:

UIC SUAACTION is considering a major event on the west campus in early fall. It was suggested that perhaps adding an element of fun, like an ice cream social, might serve as a draw to help improve attendance. A motion was approved to endorse the event in principle. A small planning committee chaired by Dick was appointed to work on the event; it includes Carol Humble, John McCrosky, Marilyn Ruiz, and Sue Sindelar.

UIC SUAACTION has raised $11,901 in voluntary contributions and has essentially met the short-term fundraising goal as outlined in the voluntary contribution plan set forth by the State SUAACTION organization. The long-term goal of the organization is to raise 1 million dollars by the year 2012. Next year's fundraising goal will increase for all chapters.

There was a good turnout for the Higher Education Lobby Day held on Wednesday, April 25th in Springfield. Joseph White and Glen Poshard were among the many excellent speakers.

5. Newsletter (Larry Poston): Larry reported that several newsworthy events will be featured in the next newsletter; eg. events of the Spring Meeting, Dr. Alice Palmer's talk, an interview with the new SUAA Executive Director, SUAACTION activities, and a host of other events. Early July was set as the target date for getting the next issue to press.

6. Programs and Events (Irving Miller for Susan Sindelar): The application of Carol Humble for Program Chair was received and will be reviewed by the President and the Board. Other applications will be considered as they are received. In light of the level of activities planned, the Board felt that dividing the Program and Social Chair positions would be beneficial if suitable candidates were found to fill both positions.

7. Retirement Planning Conference Report (Marsha Borders): This year's Retirement Conference was very well organized and well attended. Things ran smoothly, thanks to the large number of UIC UNITED volunteers who staffed the registration table, introduced speakers, distributed lunches, and provided overall support under the direction of Jacquie Berger.

Due to work or religious commitments, not everyone is able to benefit from the Annual Retirement Conference, which is typically held on a Saturday in April. To address this problem, a number of smaller venues are planned throughout the next academic year. Most of the topics currently covered in our annual session will be presented. Jacquie is lining up speakers and organizing the program; however, UIC UNITED will take an active role in the process. Several Board members indicated their willingness to work with Jacquie in some way to deliver the series.

8. President's Report (Irving Miller): The SUAA Annual Meeting is scheduled for June 13-14, 2007 in Springfield. Six
delegates from our Chapter will attend. Irv will check the train schedule for departure and arrival times and will share the information with those taking public transportation.

A reception honoring UIC Emeritus(a) faculty will be held on Thursday, May 31 at 2:00pm in Room 2850 University Hall.

9. New Business: John McCrosky was appointed Insurance Coordinator for UIC UNITED.

10. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 11:40am.

Respectfully submitted by Marsha Borders, Secretary

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