President’s Letter
Retiree volunteers praised for managing outstanding Annual Meeting
We had an exceptional Annual Meeting in New Orleans. You will recall this meeting originally was scheduled for 2008. But because of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita it was deferred to this year. Despite the current oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, we managed two days of meetings and outside activities without incident.
I congratulate Dennis Dauphin, Area VP and General Arrangements Chairman; Tim Crotty, Host Committee Chair; and committee volunteers from all the Gulf Coast chapters for their outstanding job in managing this Annual Meeting. Use of PowerPoint in the presentations enabled the Standing Committees to cover a very busy agenda in record time and I commend them for their preparation and outstanding reports.
Two key CRA Annual Meeting planners stand outside the New Orleans convention hotel. Dennis Dauphin, right, was the Conference General Arrangements Chair and Tim Crotty, left, the Host City Chair.
We were especially delighted to have John Watson as keynote speaker. This is his first year as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Chevron Corporation. He was warmly greeted by our members and appeared to enjoy the moment. In his address, he thanked our membership for its role in supporting the Company and pointed out that Chevron is well poised financially to proceed with a number of mega projects worldwide - which he discussed in detail.
Other Company speakers
Our corporate guests Kent Robertson, Manager of Issues and Litigation Communications; Deb McNaughton, Manager, Internal Communications; Betsy Ricketts, Political Programs Coordinator; and Claudia Polidori, Manager of Enterprise Benefits, each made significant presentations. Topics of particular interest were the Ecuador litigation issues, Chevron Humankind, Chevron Advocacy Network, Health Care Reform Law and Open Enrollment (Oct. 18-29).
Dr. David Weichers, United Healthcare's National Accounts Medical Director, made an impressive presentation titled "Tips for Seniors." Because of the interest in this topic, his exhibits will be made available to all chapters.
Our Planning and Research Committee launched a workshop titled "CRA 2020." The ultimate goal of this study is to provide a vision for the future status of the CRA. All Area Vice Presidents took an active role in the process, which turned out to be one of the most talked about topics.
Several resolutions were introduced and passed unanimously. These were a 2010 Benefits Resolution requesting pension supplementation, changes in the PP&M Manual to make membership more inclusive and other items relating to data management. Approval was obtained to host the 2012 Annual Meeting in Sacramento and 2013 Annual Meeting in Southern California.
I am pleased to report that Jerry Duck, a corporate attorney prior to his retirement, has agreed to provide the Association with pro-bono services on an as need basis. Lila Crotty has accepted the new position of Information Technology Advisor reporting to the Communications Chair. And I am happy to report that Mary Lou Baugher and Merle Hufford will continue in their respective positions as Secretary and Treasurer.
Dedicated CRA aides lauded
During the past year I have been blessed with a hard working group of dedicated Officers, Committee Chairs and Subcommittee Members, all of whom deserve credit for the accomplishments during this fiscal year. With that in mind, I encourage all members to respond favorably to our call for your services, either as a Committee Chair or Subcommittee Member.
To respond, you need to identify your interest to serve by filling out a Personal Experience Record Form - which can be obtained from your chapter president.
In conclusion, I am truly honored to have been re-elected Association President. I will continue to champion the cause of our members and ask for your assistance in achieving those ends. As we approach our 39th Annual Meeting in Houston -- and the organization's 40th year since its founding -- we have much for which to be thankful.
Ernie Breaux
112 Wicklowe RD,
Lafayette, LA 70503
(337) 984-4657
07/10
