President’s Letter
We are looking forward to a very productive Annual Meeting
While the last few months have been hectic they also have been quite productive. For example, we are busily preparing for what we feel will be an exceptional mid-May CRA Annual Meeting in Las Vegas.
In the past we have shied away from Las Vegas as a venue because we were concerned how it might appear - what with that destination's party-like reputation. However, during this economic downturn, the Annual Meeting's Host Committee outdid itself by proposing and then arranging a business meeting that is going to be much less expensive than any we have ever had (per capita). So I want to thank everyone involved with the Host Committee for all their dedication, contributions and hard work.
Another reason we feel that our Las Vegas meeting will be special is we have received the great news that Dave O'Reilly, Chevron's Chairman and CEO, has arranged his schedule so he can join us. As our guest speaker, he will bring us up-to-date on relevant Company activities, accomplishments and future plans.
I am enthused, too, because the Dental Plan for dues-paying CRA members has become a most successful reality. I therefore want to thank every Chapter President and Officer for their important assistance in both communicating the plan and in providing the administrative support necessary in the enrollment process.
Very special kudos go to Al Horan and the members of his Benefits Committee for their incredible efforts and their many hours spent on making the Dental project come true. I expect to see many 'brighter, broader smiles' when I attend CRA functions in the future.
In my travels during the last few months I have had the distinct privilege of attending a number of Chapter luncheons and Area Annual Meetings. Once again, they have reminded me what our Association is all about. The CRA gives (1) retirees an opportunity to continue their relationships with those men and women who were their coworkers, (2) frequent chances to meet and make new friends and (3) the occasion to receive valuable assistance when they are experiencing either problems of understanding or taking advantage of their valuable benefits.
It's wonderful to constantly see and feel the rich relationships that are ongoing over the years. Conversely, however, I have noticed that most of the CRA meetings I recently attended don't seem to involve many recent retirees. So please 'reach out' to those retirees you know who are not yet members of our organization and invite them to participate. That is the best way to further strengthen our membership.
In just a couple of months, at our Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, we will be electing a new Association president. So with just a short time remaining, I still have much to accomplish. I am looking forward to writing my next and final President's Letter because it will give me the opportunity to report the accomplishments we have achieved together during the last two years.
Warmest regards, as always,
Charlie Rhoads
2113 Briarglen Drive,
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 871-0224
crhoads@therhoadsgroup.net04/09
