NC Alliance for Retired Americans 2011 Convention

NC ARA Hold 2011 Convention, Elects Officers

On Wednesday, June 1 the NC ARA held it Fifth Biennial Convention in Clemmons, NC. More than 100 NC ARA retirees attended and heard from multiple speakers about the issues that are facing retirees in North Carolina and around the country. Topics included the attack organized labor is under, the US House attack on Medicare and Social Security, advice and resources from the Secretary of State’s office, and the legislative battles we are fighting right here in North Carolina against the Republican controlled General Assembly.

Speakers included; Tripp Jeffers, President of the Forsyth County Association of Educators; Elaine Marshall, North Carolina Secretary of State; Richard Fiesta, Director of Government and Political Affairs, ARA; Bill Cea, Regional Director, ARA, and MaryBe McMillan, Secretary-Treasurer, NC AFL-CIO.

Attendees received valuable information and resources and heard how important their participation is going to be in the coming months, to protect their interests and values in North Carolina and nationally. The NC ARA also elected new officers. Those newly elected officers are the following; Jim Moore, President; George Baisey, Treasurer; Richard Hoover, Recording-Secretary; and Mary Montford, Assistant-Secretary. The NC AFL-CIO congratulates all the new officers and wishes them the best of luck as they begin their terms.

Attendees also enjoyed a wonderful lunch and plenty of prizes that were raffled off. More than $700 was raised from the sale of raffle tickets and a special thanks to all who brought items to be raffled. A special thank-you goes out to Judy Coggins for all the beautiful jewelry she crafted and brought to help raise money.

Finally, the NC AFL-CIO would like to send a special, heart-felt thank you and congratulations to out-going NC ARA President John Newman. John has been a leader and fighter for retirees and working families in North Carolina for many years. He has given his time and energy to continuing the good fight and we thank him for his many years of service, commitment, leadership, and dedication. Thanks John.