The NAPUS Executive Board meeting got under way Friday morning in Oklahoma City. President Bob Rapoza thanked the Oklahoma Chapter for all its hard work and doing such a great job, saying he was looking forward to a great convention week.
Rapoza also thanked the board for making the tough, tough decisions it has faced the past eight months. He said it has done an exceptional job, borne out by the Postal Regulatory Commission’s favorable opinion on the POStPlan.
“We are moving in an ever-changing environment,” he said. While in Oklahoma City, the board will be tackling tough issues. But despite the past grueling eight months, Rapoza encouraged board members to enjoy the “precious present” and keep their focus on what really matters. He swore in five new national vice presidents. These vacancies resulted from retirements and health and family issues.
“As a whole,” he told the Executive Board, “you have represented your membership well.” And he expressed confidence they will continue to work hard to ensure NAPUS continues to be a viable organization.
Director of Government Relations Bob Levi reported on efforts to keep chapter legislative chairs in the loop on important issues. He has communicated with about 20 chapters via Skype and participated in telecons as needed. The eNAPUS Legislative Newsletter, available at www.napus.org, also is an important tool. “We offer a balanced approach to our legislative program,” he stressed.
He said lawmakers on Capitol Hill view Postmasters as leaders who are visible and effective. Levi reminded everyone PAC for Postmasters supports NAPUS’ legislative successes. “We are very effective,” he said.
Secretary-Treasurer Ruthie Cauble addressed board members for the last time this year in her role as a national officer. She said it has been a great ride. “I always will treasure this experience,” she told board members.
Cauble assured the board the association’s income is good and expenses are under budget. But she cautioned decisions have to be made based on the potential for a loss in membership.
Executive Director Charlie Moser thanked the National Office staff for its work in responding to the organization’s recent challenges. He stressed to the board the accuracy and integrity of the NAPUS website. Information is not posted unless he can ensure it is factual and accurate, pointing out nothing has had to be retracted from the website. This attention to detail may delay slightly information being made available to NAPUS members.
Retired Postmaster John Galera gave the board a quick overview of the new knowledge-based NAPUS website. His Postmaster survival disk is on the website, offering a multitude of files to help Postmasters perform their jobs. Anyone can search the site, but only NAPUS members will be able to download files. Soon, video training also will be available on the knowledge-based site.
Galera encouraged everyone to take advantage of the valuable training seminars, starting Monday afternoon at the convention. They will include such timely topics as eCareer, SOV/CSV, APO/RMPO, Every Door Direct Mail and financial planning, among others.
The Executive Board adjourned at the end of the day and will resume its work Saturday morning.