This year's SEANC convention convened Thursday September 4, 2008 in Greensboro, North Carolina. Outgoing president Linda Rouse Sutton ran the convention with a firm hand, steering us through the agenda in record time. For the first time in many years, the majority of the SEANC Officer races were contested elections. Pat Rieghard was unopposed in his quest for first vice chair, and won the race by acclimation. The race for president was contested between Tony Smith and Art Anthony. The race for second vice president was contested by Tommy Griffin and J.C. Boykin. With three candidates vying for the position, the SEANC state treasurer's race was the most contested. Sharon Dobson, Shanticia Hawkins, and Cheryl Moon ran for the position of treasurer. The race for State EMPAC chair was contested between Mark Dearmon and Susan Strickland. The election was held Friday, the second day of the convention, using electronic voting booths. The delegation elected Tony Smith to the position of SEANC SEIU Local 2008 president. J.C. Boykin was elected to the position of second vice president. Mark Dearmon was elected to the position of State EMPAC chair. The contest for the treasurer required three ballots to determine a winner. After all the smoke cleared Cheryl Moon was declared the winner and the new SEANC SEIU Local 2008 treasurer. The state officers leading SEANC SEIU Local 2008 for the 2009 year are:

• PRESIDENT

TONY SMITH

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT

• FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

DR. PAT RIEGHARD

• SECOND VICE PRESIDENT

JON (J.C.) BOYKIN

• TREASURER

CHERYL MOON

• EMPAC CHAIR

MARK DEARMON

SEANC District 17 was allowed seat 38 delegates based on our district membership. This convention we only had 35 delegates eligible to attend the convention. There were two absences so our count each day on the convention floor was 33 delegates. That means that on any close vote, we had 5 persons not present who could have made a difference on an election or a motion. As the largest district in the association, it really is our responsibility to ensure 100% participation of our district in the convention.

The current membership total for SEANC District 17 is 2,696. Participation in district activities has been limited to a few members. Fund raising activities, workshops, and business meetings in the past have been poorly attended. A small core group in the district is during the majority of the work. This is a call for your involvement in SEANC activities. Also, this is where we want to recognize SEANC District 17 members who have excelled in their work and dedication to SEANC District 17. Our SEANC District 17 Member of the Year award for 2007-2008 was presented to Ruby Baines at the SEANC Annual Convention. During our opening lunch in the district hospitality suite, we took time out to present the award to Ruby Baines. Serving on four committees, Ruby has been a driving force this year at our fundraisers and SEANC events. There were several times Ruby put aside personal health problems to jump in and help the district. Congratulations to SEANC District 17 Member of the Year, Ruby Baines.

The SEANC District 17 service award is given to the member that works actively and tirelessly for SEANC. Jeanette Dean was the recipient of the award this year. Jeanette currently holds the office of district retiree chair, and serves on the SEANC Insurance Board as well as the SEANC Retiree Council. During the presentation made at our opening lunch at convention it was noted that Jeanette is a walking procedure manual, knows the history of our district, and is willing to share her wealth of knowledge with other SEANC members. Jeanette has been a SEANC member for 40 years and has actually served in every office on the district level, from Secretary to District Chair. Congratulations Jeanette for a well deserved award.

The final award presented at our opening lunch at Convention was the President's Award. The award is presented to the outgoing chairman for the work they have done during their term. This award of was presented to Ron Woodson (Woody). Ron has been a SEANC member for 20 years. It is not often that the leader of an organization is known as the hardest worker, but Woody broke that trend. Not only has Woody shown leadership qualities, he has personally made sure that food is present at all of our business meetings. During our fundraisers, if there is food to be cooked or served, Woody is in the forefront as "the chief cook and bottle washer". With Woody as District Chair, SEANC District 17 has led the way in Mat Team development. Woody can now, after a second two year term as District Chair, take a well deserved rest. Yeah, about a three week rest should do, because when we crank back up in October, I know Woody will still be wide open in his service and devotion to the district. Congratulations Woody and a job well done.

Our district's scholarship winners were recognized at the Saturday lunch held at the convention. The scholarship winners able to meet and dine with us were statewide winner in the Member Only category Gwendolyn Evans, and district winner in the 4 year financial category Alexandria Gordon. Gwendolyn Evans is pursuing a MBA at UNCG. She was accompanied by her husband, Bellino Evans. Alexandria Gordon is majoring in accounting at UNC Charlotte. Barbara Gripper, Alexandria's grandmother, accompanied her to the lunch. The district scholarship committee and members of the SEANC Scholarship Foundation were introduced. Terry Westry, Piedmont Rep on the Scholarship Foundation, presented a t-shirt with a new scholarship slogan to Walton Jones in recognition of District 17 have multiple winners on the statewide level. Recognition was given to the workers in the Greensboro PGA Golf Tournament. Their hard work led to an increased amount of Scholarship funds for awards.

The hospitality staff was also recognized at the closing lunch on Saturday. This hard working crew ensured that meals were delivered to the hospitality suite and served on time. The hospitality workers were the last to leave the suite at night, and the first present in the morning to ensure breakfast was ready for SEANC District 17 delegates and guests. Thank you hospitality staff for a job well done.

I closing this article, please note that we are now a union. Our full name is SEANC SEIU Local 2008 District 17. There were several SEIU reps at the convention, ready to answer questions and in some ases offer advice. New priority…GET COLLECTIVE BARGAINING. More later.

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