The September 11th meeting was called to order by President Al Menke.
Roll Call of Officers: All officers were present and accounted for.
Minutes: Minutes were corrected to show the Redwood Casino trip took place on the 20th and not the 22nd.
President Al Menke spoke about the fifth anniversary of the twin towers attacks. He requested a moment of silence to remember those lost and affected by the tragic events of that day.
Financial Report was accepted as written. M/S/P
Business Rep Report: Paul Knebel spoke about the CEO changes at Boeing. Alan Mulally has moved on to take a position with the Ford Motor Company and the new CEO is Scott Carson, who was promoted from within Boeing.
Our membership is continuing to increase. There were 140 people at last week’s orientation. The Cat A list is dwindling. We are also beginning to see some hiring off the street. The Apprenticeship Program has started back up again, as well. This is a great sign showing that the company is trying to rebuild its workforce.
Health & Welfare: We have one ill brother this month, Bob Sheets.
A moment of silence was held for the following deceased members: Fred Ainardi, Ralph Andrews, Timothy Dereg, Robert Foster, Shirley Freeman, Daniel Janway, Shirley Soggie and Eugene Swanson. Sympathy cards were sent to the next of kin.
Legislative Report: Carl Schwartz gave the Legislative Report for September. Carl explained the new 22 cent COLA is more evidence that our fixed-rate pensions are losing spending power. The Legislative Committee will meet with Congressman Jim McDermott concerning the effects that fixed-rate pensions have on families as inflation changes occur.
John Guevarra spoke about the National Convention for the Alliance of Retired Americans. He attended as a delegate for the Retirees Club and had a chance to meet with the offices of Patty Murray, Maria Cantwell and Jim McDermott.
Carl introduced Michael King, Field Director for the Cantwell and Coordinated Campaigns. There are 58 days until the election on November 7th. It is important that we get Maria Cantwell re-elected. She has an impeccable voting record and has shown countless times that she is dedicated to working families in the state of Washington.
We need volunteers to help out in all areas of the campaign. If you would like to help in the office, work with mailings, phone calls or even door belling, please sign up! You can also contact Legislative Director Larry Brown (800-763-1301, ext. 3306) if you would like to get involved.
Old Business: None.
New Business: None.
Good of the Order: John Guevarra called George McIntire up to the podium and presented him with a T-Shirt from the Convention for the Alliance of Retired Americans as a thanks for all the hard work he does for the Club.
Al Menke thanked Al Wydick for his efforts with the picnic. It was a success thanks to his hard work!
Gene Hoglund thanked everyone who helped with the NO on the Big Dig effort. The Seattle City Council has now decided to put the decision of whether or not to build a tunnel in the hands of the citizens.
Ruth Render and Al Menke thanked Local 8 Secretary Rosanne Lawson for her help with the minutes.
Birthdays and Anniversaries: September birthdays were Leroy Miller, Helen Pompeo, Louise Burns, Ruth Render, Al Menke, Robin Guevarra, Tom O’Brien and Gene Hoglund. One anniversary this month – Roberta & Pat Ross – 1 year.