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Southeast Area Training Seminar Was a Success

Southeast Area Training Seminar Was a Success
By Robert “Bobby” Bock
NAPS Southeast Area Vice President

Members in the Southeast Area ended the postal fiscal year attending the Southeast Area Training Conference in Savannah, GA. Over 70 delegates from Georgia and Florida, as well as other states, joined us in an expanded training seminar.

The training started with presentations from key postal leaders to share the latest in postal news. Our keynote speaker was Dane Coleman, vice president, Processing and Maintenance Operations. We also had speakers from Labor Relations: Jim Gavner, director, Field Labor Relations (Southern) Fleet Management; Tracy Powers, executive manager, Fleet Operations; and Karla Kirby, executive manager, Postal Service Health Benefits, who spoke about the new postal health benefits plan.

Getting key individuals to present at our training seminar was due, in no small part, to the efforts of the Labor Relations staff at USPS Headquarters. I extend my thanks for their cooperation in making the training seminar a success.

On the second day, delegates made time for NAPS “bootcamp” training, including the basics of representation and handling investigative interviews. We then discussed how to begin an appeal for corrective action.

John Aceves, former NAPS secretary/treasurer, also provided training on member representation. Past President Brian Wagner provided timely training on the duties of a branch secretary/treasurer. We appreciated the efforts of our past resident officers who brought years of experience for our members in attendance.

I also learned something from this conference. The members who attended representing Florida and Georgia branches were really engaged throughout the weekend training.

I want to thank the Florida State Branch for staffing the SPAC table. Thanks also are extended to the Georgia State Branch for staffing the registration desk. Edith Roundtree, president of West Palm Beach Branch 154, gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance on Friday. Patti Lynn, Fort Lauderdale Branch 296 secretary/treasurer, gave the invocation on Saturday. We also appreciate Ken Ruckart’s assistance with the audio/visual.

We will be celebrating Veterans Day this month. To all my fellow veterans, thanks for your service.