By Thomas Bird
The 2011 Nevada Association of Retired Americans/AFL-CIO Convention was a hit and a success. The NARA Convention brought more delegates than we thought possible in this environment, a total of 76 were present. We also met our financial goals with all the sponsorship from all the NARA affiliates, locals and chapters. The banquet dinner was a big hit as well with 125 leaders, politicians, active employees and retirees attending. We celebrated Social Security’s 75th Birthday at this amazing banquet. This was NARA’S 6th annual and probably the most successful to date.
There were a number of speakers on Social Security, Medicare, and the upcoming 2012 elections. I heard over and over from the delegates this was one of the most informative they have ever attended, and the food at the banquet was very good if not the best they have had at any banquet.
Given the tough environment we are in across the nation I’m honored that our IBEW Local was so generous in sponsoring a banquet dinner table, as well as sponsoring a half page add for the Reno/Sparks Retirees–the IBEW 1245 Reno/Sparks Chapter. The Yerington Chapter and Local 401 sponsored business card-size ads. The two Nevada IBEW 1245 Chapters and the Local 401 Chapters all sent delegates for a total of 12. The IBEW was very well represented at this very important convention and I must say, I feel very confident that the attendees will have no problem come election time! Both Locals had their banners hung high among a variety of banners from A for AFSCME through U for United Steelworkers and a good number in between.
Thomas Bird is Vice President, NARA Board of Directors, as well as President of the Yerington Chapter of the IBEW Local 1245 Retirees Club.