The spring ARTA Board of Directors meeting of ARTA took place in conjunction with our annual retreat in Canmore on May 28 and 29 . During the course of the two events a great deal of time was spent looking at our strategic goals of advocacy , member services , and wellness . As an organization , we have worked hard to achieve a common understanding of our direction , and , likewise , the focus of new initiatives in the organization are now linked to the respective strands of the strategic goals .
50 th Anniversary Report by Gordon Cumming
This past year has been a busy one , as branches and the Association have celebrated the 50 th anniversary of our organization . We have had the opportunity to recognize the builders and the vision and mission they had in the early 1960s . Looking back at those early years we discovered that the more things change , the more they are the same . We may be looking at applications of different technology but , truly , we are still focused on the health and welfare of our members , advocating for them on issues and for benefits .
Highlights of the Board of Directors Meeting by Irene Bruzga
The spring ARTA Board of Directors meeting of ARTA took place in conjunction with our annual retreat in Canmore on May 28 and 29 . During the course of the two events a great deal of time was spent looking at our strategic goals of advocacy , member services , and wellness . As an organization , we have worked hard to achieve a common understanding of our direction , and , likewise , the focus of new initiatives in the organization are now linked to the respective strands of the strategic goals .
Committee reports highlighted their success over the past year and included their business needs along with planned initiatives for the new fiscal year . These , as part of the operating budget prepared by the Finance Committee and Executive Director , resulted in the 2013 – 14 budget that was passed at the meeting . The budget will get a second look at the September board meeting before being presented at the Annual General Meeting ( AGM ) in October .
Planning is well underway for the new year . Elections of officers and committee members will take place at the AGM , and a budget line has been established to assist with the expenses of potential candidates , so that they can be present and represent themselves during the candidate speeches . Orientation of new board and committee members will be a priority of the Strategic Planning Committee with separate sessions being planned for each group .
The Benefits Plan is growing at a positive rate as new members recognize the unique aspects of the plan that suit the lifestyle of retirees . Normally the new rates are formalized at this meeting for a September implementation . However , with potential changes to the Alberta Seniors Drug Plan not yet known , the Board authorized the postponement of the review until the end of 2013 .
The next board meeting will be held in Edmonton on September 10 and 11 .
50 th Anniversary Report by Gordon Cumming
This past year has been a busy one , as branches and the Association have celebrated the 50 th anniversary of our organization . We have had the opportunity to recognize the builders and the vision and mission they had in the early 1960s . Looking back at those early years we discovered that the more things change , the more they are the same . We may be looking at applications of different technology but , truly , we are still focused on the health and welfare of our members , advocating for them on issues and for benefits .
Significant as well in this year ’ s celebration has not only been support of our traditional activities , but also a number of new initiatives that we hope will become an ongoing aspect of ARTA ’ s legacy . A special thanks is extended to Vermilion for hosting the initial ARTA Curling Bonspiel . In every branch and across the province , we are recognizing a representative group of members who make outstanding contributions to their communities . We have tapped the creative talents of ARTA ’ s avid photographers and celebrated the literary talents of all those latent ‘ Hemingways ’ who have shared their work as ARTA ’ s authors .
Like all celebrations the party has to end sometime , and for ARTA , the 50 th anniversary celebrations will conclude at the Association ’ s Annual General Meeting . Branch delegates will gather at the Greenwood Inn in Calgary on October 1 and 2 . The Calgary Retired Teachers ’ Association is excited to be hosting the first AGM to be held outside of Edmonton . Look for our report of the event in the next issue .
6 Autumn 2013