After all obligations were paid, the branch has $15,902.67 in unallocated funds.  The branch’s financial situation is in good shape.  A question was raised about the bank service charges showing at $112.03.  An answer will be available at the next meeting. A full statement is attached to the minutes of record and is on file with the secretary. Proposed by Bill Wornes and seconded by Barb Fagg.    REPORT ACCEPTED AS CIRCULATED. 

• President:  He attended the Annual Presidents Congress in July.  It was the first annual congress to replace the triennial meetings and only presidents or designates made up the delegates.  The new format will allow approval and review of new initiatives each year.  A new membership fee schedule was introduced.  The congress was a good experience.

• Vice president, Admin: Nil report.
• Vice president, Ops: Position vacant.

• Past President: Nil report.

• Treasurer: See  para 6. above

• Membership:  1 double and 2 single memberships transferred in, 5 single memberships came in as new members.  Four DDS memberships stopped payment and 9 members are deceased this month.  Eighteen doubles and 28 single memberships were cancelled due to non- payment of dues.  Total membership stands at 3400 members.  Members receive adequate notice of membership expiry; notice is published in the ON GUARD 3 months prior to termination. 

• Health and benefits:  Arliss Berry gave a very comprehensive report on the many calls she has received.  She was able to answer all questions or refer the caller to the appropriate source.  All cases are complete with no outstanding issues. 

• Directors and committees: 

• Telephone committee: The calling list contains recently deceased members and sometimes the calls cause a little distress to the loved ones.  We must keep the lists up to date and encourage members who know of deaths to inform us at the earliest opportunity.  In June, Annie was invited to attend a workshop run by Jennifer May.  She came away with very good quality of life information.

• Recruiting:  New, very attractive folders are available for distribution and were made available to the board members for local distribution.

• Communications:  The branch report is at the publishers and the date for release is in October.  Luc is considering a change of format.  The website is up to date and working very well.

• Directors at Large: Nil report

• Secretary:  Nil report

• The federal election is coming up and a letter will be sent to all candidates outlining the main concerns of FSNA Members. 

• We need a storage unit for our growing records and paperwork.  Costs and availability will be presented next meeting. 

• Pocket calendars will be ordered in a reduced number for outreach purposes at the cost of $1.75 each.

• Remembrance Day:  The Branch will again lay a wreath at the ANAF Club Remembrance Day ceremony. The ANAF Club is donating the wreath, therefore, it was proposed by Walter and seconded by Arliss, that we make a donation of $50.00 to the ANAF Association in return.  CARRIED  George will inquire in Brockville and Luc has agreed to investigate something in the Westport area.  They will report at the October meeting.

• There will be a regional meeting Nov. 28 at the Holiday Inn, Glen Miller Road, Trenton.  All are encouraged to attend.  Costs for two cars may be available. 

• Officer training is planned for Loyalist College in Jan 09.  Training for “Web-based Membership System” (WMS), “Health Benefits Officer” (HBO) and Finance are being considered.

• The branch birthday will be celebrated on the 5 December at Aunt Lucy’s restaurant.

• The 09 AGM will be held at MINOS Village Restaurant at a date TBA.

• Outreach luncheons for the New Year are TBA. 

• Reimbursement of travel expenses to board members was discussed in the light of rising expenses. Proposed by Real and seconded by Luc that Board members conducting branch business and/or attending meetings may have their expenses reimbursed. CARRIED.

• It was proposed by Luc and seconded by George that “Travel Expense Claims”  be reimbursed at the National Office rates.  CARRIED.