2007 - 2008 narse Meeting Minutes

Ron Olbrysh called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.

In Attendance: Tony Debevetz, Bud Defano, Ken Johnson, Leo McCormack, Ron Olbrysh, Mel Schultz, Dave Silgers and Keith Tice.

Conference Call Participants: Ernie Arms, Bill Barker, Tom Douglas, Richard Foulke, John Freeman, Art Levin, Tom Myers, Ruth Pilant, Elaine Russell, Lloyd Van Schoyck, Sandra Wheeler, Penny Williams and Ken Winkler.

Membership and Financials: Leo McCormack reported that membership renewals remain steady even though individual months’ renewals fluctuate due to differences in timing of the distribution of Straight Talk. The organization is healthy financially, and financial obligations are current. The Year 2007 NARSE standard income tax form and IRS report as a non profit was filed in April as required.

Sears Holdings Corp. Annual Meeting: Bill Barker, Mel Schultz and Dave Silgers attended the annual meeting held at Hoffman Estates on May 5 and reported some of the proceedings. There was no visual presentation or financial numbers given, and no merchandise displays were present. After very long opening remarks by Mr. Lampert, attendees who wished to speak were given the opportunity. Dave Silgers was first and spoke on behalf of Sears retirees and the NARSE organization. Mr. Lampert commented that he appreciated the retirees and acknowledged that there was a need to embrace retirees on a greater basis and bring them into the fold. An interesting observation was made that the majority of the attendees were very young.

NARSE Annual Meeting: The next annual meeting of NARSE will be held July 11 during our regular monthly meeting. Election of officers will take place at that meeting.

Website Survey: Dave Silgers suggested that perhaps the NARSE website could be used as a means to recruit members. Discussion ensued about how we could best accomplish that goal. Out of that discussion it was decided to try to develop a survey on a monthly basis with perhaps ten questions each month, asking for responses and then publishing the answers.

Straight Talk: Suggested topics for the Summer 2008 issue of Straight Talk were discussed. The June 13 meeting will finalize the contents.

Website Visits: Penny Williams reported that April 2008 visits to the NARSE website were 4,814, which were 550 less than the March visits. The Home Page is the number one hit with 95% of the visitors having the site bookmarked.

Sears Retiree Advisory Council Update: Sandra Wheeler reported that Stan Aldis was attempting to bring the Advisory Council to Chicago during the summer but no date or agenda has been announced. Art Levin also reported that the Council may come to Chicago in September to discuss the retiree medical insurance program for 2009. At this time, however, no SRAC meetings have been scheduled for the year 2008.

Executive Summary
National Association of Retired Sears Employees, Inc.
March 14, 2008 at HQ Office

Ron Olbrysh called the meeting to order at 9:31 a.m.

In Attendance: Dick Bruce, Bud Defano, Leo McCormack, Ron Olbrysh, Mel Schultz, Dave Silgers and Keith Tice.

Conference Call Participants: Ernie Arms, Bill Barker, Richard Foulke, Art Levin, Tom Meyers, Tom Nally, George O’Hare, Lloyd VanSchoyck, Penny Wheeler, Penny Williams and Ken Winkler.

MEMBERSHIP AND FINANCIALS: February membership renewals were 58 compared to 92 one year ago. Paid membership remains steady even though individual months’ renewals fluctuate due to differences in timing of the distribution of Straight Talk. The organization remains healthy financially with all financial obligations current.

STRAIGHT TALK: The next issue of Straight Talk is planned for early summer. In keeping with our mission of providing NARSE members timely information, the Summer 2008 issue will hopefully feature the Presidential candidates’ views on issues that affect retirees.

SEARS HOLDINGS ANNUAL MEETING: The annual Sears Holdings shareholders meeting will be held May 5. It was decided that NARSE should be represented and present a prepared statement at this meeting.

WEBSITE VISITS: February 2008 visits to the NARSE website were 4,221 compared to 5,123 visits in January. Forty per cent of the visits went to the Home Page, and 25 per cent hit the Breaking News site.

SEARS RETIREE ADVISORY COUNCIL: Various members of the SRAC council reported that they had not been contacted by anyone from Sears Headquarters for the previous three months. Stan Aldis was said to be working on a program, but at this point there was no one in place who could authorize any plans. To date, no SRAC meetings have been scheduled for the year 2008.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 a.m.

The next regular NARSE meeting will be held on Friday, April 11, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. CST, 8th Floor Conference Room at NARSE Headquarters. A conference call will be available for those not able to attend in person at 10:30 a.m. Central Time.

Executive Summary
National Association of Retired Sears Employees, Inc.
Thursday, February 14, 2008 at HQ Office

Executive Summary
National Association of Retired Sears Employees, Inc.
Friday, December 7, 2007 at HQ Office

Ron Olbrysh called the meeting to order at 9:45 a.m.

In Attendance: Bill Barker, Dick Bruce, Tony Debevetz, Bud Defano, Claude Ireson, Leo McCormack, George O’Hare, Ron Olbrysh, Mel Schultz and Keith Tice.

Conference Call Participants: Ernie Arms, Steve Doubeck, Don Giles, Walt Hess, Art Levin, Tom Myers, Tom Nally, Elaine Russell, Lloyd Van Schoyck, Nancy Westmont, Sandra Wheeler, Penny Williams and Ken Winkler.

MEMBERSHIP AND FINANCIALS: Membership renewals in November increased 430 over last year with a corresponding revenue increase compared to November 2006.

WEBSITE VISITS: Penny Williams reported that visits to the NARSE website were about 4,300 during the month of November and topped 300,000 visits made since ten years ago. Visits to the website not only provide great breaking news stories, but also provide four interesting videos covering medical insurance decisions for 2008, the tenth annual NARSE meeting, and short glimpses of two remarkable Sears retirees.

STRAIGHT TALK: The Spring 2008 issue of Straight Talk will feature the Seattle retirees club with articles about its long, colorful history and final meeting. Distribution is planned for March.

Positive feedback about the special November issue on Medicare Part D prescription drug insurance was reported by Ron Olbrysh. Dissemination of that information again in the future was suggested in the meeting.

SEARS RETIREE ADVISORY COUNCIL: The Council participated in a conference call with Colleen Belker on December 4 discussing the Sears retiree medical program for 2008. Highest numbers of calls to the Retiree Health Access center are on Monday and Tuesday. Ms. Belker emphasized that quicker responses could be achieved by calling on Wednesday through Friday. Most of the questions to date were run of the mill; many callers were uneasy about the new private fee for service plan offered by Aetna, which is not being pushed.

MEDICAL PROGRAM ENROLLMENT: Many NARSE members have expressed concern about the short enrollment period especially with all the changes in the 2008 program compared to the current program. As a result, Chairman Olbrysh wrote Karl Koneg, Senior Vice President of Benefits, expressing these concerns and requesting a possible extension. To date there has been no response from Sears Holdings.

CONCLUSION: The highlight of the year for NARSE was most likely the Atlanta tenth anniversary annual meeting. Additionally, many good comments and feedback about the information provided our members through the website and Straight Talk have been received over the last several months. Our goal as an organization must continue to be to represent the Sears and Sears Holdings retirees in preserving their remaining benefits and be a source of educational assistance in achieving retiree financial independence and well being.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m.

The next regular NARSE meeting will be held on Friday, January 11, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. CST, 8th Floor Conference Room at NARSE Headquarters. A conference call will be available for those not able to attend in person at 10:30 a.m. Central Time.

Executive Summary
National Association of Retired Sears Employees, Inc.
Friday, November 9, 2007 at HQ Office

Ron Olbrysh called the meeting to order at 9:07 a.m.

In Attendance: Bill Barker, Dick Bruce, Tony Debevetz, Bud Defano, Leo McCormack, George O’Hare, Ron Olbrysh, Mel Schultz, Dave Silger and Keith Tice.

Conference Call Participants: Ernie Arms, Dick Cofran, Steve Doubeck, Tom Douglas, Richard Foulke, Walt Hess, Blair Holden, Art Levin, Tom Myers, Tom Nally, Ruth Pilant, Elaine Russell, Sandra Wheeler, Penny Williams and Ken Winkler.

SPECIAL ISSUE OF STRAIGHT TALK: A special issue of Straight Talk will be published during November, 2007 and mailed to all paid subscribers. The primary emphasis will be on making the proper prescription drug insurance choices and will highlight an article written by Chicago Sun-Times columnist Terry Savage. Ms. Savage has written an article “Prescription for Medicare Part D” which details a step by step process for determining the best prescription drug insurance plan that has the lowest total estimated annual cost based on individual prescriptions. The process she writes about is the Medicare Plan Finder, and she describes how to use it.

The Terry Savage Medicare Part D article was also placed on our website, which was agreed to by Ms. Savage via e-mail response to Ron Olbrysh.

WEBSITE VISITS: Penny Williams reported that the visits to the website continue to be very strong. Visits in October were 450 higher than September reaching almost 4,000 for the month. As of this date 142 visitors have viewed the video for the 10th annual meeting.

MEDICARE INFORMATION MEETINGS: Much discussion took place regarding the Sears Holdings meetings covering the medical insurance changes for 2008. Sears Holdings and Aetna have begun conducting meetings in eighteen selected cities to review the Medicare plan information provided in the Retiree Health Access (RHA) enrollment kit. The kits are scheduled to begin mailing around November 14.

The two meetings in Atlanta GA and Oakbrook IL, each with about 100 people present, were the basis for the discussion. In Atlanta the big stumbling point was the lack of information on the 2008 billing. Both meetings’ attendees were concerned about what to do if insured by AARP currently, and how to proceed if they enrolled in the new RHA program. Concerns were also expressed about the short enrollment period and what would happen if the enrollments were received at RHA after the enrollment deadline. Additionally, Medicare says in their “Medicare and You” 2008 booklet that the Part D enrollment period is open until December 31.

It was decided that Ron Olbrysh should address these concerns in a letter to Karl Koneg, Senior Vice President-Benefits.

Because concerns were expressed about the timely receipt of the enrollment kit packages, everyone involved in this monthly meeting was encouraged to e-mail Ron when they received their individual packages. It was also suggested that a special medical insurance meeting be held on November 26 to discuss any further developments concerning the enrollment kit mailing and its offering.

MEMBERSHIP: Paid memberships in October 2007 compared to last October were up 566.

The meeting was adjourned at 11: 30 a.m.

The next regular NARSE meeting will be held on Friday, December 7, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. CST, 8th Floor Conference Room at NARSE Headquarters. A conference call will be available for those not able to attend in person at 10:30 a.m. Central Time.

 

Executive Summary
National Association of Retired Sears Employees, Inc.
Friday, October 12, 2007 at HQ Office

Ron Olbrysh called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m.

In Attendance: Bill Barker, Tony Debevetz, Leo McCormack, Ron Olbrysh, Mel Schultz, Dave Silger and Keith Tice.

Conference Call Participants: Ernie Arms, Ev Buckardt, Steve Doubeck, Tom Douglas, Richard Foulke, Walt Hess, Ken Johnson, Art Levin, Tom Nally, Ruth Pilant, Elaine Russell, Lloyd Van Schoyck, Penny Williams and Ken Winkler.

FINANCIALS AND MEMBERSHIP: Leo McCormack reported that the organization’s financials and membership are stable.

WEBSITE VISITS: Visits to the website for September were down about 8 per cent for a total of 3,480. Accessing the Home Page now provides opportunity to view a streaming video of highlights of the 10th Annual Meeting of NARSE held in Atlanta. The video is viewable in four parts.

SEARS RETIREE ADVISORY COUNCIL UPDATE: The council met in Deerfield, Florida the latter part of September. A great deal of discussion was devoted to the Sears 2008 medical plan. The Retiree Health Access (RHA) has expanded to about 20 member companies with a focus of getting the best possible coverage for retirees. Robert Luce is on the board of directors of RHA. The Sears enrollment period is from November 19 to December 7.

Stan Aldis, the Headquarters contact person for the Council, has not indicated any further activity scheduled for the Council as of this date despite several contacts by the members of the council.

NEXT ISSUE OF STRAIGHT TALK: The next issue of Straight Talk will be published during November 2007.

NARSE PROMOTIONAL LEAFLET: This NARSE marketing brochure was first disseminated at the 10th Annual Meeting in Atlanta this past August. It was very well received. In addition, copies were sent to all of NARSE’s regional vice-presidents for distribution.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:10 p.m.

The next regular NARSE meeting will be held on Friday, November 9, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. CST, 8th Floor Conference Room at NARSE Headquarters. A conference call will be available for those not able to attend in person at 10:30 a.m. Central Time.

Executive Summary
National Association of Retired Sears Employees, Inc.
Friday, July 13, 2007 at HQ Office

Ron Olbrysh called the meeting to order at 9:07 a.m.

In Attendance: Tony Debevetz, Bud Defano, Ken Johnson, Leo McCormack, George O’Hare, Ron Olbrysh, Mel Schultz and Keith Tice.

Conference Call Participants: Ernie Arms, Bill Barker, Tom Douglas, John Freeman, Art Levin, Gordon Muschet, Tom Myers, Tom Nally, Ruth Pilant, Elaine Russell, Lloyd Van Schoyck, Sandra Wheeler, Penny Williams and Ken Winkler.

WEBSITE VISITS: Penny Williams reported that the visits to the website continue to be very strong. Top entry pages are: Home Page – 29%, Breaking News – 16%, Guest Book – 8.5% and Merger – 3.6%. As of this date 111 visitors have downloaded the August 7 annual meeting agenda and 52 have downloaded the reservation form.

10th ANNUAL MEETING UPDATE: The 10th annual meeting to be held in Atlanta, Georgia August 7 will begin at 9:30 a.m. with guest introductions and a video history of the NARSE organization during its 10-year existence. Robert “Bob” Romasco, a member of the AARP’s Board of Directors, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address. His presentation will include a discussion of Medicare, Social Security and pension reform and AARP’s position on these issues. A question and answer session will follow.

Upon conclusion of the discussion there will be a “meet and greet” time with the Atlanta Big Club. Lunch will follow during which one of the top 100 outstanding stand-up comedians in the country, Dick Gregory, will be speaking. His familiarity with Sears because of a 40-year friendship with George O’Hare, a NARSE Vice President, will undoubtedly flavor his comments.

In addition to videotaping the keynote and luncheon speakers, a photographer will be present to take pictures. It was suggested that NARSE make these videotapes available to the Sears retiree clubs around the country.

NEXT ISSUE OF STRAIGHT TALK: The next issue of Straight Talk will be published during September, 2007. Primary emphasis would feature the 10th Anniversary Annual Meeting and related details. There was some discussion about including a synopsis of current benefits with emphasis on the retiree life insurance.

SEARS RETIREE ADVISORY COUNCIL UPDATE: Stan Aldis, the Headquarters contact person, has not indicated any further activity scheduling for the council as of this date despite several contacts by the members of the council.

NARSE PROMOTIONAL LEAFLET: A draft of a marketing piece prepared by Mel Schultz describing who NARSE is, what the organization has to offer, and what has been accomplished was reviewed and approved with a few minor changes for publication by the Board.

The meeting was adjourned at 11: 30 a.m.

The next regular NARSE meeting will be held on Friday, September 14, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. CST, 8th Floor Conference Room at NARSE Headquarters. A conference call will be available for those not able to attend in person at 10:30 a.m. Central Time.

Executive Summary
National Association of Retired Sears Employees, Inc.
Friday, June 8, 2007 at HQ Office

Ron Olbrysh called the meeting to order at 9:08 a.m.

In Attendance: Bill Barker, Tony Debevetz, Bud Defano, Leo McCormack, George O’Hare, Ron Olbrysh, and Mel Schultz

Conference Call Participants: Ernie Arms, Tom Douglas, John Freeman, Art Levin, Tom Myers, Tom Nally, Lee Numbers, Ruth Pilant, Elaine Russell, Lloyd Van Schoyck, Sandra Wheeler, Penny Williams and Ken Winkler.

FINANCIALS & MEMBERSHIP: Our financials and membership are stable. More than 90% of the dues we collect are used for communication purposes. The remaining amount pays for our office expenses, including the monthly charge for the conference room where our meetings are held; charges for the monthly toll-free conference calls; and the maintenance of our web site. NARSE has no paid employees.

10th ANNUAL MEETING UPDATE: The 10th annual meeting to be held in Atlanta, Georgia August 7 will begin at 9:30 a.m. The agenda will include a video history of the NARSE organization during its 10-year existence. The keynote speaker will be Robert “Bob” Romasco, a member of the AARP’s Board of Directors. He is a prolific speaker and his presentation will include a discussion of Medicare, Social Security and pension reform, and AARP’s position on these issues. His presentation will be followed by a question and answer period

Our luncheon speaker has been listed by Comedy Central as one of the top 100 outstanding stand-up comedians in the country. He is an activist, philosopher, anti-drug crusader, comedian, author, recording artist and nutritionist. He was the first comedian to appeal to both black and white audiences. We are pleased to have DICK GREGORY as our luncheon speaker who will share his wit and wisdom with the group. Gregory has been a close friend of George O’Hare, a NARSE Vice President, for the past 40 years.

We have a photographer to take still pictures at the Annual Meeting. In addition, we will be videotaping the keynote and luncheon speakers. The Board suggested that NARSE make these videotapes available to the Sears retiree clubs around the country. Ron Olbrysh suggested that an edited version be made available for distribution on a request basis.

And finally, a press release will go out to the media near the end of July, about our Annual Meeting in Atlanta. George O’Hare will disseminate the release.

NEXT ISSUE OF STRAIGHT TALK: The next issue of Straight Talk will be published during September 2007. It will include pictures and articles about our Atlanta 10th Annual Meeting, in addition to the latest news about Sears and any updates on the life insurance issue.

RETIREE LIFE INSURANCE: Many retirees are concerned and/or confused about whether replacement life insurance terminates at the end of the 10-year reduction period. The Board suggested that Sears be contacted about this issue. Ron will contact Sears.

NARSE PROMOTIONAL LEAFLET: A marketing piece describing who NARSE is and what the organization has to offer was shown to the Board. Mel Schultz prepared it. The leaflet was designed as a handout rather than a mail-out. The only Board suggestion was to include NARSE’s accomplishments. Ron will provide these accomplishments to Mel who will include them in this marketing brochure.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:43 p.m.

The next NARSE meeting will be held on Friday, July 13, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. CST, 8th Floor Conference Room at NARSE Headquarters. A conference call will be available for those not able to attend in person at 10:30 a.m. Central Time.

Executive Summary
National Association of Retired Sears Employees, Inc.
Friday, May 11, 2007 at HQ Office

Ron Olbrysh called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m.

In Attendance: Bill Barker, Bud Defano, George O’Hare, Ron Olbrysh, Mel Schultz, and Keith Tice.

Conference Call Participants: Ernie Arms, Tom Douglas, Richard Foulke, Art Levin, Tom Myers, Tom Nally, Ruth Pilant, Elaine Russell, Lloyd Van Schoyck, Sandra Wheeler, Penny Williams and Ken Winkler.

FINANCIALS & MEMBERSHIP: Due to vacations, no report was available.

WEBSITE VISITS: Penny Williams reported that there were 4,071 visits to the website in April continuing the trend of monthly visits in excess of 4,000.

10th ANNUAL MEETING UPDATE: The 10th annual meeting to be held in Atlanta, Georgia August 7 will begin at 9:30 a.m. and be in session until approximately 11:15. The meeting will open with a video history of the NARSE organization and introduction of the founders of the organization. A keynote speaker from AARP will be a special feature of the meeting. Following the annual meeting, the Atlanta “Big Club” Sears retiree group will join us for lunch, where “senior” comedian Dick Gregory will address both groups during the luncheon. At the conclusion of the luncheon, the “Big Club” will convene their meeting. As plans are finalized, further information will be made available on the NARSE website.

NEXT ISSUE OF STRAIGHT TALK: Tentatively, the next issue of Straight Talk will be eight pages and be distributed in July. Primary emphasis would feature the 10th Anniversary Annual Meeting and related details. A big issue later in the summer would cover the Atlanta meeting and contain many pictures of the event.

RETIREE LIFE INSURANCE: In late March, 2007 retirees received a cover letter advising the final value of the Sears Retiree Group Life Insurance, the current value of the Retiree Replacement Life Insurance and a Summary Plan Description (SPD) for the Sears Retiree Group Life Insurance Plan and Replacement Plan. Because of the language “right to change or terminate the Plan at any time and for any reason” which appeared in the SPD, Chairman Olbrysh wrote the Plan Administrator asking for clarification and correction of this statement. In addition, a request was made that the retirees receive an official notice that the company will not modify, amend, suspend, or terminate the insurance plan at any time as stipulated in the court-approved Stipulation of Settlement.

At meeting time, no answer has been received. However, there is still one more day before the answer has to be back to NARSE. The stipulated response time to written questions was thirty days according to the SPD.

SEARS RETIREE ADVISORY COUNCIL UPDATE: A one-hour conference call on April 26 with Stan Aldis, the Headquarters contact person, Bob Luce and Mike McCullogh gave council members updates on Sears and K Mart year 2006 results, the pension plan, life insurance and the medical coverage for 2008. It was reported that the pension plan is 90% funded, life insurance is as promised and the medical coverage plan for 2008 is being developed. Additionally, there will be quarterly conference calls with the council and three Retiree News newspapers will be published and distributed over the next year. Consideration for a week of September 24 SRAC meeting in some yet to be announced location was also announced as a part of the conference call.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:20 a.m.

The next NARSE meeting will be held on Friday, June 8, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. CST, 8th Floor Conference Room at NARSE Headquarters. A conference call will be available for those not able to attend in person at 10:30 a.m. Central Time.

Executive Summary
National Association of Retired Sears Employees, Inc.
Friday, March 9, 2007 at HQ Office

Ron Olbrysh called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m.

In Attendance: Dick Bruce, Tony Debevetz, Bud Defano, Leo McCormack, George O’Hare, Ron Olbrysh, Mel Schultz, Dave Silgers and Keith Tice.

Conference Call Participants: Ernie Arms, William Barker, Richard Foulke, Art Levin, Tom Nally, Ruth Pilant, Elaine Russell, Lloyd Van Schoyck, Nancy Weston, Sandra Wheeler, Penny Williams and Ken Winkler.

FINANCIALS & MEMBERSHIP: Due to differences in timing of the printing and mailing of Straight Talk, there were some negatives in finances and paid members. February paid members totaled 92, which was down from last year’s membership increase of 696. This is attributable to the newsletter mailing in November, 2006 versus December, 2005, which influenced February, 2006 membership results.

WEBSITE VISITS: Penny Williams reported that there were 4,205 visits to the website in February continuing monthly visits in excess of 4,000.

10th ANNUAL MEETING UPDATE: The 10th annual meeting to be held in Atlanta, Georgia August 7 will begin at 9:30 a.m. The agenda is being developed and will include a video history of the NARSE organization. Following the meeting, the Atlanta “Big Club” Sears retiree group will join us for lunch. NARSE’s keynote speaker will address both groups during the luncheon hour. At the conclusion of the luncheon, the “Big Club” will convene their meeting. As plans are finalized, further information about the meeting will be made available on the NARSE website.

NEXT ISSUE OF STRAIGHT TALK: The next issue of Straight Talk planned for distribution the week of March 12 will feature articles on the 10th Annual NARSE meeting, proper procedure for suspending or canceling health insurance from Retiree Health Access, retiree club news, an Advertising Age article on fixing Sears, the Sears SEC filing report by Mr. Lampert, and some “Dear NARSE” letters.

RETIREE LIFE INSURANCE: Information on the amount of paid-up life insurance benefit was to be distributed to all participating retirees during the month of January, 2007. However, as of this date none of the meeting participants had received any mailing. No further information about the mailing was available.

SEARS RETIREE ADVISORY COUNCIL UPDATE: No further information has become available concerning future activities of SRAC, and no conference calls are scheduled. As of this date no SRAC meeting has been scheduled for this spring.

NARSE PROMOTIONAL LEAFLET: A marketing piece describing who NARSE is and what the organization has to offer is being developed to solicit Sears retirees and working associates for membership. The leaflet is being designed as a handout rather than a mail-out.

SEARS HOLDINGS ANNUAL MEETING: The Sears annual meeting is scheduled to be held at the Hoffman Estates headquarters on May 4, 2007.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:05 p.m.

The next NARSE meeting will be held on Friday, April 13, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. CST, 8th Floor Conference Room at NARSE Headquarters. A conference call will be available for those not able to attend in person at 10:30 a.m. Central Time.

Executive Summary
National Association of Retired Sears Employees, Inc.
Friday, January 12, 2007 at HQ Office

Ron Olbrysh called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m.

In Attendance: William Barker, Bud Defano, Leo McCormack, Ron Olbrysh, Mel Schultz, Dave Silgers and Keith Tice.

Conference Call Participants: Dick Bruce, Ev Buckardt, Dick Cofran, Tony Debevetz, Richard Foulke, Walt Hess, Gordon Muschett, Tom Nally, George O’Hare, Ruth Pilant, Elaine Russell, Lloyd Van Schoyck, Sandra Wheeler, Penny Williams and Ken Winkler.

FINANCIALS & MEMBERSHIP: Through December 31, 2006, paid membership is up 1,265 members over last year for the same period. Revenue is up 48.4 per cent over last year.

WEBSITE VISITS: Penny Williams reported that there were 4,078 visits to the website in December continuing monthly visits in excess of 4,000.

10th ANNUAL MEETING: The 10th NARSE Annual Meeting will be held in Atlanta, Georgia on August 7, 2007. Following lunch the Atlanta retirees “Big Club” meeting will convene. A part of the annual meeting agenda will be a video of the NARSE organization history. Additionally, a prominent guest speaker will address the meeting covering several topics of interest to our retirees. As plans are finalized, further information about the meeting will be made available on the NARSE website.

NEXT ISSUE OF STRAIGHT TALK: The next issue of Straight Talk is planned for distribution during March. Articles on The Pension Protection Act of 2006, the Sears retiree whole life insurance program, proper procedure for suspending or canceling health insurance from Retiree Health Access, annual meeting details and retiree club news will be a major focus. Continuing efforts are being made to ascertain and include more information about Sears results and future plans.

RETIREE LIFE INSURANCE: Information on the amount of paid-up life insurance benefit is to be distributed to all participating retirees during the month of January, 2007, according to Clara Hughes, Manager of Policy and Benefits Compliance.

SEARS RETIREE ADVISORY COUNCIL UPDATE: No further information has become available concerning future activities of SRAC, and no conference calls are scheduled. One of the council members reported that they had called headquarters prior to this meeting, and no primary contact has been named.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m.

The next NARSE meeting will be held on Friday, February 9, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. CST, 8th Floor Conference Room at NARSE Headquarters. A conference call will be available for those not able to attend in person at 10:30 a.m. Central Time.