USPS Blast January 2013

Communications Committee at Expo

At the January 2013 USPS Annual Meeting, the Communications Committee will feature district and squadron Distinctive Communicator award winners. If your newsletter is recognized, bring a few copies to display. Ask your members to save the newsletters they have printed for themselves. Winning squadron editors and webmasters can download Distinctive Communicator logos at usps.org/national/commcom. Available at the Ship’s Store, Distinctive Communicator pins can be worn by award-winning newsletter and website staff members. A small number will also be available for purchase at the meeting. The names of award winning newsletters and websites will be published on the Communications Committee website in early 2013. — Brenda Joyce

_____________________________________________________________________________________

USPS Jamboree Exhibit Booth

The USPS Jamboree Exhibit Staff will have a booth at the Jacksonville Annual Meeting expo next to the Sea Scout booth. Come by and visit. We can answer any questions you may have about the exhibit and its purpose. — Wayne Partie

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Membership Committee Webinar Invitation

It’s a great time to be a member! It’s actually a historic time to be a member of United States Power Squadrons. Nothing could be more important than renewing membership and recruiting new members to share these exciting times. If you can’t join us in Jacksonville, catch the entire Administrative Department Workshop live via webinar. You will learn about member retention and outreach in conjunction with celebrating the 100th anniversary. Reserve your webinar seat now at https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/974527238. — Jim Pahl-Washa

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Planning Committee to Highlight Electronic Meetings in Jacksonville

Electronic (online) meetings are widely used by businesses and volunteer organizations to increase the frequency and quality of communications while reducing travel and meeting costs. Squadrons and districts are beginning to explore and use this technology to improve the ease and convenience of attending meetings. Major issues to consider include overcoming bylaws constraints and managing the costs of suitable software solutions. At expo in Jacksonville, the Planning Committee will demonstrate conducting online electronic USPS meetings and will provide information about the software, hardware, training, meeting etiquette, governance, cost and member comfort level aspects of leveraging this technology. — Jeff C. Hamilton

_____________________________________________________________________________________

MEMCOM at JAX for You

Have recruiting or retention questions? Visit the Membership Committee booth at expo on Friday, 18 Jan., for answers. Want to add tips and tricks to your membership arsenal and learn what else we’re doing for you? Join the Membership Committee workshop on Thursday, 17 Jan. The Boarman Youth Poster Contest will be on Friday, 18 Jan. Come view the posters and vote! — Mary Paige Abbott

_____________________________________________________________________________________

1st Timer Registration

If you are coming to a national meeting for the first time, we look forward to meeting you and want to help you take full advantage of all the meeting offers. Please register as a 1st Timer, so we can get you the information you need and prepare your welcome packet. — Sandra Krupa

READ MORE usps.org/php/reservations

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Poster Contest Entries

Please email the names of the artists of your winning posters to youth@usps.org as soon as possible, so we can prepare their participation certificates. Remember, only first place posters in each of the three age groups should be brought to the Annual Meeting for judging. We look forward to seeing all the artwork. — Sandra Krupa

READ MORE usps.org/membership

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Membership Department at the Annual Meeting

The Membership Department will have plenty for you to do and see at the Annual Meeting. We will present the Doing It Right and Growth Awards, and you can vote for the National Poster Contest winners and find out what the 2013 Poster Contest theme will be. Don't miss the Membership expo booth (come see the cute theme we have this year), and check out the meeting agenda to see the outstanding meeting that’s planned. If you can’t make it to Jacksonville, please register for the webinar, which can be accessed from your own home. — Sandra Krupa

READ MORE usps.org/membership

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Membership Survey Results

I would like to thank the 7,826 USPS members who completed the Michigan State University survey. I know some of you had difficulty connecting and completing the survey; however, with more than 30 percent member participation, we are confident that the results fairly represent the membership. As surveys go, this is an extraordinary response. The information will be distilled and presented to the leadership. Please take a look at the results using the link below and the password grandhaven. We welcome your reactions and recommendations. We will share what we learn and look for your continued support. — Gene Molteni

READ MORE http://35.8.125.11/USPowerSquadrons/report/index.html

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Get Listed: Submit OD1 & OD2 Information by 1 Feb. 2013

Ensure that your squadron or district information is published in the National Directory. Submit your information at http://tiny.cc/USPS_OD2 (squadron) or http://tiny.cc/USPS_OD1 (district) before the 1 Feb. 2013 deadline. — Lena Padro

_____________________________________________________________________________________

 USPS Signs Agreement With Marriott

Ahoy, district commanders and conference chairmen, USPS has signed an agreement with the Marriott Group of hotels. When you choose the Marriott Group for a future conference, you will be offered discount room pricing, and your district can earn Marriott Reward points to use at its discretion. This also benefits USPS. You provide your requirements; Marriott will do the walking. We put you together, and you start talking. Click below for more information. — Nigel E. Hargreaves

READ MORE www.usps.org/php/marriott

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Squadron Development

_____________________________________________________________________________________

2013 Travel Reimbursement Policy

Several changes have been made to the Travel Reimbursement Policy in line with the 2013 budget. All those entitled to reimbursement should review the new policy posted on the Treasurer’s web page. — Gary Cheney

READ MORE USPS Policy for Reimbursement of Travel and Related Expenses

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Introducing the New Heritage and Protocol Committee

Please visit the new Heritage and Protocol Committee during Expo on Friday, 18 Jan., in Jacksonville. Find out who we are and how we can help your squadron or district. — Donald C. Schult Sr.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Squadron Emergency Response Assistance Team

The Squadron Emergency Response Assistance Team committee wants to hear from you. Many squadrons have requested information on starting their own SERAT units. Tell us about your progress. Do you need any additional information or assistance? We are here to guide you. Come to our meeting Thursday, 17 Jan., from 1500–1630 during the Annual Meeting in Jacksonville and fill us in. Also plan to stop by the Administrative Department expo booth on Friday. — Jim Strothers

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Register Now for Leadership Training in Jacksonville

Leadership Development courses for administrative officers, executive officers and commanders have been re-branded to include all bridge and committee chair positions. More than 1,200 members have taken one or more of these highly rated classes, which are being offered on Wednesday, 16 Jan., and Thursday, 17 Jan., at the Annual Meeting as LD 101, LD 102 and LD 103. These classes are open to all members. To register, go to the Leadership Development Committee website. — Peter Hames

_____________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

Seminars on DVD at Ship’s Store

Two new DVDs of recorded seminars are now available for purchase at the Ship’s Store. Mastering Marine Radar and The Complete Guide to Anchoring are available for $19.95 each. They make excellent gifts for any boater. To order, visit the Ship’s Store. — Don Fiander

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Member Benefits Handouts Available

Individual Member Benefits handouts for Avis and Budget rental cars and prescription medications are available for squadron use. Order using the following item numbers: 08-25-001 Avis, 08-25-002 Budget, 08-25-003 Prescriptions. The brochures are free, but squadrons must pay shipping and handling. See them at expo in Jacksonville. — Tom Kemp

READ MORE usps.org/national/admin_dept/membenefits.htm

______________________________________________________________________________________

USPS Member Benefit of the Month

USPS members get the lowest prices, backed by the only 110% Best Price Guarantee in the industry. Shop and compare thousands of cruises from 18 of the world’s top fleets departing from 22 U.S. ports. Browse the latest promotions and last-minute offers or shop by category: weekend cruises, family cruises, honeymoon cruises and more. It’s the perfect time of year to book your warm-weather getaway! Click here to start planning your cruise now! — Tom Kemp

READ MORE usps.org/national/admin_dept/membenefits.htm

______________________________________________________________________________________

Boat Operator Certification & Practical On The Water Training in Jax

Jacksonville Sail & Power Squadron is hosting a Boat Operator Certification on-the-water demonstration by candidates on 12 & 13 Jan. and a Practical On The Water Seminar on 20 Jan. 2013 at Lamb’s Yacht Center, 3376 Lakeshore Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32210. Register for Practical On the Water Training online.To register for BOC or if you have questions, email me or call 904-737-8341. — Bud Newton

______________________________________________________________________________________

2014 Centennial Cruise Promotion

Book your room aboard the MS Nieuw Amsterdam for the 2014 USPS Centennial Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean. Promotional rates available from 17–31 Jan. 2013. Get details online or visit Dawn Eckhart, Thursday or Friday, 17–18 Jan., at the 2013 Annual Meeting in Jacksonville. — Trudy Brown

READ MORE usps.org/100

______________________________________________________________________________________

100th Anniversary Expo Booth

Be sure to visit the 100th Anniversary expo booth during the 2013 Annual Meeting in Jacksonville. Tickets will be available for a drawing to win two free nights each at the San Antonio or Crystal City Hyatt hotels. — Trudy Brown

______________________________________________________________________________________

100th Anniversary Ensign

District commanders, plan now to attend the 2013 Annual Meeting to receive your district’s 100th anniversary ensign. For more details, visit usps.org/100 and click “Downloads” at the top of the page. — Trudy Brown

READ MORE usps.org/100

______________________________________________________________________________________

Free Email Program for Your Squadron

If your squadron is looking for a free email program that is easy for your members and maintenance free, why not use SailAngle! Email is only one feature of this robust program. Come to the learning session Friday morning in Jacksonville to see how SailAngle can become your squadron’s primary resource! Bring your questions! — Kristi Anderson

READ MORE http://www.sailangle.com/index/help

______________________________________________________________________________________

Learn How DB2000 and the Web Work Together

Are you confused about how your squadron and roster information are handled? Do you know the many resources you have access to at usps.org? Come join the DB2000 vs. Web Seminar on Friday morning in Jacksonville. It’s open to all, and you are guaranteed to learn many things about the website. Tips and tricks will be given too! — Kristi Anderson

______________________________________________________________________________________

Member Benefits Has It All

Visit the Member Benefits booth at expo in Jacksonville on Friday, and check out the new benefits! While you are there, pick up some new fliers and handouts. Learn about the benefits for yourself and your squadron! You won’t want to miss this! — Kristi Anderson

______________________________________________________________________________________

Cooperative Charting Workshop

Bring your Cooperative Charting problems to the Annual Meeting in Jacksonville, Fla. The committee will conduct a Cooperative Charting workshop on Thursday, 17 Jan., from 0900–1145. As always, committee members will be on hand to assist you. Also plan to stop by our expo booth on Friday. — Jim Strothers

______________________________________________________________________________________

Free Member Benefits Fliers Available

Order new, full-color Member Benefits fliers for your next function. They're a great tool for recruiting and retention. Shrinkwrapped in packs of 50, this new brochure gives you information about all USPS benefits, and it's free. Order it under item number 09-39-106. — Tom Kemp