USPS Blast March 2013

Tom Kemp Announces Resignation, Retirement Effective 15 March

I want to thank everyone for all their help and support as we worked together these past seven years to meet the challenges that faced us and position us for a stronger tomorrow.

Sincerely,Tom Kemp

Manager of Marketing and Development

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Writers Needed!

The USPS Web Redesign Content Team needs your help to create content for the new website. We need writers who can write about safety and education with authority. We’ll provide the editing support and guidelines. Just email me if you are willing and available to help. —   Yvonne Hill

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100th Anniversary Celebration Ideas

The Squadron Activities Committee has come up with a list of ideas to help squadrons plan celebrations for the USPS 100th anniversary at usps.org/100. Check out the blog for February 2013 and hit downloads at the top of the page. — Steve Johnson

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Instructor Development 2013—Available 1 March

It’s almost ready! After a year of development and testing, an improved Instructor Development Course will be available 1 March. PDF course materials will be available for download on the IDCom Web page on 1 March. If a print copy is desired, members can print the PDF or have it printed at a local copy store. Exams for the current course, ID 2005, will be available until 31 May. — Art Mollica

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USPS Exhibit—Jamboree 2013

The exhibit staff thanks everyone who is helping make the USPS Exhibit at Jamboree 2013 a reality. We have received nearly $6,000 in contributions from individuals, squadrons and 25 districts. We will show you the results of this effort at the San Antonio Governing Board. Thanks again! — Wayne Partie

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USPS Centennial Cruise 2–9 Feb. 2014

If you have not already signed up for the 7-day Eastern Caribbean Centennial Cruise, please do. Choice cabins are going fast. For more details, go to usps.org/100 and downloads, email Dawn Eckhart or call 727-403-0406. — Trudy Brown

READ MORE usps.org/100

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Ford Program Up and Running

Ford kicked off its USPS Member Benefits program on 15 Feb. 2013. USPS Members can purchase new or used trucks, cars and SUVs at great savings. Click on the URL below to read about the program. You’ll hear from a person familiar with the program. — Tom Kemp

READ MORE capitalford.com/usps

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2013 VSC Changes Effective 1 Jan. 2013

Due to new International MARPOL Regulations effective 1 Jan. 2013, vessels 26 feet and over will be unable to comply with the MARPOL Trash Placard requirement, Item 11 on the VSC Inspection Form. Vessel examiners should consider Item 11 not applicable until further notice. — Mike Wiedel

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Electronic Meetings—Just the FAQs

Although Electronic Meetings are convenient and can increase participation, many of you have questions: What software is right for us? How many can join in? Do I need to change bylaws? How expensive is it? How difficult are they to set up? The Planning Committee has a report and presentation in our resources section report folder that will answer your questions. — Kay Simkins

READ MORE usps.org/national/plancom/resource.html

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Educational Fund Supports Online Courses

The USPS Educational Department program to put all courses and seminars online took a big step forward with a grant from the USPS Educational Fund. It takes money to pursue the aggressive approach planned to develop the full online experience for our courses and seminars. The Educational Fund is providing an initial grant of $100,000 to begin the development and promotion of online education. Ultimately, the program should more than pay for itself. — Eileen Rickard

READ MORE usps.org/eddept

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Squadron Dues Update Forms Due 15 March

2014 dues update forms must be received at USPS headquarters by 15 March. Make sure your squadrons dues are correct on your dues notice. — Lena Padro

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Cooperative Charting Deadline Approaches

The Cooperative Charting reporting year ends on 31 March. In order to allow review time, reports must be submitted to your district chair no later than 25 March to be included with this years reports. CCWeb will be shut down for maintenance for two weeks starting 1 April. — John Rodgers

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USPS 100th Anniversary Items Back in Stock at the Ship’s Store

We sold out of most 100th Anniversary merchandise at the Annual Meeting in Jacksonville, but headquarters now has more merchandise, including the coffee mugs that sold out within two hours! Order at www.shopusps.org. — Bruce Albertson

READ MORE www.shopusps.org

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Weather Apps for Smartphones and Tablets

The Marine Environment Committee is compiling a list of applications for use on smartphones and tablets. Take a look at the current list for iOs and Android devices, and let us know your experiences with various applications so we can refer our members to the best apps. — Charles Wells

READ MORE usps.org/national/eddept/wx/main.htm

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They're Ready—Are You?

The 2013 Poster Contest and MIRA (Member Involvement Retention Award) submission forms are now available on the Membership Committee website. Print one of each, and use them. Take the poster contest information to schools, scout troops, etc., and have the youth prepare posters before summer vacation. After squadron judging, take the winning posters to your fall district conference. District winners should be ready for the 100th Anniversary National Meeting in January. Has your squadron created a program that helps retain members? Please share your ideas by submitting a MIRA entry by the 15 May deadline. — Sandy Krupa

READ MORE usps.org/national/membership/memcom/awards_index.html

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Communications Committee

Good news! The SailAngle Communications Committee site (found under the Secretarys group) is now open for comments. Please assist us in serving you by submitting boating articles of use to other squadrons. Please note that you must receive permission to publish articles from publications other than your own. Please include the author’s permission so that proper credit can be given. We have several new advisors who will be contacting you soon. Visit our website at usps.org/national/commcom. — Guy Anastasio

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Need a Special Gift?

Do you need a special gift for the outgoing or incoming commander at your Change of Watch? Visit Weems and Plath on our website for a 25 percent discount on that special gift. How about a book? Check out the McGraw Hill Online Store for up to a 35 percent discount! — Barbara Erickson

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Squadron Emergency Response Assistance Team

The Squadron Emergency Response Assistance Team (SERAT) is now part of the Squadron Activities Committee. Thanks to everyone who stopped by the Squadron Activities booth at expo in Jacksonville. If your squadron already provides civic service for on-the-water events, you're in a good position to start your own SERAT unit and be recognized as an organized group performing a public service. We can provide the necessary tools and information needed to get you started. Many of our members are part of SERAT groups, so let us help. — Jim Strothers

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Ready, Set, Wear It!

The Ready, Set, Wear It! Life Jacket World Record Day is Saturday, 18 May 2013. Hosted by the National Safe Boating Council in partnership with the Canadian Safe Boating Council, this event kicks off National Safe Boating Week, 18–24 May, the official launch of the 2013 North American Safe Boating Campaign. Educating the boating public about the safety and comfort of inflatable life jackets is the goal of the North American Safe Boating Campaign. To schedule an event and for further information, please visit the Ready, Set, Wear It! website . — Gene Molteni

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Calling All Current Coast Guard Captain’s License Holders

As a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain, you have demonstrated a level of proficiency and experience that may be helpful to online students and other boaters who can benefit from the guidance of a licensed mariner. Until now, USPS has not tracked members who have earned Coast Guard credentials. If you are a captain who is willing to help our future educational program, please contact me and include your capacity (master, etc.), your endorsements (towing, sail, tonnage, authorized waters, etc.) and date of license expiration. — Bob Brandenstein

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USPS D/16 Partners With Trawler Fest

Members of USPS District 16 will be at Trawler Fest in Anacortes, Wash., 14–19 May, to engage trawler cruisers from across the country. District 16 will hold a Weather class as part of the Trawler Fest University program, three seminars (Boating on Rivers, Locks & Lakes; Border Crossing; and Tides and Currents) and several demonstrations. USPS members can get a $50 discount in Anacortes using coupon code USPSANA13 at registration. For event details and registration options click here. Help spread the word about this event. Come join the fun, and bring a fellow boater. Contact me for more information. — Robert Palmer

READ MORE usps.org/eddept

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Cruise Planning 2003 Sale!

USPS is selling the remaining Cruise Planning 2003 student manuals for $15. This offer applies to new orders only. All sales are final, and returns will not be accepted. We don't have many copies, so if you wish to teach the older, familiar course, act now. — D.C. Fiander

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 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

January 2012 Blast

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Squadron Development

January 2012 Blast

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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

January 2012 Blast

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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

January 2012 Blast

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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