Annual Summary Report for Chapter Activities
January 1, 2009 – December 31, 2009

ETAHU has had a busy and productive 2009 year!  We have many dedicated professionals serving on our ETAHU board.  Without their time and commitment, so much of what we do could not “take flight”.  Our ETAHU members are active and engaged in our industry.  Each member is important to this association and you are appreciated.  ETAHU makes it a mission to offer Continuing Education (CE) hours to our members.  In 2009, we had 17 hours of CE offered at our monthly membership luncheons held at Hollytree Country Club, Annual ETAHU Symposium and Annual Health Insurance Awareness Education Day.

ETAHU’s Annual Symposium was held in October featuring 5 hours of CE and over 20 vendors/sponsors.  Bryan Dodge, acclaimed speaker and friend of NAHU & TAHU, was our guest luncheon speaker for the day.   Symposium is a big event for us at ETAHU each year as we bring in company vendors to share their products and services with our members.  It is a great day for camaraderie and professional networking.

ETAHU’s Annual Health Insurance Awareness Education Day was held in February 2009.  This year was our biggest turn out in 6 years.  We offered a discounted rate for our members to bring their Employers to hear COBRA Law, HIPAA Compliance, CHIP and Medicare topics.   The day brought over 115 attendees, over 6 vendor/sponsors, 3 Continuing Education speakers and 5 hours of CE.   This is a valuable day of information for both our members and your Employer clients offered by your local association.

Legislative Activity:  March 2009 was NAHU’s Day at the Capitol in Washington D.C.  We had 4 board members and 1 ETAHU Past President representing ETAHU in D.C.  We visited the office of U.S. Representatives Louie Gohmert and Ralph Hall.  Rep. Gohmert gave 2 of us a tour of the Capitol Dome, a breathtaking experience!  September 2009, U.S. Rep Louie Gohmert attended our monthly membership luncheon.   He shared his review of the over 1000 page document of the original healthcare reform proposal.  ETAHU actively promotes HUPAC and TAHUPAC at our monthly membership meetings, annual events and correspondences.  We are very active on both PACs based on state reports.   Each year TAHU holds a state Legislative Day.  In 2009, Texas Congress was in session so our ETAHU members had the opportunity to visit in the Texas Capitol our East Texas Representatives.   ETAHU reimburses the registration fee for the first 10 members who register for the event.  This is a great opportunity for our members to experience the legislative process, share their professional experiences with their congressmen and feel apart of legislation that could impact their profession and become involved in grass root efforts.

Public Service:  ETAHU gives back to the community.  January 2009, we gave $90 to East Texas Food Bank.  We supported Azleway, Inc. with a $1000 donation last year.  In March 2009 ETAHU held, in partnership with NAIFA-East Texas, 2009 Special Wish Golf Tournament.  While having fun at this event, all proceeds go to the Special Wish Foundation making special needs children’s lives a little easier.  ETAHU also provided a $500 sponsorship for the golf tournament.  December 2009, ETAHU helped residents at Pinecrest Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Tyler.  We provide clothing to those who may not have family during Christmas time.  This year we were able to help 13 residents.   We purchase, wrap, deliver the gifts and then stay to Christmas Carol.   The day is enjoyable for everyone during the holidays.

State Convention: More than 10 members attend the TAHU State Convention held in Dallas.  The state convention gives members the opportunity to network with peers, pick up additional CE hours, visit vendors/sponsors.  ETAHU supports this event and reimburses a portion of the registration for those members attending the State Convention.

Local Monthly Meeting:   ETAHU’s monthly membership meeting is held the 3rd Friday of each month at Hollytree Country Club in Tyler.  In 2009, we held 2 special membership meetings in Longview offering the CE hours and breakfast.  Quality speakers and CE credits are our main goal with subjects that are pertinent to all members regardless of their specialty.  It is our intent to offer CE credits varying all aspects of employee benefits and health care coverage.

Beverly Davis - President