Annual Summary Report for Chapter Activities
January 1, 2010 – December 31, 2010

ETAHU has had a busy and productive 2010 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 2010, we had 28 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 offered the Small Group Certification course in July.  I’m proud to report that 40 agents took the course and passed!  ETAHU’s Annual Symposium was held in September featuring 5 hours of CE and over 20 vendors/sponsors.  Andy Hickman, acclaimed speaker, was our motivational 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 2010.  This year was our biggest turnout ever!  Ouida Peterson presented 5 hours of CE on COBRA & HIPAA topics.  This is a valuable day of information for both our members and your Employer clients offered by your association.

Legislative Activity:  March 2010 was NAHU’s Day at the Capitol in Washington D.C.  We had 3 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 12 of us a tour of the Capitol Dome, which was a breathtaking experience!  In November 2010 we hosted a special legislative meeting with U.S. Rep Louie Gohmert at Threlkeld & Company Insurance.   He shared his review of Healthcare Reform, the economy and general “State of the Union”.

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.  This year, Texas Congress was not in session but we had 5 members attend the Day at the Capitol in Austin.

Public Service:  ETAHU gives back to the community.  This year we supported the East Texas Food Bank, Azleway and PATH, which are local community charities.   In April, 2010  ETAHU held, in partnership with NAIFA-East Texas, 2010 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.  In December 2010, 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 stayed for the Christmas party.  The day is enjoyable for everyone during the holidays.

State Convention: More than 10 members attend the TAHU State Convention held in Houston.  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.

National Convention:  ETAHU sent 5 members to the national convention in Chicago, IL.  Healthcare Reform was the major topic of discussion.  We heard great speakers and won the Pacesetter award.  Overall, Texas won the greatest number of awards!

Local Monthly Meetings:   ETAHU’s monthly membership meeting is held the 3rd Friday of each month at Hollytree Country Club in Tyler.  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.

ETAHU Newsletter:  TAHU awarded our monthly ETAHU newsletter won the Presidential Citation recognition again.  The monthly newsletter provides upcoming events, keeps member’s apprised of industry news, legislative updates and business ideas.

Website:  www.etahu.org  is our website address.  It provides a wealth of information on board and membership, education, legislative and industry news, as well as links to TAHU and NAHU websites.
I am so honored and proud to be the president of such a fabulous chapter.

Kimberly Braly
ETAHU President 2010-2011