When you reach retirement regardless yourage, a few concepts grab your attention,namely:

• Time is fleeting; and • Seize the moment.

Those truths ring even louder when youreceive invitations to class reunions of four,five, or six decades or you celebrate weddinganniversaries of an equal time span.

Like myself, you are probably rocked to thecore when your close friends, parents,spouses, or even children die unexpectedly ordevelop mental issues that rob them of theirpersonality. It is easy to become despondentor even depressed when adversity strikesand/or the cultural landscape shifts to thepoint you feel alienated.

Perhaps you turn to Ecclesiastes and read that“life is meaningless” and you feel even morehopeless. The good news is that life is pre-cious and while it might be fleeting, we neednot despair. We are made in God’s image andas such we have endless possibilities.

Retirement is not a road to nowhere but apath to finding satisfaction through providingemotional, physical, financial, and spiritualencouragement to others. Seizing the moment can be a very scriptedevent with months of preparation or a spon-taneous act such as a spur of the moment tripto hear your favorite singer or a chancemeeting with a lifelong or a newly foundfriend. You never know the impact you canhave on the lives of others when you seize themoment and follow your gut often outsideyour comfort zone.

Life is about taking calculated risks so don’tstay home when you have always dreamed ofseeing the whales off the coast of Maui, thelandscape of the Tuscan wine country, or theornate architecture of ancient Japan orGreece.

Other times it might simply be animpromptu lunch with old friends passingthrough your town. Life is worth the livingwhen we are an encouragement to others;who knows what might develop from theseseemingly chance encounters that make yourlife fuller and richer.

The theme to the 2018 Retiree Conferencewas “Tell Your Story.” Through letters we gotto hear the remarkable story of Rex Pricewho worked at the Farm Credit Banks ofColumbia from the 1960s to the early-1980swhere he headed up the Bank’s Credit andAppraisal Department and served as SeniorVice President. He was instrumental inworking with FCA to draft the Rural Homelending Regulations. Mr. Price was the solesurvivor in the crash of the Bank plane onDecember 20, 1973, and suffered seriousinjuries including the loss of his right leg.While Mr. Price recovered and returned towork, it seems the unofficial position was “wedon’t talk about the crash.” (If you haven’theard his story, contact him at 960 Tanner’sGrove Road, Forest City, NC 28043).

While we have not developed the theme forthe 2019 Retiree Conference at theWyndham Grand in Orlando, Florida,scheduled for April 29th – May 1st, we’llcontinue to highlight retirees who enrichedthe lives of others.

So, begin making plans to attend as it willgive you an event to anticipate during thenext ten months. Thankfully, Ecclesiastesdidn’t end with the conclusion that “life ismeaningless” but that God adds meaning andsatisfaction as we experience “A Time forEverything” as expressed in chapter 3.Whatever season of life you are in, I trust youhave God’s peace and joy and are beingobedient to His command to be salt and lightto those you touch. Have a great year andstay connected with your Farm Credit family.I look forward to seeing you in Orlandowhere we’ll seize the moment!

AgFirst District Retiree Update

Issue 2, Summer 2018

President’s MessageCONTENTS

PresidentsMessage

p. 1

2018-19 Officersp. 2

In Memoriamp. 2

From theSecretary &

Treasurerp. 2

Minutes fromAssociation

MembershipMeeting& Board

Meetingp. 3-5, 10

Photos from 2018Annual Meeting,

Asheville, NCp. 6-7

Meet your Boardof Directors

p. 8-9

2017 FinancialStatement

p. 9

Silver Sneakersp. 10

MembershipApplication

p. 11

2019 AnnualMeeting Site

back page

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HOW TO UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFO:If your contact information changes, please notifyBeverly Ratcliff, Secretary, of any changes in your mail‐ing address, telephone number, or email address. Call ortext her at 704‐682‐0831; or, email the new informationto bratcliff@roadrunner.com.

2018‐19 OFFICERS

Bill Melton, President 138 Clearview Dr. Columbia, SC 29212803.781.1054(h) 803.429.4894billmelton2013@gmail.com

David Bridges, Vice President 8931 Crazy Horse Trail Houston Texas 77064863‐604‐5371 (c)dwbridges1946@aol.com

Joan Edwards, Treasurer223 Philmont Dr. Columbia, SC 29223803‐462‐2025(h) 803‐414‐5568(c)joan.edwards107@gmail.com

Beverly Ratcliff, Secretary706 N. Carolina Ave.Statesville NC 28677704.682.0831(c)bratcliff@roadrunner.com

In MemoriamAgFirst Deaths ‐ 2017

Members of the AssociationSteven Cobb 4/22/2017William Collins 3/15/2017Glennis Davis 12/15/2017Dorothy Frederick 3/26/2017Wyman Garland 10/16/2017Earl Hartsfield 2/15/2017Jean Holder 10/14/2017Sara Ingram 7/29/2017Anne Leone 8/5/2017Carrie Norman 7/23/2017William Pickenpaugh 3/30/2017Kay Pittman 4/15/2017Miguel Pons 5/19/2017Doris Skipper 3/18/2017Deborah Strachan 3/24/2017James Wise 5/2/2017

Other RetireesErma Batton 1/29/2017Frank Bayron 10/7/2017Rosie Jones 5/22/2017John Millington 11/8/2017Dorothy Nutter 8/12/2017Lester Simon 6/1/2017Forrest Stouck 2/8/2017John Swider 6/21/2017Gloria Werking 8/26/2017William Zinn 9/28/2017

Spouses of RetireesVirginia Brown 3/2/2017Thomas Caughlin 12/8/2017Priscilla Greiss 9/3/2017Dorothy Kelley 11/30/2017Elsie Maddux 5/29/2017Nelson May 2/24/2017James Schmieg 5/1/2017Beatrice Schreiber 9/8/2017

From the Secretary

Our preferred mode of communication with you is byemail to save on printing and postage costs, so if we donot have your email address, please send it to BeverlyRatcliff at bratcliff@roadrunner.com.

The most recent newsletter can be found on theassociation’s Web site.

If you do not use email, we will continue to mail aprinted copy to you. If you prefer to continue to receivea printed copy, let Beverly know so we don’t excludeyour name from the newsletter mailing list.

from the Treasurer

If you have been paying dues on a year‐by‐year basisand have let the years slip by without renewing yourmembership, you may become a Life Member and haveyour delinquent dues waived.

Life Membership dues are:Age 60 or below = $120.00Age 61 to 65 = $100.00Age 66 to 70 = $95.00Age 71 to 74 = $85.00Age 75 or Older = $65.00

Complete the Application and mail it, along with yourcheck, to Joan Edwards (see address above.)

AgFirst Farm Credit Retiree AssociationMinutes of Membership Meeting

Tuesday, April 24, 2018 – 9:30 a.m.DoubleTree Inn, Asheville, NC

Call to Order – Bill Melton, President/DirectorAttendance: 65 members with total of 127Determine Quorum – membership stands at 405 – bylawsstate that a quorum is 5% ‐ Beverly Ratcliff, Secretary,declared that a quorum was present.

Bill Melton, President, opened the meeting and aninvocation was given.

Welcome – Jake Grigg, former president of the MountainFarm Credit of Asheville, welcomed everyone to themeeting, offering humorous stories and insight into theAsheville area.

Billy Graham Ministry – Michele Coleman from the Cove,the headquarters of the Billy Graham association,presented a video on the ministry and the Cove. Sheinvited and encouraged our members to visit the Coveand learn more about the organization and the ministriesin which they are involved.

AgFirst and System Update – Tim Amerson, CEO AgFirstFarm Credit. CEO Amerson gave a financial overview ofAgFirst and the System indicating that overall the Bankand System are doing well. He indicated due to tax lawchanges in the accounting methodology for retirementand medical liability being reversed, income reflected a26% increase this year. Capital level for both AgFirst andsystem around 16%. AgFirst Bank reflected 95%acceptable credit with forestry biggest commodity;System at 93% ‐ low commodity prices with credit qualitydipping in certain areas; but overall good. We are seeinggood times for farmers. Associations are happy due tospecial distributions made and expected to continue.AgFirst is now servicing Yankee Farm Credit mostly in theVermont/New York Area. Government regulationscontinue to be a challenge. A few of the largestAssociations in the System are exploring the possibility ofgetting a funding bank charter so they can get thefunding directly from the Funding Corp. Some of thelargest associations view smaller associations as a drag onlarger ones. Currently there are four funding banks insystem ‐ AgFirst, Texas, CoBank, and AgriBank. Heindicated the pension plan is healthy – 90% fully funded.In 2003, the old pension plan was replaced with the CashContribution Plan and now over half of the workforce isin the new plan. There was a question about thepossibility of a cost of living increase under the pensionplan. This cannot occur because of the significant adverseimpact on the plan.” Previously the pension plan was ad‐ministered like a civil service plan. We would have tobook liability which would cost in the millions of dollars.He indicated a Sponsor Committee comprised ofassociation and bank directors and CFOs reviews benefits

and funding meeting quarterly.

Minutes of the 2017 Membership Meeting – SecretaryRatcliff presented the minutes, as mailed in the 2018summer newsletter for consideration of approval. Upona motion made, seconded and carried, the minutes wereapproved.

Financial Reports and Budget – In the absence of JoanEdwards, Treasurer, Beverly Ratcliff, Secretary, presentedthe financial report for 2017, reporting income of $4,796and expenses of $10,105, with an ending balance of$24,562. A Motion was made, seconded and carried, toapprove the financial reports. Mrs. Ratcliff presented the2017 Budget – expenses of $10,500, basically theestimated annual meeting expense of $10,000 and $500miscellaneous expense. A motion was made, secondedand carried, to approve the budget. It was also notedthat our organization appreciates the financial assistancegiven by the FC Associations and AgFirst each year forannual meeting expenses and the disparity between theincome and expenses is the sponsorship contributionsreceived in the previous year for the current year annualmeeting.

Membership Report – In the absence of the treasurer,Mrs. Ratcliff, reported that we have 405 members with 25new members in 2017 and 9 in the first 3 months of2018.

Deceased Members in 2017 – Beverly Ratcliff, Secretary,presented a listing of retiree deaths during 2017. Sixteenmembers have passed away. The spouses of thedeceased “life” members will remain, at their request, onthe list of active members and the others will beremoved. 11 other retirees of the AgFirst Farm Creditsystem were deceased in 2017 and 8 spouses of retirees.

Update on Website and new Facebook PageMarie Stiles, media specialist for the retiree association,reviewed information contained on the website andinformed members about the new Facebook page. Sheencouraged members to go the Facebook and to LIKE andFOLLOW. She advised that as the page grows, moreinformation will be shared there. On the website,information on the next annual meeting, photos of thismeeting, and newsletters can be found.

CARO Credit Union ReportBob Auman, retiree and Chairman of the CARO CreditUnion (CARO – Smart Financial Solutions) broughtinformation about the credit union and the latest on theiroperation and innovations. He informed of latesttechnology and ease of being a member of the creditunion remotely. He encouraged retirees to continue touse the services offered by the credit union.

Nominating Committee Report: Steve Francis,Nominating Committee Chairman, gave a report from thenominating committee. The 2‐year 1st term positions

‐3‐ cont on page 4

held by Bill Melton (NC/SC/FL), Scott Owens (PA), DonRice (FL/GA) Jay Rush (PA), and Gerald White (NC) areexpiring and all except Don Rice have agreed to serveanother 2‐year term. Ron O’Connor has agreed to fillDon’s position. The second term of Wanda Rauseo (Bank)is expiring and Beth Lay has agreed to serve. It is noteddirector 1st terms expiring in 2019 are: David Bridges(GA), Dale Colegrove (MD), Janet Reynolds (Bank), andCarroll Laycock (VA). Terms expiring in 2019 are SteveFrancis (SC) and Lewis Carter (FL). As a matter of record,Beverly Ratcliff (NC) term does not have an expirationdate. In 2015, the board approved that she will continueto represent NC and serve as a director and secretary aslong as she continues to hold the position of secretary. Upon a motion seconded and approved, the nominatingcommittee’s recommendation was accepted. Alldirectors were asked to meet at the end of the businessmeeting for a group photograph and organizationalmeeting.

The following is a list of current board members who mayserve 2 consecutive 2‐year terms

Director Term Expires Term ServingSteve Francis(SC) 2019 2nd TermLewis Carter(FL) 2019 2nd TermDavid Bridges (GA) 2019 1st TermDale Colegrove (MD) 2019 1st TermJanet Reynolds (Bank) 2019 1st TermCarroll Laycock (VA) 2019 1st TermBill Melton (NC/SC/FL) 2020 2nd TermScott Owens (PA) 2020 2nd TermRon O'Conner (FL) 2020 1st TermJay Rush (PA) 2020 2nd TermGerald White (NC) 2020 2nd TermBeth Lay (Bank) 2020 1st TermBeverly Ratcliff(NC) **Will represent NC on board as long as serving assecretary.

Site Selection Committee Report for 2019 – DavidBridges presented a report of the site selectioncommittee for 2019 consisting of David, Ron O’Connorand Bill Melton. Mr. Bridges reported that the board hadapproved the location of the 2019 meeting be inOrlando, Florida. The meeting hotel or resort will beannounced in a few months. It was noted that the usualdate of the meeting which is the 4th week in April wouldfall on Easter week next year and the board approvedthat the meeting be moved to the 5th week – April 29‐May 1, 2019. He advised that the committee looked for‐ward to the next annual meeting in Orlando and hopedwe would have great attendance. The 2020 annualmeeting will be in the Pennsylvania/VA area.

Membership Committee – David Bridges asked forvolunteers to serve on a committee to determine ways toencourage membership in the retiree association andasked that those interested to contact him to either serveon committee or with suggestions.

Comments from the President – President Melton thanked all for coming to the meeting.He urged members to make personal contact withretirees in their area who are not currently members ofthe retiree association. He urged members to join thecommittee chaired by David Bridges and/or send himtheir suggestions. He thanked the associations and bankfor their sponsorship of this meeting and recognizedVance Dalton of Carolina Farm Credit, who was inattendance. He thanked all for their hard work in makingthis meeting successful.

A Compelling Story ‐ President Melton indicated that he had recently receiveda letter from a retiree and they had written back andforth. He said this was a former senior bank officer at theold Farm Credit Bank of Columbia who was instrumentalin the development of the rural home program. He was agraduate of NC State who is currently 87 years old andwhose wife of 60 years had passed away recently. Heindicated this person was involved in a plane crash on thebank plane on December 20, 1973, killing employeeChappell Moore and the pilot. This person survived withthe loss of his leg. He returned to work, but no one everspoke of the plane crash. He identified the retiree as RexPrice, former Senior Vice President who currently residesat 960 Tanner’s Grove Road, Forest City, NC 28043.President Melton encouraged members to reach out toMr. Price. We so often forget about those who haveretired and don’t acknowledge their sacrifices andcontributions.

Door Prizes – Tickets were given to all retirees fordrawings for prizes donated by the Credit Union andbaskets by the NC associations and AgFirst.

Adjournment – President Melton thanked all for makingthe 2018 business meeting a success and looked forwardseeing everyone at the banquet tonight.

The meeting was adjourned.

From the Tuesday night banquet: The food andfellowship were exceptional and enjoyed by all.Entertainment by Carl Brunson, with all types of music,was played throughout the dinner with dancing andfellowship continuing after the dinner.

Door prizes: At the close of the banquet, President Melton asked allattendees for the meeting to hand in their name tags asboxes were passed around by assisting board members.Retiree tags were in one box for the drawing and spousesand guests in another box. The drawing of the prizes of 2one‐ night stays at the 2019 meeting. The lucky winnerswere Clement Hathaway and Andy Lowrey.

Respectively submitted,Beverly Ratcliff, Secretary

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cont from page 3

AgFirst Farm Credit Retiree AssociationMinutes of Board of Directors Meeting

Monday, April 23, 2018 ‐ 4:00 p.m.The DoubleTree Inn, Asheville, NC

In attendance: Officers: Bill Melton, President/Director; David Bridges,VP/Director; Beverly Ratcliff, Secretary/DirectorOfficer Absent: Joan Edwards, Treasurer. Directors: Lewis Carter, Dale Colegrove, Steve Francis,Carroll Laycock, Scott Owens, Wanda Rauseo, Jay Rushand Gerald White Directors Absent: Janet Reynolds and Don Rice

President Bill Melton welcomed everyone to themeeting. An invocation was given. The Secretarydetermined a quorum present. President Melton calledthe meeting to order and introductions were made.

Minutes: A motion was made to approve minutes fromlast meeting as mailed. Motion was seconded andapproved.

Financial Reports and Budget – In the absence of JoanEdwards, Treasurer, Beverly Ratcliff, Secretary, presentedthe financial report for 2017, reporting income of $4,796and expenses of $10,105, with an ending balance of$24,562. A Motion was made, seconded and carried, toapprove the financial reports. Mrs. Ratcliff presented the2017 Budget – expenses of $10,500, basically theestimated annual meeting expense of $10,000 and $500miscellaneous expense. A motion was made, secondedand carried, to approve the budget. It was also notedthat our organization appreciates the financial assistancegiven by the FC Associations and AgFirst each year forannual meeting expenses and the disparity between theincome and expenses is the sponsorship contributionsreceived in the previous year for the current year annualmeeting.

Membership Report – In the absence of the treasurer,Mrs. Ratcliff, reported that we have 405 members with25 new members in 2017 and 9 in the first 3 months of2018. Last year, membership was 397 members, with 23new members since the last annual meeting in April2016. Three members will be removed frommembership who have not renewed their membershipsince 2014.

Deceased Members in 2017 – Beverly Ratcliff, Secretary,presented a listing of 16 retiree deaths during 2017. Thespouses of the deceased “life” members will remain, attheir request, on the list of active members and theothers will be removed. 11 other retirees of the AgFirstFarm Credit system were deceased in 2017 and 8 spousesof retirees.

Annual Meeting Overview/Discussion – The presidentreviewed the annual meeting agenda:

Guest Speakers – Jake Grigg, member of retireeassociation and former president of Mountain FarmCredit in Asheville will be welcoming everyone to themeeting. Michele Coleman, from the Billy Grahamassociation, will be giving us a report on this organizationwith headquarters located nearby in Montreat. TimAmerson, CEO of AgFirst will be bringing us an AgFirstand System update. Bob Auman, Chairman of the CreditUnion, will be updating us on the Credit Union. It is notedthat the Board determined to remove the reporting fromthe Credit Union from the agenda at the 2019 meetingdue to the lack of relevance to the retirees.

Door prizes – The board agreed that we continue toaward 2 one‐ night stays with a drawing at the banquet.Also, gift baskets and giveaways provided by the NCAssociations, AgFirst and the Credit Union would beawarded at the business meeting. The board was also inagreement that a door prize ticket be given to the retireeonly and not to spouse/guest.

Nominating Committee: Steve Francis, NominatingCommittee Chairman, gave a report from the nominatingcommittee. The 2‐year 1st term positions held by BillMelton (NC/SC/FL), Scott Owens (PA), Don Rice (FL/GA)Jay Rush (PA), and Gerald White (NC) are expiring and allexcept Don Rice have agreed to serve another 2‐yearterm. Ron O’Connor has agreed to fill the positionpreviously held by Don. The second term of WandaRauseo (Bank) is expiring and Beth Lay has agreed toserve. It is noted director 1st terms expiring in 2019are: David Bridges (GA), Dale Colegrove (MD), JanetReynolds (Bank), and Carroll Laycock (VA). Termsexpiring in 2019 are Steve Francis (SC) and Lewis Carter(FL). As a matter of record, Beverly Ratcliff (NC) termdoes not have an expiration date. In 2015, the boardapproved that she will continue to represent NC andserve as a director and secretary as long as she continuesto hold the position of secretary.

This report will be presented at the annual meeting.Action to elect officers will be handled after themembership meeting when the board reconvenes.

Site Selection Committee Report for 2019 –David Bridgespresented a report of the site selection committee for2019 consisting of David, Ron O’Connor and Bill Melton.Mr. Bridges reported that the committee had been look‐ing at different venues in Orlando, Florida, working withLisa Royster, former employee of AgFirst who is ameeting planner. A resort/hotel location had not beendetermined at this time. It was noted that the usual dateof the meeting which is the 4th week in April would fallon Easter week next year and a recommendation wasmade that the meeting be moved to the 5th week – April29‐ May 1, 2019. The board was in agreement with this.The committee will be looking into plans for additionalactivities to be held on Monday prior to the meeting.

‐5‐ cont on page 10

2018 Annual Meeting •

‐6‐

“Tell Your Story”

‐8‐

NEW DIRECTORS:Beth Lay, representing AgFirst Bank, was elected to theboard in 2018. Beth retired from AgFirst in 2017, after32 years of service. She retired as Manager of CreditRisk and Reporting. She graduated from ConverseCollege, in Spartanburg SC in 1984, with a degree inAccounting. Beth and her husband, John, are enjoyingretirement by traveling to see family and friends andplaying golf. Beth also is enjoying gardening, knitting,and reading. Beth and John have four children, threegrandchildren, and another grandchild to arrive inSeptember.

Ron O’Connor, representing Florida, was elected to theboard in 2018. He is a native Floridian and graduatedfrom the University of Florida. He has a son and adaughter who have given him three adorable grandsons.He began his career at Farm Credit of Central Florida in1987 as Marketing Manager, retiring as Director ofMarketing in November, 2016. He was named 1997Farm Credit System Marketer of the Year and chairedthe Florida Marketing Committee for several years. Heis a Past President of Lakeland South Rotary and the

Florida Ag Institute, as well as serving on numerousother industry boards. He has hosted a call-in radiosports talk show and interviewed such sports icons asJohn Wooden, Roger Staubach, Bob Feller, Whitey Her-zog and five Heisman trophy winners. Today, his primaryjob is being Super Papa to his three grandsons, coachingflag football and following the Florida Gators around thecountry. He and his wife, Andrea, took a European rivercruise on their 10th wedding g anniversary, culminatingwith a trip to the Normandy beaches.

RETURNING DIRECTORS:David Bridges, representing Georgia, was elected tothe Board in 2017. He retired in 2015, serving 38 yearsin various positions with the Columbia Bank forCooperatives, the Texas Bank for Cooperatives, FC ofSouthwest Florida, and FC of Florida.

Lewis Carter was elected to the board in 2015representing Florida. He retired in March 2009 fromFarm Credit of Central Florida after 38 years.

2018-19 Officers & Directors2018-19 Officers & Directors

‐8‐

L‐R, back row: Lewis Carter, David Bridges, vice president; Jay Rush, Gerald White, Scott Owens. front row, Bill Melton, president; Beverly Ratcliff.secretary; Carroll Laycock, Steve Francis and Dale Colegrove. (Absent and not in photo are Beth Lay, Ron O’Connor, Janet Reynolds, and JoanEdwards, treasurer.)

‐9‐

Dale Colegrove, representing Maryland, was elected tothe board in 2017. He retired from MidAtlantic in 2004after 27 years of service.

Steve Francis was elected to the board in 2015representing South Carolina. Steve retired from AgFirstin 2013 after 33 years of service.

Carroll Laycock, representing Virginia was elected tothe board in 2017. He retired in 2016 from Farm Creditof the Virginias with 40 years of service.

Bill Melton was elected to the board in 2016,representing South Carolina. He retired from AgFirstBank and worked for FarmCredit in various capacities for 41 years.

Scott Owens was elected to the board in 2016representing Pennsylvania. He retired from AgChoiceFarm Credit in 2010 with 30 plus years of service.

Beverly Ratcliff was elected secretary of the board atits organizational meeting in 2013 and re-elected in2015 to serve as director representing North Carolina aslong as she serves as secretary. She retired from CarolinaFarm Credit in 2009 after 37 years of service.

Janet Reynolds was elected to the board in 2017representing South Carolina. Janet retired from AgFirstBank in 2010 serving 27 years.

Jay Rush was elected to the board in2016 representing Pennsylvania. He retired from Ag-Choice in 2000 after 26 years of service.

Gerald White was elected to the board in 2016,representing North Carolina. Gerald retired from TarHeel Farm Credit Service (now Ag Carolina) in 1989with 22 years of service. He has been active in theRetirees Association since its beginning and served as adirector during the early years.

2017 AgFirst Retirees Association Treasurer’s ReportJanuary 1, 2017 – December 31, 2017

BEGINNING BALANCE $ 29,871.21

INCOME:Annual Dues $ 330.00Lifetime Dues 2,455.00Contributions:

MidAtlantic FC, FLCA 2,000.00Interest Income 10.74

$4,795.74 $4,795.74EXPENSES:Annual Meeting Expenses ‐ Hotel* $8,599.79

Speaker 350.00Door Prizes 152.80 Seven Nights Hotel Expense** 1,002.33Office Supplies 0.00Web Hosting/Domain Renewal 0.00

$10,104.92 $10,104.92ENDING BALANCE $24,562.03

CAROLINA COLLEGIATE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION BALANCES AS OF 12/31/2017

Checking Account $3,846.31Regular Savings Account 20,715.72 $24,562.03 $24,562.03

*Does not include $1,000 preliminary deposit required by Wyndham Gettysburg expensed in 2016.** Payment of one night’s hotel expenses for Lottie Mathews as a door prize, and two nights each to Marie Stiles,Newsletter Consultant; Beverly Ratcliff, Secretary and Joan Edwards, Treasurer as approved by Board.

‐10‐

President Melton noted the committee will continue toapproach the Farm Credit associations located in thestate of the meeting as well as the AgFirst Bank asking fora monetary contribution sponsoring the meeting.Retirees are encouraged to offer thanks to their localassociation for supporting the Retiree Association. The2020 annual meeting will be in the Pennsylvania/VA.

Old Business: Cost of Living Increase – It was brought to the attentionof the board at last year’s meeting that some membershave asked about a COL increase and if we can expectthat in the future. President Melton and Steve Francisdiscussed this and have indicated they would ask TimAmerson, AgFirst CEO. to include this discussion duringthe business session.

Membership – The board discussed membership and therecruitment of new retirees which is a continuing topic ofdiscussion. It was discussed that all new retirees receivea letter in their retirement packet from AgFirst withinformation on the organization. Also, when the winternewsletter is mailed, it is sent to all new retirees from theprevious year; and periodically the mailings go toprevious year’s retirees who have not joined. The boardmembers were encouraged to invite retirees from theirarea. David Bridges agreed to form a committee ofseveral members to look at ways to get more retirees tojoin by concentrating on the area each year where annualmeetings are held. During the next year, the directors willreach out to all the Associations who aren’t part oftheAgFirst retirement plan and encourage them toparticipate in the AgFirst Retiree Association and theannual Retiree Conference.

New Business: Silver Sneakers availability to retirees – Most gyms,Recreation Centers, and YMCAs recognize the SilverSneakers card; however, it was mentioned that gyms inFlorida do not recognize the Silver Sneakers benefit whichis part of retirees Supplemental Insurance through UnitedHealthcare – Plan F. It appears that the reason Floridaresidents do not have access to this benefit is due tolegislative issues. The only recourse for Florida residentswould be to contact their legislators.

Social Media – President Melton discussed the new Face‐book page giving another outlet to reach our membersand other retirees. We continue to make updates etc., toour website.

Other Business: Secretary Ratcliff read a note from Larry Stone fromKentucky stating he would not be able to attend themeeting to being treated for the hepatocellularcarcinoma of the liver first found in 2007, treated for newtumors in 2014 and now again in 2018. The board signedcards and sent to Mr. Stone, former treasurer LottieMatthews, and Don Rice.

Reimbursement of Expenses – The Presidentrecommended that the board, in appreciation for thehard work and time contributed to the organization,approve to continue paying the room expense for 2nights at the 2019 annual meeting for the Secretary,Treasurer, and the Newsletter Editor (Ratcliff, Edwards,and Stiles). This recommendation was seconded andapproved by the board.

Adjournment: There being no other business, themeeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted, Beverly Ratcliff, Secretary

ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING ‐ April 24, 2018The board met following the membership meeting andelection of the board at which time officers were electedby the board: Bill Melton, President; David Bridges, VicePresident; Beverly Ratcliff, Secretary; Joan Edwards,Treasurer, who will also serve as executive committee. Checking Account Resolution: Upon a motion duly made,seconded and carried, the board approved a resolution tocontinue with the same persons currently assigned theauthority to sign checks since there is no change thisyear. The meeting was adjourned.

Respectively submitted,Beverly Ratcliff, Secretary

cont. from page 5

SILVER Sneakers offers valuable health and wellnessbenefits to more than 12 million people — creating a greatopportunity for you.

If you are an AgFirst Retiree utilizing the AARP MedicareSupplement Plan under United Healthcare InsuranceCompany, you are eligible for the Silver Sneakers FitnessProgram within 13,000 locations nationwide (at no cost toyou).SilverSneakers is the leading fitness program designed

specifically for active older adults. It is delivered through anationwide network of participating fitness locations suchas YMCAs, Curves®, gyms, wellness centers and otherfacilities.

Check locations or enroll at www.silversneakers.comor call 888-423-4632. You can enroll in multiple locationsat any time or use other facilities as you travel.

‐11‐

AgFirst Farm Credit Retiree AssociationMembership Application

Today’s Date: ______________________________

Please select one of the following:

______ New Member

______ Annual Membership Renewal

______ Converting from Annual Renewal to Life Membership

____________________________________________________________________

Applicant last name____________________ First Name_____________________MI_______

Address__________________________City__________________State_____Zipcode_______

Phone#__________________ Cell Phone ________________Email______________________

DATE OF RETIREMENT ______/_______/_______/

Retired from ___________________________________________(name of association or bank)

If married, list spouse name: ____________________________________________________

Annual dues = $10.00 – Payment is required in December of each year for the following year and is theresponsibility of the member. Statements or reminders are not mailed so please set this up on your calendarfor annual payment.

Life Dues Age 60 or below = $120.00Age 61 to 65 = $100.00Age 66 to 70 = $95.00Age 71 to 74 = $85.00Age 75 or Older = $65.00

Make check payable to the AgFirst Farm Credit Retiree Association and mail along with application to JoanEdwards, Treasurer, 223 Philmont Dr., Columbia, SC 29223.

the 2019 Annual Meeting - April 29 - May 1

AgFirst Retiree Association, Inc.706 North Carolina Ave.Statesville NC 28677

FIRST CLASS

US POSTAGE

PAID

COLUMBIA SC

PERMIT 785

Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek14651 Chelonia Parkway Orlando, Florida 32821

The hotel rate is $177 plus tax and this rate will be applicable 3 days prior and 3 days after the conference(April 26 ‐ May 3). You may make reservations directly through the Hotel’s reservations department, 407‐390‐2300 or by calling 1‐800‐996‐3426. Please identify yourself as being with the AgFirst Retiree Association.An on‐line method will be announced in the February issue of the Retiree Update.

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