Membership is important to all of us but as Area 2 Director in charge of IN, KY, MI, OH, WV and VA I am concerned about the loss of membership and the lack of support soliciting members.  I ask for your help.  Let's put some good hard work and effort into a campaign to increase our membership throughout Area 2.  Over the past several months Roanoke, VA has already taken the bull by the horns and started a big increase in membership.  President Roberta Boyer and her officers and members deserve a big Hoorah for their hard work.  Each unit can do it even if it's only one member every month or two.  Let's just give it a try.  Who will be next to step up and help make Area 2 the best area of all?  Together we can do it and I offer my time and help to anyone that needs it.  Start looking at any rail yards or offices in your area.  Contact some of your old buddies and see if they would want to join.  Check with union officers and see if they can tell you the names of those who may be retiring shortly.  I think we should start with a Tri State Convention including IN, OH and KY and then progress from there.  Ohio will be holding their State Association Meeting May 16, 2011.  With the permission of President Ruth Teper we extend a welcome to anyone that can attend and has the time to spend a day or two in our area.  You are more than welcome.  The convention will be held at the Holiday Inn, Strongsville, OH.  We will have speakers from Railroad Retirement, Medicare, United Health, Moody Law Firm, our National President and National Vice President and our National Legislative Representative.  There will be rooms set aside for those who wish to make reservations and stay over Sunday evening.  More information will be forthcoming.  Hope you will consider joining us and will work on the Tri State idea. 

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AREA 2 UNIT NOTES

Unit #41 Louisville KY President Don Stier Reports"

Unit # 041 President Don Stier reports they have sent out several letters attempting to bring in 801 members into their Louisville KY Unit.  When you bring into a Unit 801 members you also bring in fresh members with new ideas and suggestions. Also its possible in the future new members could become new officers along with a fresh approach that keeps a unit running smoothly.  Good Luck to the Louisville KY unit #041 on their goals of recruiting not only new members but to bring in those 801 members in their area.   Don and the other officers of Unit #041 are working hard to make their unit one of the best in Area 2.  Always set goals each year and try your best to obtain the majority of goals you set for your Unit

Grand Rapids Michigan Unit #152 Jack Bengtson President Reports:

September 20^th 11:00am Pot-luck luncheon, bring a dish to pass

October 18^th 10:00am, Christopher Oisten, CSA (Senior Advisor) financial information

November is open at this time.

No meeting in December.

Jack

President Roberta Boyer of Unit #130 Roanoke VA Reports

Our Unit #130 continues to gain more members.  Total membership is now 193.  I don't know if that gives me bragging rights, but I can hardly wait to break 200!  It's always good to hear this kind of news. 

We finally were able to cap the Gulf that took over 3 month's and I am sure will be able throughout NARVRE to solve the problems of membership.  Once the New Officers and the Membership committee get rolling I believe will start to see changes and membership numbers increase.  We all have to continue working together.  We need your assistance in all Areas throughout NARVRE but we need to concentrate very hard in Area 2.  Always keep membership as your goal.  We can do it but it takes time and work as we all know.  Let's put a concentrated effort into membership this year and reap the benefits for years to come.

I will attempt to post on the AREA 2 Webpage information sent by Units as it comes into my office.  I would appreciate hearing from Unit Presidents or officers of Units that may have e-mail.  Report on membership and what your unit is doing over the next couple of month's that you would like to have posted on our Website.  Thanks for any assistance you can lend by supplying me with updated information.