Membership 2008-2009 WHETHER YOU’RE A CURRENT MEMBER, FORMER MEMBER, OR POTENTIAL MEMBER, TAKE A MOMENT TO READ THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE MEMBERSHIP YEAR THAT BEGINS JULY 1, 2008!  The 2008-2009 Membership Year for the Phoenix Chapter of the Western Pension & Benefits Conference (“WP&BC”) begins July 1, 2008 and ends June 30, 2009. The annual membership fee is just $125.00.  Or join/renew now for our new two-year membership for $225 and save $25!  To renew your membership or to join now, click here: www.westernpension.org/1049.html?wp_events_id=2093                                                                 ***************************************** Why Join WP&BC?  A WP&BC membership could possibly be the best $125 investment that you make!  Your WP&BC membership means: MEMBERSHIP MEANS EDUCATION The key goal of the WP&BC is to educate its members through a variety of programs and opportunities, all of which are aimed to provide accurate, relevant, and timely information. Members may take advantage of discounted registration fees for monthly meetings, seminars-on-demand, the yearly Phoenix Chapter Spring Conference, and the national WP&BC Annual Conference. Monthly Meetings. We meet monthly, which allows members to network with peers and to find out what is happening in the area of employee benefits. At these monthly meetings, invited speakers who are experts in their fields address topics of interest to our members. Attend these meetings for sustenance of mind and body. Luncheons generally are held on the third Thursday of each month at the Arizona Club (Central and Van Buren). For 2008-2009, all meeting notices will be sent to members via e-mail. If your e-mail address has recently changed, be sure to update the information on our website. You may register for the luncheons on-line, and credit card payments are accepted. Also, we are always seeking ideas for topics and speakers. Let us know if there is a topic you would like covered or a speaker you would like to hear! Seminars-On-Demand. As in years past, the Phoenix Chapter will continue to host the popular seminar-on-demand series. Seminars-on-demand are designed to provide more in-depth analysis and education on current benefit trends and topics. Additional details and information about upcoming seminars will be provided soon. Spring Conference. The Phoenix Chapter sponsors an annual day-long educational seminar, with concurrent sessions covering topics along four tracks: Basic, Qualified Plans/401(k), Current Developments, and Health and Welfare Plans. Attendees are eligible to receive continuing education credits for a variety of professions. The next Spring Conference will be held in May 2009. We will provide more detailed information about this timely and informative full-day conference in the near future! National Annual Conference. The entire WP&BC organization participates in the three-day Annual Conference, which provides a tremendous opportunity to not only to learn more about employee benefits, but gives you a chance to get to know employee benefits professionals from all over the western United States. Continuing education credits for a variety of professions are available. For the last two years, WP&BC and ASPPA have co-sponsored this stellar event. Make plans now to attend the 2008 Western Benefits Conference from July 13 through July 16, in Seattle, Washington. MEMBERSHIP MEANS INFORMATION Website. The WP&BC website, http://www.westernpension.org, has proven itself to be a wonderful resource, providing not only news about the goings on in the Phoenix Chapter and the other WP&BC chapters, but offering links to terrific and informative employee benefits-related websites. We have even more great things in store for our website, which continues to be upgraded with new features. MEMBERSHIP MEANS INTERACTION WITH PEERS Networking Opportunities. Membership in the WP&BC allows you to take advantage of the opportunities presented by our meetings and programs, to trade ideas, vent frustrations, and learn new things -- all with people who share at least one very important professional interest with you. Membership allows you to become a resource for your employer. Membership Appreciation Event. Each year, the Phoenix Chapter provides a special event in recognition of our members. Only members may attend this time of fun, networking, and relaxation at a greatly reduced cost. The next membership appreciation event is tentatively scheduled for April 2009. DON’T DELAY - JOIN OR RENEW NOW!  How to Join WP&BC. Sign up for membership or renewal as soon as you can! We’d like to have your renewal now, so that you will be sure to receive the September luncheon meeting notice. The fastest and easiest way to renew is through our website by clicking here:  http://www.westernpension.org/1049.html?wp_events_id=2093 If you would like to enhance your membership involvement, consider participating on one of the following committees: (1) program/speakers, (2) membership/publicity, (3) spring conference, (4) seminars-on-demand, (5) membership appreciation event. Lastly, encourage your fellow employee benefits professionals to renew or, if not already a member, to join. Then, plan on joining us at the September luncheon meeting. Most of all, be prepared for an enlightening and entertaining year! If you have questions about membership renewal or another aspect of the WP&BC, please contact Dawn Lee at (480) 429-0300or via e-mail at dlee@telliercompanies.com. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at our September meeting!