December 18, 2016 Update
Greetings:
I hope everyone is enjoying our start to winter in Minnesota. For some of you it sounded like it started well before our big storm and cold blast that happened the past week in Southeastern Minnesota. As President, I wanted to update all of the membership on a few items.
First of all, a bi monthly conference call was held earlier this week with Michelle Page, Executive Officer and Raj Kohli, Administrative Officer along with myself representing MACS and Liz Ludwig, representing MNASCOE. Grant Herfindahl joined us briefly also but had a CRP call to attend. Through our discussions it was presented to MACS that they would like to put out a notice in the near future for Farm Loan Officer Trainees under the recent grads program again. We also had a discussion in regards to Farm Loan Program Technician position and how MACS would encourage a training session for the FLP Technicians in the near future. Michelle stated that if a training can be scheduled they would like to have it split between a north and a south session. Training needs for Farm Loan Program Technicians should be addressed with the District Directors to ensure that newer employees are getting solid training in their position if it can't be handled within the local office staff. Michelle also expressed that she would like to have a social security expert speak with the state on different social security options but that is still in the planning stages, likely sometime this spring. I would encourage all members to pass along any ideas that they would want addressed on these calls to pass them along to me and I can certainly bring the subject up for discussion.
Secondly, the NACS Zone B meeting will be held in Sioux Falls, South Dakota this year from Thursday February 2nd through Saturday February 4th. I have attached the flyer for you to review. Please take note the hotel rates are good through January 2, 2017 so I would encourage you to set up your hotel room before it passes that date. This is a great opportunity to converse with the National Office Staff and other Farm Service Agency employees to try make our agency better for our customers and staff. The MACS board has set aside funds for this meeting to help with the costs of the travel, lodging and registration.
Lastly, the date has been set for the MNASCOE/MACS State Convention which will be held on Friday April 7, 2017 in Alexandria at the Arrowwood Resort once again. This will be a one day event starting at 9:00 am and being over by 4:00 pm. This year MNASCOE will also be holding a one day event also so they will not have a banquet and instead will have a lunch. We are still in the planning phases of this event but any suggestions on how to improve this great opportunity are always welcome.
Also, I would encourage members to pass this e-mail along to any newer employees and encourage them to join MACS as it is a great way to work together with the State Office and the National Office to promote changes that benefit our customers and employees. For new employees the membership fee is $88.00 for the first year for Farm Loan Officer Trainees and Loan Approval Officials and $180.00 each year after that. To become a member as a Farm Loan Program Technician (NASE) the membership fees are $88.00. These membership fees can be taken out of your bi monthly check or by providing one check once a year. Lastly, anyone that has retired from the Farm Service Agency or are a County Executive Director or State Office Staff that are not on the Farm Loan Team can join as an associate member for $20 per year. All of your support would be greatly appreciated. Membership dues can be sent to Kevin Lehman, MACS Treasurer at 110 2nd Street South, Suite 125, Waite Park, MN 56387.
I would encourage everyone to attend the NACS Zone meeting and the State Convention to help make our agency an even better place to work! I hope everyone has a great holiday season.
Sincerely,
Adam J. Gritz
MACS President
Greetings:
I hope everyone is enjoying our start to winter in Minnesota. For some of you it sounded like it started well before our big storm and cold blast that happened the past week in Southeastern Minnesota. As President, I wanted to update all of the membership on a few items.
First of all, a bi monthly conference call was held earlier this week with Michelle Page, Executive Officer and Raj Kohli, Administrative Officer along with myself representing MACS and Liz Ludwig, representing MNASCOE. Grant Herfindahl joined us briefly also but had a CRP call to attend. Through our discussions it was presented to MACS that they would like to put out a notice in the near future for Farm Loan Officer Trainees under the recent grads program again. We also had a discussion in regards to Farm Loan Program Technician position and how MACS would encourage a training session for the FLP Technicians in the near future. Michelle stated that if a training can be scheduled they would like to have it split between a north and a south session. Training needs for Farm Loan Program Technicians should be addressed with the District Directors to ensure that newer employees are getting solid training in their position if it can't be handled within the local office staff. Michelle also expressed that she would like to have a social security expert speak with the state on different social security options but that is still in the planning stages, likely sometime this spring. I would encourage all members to pass along any ideas that they would want addressed on these calls to pass them along to me and I can certainly bring the subject up for discussion.
Secondly, the NACS Zone B meeting will be held in Sioux Falls, South Dakota this year from Thursday February 2nd through Saturday February 4th. I have attached the flyer for you to review. Please take note the hotel rates are good through January 2, 2017 so I would encourage you to set up your hotel room before it passes that date. This is a great opportunity to converse with the National Office Staff and other Farm Service Agency employees to try make our agency better for our customers and staff. The MACS board has set aside funds for this meeting to help with the costs of the travel, lodging and registration.
Lastly, the date has been set for the MNASCOE/MACS State Convention which will be held on Friday April 7, 2017 in Alexandria at the Arrowwood Resort once again. This will be a one day event starting at 9:00 am and being over by 4:00 pm. This year MNASCOE will also be holding a one day event also so they will not have a banquet and instead will have a lunch. We are still in the planning phases of this event but any suggestions on how to improve this great opportunity are always welcome.
Also, I would encourage members to pass this e-mail along to any newer employees and encourage them to join MACS as it is a great way to work together with the State Office and the National Office to promote changes that benefit our customers and employees. For new employees the membership fee is $88.00 for the first year for Farm Loan Officer Trainees and Loan Approval Officials and $180.00 each year after that. To become a member as a Farm Loan Program Technician (NASE) the membership fees are $88.00. These membership fees can be taken out of your bi monthly check or by providing one check once a year. Lastly, anyone that has retired from the Farm Service Agency or are a County Executive Director or State Office Staff that are not on the Farm Loan Team can join as an associate member for $20 per year. All of your support would be greatly appreciated. Membership dues can be sent to Kevin Lehman, MACS Treasurer at 110 2nd Street South, Suite 125, Waite Park, MN 56387.
I would encourage everyone to attend the NACS Zone meeting and the State Convention to help make our agency an even better place to work! I hope everyone has a great holiday season.
Sincerely,
Adam J. Gritz
MACS President
April 2016 Update
Annual MACS Meeting
Greetings:
I hope everyone is enjoying the spring weather throughout the state of Minnesota. The weather has finally turned the corner in Southeast Minnesota and producers are working hard to get ready to plant their crop for the year.
I just wanted to write a brief e-mail to update all of you on what your board has been up to the last few weeks. On March 30, 2016 the board was invited into the State Office along with the MNASCOE Board to meet with our State Executive Director, Grant Herfindahl, our Acting Executive Director, Mark Bertram, Admin Chief, Jane Ray and Farm Loan Chief, Stuart Shelstad along with his staff. We met in the morning with MNASCOE and Grant, Mark & Jane and constructive discussions were held between the three of them and the two associations. In the afternoon we met with the Farm Loan Section for an hour and then back with Grant, Mark & Jane for another hour with just MACS. Overall, the board felt the day went really well and the board will be finishing up the meeting notes from that day in the next few days and sending those notes to the State Office to have them review their responses. Once they have reviewed the responses we will send them out to the group. I also thank everyone throughout the state that provided your comments, suggestions and concerns to the board before the meeting. These topics led to great discussions.
On Friday April 8, 2016, the membership also met in Alexandria for the yearly state annual convention that was held in conjunction with MNASCOE. I greatly appreciate everyone that came to the convention and took time out of your busy lives to help make our agency and association better. I have attached the minutes from this meeting for your use. These will also be posted to our MACS website.
At the state annual convention, I was asked to serve as the President for one more year and have accepted this position for the next 12 months. In addition to myself the following have also graciously agreed to serve on the board:
Jacob Wolfe, Vice President
Caitlin Durow, Secretary
Kevin Lehman, Treasurer
Mark Drewitz, - Will serve as Past President until his retirement date of April 29th
I will be following up with District Reps again to try and get representation across the state for MACS. I greatly thankful for everyone that agreed to serve last year and if you did not previously serve and would like to please let myself or someone else on the board know. I would also encourage everyone to reach out to newer employees or employees that are not currently members and inform them of the positive aspects of being involved in MACS and how it can improve their jobs with the Farm Service Agency.
I thank everyone for all you do and if you have any questions, concerns or comments please feel free to contact myself.
Sincerely,
Adam Gritz
MACS President
Annual MACS Meeting
Greetings:
I hope everyone is enjoying the spring weather throughout the state of Minnesota. The weather has finally turned the corner in Southeast Minnesota and producers are working hard to get ready to plant their crop for the year.
I just wanted to write a brief e-mail to update all of you on what your board has been up to the last few weeks. On March 30, 2016 the board was invited into the State Office along with the MNASCOE Board to meet with our State Executive Director, Grant Herfindahl, our Acting Executive Director, Mark Bertram, Admin Chief, Jane Ray and Farm Loan Chief, Stuart Shelstad along with his staff. We met in the morning with MNASCOE and Grant, Mark & Jane and constructive discussions were held between the three of them and the two associations. In the afternoon we met with the Farm Loan Section for an hour and then back with Grant, Mark & Jane for another hour with just MACS. Overall, the board felt the day went really well and the board will be finishing up the meeting notes from that day in the next few days and sending those notes to the State Office to have them review their responses. Once they have reviewed the responses we will send them out to the group. I also thank everyone throughout the state that provided your comments, suggestions and concerns to the board before the meeting. These topics led to great discussions.
On Friday April 8, 2016, the membership also met in Alexandria for the yearly state annual convention that was held in conjunction with MNASCOE. I greatly appreciate everyone that came to the convention and took time out of your busy lives to help make our agency and association better. I have attached the minutes from this meeting for your use. These will also be posted to our MACS website.
At the state annual convention, I was asked to serve as the President for one more year and have accepted this position for the next 12 months. In addition to myself the following have also graciously agreed to serve on the board:
Jacob Wolfe, Vice President
Caitlin Durow, Secretary
Kevin Lehman, Treasurer
Mark Drewitz, - Will serve as Past President until his retirement date of April 29th
I will be following up with District Reps again to try and get representation across the state for MACS. I greatly thankful for everyone that agreed to serve last year and if you did not previously serve and would like to please let myself or someone else on the board know. I would also encourage everyone to reach out to newer employees or employees that are not currently members and inform them of the positive aspects of being involved in MACS and how it can improve their jobs with the Farm Service Agency.
I thank everyone for all you do and if you have any questions, concerns or comments please feel free to contact myself.
Sincerely,
Adam Gritz
MACS President
December 2015 Update
2016 Registration Reminder and Updates
Greetings:
I hope everyone is enjoying the start to winter in your area and are preparing for the holiday season. At this time our area in Southeast Minnesota has no snow on the ground but lots of rain!
I just wanted to update everyone on a few things that are upcoming for MACS members. As most of you are aware at this point, Minnesota will be hosting the Zone B meeting in Bloomington on February 4 - 6, 2016. This is a great opportunity for all of you to meet/correspond with National Office staff and work with other NACS members to make changes that help you perform your job in a more efficient manner. The meeting and lodging reservations will be held at the Double Tree Hotel off Highway 494 and Highway 100.
For this meeting, you have two registration options - traditional mail-in form or register and pay on line. Hotel reservations are needed by January 15, 2016 and the meeting registration is due by January 22, 2016 to avoid a late penalty.
Access the meeting registration info from the link below:
Hotel reservations can also be made by calling 1-800-222-8733. Be sure to reserve your room under the "Zone B Meeting" block of rooms. Room rates are $99 plus tax which is available until January 15, 2016.
I would highly encourage your attendance it is a short drive this year and a great experience!
A few other things that are upcoming for MACS members is on Friday April 8, 2016 MACS will hold its annual convention in conjunction with MNASCOE. This will be held at Arrowwood Resort in Alexandria, MN. MACS will start our meeting early that Friday morning and will be finished by 4:30 that afternoon. You would be encouraged to stick around for dinner that night but if you wanted to just come for the day that would be great also.
Lastly, I would like to remind you that the NACS National Convention will be held in Washington DC this year starting on July 10 - July 12, 2016. This would be another great opportunity for all of you to meet and correspond with National Office Staff and work with other NACS members to make changes to help your job with our agency.
For all of these upcoming events the MACS board has set aside funds to help cover some of the costs. Funds available to each person will depend on the amount of people attending each of the events and will be split up among those attendees.
In addition to those events, I am still currently holding monthly phone calls with MNASCOE, Jane Ray, Acting SED, Mark Bertram, Acting Executive Officer and myself. Some notes from the last call we had are
If there is anything that you would like to be discussed during these conference calls please feel free to contact myself or a board member and we will bring the topic up for discussion.
Have a great holiday season!
Adam Gritz
MACS President
2016 Registration Reminder and Updates
Greetings:
I hope everyone is enjoying the start to winter in your area and are preparing for the holiday season. At this time our area in Southeast Minnesota has no snow on the ground but lots of rain!
I just wanted to update everyone on a few things that are upcoming for MACS members. As most of you are aware at this point, Minnesota will be hosting the Zone B meeting in Bloomington on February 4 - 6, 2016. This is a great opportunity for all of you to meet/correspond with National Office staff and work with other NACS members to make changes that help you perform your job in a more efficient manner. The meeting and lodging reservations will be held at the Double Tree Hotel off Highway 494 and Highway 100.
For this meeting, you have two registration options - traditional mail-in form or register and pay on line. Hotel reservations are needed by January 15, 2016 and the meeting registration is due by January 22, 2016 to avoid a late penalty.
Access the meeting registration info from the link below:
Hotel reservations can also be made by calling 1-800-222-8733. Be sure to reserve your room under the "Zone B Meeting" block of rooms. Room rates are $99 plus tax which is available until January 15, 2016.
I would highly encourage your attendance it is a short drive this year and a great experience!
A few other things that are upcoming for MACS members is on Friday April 8, 2016 MACS will hold its annual convention in conjunction with MNASCOE. This will be held at Arrowwood Resort in Alexandria, MN. MACS will start our meeting early that Friday morning and will be finished by 4:30 that afternoon. You would be encouraged to stick around for dinner that night but if you wanted to just come for the day that would be great also.
Lastly, I would like to remind you that the NACS National Convention will be held in Washington DC this year starting on July 10 - July 12, 2016. This would be another great opportunity for all of you to meet and correspond with National Office Staff and work with other NACS members to make changes to help your job with our agency.
For all of these upcoming events the MACS board has set aside funds to help cover some of the costs. Funds available to each person will depend on the amount of people attending each of the events and will be split up among those attendees.
In addition to those events, I am still currently holding monthly phone calls with MNASCOE, Jane Ray, Acting SED, Mark Bertram, Acting Executive Officer and myself. Some notes from the last call we had are
- The Farm Loan Officer Trainee's are all aboard from the last notice posted. They expect to have another notice issued in January for further FLOT's. The leadership team has designated spots for the oncoming FLOT's based on the office being able to train the new loan officer.
- The funding for 2016 is expected to be very similar to 2015. It is expected the budget will be passed by Friday December 18, 2016.
- At this time Jane has not heard anything on hiring a new State Executive Director.
- On Christmas Eve staff members have been issued holiday for half of the day. This is different than our normal admin leave and depending on the hours your normal work schedule is you would only work half of those hours on that day.
If there is anything that you would like to be discussed during these conference calls please feel free to contact myself or a board member and we will bring the topic up for discussion.
Have a great holiday season!
Adam Gritz
MACS President
September 2015 Update
Greetings:
I hope everyone had a great summer and now that fall is here I figured I would give everyone an update on MACS related issues.
As most of you are aware Minnesota will be hosting the Zone B meeting on February 5 - 7, 2016 in Bloomington, Minnesota. A lot of you have volunteered to help out with this event which is greatly appreciated, but additional volunteers are needed for the following committees to help the meeting run smoothly. We are seeking volunteers for the following areas: Hospitality, Registration Table, Agenda, Registration in general, Food/Meals at meeting and Transportation. If you are interested in volunteering either let myself or Mark Drewitz know. Once the committees are set we will begin the planning phase.
I also recently had a conference call with Acting SED Jane Ray and MNASCOE President Nikki Marinowski. A few of the topics we discussed were as follows:
Minnesota has hired 7 Farm Loan Officer Trainees that have started recently or will start in the near future. The plan is to also have a new notice for additional Farm Loan Officer Trainees in the next month or so also.
An awards notice is being created by the State Office to recognize the employees that were awarded awards throughout the past year from the competitive awards, the spot awards, the extra effort awards and the Time of Attendance awards.
DAFO is currently monitoring the potential of a Government Shutdown and will notify State Offices by this Friday if any preparation needs to take place in regards to this. If it appears preparation is needed in regards to a potential government shutdown then the same information will be used that was used last time by the State Office.
As you are all well aware at this time, Pat Gendron intends to retire at the end of the month. MACS association wants to congratulate Pat on this milestone and wishes her best of luck in her retirement years. Thanks for all your help over the years Pat!
The Acting SED/SED, MNASCOE President and myself usually try to have these conference calls once a month. If you would like me to bring up any topics on these conference calls, please feel free to call me or e-mail your topic to me and I will certainly bring it up and try to get an answer to yourself or the group whatever is appropriate.
Sincerely,
Adam Gritz
MACS President
Greetings:
I hope everyone had a great summer and now that fall is here I figured I would give everyone an update on MACS related issues.
As most of you are aware Minnesota will be hosting the Zone B meeting on February 5 - 7, 2016 in Bloomington, Minnesota. A lot of you have volunteered to help out with this event which is greatly appreciated, but additional volunteers are needed for the following committees to help the meeting run smoothly. We are seeking volunteers for the following areas: Hospitality, Registration Table, Agenda, Registration in general, Food/Meals at meeting and Transportation. If you are interested in volunteering either let myself or Mark Drewitz know. Once the committees are set we will begin the planning phase.
I also recently had a conference call with Acting SED Jane Ray and MNASCOE President Nikki Marinowski. A few of the topics we discussed were as follows:
Minnesota has hired 7 Farm Loan Officer Trainees that have started recently or will start in the near future. The plan is to also have a new notice for additional Farm Loan Officer Trainees in the next month or so also.
An awards notice is being created by the State Office to recognize the employees that were awarded awards throughout the past year from the competitive awards, the spot awards, the extra effort awards and the Time of Attendance awards.
DAFO is currently monitoring the potential of a Government Shutdown and will notify State Offices by this Friday if any preparation needs to take place in regards to this. If it appears preparation is needed in regards to a potential government shutdown then the same information will be used that was used last time by the State Office.
As you are all well aware at this time, Pat Gendron intends to retire at the end of the month. MACS association wants to congratulate Pat on this milestone and wishes her best of luck in her retirement years. Thanks for all your help over the years Pat!
The Acting SED/SED, MNASCOE President and myself usually try to have these conference calls once a month. If you would like me to bring up any topics on these conference calls, please feel free to call me or e-mail your topic to me and I will certainly bring it up and try to get an answer to yourself or the group whatever is appropriate.
Sincerely,
Adam Gritz
MACS President
May 2015 Update
Greetings:
I am forwarding on to you the MACS Minutes from the recent MACS/MNASCOE Convention held in Alexandria on April 10, 2015. Thanks to Jerry Hurrle for completing these. These minutes will also be posted to the MACS Website. If you have any questions or concerns in regards to the minutes feel free to contact myself or any of the other board members.
Recently, I was also invited to a webinar in regards to Work Place Engagement that was put on by our Administrator Val Dolcini. It was a very informative webinar and MACS thanks the Minnesota State Office for allowing us to be involved in this conversation. Mr. Dolcini stated in the webinar that he is using the Employee View Point Survey from 2014 to address some changes. A few of the changes were implementing the cash awards for 2014 performance and adding more HR employees to try to make the process quicker in hiring employees. He is also looking into a streamlining process for positions that are hired more often. There still seems to be delays on getting the GS employee hiring notices and hopefully this may help the situation. You can check out the entire webinar at the following link:
http://intranet.fsa.usda.gov/fsa/operations/hrd/Climate%20Survey/Climate_Survey_Town_Hall.htm
It appears that you will need to do this on your work computer as it is on the intranet site. Minnesota has also developed a task force to review the top 10 concerns and develop ideas to address these concerns in relation to the Employee Viewpoint Survey. MACS will be represented by Andrea Strand so if you have any issues or concerns or suggestions in regards to this please forward them on to Andrea Strand. They will be meeting May 7th so the timeline is a little tight.
Also, I have now received confirmation that we have the additional MACS reps in place for District 2 – Jessica Heitkamp and District 6 – Paul Peterson. Thank you Jessica & Paul for Volunteering! I will eventually have all of the officers and reps updated on the MACS website.
Lastly, just a reminder that the 2015 NACS/NASE National Convention will be held June 28 – July 1, 2015 in Clayton, MO just outside of St. Louis, MO. The MACS budget does have funds set aside to cover some of the costs for attending this meeting and the NACS organization also has funds set aside for first time attendees. Here is the link for information regarding this convention: http://nacs-fsa.org/
As always if you have any questions or concerns in regards to your job please feel free to pass them along and we will try to help.
Adam Gritz, MACS President
Greetings:
I am forwarding on to you the MACS Minutes from the recent MACS/MNASCOE Convention held in Alexandria on April 10, 2015. Thanks to Jerry Hurrle for completing these. These minutes will also be posted to the MACS Website. If you have any questions or concerns in regards to the minutes feel free to contact myself or any of the other board members.
Recently, I was also invited to a webinar in regards to Work Place Engagement that was put on by our Administrator Val Dolcini. It was a very informative webinar and MACS thanks the Minnesota State Office for allowing us to be involved in this conversation. Mr. Dolcini stated in the webinar that he is using the Employee View Point Survey from 2014 to address some changes. A few of the changes were implementing the cash awards for 2014 performance and adding more HR employees to try to make the process quicker in hiring employees. He is also looking into a streamlining process for positions that are hired more often. There still seems to be delays on getting the GS employee hiring notices and hopefully this may help the situation. You can check out the entire webinar at the following link:
http://intranet.fsa.usda.gov/fsa/operations/hrd/Climate%20Survey/Climate_Survey_Town_Hall.htm
It appears that you will need to do this on your work computer as it is on the intranet site. Minnesota has also developed a task force to review the top 10 concerns and develop ideas to address these concerns in relation to the Employee Viewpoint Survey. MACS will be represented by Andrea Strand so if you have any issues or concerns or suggestions in regards to this please forward them on to Andrea Strand. They will be meeting May 7th so the timeline is a little tight.
Also, I have now received confirmation that we have the additional MACS reps in place for District 2 – Jessica Heitkamp and District 6 – Paul Peterson. Thank you Jessica & Paul for Volunteering! I will eventually have all of the officers and reps updated on the MACS website.
Lastly, just a reminder that the 2015 NACS/NASE National Convention will be held June 28 – July 1, 2015 in Clayton, MO just outside of St. Louis, MO. The MACS budget does have funds set aside to cover some of the costs for attending this meeting and the NACS organization also has funds set aside for first time attendees. Here is the link for information regarding this convention: http://nacs-fsa.org/
As always if you have any questions or concerns in regards to your job please feel free to pass them along and we will try to help.
Adam Gritz, MACS President
April 2015 Update
I hope spring has found you throughout Minnesota, in Southeast Minnesota the grass is pretty green but at this time no major planting has taken place. As you may or may not be aware, I was recently elected to serve as your MACS President for the next year at last week’s MACS/MNASCOE State Convention. The turnout was very good and a lot of good discussions were held between MACS members and the State Office employees. In addition to myself being elected the following members were elected to the following positions:
Jacob Wolfe, Vice President, FLO Preston
Jim Velde, Secretary, FLM Detroit Lakes (Will take the place of Jerry Hurrle as soon as the board can vote on this.)
Kevin Lehman, Treasurer, FLO Waite Park
Lori Larson, NASE Contact, FLP PT Fairmont
Mark Drewitz, Past President, FLM Rochester
At this time we have confirmed District Reps for District 3, Lisa Wilson, District 5, Kevin Kvistero, and for District 7, Kim Wubbels. Thanks Lisa, Kevin & Kim for agreeing to help. At this time we are still looking for District Reps in the following Districts: 1, 2, 4, & 6. If anyone is interested in volunteering please feel free to contact myself or one of the board members. I will be calling the districts in the coming days to see if we can get some volunteers for these districts. Thanks for all of your help in advance!
In the coming weeks we will also be updating the website to reflect the new officers and representatives and also putting the minutes from the recent State Convention on the website.
I also have been invited to attend a Town Hall Webinar Meeting on behalf of MACS in St. Paul next Tuesday. The Town Hall Meeting will be on Workforce Engagement led by our Administrator Val Dolcini. If you have any questions or concerns that should be brought up at this meeting please feel free to forward them to me by Monday April 20, 2015. I have included the draft memo also that was sent to me if you wish to review and submit your own questions.
In addition to that if you have any comments, issues or concerns in regards to our job over the next year, don't hesitate to contact myself or any of the other officer and we will try to help.
Thanks,
Adam J. Gritz
Farm Loan Manager Preston, MN
MACS President
(507) 226-4474
[email protected]
I hope spring has found you throughout Minnesota, in Southeast Minnesota the grass is pretty green but at this time no major planting has taken place. As you may or may not be aware, I was recently elected to serve as your MACS President for the next year at last week’s MACS/MNASCOE State Convention. The turnout was very good and a lot of good discussions were held between MACS members and the State Office employees. In addition to myself being elected the following members were elected to the following positions:
Jacob Wolfe, Vice President, FLO Preston
Jim Velde, Secretary, FLM Detroit Lakes (Will take the place of Jerry Hurrle as soon as the board can vote on this.)
Kevin Lehman, Treasurer, FLO Waite Park
Lori Larson, NASE Contact, FLP PT Fairmont
Mark Drewitz, Past President, FLM Rochester
At this time we have confirmed District Reps for District 3, Lisa Wilson, District 5, Kevin Kvistero, and for District 7, Kim Wubbels. Thanks Lisa, Kevin & Kim for agreeing to help. At this time we are still looking for District Reps in the following Districts: 1, 2, 4, & 6. If anyone is interested in volunteering please feel free to contact myself or one of the board members. I will be calling the districts in the coming days to see if we can get some volunteers for these districts. Thanks for all of your help in advance!
In the coming weeks we will also be updating the website to reflect the new officers and representatives and also putting the minutes from the recent State Convention on the website.
I also have been invited to attend a Town Hall Webinar Meeting on behalf of MACS in St. Paul next Tuesday. The Town Hall Meeting will be on Workforce Engagement led by our Administrator Val Dolcini. If you have any questions or concerns that should be brought up at this meeting please feel free to forward them to me by Monday April 20, 2015. I have included the draft memo also that was sent to me if you wish to review and submit your own questions.
In addition to that if you have any comments, issues or concerns in regards to our job over the next year, don't hesitate to contact myself or any of the other officer and we will try to help.
Thanks,
Adam J. Gritz
Farm Loan Manager Preston, MN
MACS President
(507) 226-4474
[email protected]
March 2015 Update
Meeting with State Office
The MACS Executive Committee met with SED Deb Crusoe, AO Jane Ray, and Farm Loan Section personnel Brian Hartman, Tom DeCock, Dave Manley, Mike Walzak, Doug Kunde and Pat Gendron on Thursday, March 12. Attached are the issues that were discussed. The notes and responses to these issues will be forthcoming shortly after allowance for those involved to review and/or further research their responses. We expect these to be available by the end of March.
These issues were derived directly from responses from every office as each office was called and their concerns obtained. We had a good full day discussion of the issues. We appreciate and thank the State Office personnel for their contributions.
MACS State Meeting
We would now like to continue the conversation at the upcoming MACS/MNASCOE State Meeting. Here you will have the opportunity to further discuss your concerns personally with State Office personnel, other MACS members or officers, and assist in setting the direction for MACS for the next year. Room reservations at the Radisson Arrowwood - Alexandria need to be made by March 24th.
The MACS Planned Agenda is as follows:
Friday, April 10
9:00 - 11:45 - MACS Business Meeting
Speakers: Deb Crusoe, SED; Jane Ray, AO; Stuart Shelstad, FLC
11:45 - 12:30 - Lunch (on your own)
12:30 - 2:00 - Joint Session with MNASCOE
Speakers/Presentations - Deb Crusoe, SED;
Employee Benefits - Jane Ray, AO;
Bridges to Opportunity - Glenn Schafer, XO
2:00 - 4:00 - Resume MACS Business Meeting
Policy Issues, Officer Reports, Prep for Zone Meeting in Minnesota in 2016,
Resolutions for National or State Presentation, Election of MACS Officers 4:00 - Adjourn
Based on this agenda, per the SED, each attendee will receive 4 hours of administrative leave.
MACS business will be concluded at adjournment on Friday but feel free to stay for the Friday evening banquet. Deb Crusoe, SED, made a special point of requesting that our members and guests be sure to stay for the Friday night activities and therefore get a chance to visit with her 1 on 1. On Saturday morning, Dillard Financial will be putting on a presentation on investment strategies for your TSP and other investments.
EVERY one is invited to the meeting. If you are not now a MACS member, come and see what the Association is all about. Remember, MACS members are eligible for a pro-rata travel reimbursement of the MACS funds allocated for the meeting. MACS will also cover the $5.00 registration fee. You are responsible for the Friday night banquet fee.
Register now at the MACS web site (www.macsfsa.org). For just the Friday meeting, register online. If staying for Friday night into Saturday, access and submit the paper form.
I look forward to seeing you at this years meeting!
Meeting with State Office
The MACS Executive Committee met with SED Deb Crusoe, AO Jane Ray, and Farm Loan Section personnel Brian Hartman, Tom DeCock, Dave Manley, Mike Walzak, Doug Kunde and Pat Gendron on Thursday, March 12. Attached are the issues that were discussed. The notes and responses to these issues will be forthcoming shortly after allowance for those involved to review and/or further research their responses. We expect these to be available by the end of March.
These issues were derived directly from responses from every office as each office was called and their concerns obtained. We had a good full day discussion of the issues. We appreciate and thank the State Office personnel for their contributions.
MACS State Meeting
We would now like to continue the conversation at the upcoming MACS/MNASCOE State Meeting. Here you will have the opportunity to further discuss your concerns personally with State Office personnel, other MACS members or officers, and assist in setting the direction for MACS for the next year. Room reservations at the Radisson Arrowwood - Alexandria need to be made by March 24th.
The MACS Planned Agenda is as follows:
Friday, April 10
9:00 - 11:45 - MACS Business Meeting
Speakers: Deb Crusoe, SED; Jane Ray, AO; Stuart Shelstad, FLC
11:45 - 12:30 - Lunch (on your own)
12:30 - 2:00 - Joint Session with MNASCOE
Speakers/Presentations - Deb Crusoe, SED;
Employee Benefits - Jane Ray, AO;
Bridges to Opportunity - Glenn Schafer, XO
2:00 - 4:00 - Resume MACS Business Meeting
Policy Issues, Officer Reports, Prep for Zone Meeting in Minnesota in 2016,
Resolutions for National or State Presentation, Election of MACS Officers 4:00 - Adjourn
Based on this agenda, per the SED, each attendee will receive 4 hours of administrative leave.
MACS business will be concluded at adjournment on Friday but feel free to stay for the Friday evening banquet. Deb Crusoe, SED, made a special point of requesting that our members and guests be sure to stay for the Friday night activities and therefore get a chance to visit with her 1 on 1. On Saturday morning, Dillard Financial will be putting on a presentation on investment strategies for your TSP and other investments.
EVERY one is invited to the meeting. If you are not now a MACS member, come and see what the Association is all about. Remember, MACS members are eligible for a pro-rata travel reimbursement of the MACS funds allocated for the meeting. MACS will also cover the $5.00 registration fee. You are responsible for the Friday night banquet fee.
Register now at the MACS web site (www.macsfsa.org). For just the Friday meeting, register online. If staying for Friday night into Saturday, access and submit the paper form.
I look forward to seeing you at this years meeting!
February 2015 Update
MACS Meeting with State Office - March 12
At a conference call with the State Office and MNASCOE last week the date was set for the annual consultative meeting with the State Office. This will be held on Thursday, March 12th with meetings with the SED, AO, XO, and Farm Loan staff. MACS' Executive Committee will be attending. Please submit any issues you want addressed to MACS at [email protected]. Also, members attending the meeting will be in contact to obtain your input.
MACS State Meeting - April 10
Our annual state meeting will be held at the Radisson Arrowwood in Alexandria on Friday, April 10. This will be in conjunction with the MNASCOE meeting which will continue into Saturday, April 11th. This is your time for direct access to the SED, FLC and other State Office personnel for questions and discussion of issues. We need your attendance and ideas to make this a productive session. In addition, all MACS officer positions are up for filling.
Zone B Meeting
The Zone B meeting was held in Omaha, NE Feb. 5-7. Chris Beyerhelm, Deputy Administrator Farm Loan Programs, and Greg Diephouse, Deputy Administrator Field Operations, attended the meeting on behalf of the National Office and spoke to the group. The National Office is considering issues such as Micro loan version of Farm Ownership loans, Online Applications for Direct Loans, and Electronic Payment options for borrowers. The National Office plans no changes to the Managed Print Systems and the required use of the Lincpass card to print or copy. It was their assessment users have gotten used to it. They did announce that a new EFT system should be coming in "Spring 2015" which would shorten the validation time from 14 days to 3. The EFT issue has been a long standing issue put forward by the Associations. The meeting was well attended on Friday with many in for the day from Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska. Including NASE an estimated 60 people were in attendance and included all states in Zone B except Oklahoma.
Presentations from the Zone Meeting are posted on the NACS web site (www.nacs-fsa.org). The National Association will be putting out a more extensive newsletter later with notes from the meeting.
Minnesota will be hosting the Zone meeting in 2016. The RD Associations and MACS will be working on hosting this event jointly.
NASE State Contact Vacancy
With the sudden and tragic passing of Wendy Bruce, Farm Loan PT, MACS is in need of a NASE member PT to serve as the NASE State Contact. Ideally, we would like someone to volunteer for this position in time to attend the March 12th meeting. This person would be able to speak with authority on relevant FLP PT issues. Email me at: [email protected] if you have any interest or call me at 507-261-5663.
MACS Meeting with State Office - March 12
At a conference call with the State Office and MNASCOE last week the date was set for the annual consultative meeting with the State Office. This will be held on Thursday, March 12th with meetings with the SED, AO, XO, and Farm Loan staff. MACS' Executive Committee will be attending. Please submit any issues you want addressed to MACS at [email protected]. Also, members attending the meeting will be in contact to obtain your input.
MACS State Meeting - April 10
Our annual state meeting will be held at the Radisson Arrowwood in Alexandria on Friday, April 10. This will be in conjunction with the MNASCOE meeting which will continue into Saturday, April 11th. This is your time for direct access to the SED, FLC and other State Office personnel for questions and discussion of issues. We need your attendance and ideas to make this a productive session. In addition, all MACS officer positions are up for filling.
Zone B Meeting
The Zone B meeting was held in Omaha, NE Feb. 5-7. Chris Beyerhelm, Deputy Administrator Farm Loan Programs, and Greg Diephouse, Deputy Administrator Field Operations, attended the meeting on behalf of the National Office and spoke to the group. The National Office is considering issues such as Micro loan version of Farm Ownership loans, Online Applications for Direct Loans, and Electronic Payment options for borrowers. The National Office plans no changes to the Managed Print Systems and the required use of the Lincpass card to print or copy. It was their assessment users have gotten used to it. They did announce that a new EFT system should be coming in "Spring 2015" which would shorten the validation time from 14 days to 3. The EFT issue has been a long standing issue put forward by the Associations. The meeting was well attended on Friday with many in for the day from Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska. Including NASE an estimated 60 people were in attendance and included all states in Zone B except Oklahoma.
Presentations from the Zone Meeting are posted on the NACS web site (www.nacs-fsa.org). The National Association will be putting out a more extensive newsletter later with notes from the meeting.
Minnesota will be hosting the Zone meeting in 2016. The RD Associations and MACS will be working on hosting this event jointly.
NASE State Contact Vacancy
With the sudden and tragic passing of Wendy Bruce, Farm Loan PT, MACS is in need of a NASE member PT to serve as the NASE State Contact. Ideally, we would like someone to volunteer for this position in time to attend the March 12th meeting. This person would be able to speak with authority on relevant FLP PT issues. Email me at: [email protected] if you have any interest or call me at 507-261-5663.
December 2014 Update
Staffing
A few weeks ago NACS sent out a message advising that the National Office had released to the states additional FTE's for FLP. Each state was to receive a 5% bump plus additional based on workload. Per contact with our SED Deb Crusoe, Minnesota received 7 additional FTE's which the SED has earmarked for hiring of additional FLOT's. Two FLOT positions were already in the hiring process but that list has not yet been received from KCMO. This gives a total of 9 FLOT positions to be filled. The placement of these positions has not yet been determined and will be further discussed in January.
Question was asked about the workload model to be used for a decision aid in FLOT placement. The spreadsheet used previously apparently will be updated so we can probably expect information requests on certain elements that are included in the calculations.
Last week also brought with it vacancy announcements for 4 FLM positions - Mankato, Little Falls, Wadena and Mora. If you have comments, suggestions on staffing and FLOT locations please let me know.
Receipt for Service
With the implementation of receipt for service please ensure to note issues or concerns with the process and forward these to me so these may be brought to NACS for national action. The apparent duplication of actions in receiving applications has already been brought forward to the National Office for possible relief. The upcoming Zone Meeting in Omaha in February will likely afford an opportunity to provide feedback on this process.
Zone Meeting - 2016 in Minnesota??
Representatives from the RD associations and MACS met via conference call in mid November to discuss early planning needs for possibly hosting the 2016 zone meeting. After the 2015 Zone Meeting further work will take place on establishing committees and staffing with volunteers, if the MN bid is successful.
FLM's on the Move
Four Minnesota FLM's are on the move - Mark Baumann, Mankato; Mark Krinke, Little Falls; Larry Stanek, Bagley; and Steve Hillbrand, Mora; are retiring from FSA. We appreciate their years of USDA service, service at various times to MACS, and extend our best wishes!
UCC Update
As you may know, the planned state-wide implementation of on-line UCC actions was canceled because the Secretary of State discontinued the method of payment that was compatible with FSA capabilities. Research by the State Office is continuing in an attempt to find an alternate method for using and paying for on-line capacities. We will continue to follow up on this process.
Zone B Meeting - February 5-7, 2015
The Zone Meeting will be here before you know it. The deadline for registration is January 4, 2015 for both the meeting registration and the hotel registration. The registration form is attached. Please take this opportunity to provide feedback directly to the National Office as well as your NACS officers. Remember - MACS has budgeted funds to help offset some of the cost of attending.
Reminder
MACS has a regular scheduled conference call with the State Office to review issues. If you have any concerns you wish discussed, please forward them to me. Also, feel free to share this email with your non-member co-workers.
Staffing
A few weeks ago NACS sent out a message advising that the National Office had released to the states additional FTE's for FLP. Each state was to receive a 5% bump plus additional based on workload. Per contact with our SED Deb Crusoe, Minnesota received 7 additional FTE's which the SED has earmarked for hiring of additional FLOT's. Two FLOT positions were already in the hiring process but that list has not yet been received from KCMO. This gives a total of 9 FLOT positions to be filled. The placement of these positions has not yet been determined and will be further discussed in January.
Question was asked about the workload model to be used for a decision aid in FLOT placement. The spreadsheet used previously apparently will be updated so we can probably expect information requests on certain elements that are included in the calculations.
Last week also brought with it vacancy announcements for 4 FLM positions - Mankato, Little Falls, Wadena and Mora. If you have comments, suggestions on staffing and FLOT locations please let me know.
Receipt for Service
With the implementation of receipt for service please ensure to note issues or concerns with the process and forward these to me so these may be brought to NACS for national action. The apparent duplication of actions in receiving applications has already been brought forward to the National Office for possible relief. The upcoming Zone Meeting in Omaha in February will likely afford an opportunity to provide feedback on this process.
Zone Meeting - 2016 in Minnesota??
Representatives from the RD associations and MACS met via conference call in mid November to discuss early planning needs for possibly hosting the 2016 zone meeting. After the 2015 Zone Meeting further work will take place on establishing committees and staffing with volunteers, if the MN bid is successful.
FLM's on the Move
Four Minnesota FLM's are on the move - Mark Baumann, Mankato; Mark Krinke, Little Falls; Larry Stanek, Bagley; and Steve Hillbrand, Mora; are retiring from FSA. We appreciate their years of USDA service, service at various times to MACS, and extend our best wishes!
UCC Update
As you may know, the planned state-wide implementation of on-line UCC actions was canceled because the Secretary of State discontinued the method of payment that was compatible with FSA capabilities. Research by the State Office is continuing in an attempt to find an alternate method for using and paying for on-line capacities. We will continue to follow up on this process.
Zone B Meeting - February 5-7, 2015
The Zone Meeting will be here before you know it. The deadline for registration is January 4, 2015 for both the meeting registration and the hotel registration. The registration form is attached. Please take this opportunity to provide feedback directly to the National Office as well as your NACS officers. Remember - MACS has budgeted funds to help offset some of the cost of attending.
Reminder
MACS has a regular scheduled conference call with the State Office to review issues. If you have any concerns you wish discussed, please forward them to me. Also, feel free to share this email with your non-member co-workers.
October 2014 Update
FLP Email Policy
A National Notice was issued regarding the use of email for FLP customers. The Notice appeared to unnecessarily restrict the use of email. Questions were raised on this to both the State Office as well as to the national leadership of NACS. Feedback received via NACS from the National Office indicated this Notice could be changed. In the meantime it was pointed out the Notice referred to the email itself and not to an encrypted attachment.
DLS & FSFL
With the movement of FSFL into DLS questions were brought to MACS as to the dashboard showing all borrowers - FLP and FSFL. This concern was again passed through NACS to the National Office. The National Office said this was their intent because more employees now have "dual roles". Further details were brought forward with the suggestion that a filter option be provided to allow to view all, view FLP or view FSFL as without it the dashboard effectively becomes worthless. It appears a resolution will be needed and this brought forward to the National Office after receiving the support of NACS at next year's national convention. It does not appear at this point the National Office believes this is a problem.
With the movement into DLS the FBP FSFL Credit Presentation became active. The credit presentation is the slimmed down version that NACS proposed as an alternative to the National Office original model. The original model had 18 extra items of financial data required to be entered into each one as a transfer from the cash flow.
Discussion was brought up with the State Office on training on how they expect the FBP to be completed. This may be covered at training that will be upcoming.
Receipt for Service
It appears that this process will begin shortly, perhaps as early as Nov. 3rd, following National training, likely in AgLearn. This is the result of a provision in the Farm Bill and is not as a result of policy decision by FSA. On a conference call with the SED, XO, and AO, they stated they believe this will impact FLP much more than Farm Programs. If this process is burdensome and restricts our abilities to assist clients timely, we will need to work through our legislative consultant to educate Congress so that this provision can be removed.
The State Office believes this will provide valuable data documenting what actions FSA is undertaking and completing.
2016 Zone Meeting
The MACS Board on a recent conference call decided to pursue a bid to have the 2016 Zone meeting (meeting of the 9 central states from MN to TX for NACS and NASE) in MN in February 2016. This would be a joint effort with RD. An early planning committee of 2-3 people is needed to canvass for possible sites, etc. If you would like to be a part of this let me know at [email protected]. At this point, I will be coordinating this effort.
2015 MACS State Meeting
Our State Meeting will be held on Friday, April 10, 2015 at the Radisson Arrowood in Alexandria. Plans are for MACS to complete our meeting all on Friday, with some joint time with MNASCOE for State Office personnel presentations, etc. More details as these become known. Save this data so you can have a say in your Association's future.
Conference Call with SED, XO and AO - October 20
A conference call was held to review pending issues. Due to absences in the State Office and other scheduling issues this was the first for a couple months. The following issues were discussed beyond that already mentioned:
Service Center Structure (SCS)
The State Office has not been actively working on a plan (see NACS email of early September) nor has the National Office requested one and in fact has said one should not be submitted at this time. They expect this will be a late fall to winter process and are considering putting together a team to work on this. They are actively soliciting for ideas on the process and how best to put together a plan for SCS. If you have thoughts on how this process should work, please forward them to MACS at [email protected].
Additional GS Staff
Until the full budget for FY 2015 is passed there is nothing expected on this.
2014 Performance Review and FY 2015 Performance Plan
If not already done, the 2014 performance reviews can be completed on paper per PM Notice 2918. However, the loading of the ratings will be done by the State Office. A National Office notice on that process is yet to be received so following completion of the paper ratings, we need to wait until that notice is received.
A second notice from the National Office is expected regarding the contents and completion of the 2015 plans. At this point, until that Notice is received, we cannot complete plans. For FY 2015 additional rating weight is given to Supervision and Execution of Duties. Where your critical elements once counted a weight of 2, these will not count a weight of 4. This was a USDA requirement.
Vacancies
The FLM position in Fairmont is filled. (Congratulations to Paul Peterson!) The advertisement for two FLOT positions has recently closed and the process for the District 4 District Director is also moving forward. The FLP PT position in Stearns County is delayed awaiting the certificate from KCMO. Yet to be advertised is an Admin Specialist position. This would put the State at their ceiling of 108 GS.
On the CO side there are currently 305 on-board, 330 ceiling, 15 PT positions in the hiring or on-boarding process and 4 COTS as well. Current temps are on till Dec. 31st. A lesser number of these may be extended after that date.
Upcoming Training
Expected training is UCC statewide on Oct. 30, FLP training (2 sites) mid November and for NAP is the first week of December.
Misc. Topics
Questions were raised about the workload numbers. The SED has seen these but not shared them with anyone else. She hasn't decided if these will be released.
Outreach - This should be about reaching all those who we are not currently reaching now. Discussion was on use of paper newsletters vs. GovDelivery. County Offices were encouraged to find other ways to notify farmers as possible such as posting newsletter in locations convenient to farmers and prospective farmers.
The next MACS-MNASCOE-State Office call is scheduled for Dec. 9th.
If you have any issues or concerns that should be brought forward to either State or National Office please ensure these are heard. Email them to MACS at [email protected].
FLP Email Policy
A National Notice was issued regarding the use of email for FLP customers. The Notice appeared to unnecessarily restrict the use of email. Questions were raised on this to both the State Office as well as to the national leadership of NACS. Feedback received via NACS from the National Office indicated this Notice could be changed. In the meantime it was pointed out the Notice referred to the email itself and not to an encrypted attachment.
DLS & FSFL
With the movement of FSFL into DLS questions were brought to MACS as to the dashboard showing all borrowers - FLP and FSFL. This concern was again passed through NACS to the National Office. The National Office said this was their intent because more employees now have "dual roles". Further details were brought forward with the suggestion that a filter option be provided to allow to view all, view FLP or view FSFL as without it the dashboard effectively becomes worthless. It appears a resolution will be needed and this brought forward to the National Office after receiving the support of NACS at next year's national convention. It does not appear at this point the National Office believes this is a problem.
With the movement into DLS the FBP FSFL Credit Presentation became active. The credit presentation is the slimmed down version that NACS proposed as an alternative to the National Office original model. The original model had 18 extra items of financial data required to be entered into each one as a transfer from the cash flow.
Discussion was brought up with the State Office on training on how they expect the FBP to be completed. This may be covered at training that will be upcoming.
Receipt for Service
It appears that this process will begin shortly, perhaps as early as Nov. 3rd, following National training, likely in AgLearn. This is the result of a provision in the Farm Bill and is not as a result of policy decision by FSA. On a conference call with the SED, XO, and AO, they stated they believe this will impact FLP much more than Farm Programs. If this process is burdensome and restricts our abilities to assist clients timely, we will need to work through our legislative consultant to educate Congress so that this provision can be removed.
The State Office believes this will provide valuable data documenting what actions FSA is undertaking and completing.
2016 Zone Meeting
The MACS Board on a recent conference call decided to pursue a bid to have the 2016 Zone meeting (meeting of the 9 central states from MN to TX for NACS and NASE) in MN in February 2016. This would be a joint effort with RD. An early planning committee of 2-3 people is needed to canvass for possible sites, etc. If you would like to be a part of this let me know at [email protected]. At this point, I will be coordinating this effort.
2015 MACS State Meeting
Our State Meeting will be held on Friday, April 10, 2015 at the Radisson Arrowood in Alexandria. Plans are for MACS to complete our meeting all on Friday, with some joint time with MNASCOE for State Office personnel presentations, etc. More details as these become known. Save this data so you can have a say in your Association's future.
Conference Call with SED, XO and AO - October 20
A conference call was held to review pending issues. Due to absences in the State Office and other scheduling issues this was the first for a couple months. The following issues were discussed beyond that already mentioned:
Service Center Structure (SCS)
The State Office has not been actively working on a plan (see NACS email of early September) nor has the National Office requested one and in fact has said one should not be submitted at this time. They expect this will be a late fall to winter process and are considering putting together a team to work on this. They are actively soliciting for ideas on the process and how best to put together a plan for SCS. If you have thoughts on how this process should work, please forward them to MACS at [email protected].
Additional GS Staff
Until the full budget for FY 2015 is passed there is nothing expected on this.
2014 Performance Review and FY 2015 Performance Plan
If not already done, the 2014 performance reviews can be completed on paper per PM Notice 2918. However, the loading of the ratings will be done by the State Office. A National Office notice on that process is yet to be received so following completion of the paper ratings, we need to wait until that notice is received.
A second notice from the National Office is expected regarding the contents and completion of the 2015 plans. At this point, until that Notice is received, we cannot complete plans. For FY 2015 additional rating weight is given to Supervision and Execution of Duties. Where your critical elements once counted a weight of 2, these will not count a weight of 4. This was a USDA requirement.
Vacancies
The FLM position in Fairmont is filled. (Congratulations to Paul Peterson!) The advertisement for two FLOT positions has recently closed and the process for the District 4 District Director is also moving forward. The FLP PT position in Stearns County is delayed awaiting the certificate from KCMO. Yet to be advertised is an Admin Specialist position. This would put the State at their ceiling of 108 GS.
On the CO side there are currently 305 on-board, 330 ceiling, 15 PT positions in the hiring or on-boarding process and 4 COTS as well. Current temps are on till Dec. 31st. A lesser number of these may be extended after that date.
Upcoming Training
Expected training is UCC statewide on Oct. 30, FLP training (2 sites) mid November and for NAP is the first week of December.
Misc. Topics
Questions were raised about the workload numbers. The SED has seen these but not shared them with anyone else. She hasn't decided if these will be released.
Outreach - This should be about reaching all those who we are not currently reaching now. Discussion was on use of paper newsletters vs. GovDelivery. County Offices were encouraged to find other ways to notify farmers as possible such as posting newsletter in locations convenient to farmers and prospective farmers.
The next MACS-MNASCOE-State Office call is scheduled for Dec. 9th.
If you have any issues or concerns that should be brought forward to either State or National Office please ensure these are heard. Email them to MACS at [email protected].
July 2014 Update
It may be mid summer but we are into a new MACS fiscal year. This means another year of MACS business and this also means we need you!
2014-15 MACS
Dues
Your 2014-15 MACS Dues are now due. If paying by dues withholding, no change is needed, as dues have remained the same. If you pay by check, please send your check to Kevin Lehman, MACS Treasurer, FSA, 110 2nd St S, #128, Waite Park, MN 56387 by August 15th. You may also pay on-line for the same amount for your convenience. Follow the link below to pay on line.
Pay MACS Dues On-line!
Budget
With the adoption of the dues a new budget for 2014-15 was also adopted. This budget provides for member reimbursement for attendance at zone meeting, national convention and for those requiring overnight stay at the state meeting.
NASE State Contact
Wendy Bruce, FLP PT, Rochester has been confirmed as NASE State Contact. Any NASE or PT issues that need to be brought forward may be provided to Wendy or to the entire MACS Board by emailing us at [email protected].
NACS National Convention Summary
The NACS convention was held in Rosemont, IL June 29-July 2. One MACS member attended. MACS, based on membership, could have had up to 3 official delegates. A more detailed report has been posted to the MACS web site and is also available by following the link here.
Many resolutions were acted upon and the full listing of resolutions will be posted by NACS shortly. Resolutions from Minnesota, from the State Meeting in April as well as members, had the following actions taken:
1. Update the printing process in FBP. - Adopted
2. A task force of FLP employees meet with the National Office and the Web Equity designers to develop enhancements for the Farm Business Plan. The improvements would improve and benefit the Web Equity product and be funded by Web Equity. - Adopted
3. When a payment is coded as the final payment and the loan is paid-in-full, the county office should be allowed to cancel the funds. Not Adopted - Concern was over how to ensure the borrower was in agreement that did not want the remaining funds.
4. The National Office should define the terms of the appraisal contracts and define what enforcement action can be taken. New appraisers should also be recruited to complete FSA appraisals and promote more competition. - Adopted
5. The new FSA-2040 and FSA-2045 are not workable for cull cows, machinery trades, etc. National Office has refused to correct issues with the new forms. The new forms should be abolished and return to the old FSA-2040 system. Adopted - There was much discussion over the solution to this problem; however, there was uniformity of agreement that the new process is badly flawed.
I will follow the progress of these resolutions as the are reviewed and responded to by the National Office.
NACS/NASE Officers
Your new National Officers for NACS are:
President - Tanya Dostal, FLS, Washington State
Vice President - Lisa Lisa, FLM, Nebraska
Secretary - Theresa Windham, FLM, Georgia
Treasurer - Marla Koerner, SFLO, Ohio
Past President - Allen Hall, Nebraska
The NACS Zone Rep for our area is Tom Shelton, FLO, Missouri.
The new NASE National President is Marilyn McMullen of Montana.
Conference Call with State Office
A conference call was held Wednesday, July 16th with the SED, AO and MNASCOE President. MACS had raised questions concerning the staffing plans and other issues.
Staffing
Minnesota received 1 additional FTE in the national right-sizing process. Discussion centered on the needs for FLP field office personnel in all categories with priority for the vacant PT positions. The State Office is expecting to complete the assessment and obtain the necessary approvals shortly. No FLP office locations will be changed or closed pending action from the national level on the Secretary's CBS office restructuring process.
Loan Funds/Staffing
MACS has also raised concerns regarding the anticipated substantial increase in loan $$ for FY 15 yet these loan funds may not be available until part way through the year, if at all, and the additional FTE slots that are to come with this may not be available until spring/summer 2015. The National Office has been encouraging marketing efforts for the additional loan funds. The State Office is aware they need to develop a consistent marketing message to ensure that we don't under promise or over promise what may occur in FY 15.
MN FLP Memo 14-246 - AgStar and SDA Applicants
The SED advised this memo will be re-issued and revised to remove the requirement to approve the loan "subject to other credit not being available". MACS had requested this change due to procedure concerns about approving a loan subject to eligibility criteria.
UCC Online Filing Update
District 7 will be receiving training this week on the UCC online filing and lien search process. In June, State Office members tested the system. The training and use of the system is being piloted in District 7 with the expectation of going state wide later this year. MACS members have been working closely with the State Office since the inception of this MACS initiative.
MACS 2015 State Meeting
Adam Gritz, Farm Loan Manager, Preston, has agreed to head up the 2015 State Meeting for MACS. If you have any suggestions or just wish to help out, contact Adam.
Please ensure all FLP personnel in your office and in your district receive this update.
It may be mid summer but we are into a new MACS fiscal year. This means another year of MACS business and this also means we need you!
2014-15 MACS
Dues
Your 2014-15 MACS Dues are now due. If paying by dues withholding, no change is needed, as dues have remained the same. If you pay by check, please send your check to Kevin Lehman, MACS Treasurer, FSA, 110 2nd St S, #128, Waite Park, MN 56387 by August 15th. You may also pay on-line for the same amount for your convenience. Follow the link below to pay on line.
Pay MACS Dues On-line!
Budget
With the adoption of the dues a new budget for 2014-15 was also adopted. This budget provides for member reimbursement for attendance at zone meeting, national convention and for those requiring overnight stay at the state meeting.
NASE State Contact
Wendy Bruce, FLP PT, Rochester has been confirmed as NASE State Contact. Any NASE or PT issues that need to be brought forward may be provided to Wendy or to the entire MACS Board by emailing us at [email protected].
NACS National Convention Summary
The NACS convention was held in Rosemont, IL June 29-July 2. One MACS member attended. MACS, based on membership, could have had up to 3 official delegates. A more detailed report has been posted to the MACS web site and is also available by following the link here.
Many resolutions were acted upon and the full listing of resolutions will be posted by NACS shortly. Resolutions from Minnesota, from the State Meeting in April as well as members, had the following actions taken:
1. Update the printing process in FBP. - Adopted
2. A task force of FLP employees meet with the National Office and the Web Equity designers to develop enhancements for the Farm Business Plan. The improvements would improve and benefit the Web Equity product and be funded by Web Equity. - Adopted
3. When a payment is coded as the final payment and the loan is paid-in-full, the county office should be allowed to cancel the funds. Not Adopted - Concern was over how to ensure the borrower was in agreement that did not want the remaining funds.
4. The National Office should define the terms of the appraisal contracts and define what enforcement action can be taken. New appraisers should also be recruited to complete FSA appraisals and promote more competition. - Adopted
5. The new FSA-2040 and FSA-2045 are not workable for cull cows, machinery trades, etc. National Office has refused to correct issues with the new forms. The new forms should be abolished and return to the old FSA-2040 system. Adopted - There was much discussion over the solution to this problem; however, there was uniformity of agreement that the new process is badly flawed.
I will follow the progress of these resolutions as the are reviewed and responded to by the National Office.
NACS/NASE Officers
Your new National Officers for NACS are:
President - Tanya Dostal, FLS, Washington State
Vice President - Lisa Lisa, FLM, Nebraska
Secretary - Theresa Windham, FLM, Georgia
Treasurer - Marla Koerner, SFLO, Ohio
Past President - Allen Hall, Nebraska
The NACS Zone Rep for our area is Tom Shelton, FLO, Missouri.
The new NASE National President is Marilyn McMullen of Montana.
Conference Call with State Office
A conference call was held Wednesday, July 16th with the SED, AO and MNASCOE President. MACS had raised questions concerning the staffing plans and other issues.
Staffing
Minnesota received 1 additional FTE in the national right-sizing process. Discussion centered on the needs for FLP field office personnel in all categories with priority for the vacant PT positions. The State Office is expecting to complete the assessment and obtain the necessary approvals shortly. No FLP office locations will be changed or closed pending action from the national level on the Secretary's CBS office restructuring process.
Loan Funds/Staffing
MACS has also raised concerns regarding the anticipated substantial increase in loan $$ for FY 15 yet these loan funds may not be available until part way through the year, if at all, and the additional FTE slots that are to come with this may not be available until spring/summer 2015. The National Office has been encouraging marketing efforts for the additional loan funds. The State Office is aware they need to develop a consistent marketing message to ensure that we don't under promise or over promise what may occur in FY 15.
MN FLP Memo 14-246 - AgStar and SDA Applicants
The SED advised this memo will be re-issued and revised to remove the requirement to approve the loan "subject to other credit not being available". MACS had requested this change due to procedure concerns about approving a loan subject to eligibility criteria.
UCC Online Filing Update
District 7 will be receiving training this week on the UCC online filing and lien search process. In June, State Office members tested the system. The training and use of the system is being piloted in District 7 with the expectation of going state wide later this year. MACS members have been working closely with the State Office since the inception of this MACS initiative.
MACS 2015 State Meeting
Adam Gritz, Farm Loan Manager, Preston, has agreed to head up the 2015 State Meeting for MACS. If you have any suggestions or just wish to help out, contact Adam.
Please ensure all FLP personnel in your office and in your district receive this update.
MACS Update June 2014
Greetings Members and Prospective Members!
Membership Coming Due
The MACS year ends on June 30 so it will soon be time to renew your membership or if you are not currently a member, to join for the year 2014-2015. MACS is your organization to have an impact on policies and procedures which affect your daily work life as well as enhancing the programs we deliver for our farm customers. Following you will see some examples that we are currently involved with.
Online Filing and Lien Searches
The State Office will be conducting a live usage with actual filings and lien searches from District 7 this coming Thursday, June 19, 2014 at the Rochester office. They intend to see and use the system to gain a better understanding to writeup the instructions for the use of this sysem with the MN Secretary of State. Accounts have been established with the Secretary of State and following a period of usage in District 7 the plan is to implement state-wide.
Online filing and lien searches will speed up the process for loan making as well as loan servicing actions.
MACS researched this, as a joint effort with MNASCOE, and presented and proposed this in Feb., 2014. We are encouraged that progress is occurring on this effort.
MN FLP Memo 14-246 - AgStar & SDA Applicants
Discussion occurred with the Farm Loan Section as well as the SED on the contents of this memo. The clarifications on the process that were stated on the state wide conference call were much appreciated and followed extensive discussions that occurred previous. MACS has a remaining concern with approving a loan and inserting a condition on the FSA-2313 regarding that the loan is approved "subject to other credit not being available." This concern arises from approving a loan subject to a basic eligibility criteria.
A memo requesting modification of this policy was sent to the SED, cc State Office Farm Loan Staff, and a follow-up discussion via phone conference was conducted the next week. A determination by the SED has not yet been made. We will be following up on this. You may access a copy of the MACS memo which outlines the specific issues by clicking HERE.
FLP Office Restructure Task Force
MACS has representation on the task force that met in May and has since submitted their report to the SED. Discussion has occurred with the SED that MACS, as an Association, would like to review and provide comment/input on the proposals. The SED has not yet fully studied the proposals but did indicate that an ability to comment would be provided. The pending CBS proposal by the USDA Secretary may impact the timing of and ability to implement any proposal. In addition, the State has received new FTE numbers which are slightly improved from previous.
Monthly Conference Call with State Office
A monthly conference call has been instituted with the SED, AO and XO which includes both MACS and MNASCOE. MACS suggested during discussion in early May and we appreciate this opportunity to have regular exchange of information. Make sure to forward to me any concerns that need to be addressed so they can be brought up on these calls.
National Convention
The NACS/NASE/NADD national convention to be held in Rosemount, IL June 30 - July 2 is an excellent opportunity for you to make your concerns known. Even if you are not attending, you may forward your concerns as either a resolution for action via the NACS web site (www.nacs-fsa.org) or email them directly to me at [email protected]. National Office personnel will be in attendance as well as all the NACS/NASE officers.
Your Minnesota Association adopted and submitted for consideration at the convention 5 resolutions.
Please ensure all members and prospective members have access to this update by passing it through your regular office mail. MACS works best when members provide active input! Thank you for your assistance.
Mark Drewitz
MACS President
Greetings Members and Prospective Members!
Membership Coming Due
The MACS year ends on June 30 so it will soon be time to renew your membership or if you are not currently a member, to join for the year 2014-2015. MACS is your organization to have an impact on policies and procedures which affect your daily work life as well as enhancing the programs we deliver for our farm customers. Following you will see some examples that we are currently involved with.
Online Filing and Lien Searches
The State Office will be conducting a live usage with actual filings and lien searches from District 7 this coming Thursday, June 19, 2014 at the Rochester office. They intend to see and use the system to gain a better understanding to writeup the instructions for the use of this sysem with the MN Secretary of State. Accounts have been established with the Secretary of State and following a period of usage in District 7 the plan is to implement state-wide.
Online filing and lien searches will speed up the process for loan making as well as loan servicing actions.
MACS researched this, as a joint effort with MNASCOE, and presented and proposed this in Feb., 2014. We are encouraged that progress is occurring on this effort.
MN FLP Memo 14-246 - AgStar & SDA Applicants
Discussion occurred with the Farm Loan Section as well as the SED on the contents of this memo. The clarifications on the process that were stated on the state wide conference call were much appreciated and followed extensive discussions that occurred previous. MACS has a remaining concern with approving a loan and inserting a condition on the FSA-2313 regarding that the loan is approved "subject to other credit not being available." This concern arises from approving a loan subject to a basic eligibility criteria.
A memo requesting modification of this policy was sent to the SED, cc State Office Farm Loan Staff, and a follow-up discussion via phone conference was conducted the next week. A determination by the SED has not yet been made. We will be following up on this. You may access a copy of the MACS memo which outlines the specific issues by clicking HERE.
FLP Office Restructure Task Force
MACS has representation on the task force that met in May and has since submitted their report to the SED. Discussion has occurred with the SED that MACS, as an Association, would like to review and provide comment/input on the proposals. The SED has not yet fully studied the proposals but did indicate that an ability to comment would be provided. The pending CBS proposal by the USDA Secretary may impact the timing of and ability to implement any proposal. In addition, the State has received new FTE numbers which are slightly improved from previous.
Monthly Conference Call with State Office
A monthly conference call has been instituted with the SED, AO and XO which includes both MACS and MNASCOE. MACS suggested during discussion in early May and we appreciate this opportunity to have regular exchange of information. Make sure to forward to me any concerns that need to be addressed so they can be brought up on these calls.
National Convention
The NACS/NASE/NADD national convention to be held in Rosemount, IL June 30 - July 2 is an excellent opportunity for you to make your concerns known. Even if you are not attending, you may forward your concerns as either a resolution for action via the NACS web site (www.nacs-fsa.org) or email them directly to me at [email protected]. National Office personnel will be in attendance as well as all the NACS/NASE officers.
Your Minnesota Association adopted and submitted for consideration at the convention 5 resolutions.
Please ensure all members and prospective members have access to this update by passing it through your regular office mail. MACS works best when members provide active input! Thank you for your assistance.
Mark Drewitz
MACS President
Bulletin # 14
Jan. 20, 2014
MACS members and your Board will be busy over the next few weeks and your input and assistance is welcomed. Following is the schedule of activities.
Feb. 6-8, 2014 - Zone B Meeting in Kansas City, MO. If you have issues or possible policy/procedure/forms changes you would like to see brought up you can email them by replying to this email. Better yet, you can still attend the meeting! A report on the meeting will be issued after the meeting. At least 3 MACS members will be attending.
Feb. 11, 2014 - Meeting with State Office regarding on-line UCC filing and searches. A joint meeting with MNASCOE to present the findings/recommendations of the UCC study group is planned. Kim Wubbels from the study group as well myself and Adam Gritz, V.P. will be attending on behalf of MACS.
Feb. 12, 13th or 14th - Planned teleconference of the MACS Board in prep for State Office annual consultative meeting on Feb. 25th and to review UCC meeting. District Representatives will be asked to contact all offices regarding issues/concerns for the meeting.
Feb. 18, 2014 - Deadline for submission of issues for discussion at the annual consultative meeting with the State Office on Feb. 25th. Email ANY concerns, issues to [email protected].
Feb. 25, 2014 - Annual consultative meeting with State Office. The MACS officers will attend this meeting and follow-up reports will be provided after.
April 11, 2014 - MACS/MNASCOE Annual Meeting at the Radisson Arrowwood, Alexandria beginning at 8:00 p.m. MNASCOE is also hosting their Midwest Area Rally at the same time. This will afford us the opportunity to interact with any National Office speakers present or attending via video conference. MACS will also be completing our regular business as well and our expectation is to complete business by end of day Friday. See the draft agenda attached. We need your presence to take care of needed business.
Please share this notice with co-workers who need to be members yet!
Jan. 20, 2014
MACS members and your Board will be busy over the next few weeks and your input and assistance is welcomed. Following is the schedule of activities.
Feb. 6-8, 2014 - Zone B Meeting in Kansas City, MO. If you have issues or possible policy/procedure/forms changes you would like to see brought up you can email them by replying to this email. Better yet, you can still attend the meeting! A report on the meeting will be issued after the meeting. At least 3 MACS members will be attending.
Feb. 11, 2014 - Meeting with State Office regarding on-line UCC filing and searches. A joint meeting with MNASCOE to present the findings/recommendations of the UCC study group is planned. Kim Wubbels from the study group as well myself and Adam Gritz, V.P. will be attending on behalf of MACS.
Feb. 12, 13th or 14th - Planned teleconference of the MACS Board in prep for State Office annual consultative meeting on Feb. 25th and to review UCC meeting. District Representatives will be asked to contact all offices regarding issues/concerns for the meeting.
Feb. 18, 2014 - Deadline for submission of issues for discussion at the annual consultative meeting with the State Office on Feb. 25th. Email ANY concerns, issues to [email protected].
Feb. 25, 2014 - Annual consultative meeting with State Office. The MACS officers will attend this meeting and follow-up reports will be provided after.
April 11, 2014 - MACS/MNASCOE Annual Meeting at the Radisson Arrowwood, Alexandria beginning at 8:00 p.m. MNASCOE is also hosting their Midwest Area Rally at the same time. This will afford us the opportunity to interact with any National Office speakers present or attending via video conference. MACS will also be completing our regular business as well and our expectation is to complete business by end of day Friday. See the draft agenda attached. We need your presence to take care of needed business.
Please share this notice with co-workers who need to be members yet!
Bulletin # 13
Jan. 2, 2014
Greetings and Welcome to the New Year! Hopefully everyone had a good New Year's as we begin to get back to our regular work routine. There are several MACS/NACS/NASE activities upcoming for member participation.
Zone B Meeting - This years meeting is in Kansas City, MO. Registration deadline without a late fee is Jan. 6, 2014. The meeting begins at 8:00 a.m. Friday and should conclude by noon on Saturday. Friday morning and early afternoon is when meetings with National Office personnel via video conference and in person take place. Typically Chris Beyerhelm, Deputy Administrator Farm Loan Programs attends for the National Office or his deputy Jim Radintz. Members will have the opportunity to discuss issues and enter into Q & A's with the National Office. Your Association National President and other select officers will also be present. Your attendance at the meeting lends support to the Association for work on topics of concern. The registration form and hotel information is available by clicking here!
MACS Consultative Meeting with State Office - This meeting is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 25, 2014. Now is the time to submit your topics and concerns for discussion with the State Office. You may do so by sending a reply email to this message. MACS will be following-up on:
Your concern or issue may be shared by others. Make sure to send these in by Feb. 1.
MACS Annual Meeting - The annual meeting will take place on Friday, April 11th at the Radisson Arrowwood in Alexandria, MN. MNASCOE will be holding their Midwest Area Rally at the same time. This will afford attendees of the MACS meeting an opportunity to hear and participate with the National Office speakers that either attend or speak to the group via video conference. MACS will complete our business of meetings with State Office personnel, adoption of resolutions and election of officers by end of day Friday. You may wish to stay on and participate in the MNASCOE activities afterwards. More on the registration process later.
As you can see there are opportunities to meet and interact with State and National Office personnel over the next few months. The resolutions and National Office responses to them have recently been posted to the NACS web site (www.nacs-fsa.org). A review of these resolutions indicates a high percentage that have been or will be implemented by the National Office. These all started with local members looking at the programs, their jobs, and ways to make them all work better for our farm clients. If you are not yet a member, please consider becoming one today. We need your support!
Jan. 2, 2014
Greetings and Welcome to the New Year! Hopefully everyone had a good New Year's as we begin to get back to our regular work routine. There are several MACS/NACS/NASE activities upcoming for member participation.
Zone B Meeting - This years meeting is in Kansas City, MO. Registration deadline without a late fee is Jan. 6, 2014. The meeting begins at 8:00 a.m. Friday and should conclude by noon on Saturday. Friday morning and early afternoon is when meetings with National Office personnel via video conference and in person take place. Typically Chris Beyerhelm, Deputy Administrator Farm Loan Programs attends for the National Office or his deputy Jim Radintz. Members will have the opportunity to discuss issues and enter into Q & A's with the National Office. Your Association National President and other select officers will also be present. Your attendance at the meeting lends support to the Association for work on topics of concern. The registration form and hotel information is available by clicking here!
MACS Consultative Meeting with State Office - This meeting is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 25, 2014. Now is the time to submit your topics and concerns for discussion with the State Office. You may do so by sending a reply email to this message. MACS will be following-up on:
- Online UCC Filing and Lien Searches - A joint MACS-MNASCOE task force has been researching this system for possible implementation for MN FSA.
- Distressed Borrower Resources - This would replace the requirement to use the MFAN card.
- Training - Using alternatives to conference calls for training. Using Live Meeting, Video Training, or combination of types.
- Performance Plans - Review streamlining options.
Your concern or issue may be shared by others. Make sure to send these in by Feb. 1.
MACS Annual Meeting - The annual meeting will take place on Friday, April 11th at the Radisson Arrowwood in Alexandria, MN. MNASCOE will be holding their Midwest Area Rally at the same time. This will afford attendees of the MACS meeting an opportunity to hear and participate with the National Office speakers that either attend or speak to the group via video conference. MACS will complete our business of meetings with State Office personnel, adoption of resolutions and election of officers by end of day Friday. You may wish to stay on and participate in the MNASCOE activities afterwards. More on the registration process later.
As you can see there are opportunities to meet and interact with State and National Office personnel over the next few months. The resolutions and National Office responses to them have recently been posted to the NACS web site (www.nacs-fsa.org). A review of these resolutions indicates a high percentage that have been or will be implemented by the National Office. These all started with local members looking at the programs, their jobs, and ways to make them all work better for our farm clients. If you are not yet a member, please consider becoming one today. We need your support!
Bulletin # 12
Nov. 18, 2013
Treasurer Position Filled
A MACS Board conference call was held last week at which Jennifer Robinson, FLO, was elected to fill the remaining term of Treasurer due to Sheree Krogstad's impending retirement. Jen begins her duties Monday, Nov. 18 and can be reached at the McLeod (Glencoe) office.
Distressed Farmer Resource Contacts
At the MACS State Meeting of last April discussion on the use of the MFAN card occurred. Followup discusssion with the State Office occurred in August at which the State Office requested MACS assistance in putting together a replacement flyer for distressed farmers. This flyer would contain contacts that could assist distressed farmers with financial analysis, legal, counseling or similar type assistance services. We have agreed to take on this project headed by Adam Gritz, MACS VP. A information collection form has been posted at the MACS web site for use by MACS members and non-members alike in collecting resource contacts state-wide or local in your areas.
Please visit the MACS web site at www.macsfsa.org and click the "Distressed Farmer Contacts" button and provide your contacts. Please provide your submissions by Friday, Dec. 6th.
Thanks for your assistance with this project. Contact Adam Gritz if you have any question.
Online UCC Filing
MACS has begun a joint fact finding initiative with MNASCOE on this topic to determine what the MN Secretary of State's requirements and capacities are to determine how this might match up with Agency requirements. Kim Wubbels and Wendy Bruce will be heading this up from the MACS side. If you have any questions or suggestions please forward them to Kim or Wendy. Once the findings from the Secretary of State have been compiled discussion with the State Office will be pursued.
Upcoming Meetings/Events
NACS/NASE Zone B Meeting - Kansas - Feb. 6-8, 2014 (Watch for the registration form from NACS and NASE)
MACS State Meeting - Alexandria - April 11, 2014
Nov. 18, 2013
Treasurer Position Filled
A MACS Board conference call was held last week at which Jennifer Robinson, FLO, was elected to fill the remaining term of Treasurer due to Sheree Krogstad's impending retirement. Jen begins her duties Monday, Nov. 18 and can be reached at the McLeod (Glencoe) office.
Distressed Farmer Resource Contacts
At the MACS State Meeting of last April discussion on the use of the MFAN card occurred. Followup discusssion with the State Office occurred in August at which the State Office requested MACS assistance in putting together a replacement flyer for distressed farmers. This flyer would contain contacts that could assist distressed farmers with financial analysis, legal, counseling or similar type assistance services. We have agreed to take on this project headed by Adam Gritz, MACS VP. A information collection form has been posted at the MACS web site for use by MACS members and non-members alike in collecting resource contacts state-wide or local in your areas.
Please visit the MACS web site at www.macsfsa.org and click the "Distressed Farmer Contacts" button and provide your contacts. Please provide your submissions by Friday, Dec. 6th.
Thanks for your assistance with this project. Contact Adam Gritz if you have any question.
Online UCC Filing
MACS has begun a joint fact finding initiative with MNASCOE on this topic to determine what the MN Secretary of State's requirements and capacities are to determine how this might match up with Agency requirements. Kim Wubbels and Wendy Bruce will be heading this up from the MACS side. If you have any questions or suggestions please forward them to Kim or Wendy. Once the findings from the Secretary of State have been compiled discussion with the State Office will be pursued.
Upcoming Meetings/Events
NACS/NASE Zone B Meeting - Kansas - Feb. 6-8, 2014 (Watch for the registration form from NACS and NASE)
MACS State Meeting - Alexandria - April 11, 2014
Bulletin # 11
11/04/2013
Now that we are all back in the routine of work vs. that other "thing" updates to pass along.
Sheree Krogstad Retiring
Sheree Krogstad, long-standing MACS member and prior to that MNASE member will soon be leaving us via the latest VSIP (buyout). Currently, Sheree is the FLP PT in Wadena, our MACS Treasurer, and has served previously for many years in that capacity as well. She will be leaving by the end of the month. Her dedication and service to farmers as well as her fellow employees will be missed; however, we all wish her well in her post-FSA opportunities.
Recruiting for a new MACS Treasurer has resulted in Jen Robinson expressing a willingness to fill the vacancy - at least till the normal spring annual meeting. However, if there are any other interested candidates please indicate so by contacting myself or other member of the MACS Board. The MACS Board, per the MACS constitution, will elect the interim Treasurer. This election will take place before Nov. 15th.
Post-Shutdown Analysis
Myself and Kevin Beekman, MNASCOE President, participated in a conference call with the State Office staff consisting of Deb Crusoe, SED, Glenn Schafer, Exec. Officer, and Jane Ray, Administrative Officer to review the process of the shutdown and resumption of services. Discussion centered on what went ok with the process and what could have been improved. Unemployment - the process, what was needed, should employees file, etc., was a major topic brought up by both MACS and MNASCOE. The notifications and statements about start-up time was brought up as a regrettable but because of decisions in WDC unforeseen problem. The fact that computer systems were inoperable the first day was noted as a problem. Communication lines appeared to work acceptably. Some office staffs found it helpful to get together on their own to help employees cope.
If you have additional concerns that you wish brought forward to the State Office regarding the shutdown/restart of the Agency please let me know. If you have any comments on how our Association could have been of more assistance, please also let me know. Your comments will assist should something of this type ever happen again.
Upcoming Events
Zone Meeting - Our Zone meeting is planned to be in Kansas this year the first full weekend in February. Note: This is after Super Bowl weekend. MACS has budgeted funds to help members attend this meeting. Watch for the registration form which usually comes out in the next month. Normally attendees get to meet, question and interact with policy makers from WDC - either in person or via video conference.
MACS State Meeting - The Friday mid April 2014 meeting will be held jointly again with MNASCOE. MNASCOE is also hosting the Midwest Area Rally for their organization and will likely have National Office attendees/speakers. MACS members will have an opportunity to attend those sessions. We anticipate having time for members to attend the speaker events and complete our MACS business meeting all in one day. We have also budgeted funds for those members who need to stay overnight. More on our state meeting when details are worked out.
Follow-ups
We are following up on issues with the State Office concerning awards, UCC online filing possibilities, and the resolutions from last year's annual meeting.
Become a MACS Member
It is not too late to become a MACS member! MACS members received updates during the shutdown from MACS and our National Association and members shared what they learned about such issues as unemployment. If you are not a member, please contact Sheree Krogstad who will gladly assist you before she retires or contact myself or any other MACS officer afterwards.
Please share this communication with any potential MACS members.
11/04/2013
Now that we are all back in the routine of work vs. that other "thing" updates to pass along.
Sheree Krogstad Retiring
Sheree Krogstad, long-standing MACS member and prior to that MNASE member will soon be leaving us via the latest VSIP (buyout). Currently, Sheree is the FLP PT in Wadena, our MACS Treasurer, and has served previously for many years in that capacity as well. She will be leaving by the end of the month. Her dedication and service to farmers as well as her fellow employees will be missed; however, we all wish her well in her post-FSA opportunities.
Recruiting for a new MACS Treasurer has resulted in Jen Robinson expressing a willingness to fill the vacancy - at least till the normal spring annual meeting. However, if there are any other interested candidates please indicate so by contacting myself or other member of the MACS Board. The MACS Board, per the MACS constitution, will elect the interim Treasurer. This election will take place before Nov. 15th.
Post-Shutdown Analysis
Myself and Kevin Beekman, MNASCOE President, participated in a conference call with the State Office staff consisting of Deb Crusoe, SED, Glenn Schafer, Exec. Officer, and Jane Ray, Administrative Officer to review the process of the shutdown and resumption of services. Discussion centered on what went ok with the process and what could have been improved. Unemployment - the process, what was needed, should employees file, etc., was a major topic brought up by both MACS and MNASCOE. The notifications and statements about start-up time was brought up as a regrettable but because of decisions in WDC unforeseen problem. The fact that computer systems were inoperable the first day was noted as a problem. Communication lines appeared to work acceptably. Some office staffs found it helpful to get together on their own to help employees cope.
If you have additional concerns that you wish brought forward to the State Office regarding the shutdown/restart of the Agency please let me know. If you have any comments on how our Association could have been of more assistance, please also let me know. Your comments will assist should something of this type ever happen again.
Upcoming Events
Zone Meeting - Our Zone meeting is planned to be in Kansas this year the first full weekend in February. Note: This is after Super Bowl weekend. MACS has budgeted funds to help members attend this meeting. Watch for the registration form which usually comes out in the next month. Normally attendees get to meet, question and interact with policy makers from WDC - either in person or via video conference.
MACS State Meeting - The Friday mid April 2014 meeting will be held jointly again with MNASCOE. MNASCOE is also hosting the Midwest Area Rally for their organization and will likely have National Office attendees/speakers. MACS members will have an opportunity to attend those sessions. We anticipate having time for members to attend the speaker events and complete our MACS business meeting all in one day. We have also budgeted funds for those members who need to stay overnight. More on our state meeting when details are worked out.
Follow-ups
We are following up on issues with the State Office concerning awards, UCC online filing possibilities, and the resolutions from last year's annual meeting.
Become a MACS Member
It is not too late to become a MACS member! MACS members received updates during the shutdown from MACS and our National Association and members shared what they learned about such issues as unemployment. If you are not a member, please contact Sheree Krogstad who will gladly assist you before she retires or contact myself or any other MACS officer afterwards.
Please share this communication with any potential MACS members.
Bulletin # 10
10/16/2013
Reports are being received that unemployment benefits from the State of Minnesota are now being issued. If you have requested a benefit, check your unemployment account and/or bank account for the deposit. If yours has not been received, and you requested one, check with MN Unemployment.
Keep watching the news - something might be breaking today in WDC.
Various updates were issued yesterday from State and National FSA sources which DD Andrea Peck has been posting to her blog spot which is located at: apeck19240.blogspot.com. Your supervisor is also supposed to be sending this info. These updates are as follows:
# 1
Minnesota FSA Employees: Unfortunately, our furlough continues. As you can tell by media reports, a resolution is still uncertain. We hope we will be back to work soon. I spoke to representative of the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance (UI) department on Monday. He indicated that the State has not yet received base pay data from USDA upon which UI claims can be calculated. Once it is received, the claims will be processed automatically. Nevertheless, employees must remember to (if seeking UI benefits) submit an application in each week of eligible unemployment, which for us was last week (October 6 – 12) and this week (October 13 - ?), so far. We were not eligible for UI benefits in the week of September 29 – October 5. If employees receive UI benefits and we later receive pay for the same period of time, the UI benefits must be repaid to the State. However, the UI representative stated that repayment can be done through interest-free installments that fit the individual’s cash flow. We hope everyone is doing well, and more importantly, we hope to see everyone soon! Please contact your immediate supervisor if you have questions; they will contact their supervisor to get more information, if necessary. We will provide more information to everyone about coming back to work as soon as possible.
Thank you,
Glenn Schafer
Executive Officer
Minnesota State Office
USDA-Farm Service Agency
# 2
Minnesota FSA Employees: Good evening. Today SED Crusoe received an update from FSA Administrator Juan Garcia, as follows: _____ All, I only have a few items to report today. All FSA employees were paid timely except one and we are working on resolving this issue. The USDA website is partially up with some information for employees under the “Be Prepared” icon. Employees should not access WEB TA. We are waiting on further guidance on how this pay period will be handled. We all hope that this issue will be resolved soon. As soon as we are back I plan to hold a meeting with the staff here in DC to discuss priority issues that need to be addressed and hold conference calls with SEDs as soon as possible the day we return to provide more guidance. I will provide more pertinent updates as soon as I receive them. Thank you, Juan _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ We, too, in Minnesota FSA are planning a statewide conference call with our Leadership Team in the morning and all employees in the afternoon (tentatively scheduled for 2:30 p.m. – 888-858-2144; 2447726#) of the day we return to work, whatever day that might be. We encourage employees to let their supervisor know about any question, issues or concerns you discover upon your return so we can begin working out the problems immediately. Please comply with Juan’s instruction NOT to access WebTA. That said, many employees had leave scheduled throughout October, some of which may fall on the day we are directed to report back to work. While all approved leave was supposed to have been canceled into the future, supervisors should be aware of the tentatively scheduled leave (pending requests) for their employees. Please contact your immediate supervisor if you have questions; they will contact their supervisor to get more information, if necessary. We will provide more information to everyone about coming back to work as soon as possible.
Thank you,
Glenn Schafer
Executive Officer
Minnesota State Office
USDA-Farm Service Agency
10/16/2013
Reports are being received that unemployment benefits from the State of Minnesota are now being issued. If you have requested a benefit, check your unemployment account and/or bank account for the deposit. If yours has not been received, and you requested one, check with MN Unemployment.
Keep watching the news - something might be breaking today in WDC.
Various updates were issued yesterday from State and National FSA sources which DD Andrea Peck has been posting to her blog spot which is located at: apeck19240.blogspot.com. Your supervisor is also supposed to be sending this info. These updates are as follows:
# 1
Minnesota FSA Employees: Unfortunately, our furlough continues. As you can tell by media reports, a resolution is still uncertain. We hope we will be back to work soon. I spoke to representative of the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance (UI) department on Monday. He indicated that the State has not yet received base pay data from USDA upon which UI claims can be calculated. Once it is received, the claims will be processed automatically. Nevertheless, employees must remember to (if seeking UI benefits) submit an application in each week of eligible unemployment, which for us was last week (October 6 – 12) and this week (October 13 - ?), so far. We were not eligible for UI benefits in the week of September 29 – October 5. If employees receive UI benefits and we later receive pay for the same period of time, the UI benefits must be repaid to the State. However, the UI representative stated that repayment can be done through interest-free installments that fit the individual’s cash flow. We hope everyone is doing well, and more importantly, we hope to see everyone soon! Please contact your immediate supervisor if you have questions; they will contact their supervisor to get more information, if necessary. We will provide more information to everyone about coming back to work as soon as possible.
Thank you,
Glenn Schafer
Executive Officer
Minnesota State Office
USDA-Farm Service Agency
# 2
Minnesota FSA Employees: Good evening. Today SED Crusoe received an update from FSA Administrator Juan Garcia, as follows: _____ All, I only have a few items to report today. All FSA employees were paid timely except one and we are working on resolving this issue. The USDA website is partially up with some information for employees under the “Be Prepared” icon. Employees should not access WEB TA. We are waiting on further guidance on how this pay period will be handled. We all hope that this issue will be resolved soon. As soon as we are back I plan to hold a meeting with the staff here in DC to discuss priority issues that need to be addressed and hold conference calls with SEDs as soon as possible the day we return to provide more guidance. I will provide more pertinent updates as soon as I receive them. Thank you, Juan _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ We, too, in Minnesota FSA are planning a statewide conference call with our Leadership Team in the morning and all employees in the afternoon (tentatively scheduled for 2:30 p.m. – 888-858-2144; 2447726#) of the day we return to work, whatever day that might be. We encourage employees to let their supervisor know about any question, issues or concerns you discover upon your return so we can begin working out the problems immediately. Please comply with Juan’s instruction NOT to access WebTA. That said, many employees had leave scheduled throughout October, some of which may fall on the day we are directed to report back to work. While all approved leave was supposed to have been canceled into the future, supervisors should be aware of the tentatively scheduled leave (pending requests) for their employees. Please contact your immediate supervisor if you have questions; they will contact their supervisor to get more information, if necessary. We will provide more information to everyone about coming back to work as soon as possible.
Thank you,
Glenn Schafer
Executive Officer
Minnesota State Office
USDA-Farm Service Agency
Bulletin # 9
10/14/2013
Jen Robinson reports the following:
"
Just to let you know, MN Unemployment is putting a hold on all payments until 6 PM today for federal employees. They said if congress hasn't passed the budget by that time and the shutdown continues, they will issue the UE benefit. They are trying to reduce the amount of overpayments.
Just thought I'd pass that along. -Jen"
I received the following information from Andrea Peck, DD, from State and National Office. Supervisors are supposed to be sharing with their staff; however, in the event you did not get it, here it is. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There were two updates published this weekend. Please share this information with your staffs. I am sending the blog link to both emails that I have and in text message versions. The language in the blogs is also included in this email.
I hope this message finds you well and making the best of this time.
Sincerely, Andrea
http://apeck19240.blogspot.com/
__________________________
Minnesota FSA Employees:
We hope all is well with everyone. We haven’t a lot of new information to provide, but do have some useful links and other information below. As all can see in the media, there is some willingness to discuss possible ways to end this shutdown. No one can predict the outcome; however, it would behoove employees to be prepared for the possibility of returning to work next week.
That said, it is important to remind employees to apply for unemployment benefits at http://www.uimn.org/uimn/applicants/index.jsp if they feel their personal cash flow needs to be supplemented during the shutdown period; application for unemployment benefits must be submitted every week while unemployed to receive benefits. If we get paid for our furlough time retroactively, any unemployment benefits will need to be refunded.
The National Office has indicated that all employees’ T&As were validated and certified for PP19. Remember, this upcoming check will be for hours worked through Monday, September 30, 2013. The Chief Financial Officer reported Thursday that employees should see pay in their bank accounts on Saturday as usual, providing everything works properly. The National Office also provided the following links on unemployment compensation. http://www.dol.gov/sequestration/ui-federalemployees.htm http://www.dol.gov/dol/shutdown/UI-Fact-Sheet.pdf http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/unemcomp.asp http://www.servicelocator.org/OWSLinks.asp. We understand that some employees do not have the necessary documentation to file unemployment and cannot access NFC’s employee personal page (EPP) because they do not remember their eAuth password. The National Office is trying to determine a resolution; please let your supervisor know if you cannot access EPP.
Please contact your immediate supervisor if you have questions; they will contact their supervisor to get more information, if necessary. We will provide more information to everyone about coming back to work as soon as possible.
Thank you,
Glenn Schafer
Executive Officer
Minnesota State Office
USDA-Farm Service Agency
UPDATE TWO
Minnesota FSA Employees:
Below you will find a message to all USDA employees from Assistant Secretary for Administration Dr. Gregory Parham. From media reports it appears there is movement toward resolving the shutdown, which is good.
Additionally, there is action in Congress related to the Farm Bill, with the House nearing appointment of conferees to negotiate the final version of the forthcoming legislation. This is a good sign, in that it means the likelihood of getting a new Farm Bill yet this calendar year is increasing.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY WASHINGTON, D.C. 20250 Dear USDA Employees, I am writing to those of you who left us your home e-mail addresses to provide an update concerning the shutdown and the payment of your salaries. As of today, Congress has not yet enacted a budget or continuing resolution funding the Government for all or part of FY 2014. Accordingly, all employees continue to be on furlough except for those who have been designated as excepted under the Antideficiency Act or who are funded through non-appropriated sources. Here is a link http://www.dm.usda.gov/beprepared/ to useful information posted by the Department, including the form you will need to apply for unemployment benefits, should you choose to do so. Please note that on the next scheduled pay date (October 17, 2013), you will be paid for hours worked or leave taken through September 30, 2013. Please note that if you have allotments deducted from your paycheck, the full amount will be deducted. All employees who worked on October 1, 2013 to conduct an orderly shutdown and excepted employees who have worked after October 1, will be paid for the hours worked after Congress enacts a budget or continuing resolution. Please know that my thoughts are with you and your families during these days of uncertainty. Thank you for your service and continuing support and patience. Sincerely, Gregory Parham Assistant Secretary for Administration _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please contact your immediate supervisor if you have questions; they will contact their supervisor to get more information, if necessary. We will provide more information to everyone about coming back to work as soon as possible.
Thank you,
Glenn Schafer
Executive Officer
Minnesota State Office
USDA-Farm Service Agency
10/14/2013
Jen Robinson reports the following:
"
Just to let you know, MN Unemployment is putting a hold on all payments until 6 PM today for federal employees. They said if congress hasn't passed the budget by that time and the shutdown continues, they will issue the UE benefit. They are trying to reduce the amount of overpayments.
Just thought I'd pass that along. -Jen"
I received the following information from Andrea Peck, DD, from State and National Office. Supervisors are supposed to be sharing with their staff; however, in the event you did not get it, here it is. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There were two updates published this weekend. Please share this information with your staffs. I am sending the blog link to both emails that I have and in text message versions. The language in the blogs is also included in this email.
I hope this message finds you well and making the best of this time.
Sincerely, Andrea
http://apeck19240.blogspot.com/
__________________________
Minnesota FSA Employees:
We hope all is well with everyone. We haven’t a lot of new information to provide, but do have some useful links and other information below. As all can see in the media, there is some willingness to discuss possible ways to end this shutdown. No one can predict the outcome; however, it would behoove employees to be prepared for the possibility of returning to work next week.
That said, it is important to remind employees to apply for unemployment benefits at http://www.uimn.org/uimn/applicants/index.jsp if they feel their personal cash flow needs to be supplemented during the shutdown period; application for unemployment benefits must be submitted every week while unemployed to receive benefits. If we get paid for our furlough time retroactively, any unemployment benefits will need to be refunded.
The National Office has indicated that all employees’ T&As were validated and certified for PP19. Remember, this upcoming check will be for hours worked through Monday, September 30, 2013. The Chief Financial Officer reported Thursday that employees should see pay in their bank accounts on Saturday as usual, providing everything works properly. The National Office also provided the following links on unemployment compensation. http://www.dol.gov/sequestration/ui-federalemployees.htm http://www.dol.gov/dol/shutdown/UI-Fact-Sheet.pdf http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/unemcomp.asp http://www.servicelocator.org/OWSLinks.asp. We understand that some employees do not have the necessary documentation to file unemployment and cannot access NFC’s employee personal page (EPP) because they do not remember their eAuth password. The National Office is trying to determine a resolution; please let your supervisor know if you cannot access EPP.
Please contact your immediate supervisor if you have questions; they will contact their supervisor to get more information, if necessary. We will provide more information to everyone about coming back to work as soon as possible.
Thank you,
Glenn Schafer
Executive Officer
Minnesota State Office
USDA-Farm Service Agency
UPDATE TWO
Minnesota FSA Employees:
Below you will find a message to all USDA employees from Assistant Secretary for Administration Dr. Gregory Parham. From media reports it appears there is movement toward resolving the shutdown, which is good.
Additionally, there is action in Congress related to the Farm Bill, with the House nearing appointment of conferees to negotiate the final version of the forthcoming legislation. This is a good sign, in that it means the likelihood of getting a new Farm Bill yet this calendar year is increasing.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY WASHINGTON, D.C. 20250 Dear USDA Employees, I am writing to those of you who left us your home e-mail addresses to provide an update concerning the shutdown and the payment of your salaries. As of today, Congress has not yet enacted a budget or continuing resolution funding the Government for all or part of FY 2014. Accordingly, all employees continue to be on furlough except for those who have been designated as excepted under the Antideficiency Act or who are funded through non-appropriated sources. Here is a link http://www.dm.usda.gov/beprepared/ to useful information posted by the Department, including the form you will need to apply for unemployment benefits, should you choose to do so. Please note that on the next scheduled pay date (October 17, 2013), you will be paid for hours worked or leave taken through September 30, 2013. Please note that if you have allotments deducted from your paycheck, the full amount will be deducted. All employees who worked on October 1, 2013 to conduct an orderly shutdown and excepted employees who have worked after October 1, will be paid for the hours worked after Congress enacts a budget or continuing resolution. Please know that my thoughts are with you and your families during these days of uncertainty. Thank you for your service and continuing support and patience. Sincerely, Gregory Parham Assistant Secretary for Administration _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please contact your immediate supervisor if you have questions; they will contact their supervisor to get more information, if necessary. We will provide more information to everyone about coming back to work as soon as possible.
Thank you,
Glenn Schafer
Executive Officer
Minnesota State Office
USDA-Farm Service Agency
Bulletin # 8
10/10/2013
This a.m. I logged into my unemployment account and checked the Determination and Issue Summary under the View and Maintain My Account. Here it tells you your Weekly Benefit Amount and the Maximum Benefit. You are eligible for 50% of your gross pay up to $610 for a 26 week period after the one week period of $0.
I filed last Friday and this data first appeared today. If you filed earlier than last Friday and your benefit information is not yet showing you may want to contact MN Unemployment.
10/10/2013
This a.m. I logged into my unemployment account and checked the Determination and Issue Summary under the View and Maintain My Account. Here it tells you your Weekly Benefit Amount and the Maximum Benefit. You are eligible for 50% of your gross pay up to $610 for a 26 week period after the one week period of $0.
I filed last Friday and this data first appeared today. If you filed earlier than last Friday and your benefit information is not yet showing you may want to contact MN Unemployment.
Bulletin # 7
10/9/2013
Just a reminder that once you've filed unemployment you need to report weekly on your earnings & activities. If you have filed on-line and not gone back into your account afterwards - you should. The section on your home page for your account entitled "Important Messages - These Messages Need Your Attention" is something you want to check.
If anyone learns anything else that should be passed along to others, please let me know and I will do so. Meanwhile, make sure to pass this message along to others who are not yet MACS members.
10/9/2013
Just a reminder that once you've filed unemployment you need to report weekly on your earnings & activities. If you have filed on-line and not gone back into your account afterwards - you should. The section on your home page for your account entitled "Important Messages - These Messages Need Your Attention" is something you want to check.
If anyone learns anything else that should be passed along to others, please let me know and I will do so. Meanwhile, make sure to pass this message along to others who are not yet MACS members.
Bulletin # 6
10/7/2013
See the message below I received from Andrea Peck, DD, from Glenn Schafer.
The information below was forwarded from Glenn Schafer. I posted at the following blog site as well.
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2584213035929664689#publishedposts Have a nice evening.
Andrea
_________________________________________
Minnesota FSA Employees: We have received additional information from the National Office regarding the shutdown, unemployment, outside employment and how our pay and benefits are impacted; the situation is fluid and will depend upon the resolution terms. Below are some FAQs, Web sites and other pieces of information. National Office staff is trying to provide the best answers they can based on what is presently known.
Pay Period 19 Paycheck FSA ensured that all employee’s time and attendance were validated and certified for Pay Period 19 and should cover hours worked before Oct. 1, 2013. Employees, even excepted ones, will not be paid for hours worked after Oct. 1, 2013. Some deductions are based upon the gross pay amount such as taxes, social security, or retirement. TSP deductions can be set as a percentage or a flat amount. As of Monday, October 7, employees may still access NFC’s Employee Personal Page and make changes to deductions for PP19; we are not sure when this will cut off but it will be soon.
Below are 2 FAQs from OPM’s shutdown document.
1. Will employees receive a paycheck for hours worked prior to a lapse in appropriations?
A. Under Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance issued in 1980 (below), employees will receive this paycheck. Although the payroll for the last pay period before the lapse will be processed potentially during a period of furlough, the minimum number of payroll staff necessary for this process will be excepted from furlough for the minimum time required to issue the checks, including checks for the last pay period before the lapse. This guidance can be found in OMB’s August 28, 1980, Bulletin No. 80-14, Shutdown of Agency Operations Upon Failure by the Congress to Enact Appropriations, paragraph 3.b.(1) (Appropriations and funds). OMB has reviewed and concurs in this answer.
2. When an employee’s pay is insufficient to permit all deductions to be made because a shutdown furlough occurs in the middle of a pay period and the employee receives a partial paycheck, what is the order of withholding precedence?
A. Agencies will follow the guidance on the order of precedence for applying deductions from the pay of its civilian employees when gross pay is insufficient to cover all authorized deductions found at: http://www.chcoc.gov/transmittals/TransmittalDetails.aspx?TransmittalID=1477.
Subsequent Pay Periods At this time, we do not have sufficient information to discuss impacts on future pay cycles.
Unemployment Benefits The shutdown furlough packet included the SF-8 form needed to file for unemployment benefits. If employees are eventually reimbursed for pay while furloughed then they will have to pay back the unemployment benefit. Here is some information from the NFC website (See link below) on filing for unemployment (Minnesota-specific information was provided in a prior email; the following is national guidance):
Q: How do I apply for unemployment compensation?
A: State unemployment compensation requirements differ. Some States require a 1-week waiting period before an individual qualifies for payments. In general, the law of the State in which an employee’s last official duty station in Federal civilian service was located will be the State law that determines eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits. (See the Department of Labor website “Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees” at http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/unemcomp.asp.) Agencies or employees should submit questions to the appropriate State (or District of Columbia) office. The Department of Labor’s website provides links to individual State offices at http://www.servicelocator.org/OWSLinks.asp. To assist with this process, please refer to the attached documents:
Unemployment Compensation Information for Furloughed Federal Workers · SF-8 Unemployment Compensation – Fillable Form · Federal Identification Code (FIC) Listing
Because Minnesota FSA has no HR staff available to assist employees, they may provide the following Agency contact information: · USDA National Finance Center Customer Call Center 1-855-632-4468
Second Jobs Here is the FAQ from OHRM.
Q: May employees take other jobs while on furlough?
A: USDA employees are required to comply with the ethics regulations governing engaging in outside employment or activities (5 C.F.R. Parts 2635 and 8301). During the furlough, the requirement for employees to seek advance approval of any outside employment or activity has been waived. It is important to note that the ethics rules still apply to all employees during a furlough period, so any outside activity or employment must not present a conflict of interest with your USDA position and duties. Employees are referred to the Office of Ethics website to review the applicable ethics rules governing outside employment at: www.usda.gov/ethics.
Transit Benefits (DC Employees only) DOT notified USDA that WMATA will be suspending transit benefits for USDA early the week of Oct. 7, 2013. Transit benefits provided on October 1 for the month of October will be pulled back from Smart Cards. OMB is expected to put out additional guidance on this issue next week. We will provide you additional information as it becomes available.
Travel Cards Currently, all travel cards in a current payment status (not delinquent) have been placed in forbearance period by US Bank. This will prevent nonpayment of charges from reflecting on employee’s individual credit reports. Delinquent card holders need to pay the bill to avoid an impact on credit reports.
Here are some resources that may be helpful. Thrift Saving Plan Shutdown Fact Sheet: https://www.tsp.gov/PDF/formspubs/oc11-5.pdf Office Of Personnel Management Shutdown Furlough including FAQs: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/furlough-guidance/#url=Shutdown-Furlough National Finance Center Link with unemployment filing information, included the SF-8 and FCI code required: https://www.nfc.usda.gov/News/unemployment.html Please contact your immediate supervisor if you have questions; they will contact their supervisor to get more information, if necessary. We will provide more information to everyone about coming back to work as soon as possible.
Thank you,
Glenn Schafer
Executive Officer
Minnesota State Office
USDA-Farm Service Agency
10/7/2013
See the message below I received from Andrea Peck, DD, from Glenn Schafer.
The information below was forwarded from Glenn Schafer. I posted at the following blog site as well.
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2584213035929664689#publishedposts Have a nice evening.
Andrea
_________________________________________
Minnesota FSA Employees: We have received additional information from the National Office regarding the shutdown, unemployment, outside employment and how our pay and benefits are impacted; the situation is fluid and will depend upon the resolution terms. Below are some FAQs, Web sites and other pieces of information. National Office staff is trying to provide the best answers they can based on what is presently known.
Pay Period 19 Paycheck FSA ensured that all employee’s time and attendance were validated and certified for Pay Period 19 and should cover hours worked before Oct. 1, 2013. Employees, even excepted ones, will not be paid for hours worked after Oct. 1, 2013. Some deductions are based upon the gross pay amount such as taxes, social security, or retirement. TSP deductions can be set as a percentage or a flat amount. As of Monday, October 7, employees may still access NFC’s Employee Personal Page and make changes to deductions for PP19; we are not sure when this will cut off but it will be soon.
Below are 2 FAQs from OPM’s shutdown document.
1. Will employees receive a paycheck for hours worked prior to a lapse in appropriations?
A. Under Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance issued in 1980 (below), employees will receive this paycheck. Although the payroll for the last pay period before the lapse will be processed potentially during a period of furlough, the minimum number of payroll staff necessary for this process will be excepted from furlough for the minimum time required to issue the checks, including checks for the last pay period before the lapse. This guidance can be found in OMB’s August 28, 1980, Bulletin No. 80-14, Shutdown of Agency Operations Upon Failure by the Congress to Enact Appropriations, paragraph 3.b.(1) (Appropriations and funds). OMB has reviewed and concurs in this answer.
2. When an employee’s pay is insufficient to permit all deductions to be made because a shutdown furlough occurs in the middle of a pay period and the employee receives a partial paycheck, what is the order of withholding precedence?
A. Agencies will follow the guidance on the order of precedence for applying deductions from the pay of its civilian employees when gross pay is insufficient to cover all authorized deductions found at: http://www.chcoc.gov/transmittals/TransmittalDetails.aspx?TransmittalID=1477.
Subsequent Pay Periods At this time, we do not have sufficient information to discuss impacts on future pay cycles.
Unemployment Benefits The shutdown furlough packet included the SF-8 form needed to file for unemployment benefits. If employees are eventually reimbursed for pay while furloughed then they will have to pay back the unemployment benefit. Here is some information from the NFC website (See link below) on filing for unemployment (Minnesota-specific information was provided in a prior email; the following is national guidance):
Q: How do I apply for unemployment compensation?
A: State unemployment compensation requirements differ. Some States require a 1-week waiting period before an individual qualifies for payments. In general, the law of the State in which an employee’s last official duty station in Federal civilian service was located will be the State law that determines eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits. (See the Department of Labor website “Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees” at http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/unemcomp.asp.) Agencies or employees should submit questions to the appropriate State (or District of Columbia) office. The Department of Labor’s website provides links to individual State offices at http://www.servicelocator.org/OWSLinks.asp. To assist with this process, please refer to the attached documents:
Unemployment Compensation Information for Furloughed Federal Workers · SF-8 Unemployment Compensation – Fillable Form · Federal Identification Code (FIC) Listing
Because Minnesota FSA has no HR staff available to assist employees, they may provide the following Agency contact information: · USDA National Finance Center Customer Call Center 1-855-632-4468
Second Jobs Here is the FAQ from OHRM.
Q: May employees take other jobs while on furlough?
A: USDA employees are required to comply with the ethics regulations governing engaging in outside employment or activities (5 C.F.R. Parts 2635 and 8301). During the furlough, the requirement for employees to seek advance approval of any outside employment or activity has been waived. It is important to note that the ethics rules still apply to all employees during a furlough period, so any outside activity or employment must not present a conflict of interest with your USDA position and duties. Employees are referred to the Office of Ethics website to review the applicable ethics rules governing outside employment at: www.usda.gov/ethics.
Transit Benefits (DC Employees only) DOT notified USDA that WMATA will be suspending transit benefits for USDA early the week of Oct. 7, 2013. Transit benefits provided on October 1 for the month of October will be pulled back from Smart Cards. OMB is expected to put out additional guidance on this issue next week. We will provide you additional information as it becomes available.
Travel Cards Currently, all travel cards in a current payment status (not delinquent) have been placed in forbearance period by US Bank. This will prevent nonpayment of charges from reflecting on employee’s individual credit reports. Delinquent card holders need to pay the bill to avoid an impact on credit reports.
Here are some resources that may be helpful. Thrift Saving Plan Shutdown Fact Sheet: https://www.tsp.gov/PDF/formspubs/oc11-5.pdf Office Of Personnel Management Shutdown Furlough including FAQs: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/furlough-guidance/#url=Shutdown-Furlough National Finance Center Link with unemployment filing information, included the SF-8 and FCI code required: https://www.nfc.usda.gov/News/unemployment.html Please contact your immediate supervisor if you have questions; they will contact their supervisor to get more information, if necessary. We will provide more information to everyone about coming back to work as soon as possible.
Thank you,
Glenn Schafer
Executive Officer
Minnesota State Office
USDA-Farm Service Agency
Bulletin # 5
10/7/2013
I received an additional link to info on the MN Unemployment page which is specific for Federal Employee Shutdown issues. The document I sent out last Friday has been updated to add this link as well.
http://www.uimn.org/uimn/applicants/needtoknow/news-updates/federal_shutdown_how_apply.jsp
10/7/2013
I received an additional link to info on the MN Unemployment page which is specific for Federal Employee Shutdown issues. The document I sent out last Friday has been updated to add this link as well.
http://www.uimn.org/uimn/applicants/needtoknow/news-updates/federal_shutdown_how_apply.jsp
Bulletin # 4
10/4/2013
Please review the MACS Notice regarding Govt Shutdown and Furlough issues. If you encounter any issues that require clarification or addition to this material please let me know and I will send out an update.
This Notice has been posted to the MACS web site at: www.macsfsa.org - then click the link under "Announcements".
10/4/2013
Please review the MACS Notice regarding Govt Shutdown and Furlough issues. If you encounter any issues that require clarification or addition to this material please let me know and I will send out an update.
This Notice has been posted to the MACS web site at: www.macsfsa.org - then click the link under "Announcements".
Bulletin # 3
8/1/2013
A few items to pass along regarding our Association.
1. Membership - If you have not paid your dues, please do so now as these were to be paid by July 1. Also, with the upcoming FLP policy meetings this is an excellent time to speak to your fellow employees about joining our Association. To assist with this a MACS membership flyer is attached. Please ensure all FLP connected employees in your office and District are provided this document. I or another representative will be speaking to encourage membership in MACS at the policy meetings. Much thanks to Stuart Shelstad, FLC for agreeing to provide us this opportunity.
2. National Newsletter - NACS has issued a national newsletter. This should also be printed out and provided to other member candidates in your office and District. It outlines the new Board and the activities at the Convention. You can obtain the newsletter from the NACS web site or also by clicking here! Also check out the NASE web site at http://www.nasefsa.org.
3. MACS Activities - MACS was involved in the discussion and formation of the multi-year subordination policy that was recently issued. Thanks to the working group members that participated in that. Additionally, MACS is in discussion with the State Office on working to improve training, alternatives to conference call training, other procedure issues, and issues regarding the recently announced request by the Agency for VSIP (incentive payment retirement) authority. If you have not seen the VSIP issue discussion, check out the NACS President Update at the NACS web site under "News", "Presidents Updates".
MACS and MNASCOE have also requested to meet jointly with the SED and a meeting is scheduled for August 19th to discuss all ongoing concerns.
4. MPS - Managed Print Services - As copiers and printers come off service and maintenance agreements and/or become beyond servicing your office may be moved to MPS. MPS is a USDA initiative involving leased printer and multifunction copier equipment. The cost per copy/print copy for some offices will be more while for others it may be less depending on your offices current service and maintenance agreements. An issue of concern with MPS is that to obtain your copy/scan or print job from the machine, you will have to remove your linc pass card from your computer and then insert your linc pass card into the printer or copier/scanner. The concerns of this issue have been brought to the attention of the National Association as well as our State Office.
Please share this notice with other member candidates along with the other documents discussed. Our strength and effectiveness comes from our members!
Thanks all!
8/1/2013
A few items to pass along regarding our Association.
1. Membership - If you have not paid your dues, please do so now as these were to be paid by July 1. Also, with the upcoming FLP policy meetings this is an excellent time to speak to your fellow employees about joining our Association. To assist with this a MACS membership flyer is attached. Please ensure all FLP connected employees in your office and District are provided this document. I or another representative will be speaking to encourage membership in MACS at the policy meetings. Much thanks to Stuart Shelstad, FLC for agreeing to provide us this opportunity.
2. National Newsletter - NACS has issued a national newsletter. This should also be printed out and provided to other member candidates in your office and District. It outlines the new Board and the activities at the Convention. You can obtain the newsletter from the NACS web site or also by clicking here! Also check out the NASE web site at http://www.nasefsa.org.
3. MACS Activities - MACS was involved in the discussion and formation of the multi-year subordination policy that was recently issued. Thanks to the working group members that participated in that. Additionally, MACS is in discussion with the State Office on working to improve training, alternatives to conference call training, other procedure issues, and issues regarding the recently announced request by the Agency for VSIP (incentive payment retirement) authority. If you have not seen the VSIP issue discussion, check out the NACS President Update at the NACS web site under "News", "Presidents Updates".
MACS and MNASCOE have also requested to meet jointly with the SED and a meeting is scheduled for August 19th to discuss all ongoing concerns.
4. MPS - Managed Print Services - As copiers and printers come off service and maintenance agreements and/or become beyond servicing your office may be moved to MPS. MPS is a USDA initiative involving leased printer and multifunction copier equipment. The cost per copy/print copy for some offices will be more while for others it may be less depending on your offices current service and maintenance agreements. An issue of concern with MPS is that to obtain your copy/scan or print job from the machine, you will have to remove your linc pass card from your computer and then insert your linc pass card into the printer or copier/scanner. The concerns of this issue have been brought to the attention of the National Association as well as our State Office.
Please share this notice with other member candidates along with the other documents discussed. Our strength and effectiveness comes from our members!
Thanks all!
Bulletin # 2
6/13/2013
MACS Working Group Meeting
Last week the MACS Micro Loan and Subordination Working Group composed of Tony Riniker, Tom Anderson, Cindy Schlapkohl and Michael Sorg held a conference call with the FLP section in the State Office. Tom DeCock is heading up the Multi-Year Subordination process. Discussion on ensuring the lender and borrowers understood the requirements for subsequent advances and the process to accomplish this were central. Tom DeCock advised that plans are to complete and issue a Notice outlining the process and the requirements by the end of June. A draft notice has since been provided to the Working Group for additional comment.
Dave Manley discussed the micro loan security issue. Options to perfect a first lien on specific items of security and when this would be appropriate were discussed. Modifications to the FSA-2028 Security Agreement are not authorized per discussion with OGC. UCC filing documents need to be updated due to law changes and plans are to incorporate this issue into the development of the new UCC's. These are also expected to be ready around the end of the month. Brian Hartman will be heading this up.
Because of the inability to modify the Security Agreement form which serves as a blanket lien document, a resolution has been submitted to NACS calling for the development by the National Office of an additional Security Agreement which would allow for taking only specific items of security. This will be acted on during the upcoming convention and, if adopted, forwarded to the National Office for action and response.
MACS Budget
The MACS fiscal year begins July 1, 2013. A budget was prepared and reviewed via conference call. The budgeted expenses consist of three categories - National Membership dues (70%), reimbursement for National Convention, Zone Meeting and State Meeting attendees (29%) and MACS Operating Expenses (1%). The budget was adopted and is posted at the web site for member review.
This year, funds were added for State Meeting attendee reimbursement. A minimum of $500 was set aside for this to assist members who have to stay over night to attend the meeting. In addition, funds not expended for the Zone Meeting could be made available to increase the amount available for the State Meeting reimbursement.
Dues 2013-14
Because of an increase by NACS of $24.00 annually ($0.92 per pay period) for the national dues, the MN dues for NACS members were increased by the same amount. NACS members dues have been set at $180 annually - $36 is the Minnesota share and $144 is the National share. NACS previously announced this change in an email notification. Their dues increase was to ensure Legislative Committee and Board travel to meet with officials in WDC could be maintained. The NACS dues increase took effect 6/1/2013. Our Association absorbed the first quarter dues payment increase of $6/member. All employees with loan approval authority or in training for, except politically appointed employees, who join must pay the NACS dues and be a NACS member.
Due to a NACS special first time members dues nationally are $20.00 resulting in annual dues for first time NACS members of $56.
NASE member dues were increased from the existing $32 for the Minnesota share to $36. This was done in order that State dues for both NACS and NASE members were consistent. NASE member dues have been set at $88.00 annually. Support employees for FLP such as FLP PT's are eligible for and are members of NASE.
Associate member dues continue at $20.00 each. All those who wish to support the work of our Association but are not eligible for regular membership as an FLP support or loan approval official are eligible for associate membership.
Members on payroll deduction do not need to take any action due to the dues change. If paying by check, send your dues to Sheree Krogstad, MACS Treasurer, 4 Alfred Street, Wadena, MN 56482.
Pay Your Dues On-Line!
MACS will be adding capabilities to pay your dues electronically on-line via credit card. Since the credit card processing company provides a charge for this, paying the dues on-line will require an additional fee for this convenience. The company charges a fee of 2.3% plus $0.30 per transaction. There is no charge to MACS for just having the capability. Dues payment on-line will be available by July 1st.
2014 MACS State Meeting
The Executive Committee established that the 2014 state meeting will take place on Friday, April 11, 2014 at a location yet to be determined. This meeting will take place jointly with MNASCOE who is also hosting their Midwest Area Rally that weekend. This may result in National Office level speakers to be in attendance. The MACS meeting will be a one-day event on Friday. More on this as it develops.
Volunteer Opportunities
Future working groups for other subject areas are contemplated. If you would like to be a part of this process, email to [email protected] and indicate what your area of interest is.
National Conventions
The National Conventions for NACS and NASE begin June 24th in San Diego. If you have an issue or question you would like brought forward to the Convention or National Office speakers, email it to [email protected].
A report on the convention will be provided after return from San Diego.
Mark Drewitz MACS President
MACS Working Group Meeting
Last week the MACS Micro Loan and Subordination Working Group composed of Tony Riniker, Tom Anderson, Cindy Schlapkohl and Michael Sorg held a conference call with the FLP section in the State Office. Tom DeCock is heading up the Multi-Year Subordination process. Discussion on ensuring the lender and borrowers understood the requirements for subsequent advances and the process to accomplish this were central. Tom DeCock advised that plans are to complete and issue a Notice outlining the process and the requirements by the end of June. A draft notice has since been provided to the Working Group for additional comment.
Dave Manley discussed the micro loan security issue. Options to perfect a first lien on specific items of security and when this would be appropriate were discussed. Modifications to the FSA-2028 Security Agreement are not authorized per discussion with OGC. UCC filing documents need to be updated due to law changes and plans are to incorporate this issue into the development of the new UCC's. These are also expected to be ready around the end of the month. Brian Hartman will be heading this up.
Because of the inability to modify the Security Agreement form which serves as a blanket lien document, a resolution has been submitted to NACS calling for the development by the National Office of an additional Security Agreement which would allow for taking only specific items of security. This will be acted on during the upcoming convention and, if adopted, forwarded to the National Office for action and response.
MACS Budget
The MACS fiscal year begins July 1, 2013. A budget was prepared and reviewed via conference call. The budgeted expenses consist of three categories - National Membership dues (70%), reimbursement for National Convention, Zone Meeting and State Meeting attendees (29%) and MACS Operating Expenses (1%). The budget was adopted and is posted at the web site for member review.
This year, funds were added for State Meeting attendee reimbursement. A minimum of $500 was set aside for this to assist members who have to stay over night to attend the meeting. In addition, funds not expended for the Zone Meeting could be made available to increase the amount available for the State Meeting reimbursement.
Dues 2013-14
Because of an increase by NACS of $24.00 annually ($0.92 per pay period) for the national dues, the MN dues for NACS members were increased by the same amount. NACS members dues have been set at $180 annually - $36 is the Minnesota share and $144 is the National share. NACS previously announced this change in an email notification. Their dues increase was to ensure Legislative Committee and Board travel to meet with officials in WDC could be maintained. The NACS dues increase took effect 6/1/2013. Our Association absorbed the first quarter dues payment increase of $6/member. All employees with loan approval authority or in training for, except politically appointed employees, who join must pay the NACS dues and be a NACS member.
Due to a NACS special first time members dues nationally are $20.00 resulting in annual dues for first time NACS members of $56.
NASE member dues were increased from the existing $32 for the Minnesota share to $36. This was done in order that State dues for both NACS and NASE members were consistent. NASE member dues have been set at $88.00 annually. Support employees for FLP such as FLP PT's are eligible for and are members of NASE.
Associate member dues continue at $20.00 each. All those who wish to support the work of our Association but are not eligible for regular membership as an FLP support or loan approval official are eligible for associate membership.
Members on payroll deduction do not need to take any action due to the dues change. If paying by check, send your dues to Sheree Krogstad, MACS Treasurer, 4 Alfred Street, Wadena, MN 56482.
Pay Your Dues On-Line!
MACS will be adding capabilities to pay your dues electronically on-line via credit card. Since the credit card processing company provides a charge for this, paying the dues on-line will require an additional fee for this convenience. The company charges a fee of 2.3% plus $0.30 per transaction. There is no charge to MACS for just having the capability. Dues payment on-line will be available by July 1st.
2014 MACS State Meeting
The Executive Committee established that the 2014 state meeting will take place on Friday, April 11, 2014 at a location yet to be determined. This meeting will take place jointly with MNASCOE who is also hosting their Midwest Area Rally that weekend. This may result in National Office level speakers to be in attendance. The MACS meeting will be a one-day event on Friday. More on this as it develops.
Volunteer Opportunities
Future working groups for other subject areas are contemplated. If you would like to be a part of this process, email to [email protected] and indicate what your area of interest is.
National Conventions
The National Conventions for NACS and NASE begin June 24th in San Diego. If you have an issue or question you would like brought forward to the Convention or National Office speakers, email it to [email protected].
A report on the convention will be provided after return from San Diego.
Mark Drewitz MACS President
Bulletin # 1
April 15, 2013
The MACS Annual Business Meeting was held April 13, 2013 in Baxter, MN. Attached are the minutes from the meeting for your review. Note the resolutions that were acted upon that we will be working on with the State Office. Much discussion and questions were raised on the furlough issue. However, whether there will be furloughs or for how long, is not yet known.
Your new officer line-up is as follows:
President - Mark Drewitz
Vice President - Adam Gritz
Secretary - Jerry Hurrle
Treasurer - Sheree Krogstad
Past President - Amy Dykema
With the meeting completed this affords several opportunities for members to provide input and discuss policy and training concerns for our Agency. We are discussing ways to assist the State Office FLP section on policy and training with working groups made up of field office employees and State Office FLP specialists. The first such group would be reviewing the methods to issue multi-year operating subordinations in cases where the loan made by the lender is not a guaranteed line of credit. The National Office has said this is possible but there are implementation issues for subsequent year advances. The second group would review the security and filing requirements for micro loans where only a specific item of security is required. Discussion at the meeting indicates there is not a consistent approach to this across the State. Final details of these working groups is being worked out. If you would like to be considered for one of these working groups, please respond by return email at [email protected]. (This email goes to all MACS Board members.) We may be establishing other working groups for other areas such as E-DALR$, Farm Business Plan, Environmental, Appraisals, etc. These other areas are also under discussion with the State Office. Our goal is to enhance the delivery and integrity of our programs through efficient policies and training.
MACS has immediate need for persons willing to fill the following positions:
NASE State Contact - This person is the liason between the National Association of Support Employees (NASE) and the state members of MACS that are members of NASE. This person would ensure that NASE updates are provided to the MACS PT members and PT concerns are represented to the MACS Board and to NASE. The selected person should plan on attending the Zone Meeting in February 2014 planned for Kansas City, KS. MACS budgets funds to assist all attendees for Zone Meetings. The MACS Board will select/confirm the person for this position.
District Representatives for Districts 1-7 - District Representatives ensure that the members in their District receive MACS and NACS materials that are issued, concerns are brought forward from members to the MACS Board, and prospective members in each District are contacted and invited to be MACS members. Representatives in the current odd numbered Districts will serve 1 year and in even numbered Districts 2 years. The District 8 position has been filled by Kim Wubbels, Farm Loan Officer, Preston, MN.
It is anticipated that MACS and MNASCOE will be meeting shortly in formal consultative session with the State Office. Once the new SED is in place this meeting will be scheduled. If you have questions/issues that you want to ensure are brought forward, please contact any of the officers or email the Board at [email protected].
In the coming days and weeks other activities are planned. First among these will be to revamp the MACS web site. If you would like to be a "design consultant" please let us know. This means you would be advising on layout, content, structure, etc., while not necessarily doing the web work itself.
I ask each of you to consider how you can contribute your talents to improving our Association thereby improving our programs and work environment for all. We need your ideas, your input and your abilities. The only bad idea is the one not submitted! You can begin by sharing this email with all others in your office - members or not. Discuss this at staff meeting and how you and your team can be a part as we begin anew.
Thank you all!
The MACS Annual Business Meeting was held April 13, 2013 in Baxter, MN. Attached are the minutes from the meeting for your review. Note the resolutions that were acted upon that we will be working on with the State Office. Much discussion and questions were raised on the furlough issue. However, whether there will be furloughs or for how long, is not yet known.
Your new officer line-up is as follows:
President - Mark Drewitz
Vice President - Adam Gritz
Secretary - Jerry Hurrle
Treasurer - Sheree Krogstad
Past President - Amy Dykema
With the meeting completed this affords several opportunities for members to provide input and discuss policy and training concerns for our Agency. We are discussing ways to assist the State Office FLP section on policy and training with working groups made up of field office employees and State Office FLP specialists. The first such group would be reviewing the methods to issue multi-year operating subordinations in cases where the loan made by the lender is not a guaranteed line of credit. The National Office has said this is possible but there are implementation issues for subsequent year advances. The second group would review the security and filing requirements for micro loans where only a specific item of security is required. Discussion at the meeting indicates there is not a consistent approach to this across the State. Final details of these working groups is being worked out. If you would like to be considered for one of these working groups, please respond by return email at [email protected]. (This email goes to all MACS Board members.) We may be establishing other working groups for other areas such as E-DALR$, Farm Business Plan, Environmental, Appraisals, etc. These other areas are also under discussion with the State Office. Our goal is to enhance the delivery and integrity of our programs through efficient policies and training.
MACS has immediate need for persons willing to fill the following positions:
NASE State Contact - This person is the liason between the National Association of Support Employees (NASE) and the state members of MACS that are members of NASE. This person would ensure that NASE updates are provided to the MACS PT members and PT concerns are represented to the MACS Board and to NASE. The selected person should plan on attending the Zone Meeting in February 2014 planned for Kansas City, KS. MACS budgets funds to assist all attendees for Zone Meetings. The MACS Board will select/confirm the person for this position.
District Representatives for Districts 1-7 - District Representatives ensure that the members in their District receive MACS and NACS materials that are issued, concerns are brought forward from members to the MACS Board, and prospective members in each District are contacted and invited to be MACS members. Representatives in the current odd numbered Districts will serve 1 year and in even numbered Districts 2 years. The District 8 position has been filled by Kim Wubbels, Farm Loan Officer, Preston, MN.
It is anticipated that MACS and MNASCOE will be meeting shortly in formal consultative session with the State Office. Once the new SED is in place this meeting will be scheduled. If you have questions/issues that you want to ensure are brought forward, please contact any of the officers or email the Board at [email protected].
In the coming days and weeks other activities are planned. First among these will be to revamp the MACS web site. If you would like to be a "design consultant" please let us know. This means you would be advising on layout, content, structure, etc., while not necessarily doing the web work itself.
I ask each of you to consider how you can contribute your talents to improving our Association thereby improving our programs and work environment for all. We need your ideas, your input and your abilities. The only bad idea is the one not submitted! You can begin by sharing this email with all others in your office - members or not. Discuss this at staff meeting and how you and your team can be a part as we begin anew.
Thank you all!