First things first…

by Bill Kingsley

If you are out enjoying this mild winter weather on your bike – be careful, expect ice on the roads and remember they are not looking for you.

Insurance Action – As of Mid-January the Pavilion is nearly completed (hopefully you can see pictures of it in this newsletter.) Once the pavilion structure is finished, it will be added to our General Insurance policy

All ABATE of Wisconsin insurance coverage is still completely up to date. There should not be any additional insurance needs for early 2023 – unless a special event is to occur. I will be starting to review our current insurance policies and coverage needs. These policies are up for renewal in March, and I will be sure that we have the best coverage that is priced as a good value to ABATE.

ZOOM Video & Chat Webcasting – ZOOM has great potential for ABATE. ZOOM can be used for smaller meetings (regional, committee, remote locations) to larger statewide meetings and events. Some of the benefits are; more member inclusion, no limits on any meeting you choose to attend, regional meetings can either be in-person, virtual or both, full interaction, the list is endless… Think about the possibility of attending the monthly BOD meeting from the comfort of your home or get with other ABATE Brothers and Sisters to tune in together.

Regional Reps and District Directors are asked to start incorporating these ZOOM meetings into their regular meeting formats. We are going to start by crawling with Zoom before we try walk and run. Please check it out and stay open minded to how we can all benefit by using ZOOM. Please contact your ABATE rep or me for assistance.

This is a great low cost, easy to use software program that will allow virtually any of us to attend any ABATE of WI meeting using our mobile or computing devices.

Officer’s Training – I look forward to seeing those in attendance at OT. I will have some time in front of our group to present an overview of my responsibilities as Business Agent and the details we need as we conduct ABATE business. I am available all weekend at OT if you would like to speak with me. I am here (and there) for you.

I will be posting pertinent information in my newsletters for the members (at all levels of participation) to use and become more knowledgeable of the behind-the-scenes details. You are welcome to submit a topic or article for use – this newsletter article is for us.

Sometimes there may not be much news to report, however, I will try to find something timely and of interest. Contact me if you have a topic you would like to see covered.

I am always looking to reduce our costs and spend our Members money wiser while maintaining necessary insurance and licensing coverage while serving our Membership. Suggestions are always welcome!

Should you have any questions regarding Insurance or Licensing (Raffles, fundraiser, etc.) please contact me. My info is listing towards the end of this newsletter. I may not have the answer, but I will get you the answer.

See you at the next Big One!

Bill