On Friday, October 3, Secretary-Treasurers from across the country convened at the Horseshoe Hotel in Las Vegas, NV to kick off day one of the three-day Secretary-Treasurers Training ahead of the 2025 All-Craft Conference.
APWU President Mark Dimondstein and APWU National Secretary-Treasurer Elizabeth “Liz” Powell brought greetings and addressed the delegation.
Dimondstein thanked attendees for their work and dedication to the APWU in the face of the current attacks on unionized workers, including the federal government shutdown, and attempts at postal privatization. “What you do help keeps us strong,” he began. “We have to be extra vigilant to make sure those who want to destroy us can’t use our financial questions as a way to get at us.” He concluded with a call to action to promote our proclamation campaign for the 250th anniversary of the Postal Service, and the 2025 Unite and Fight organizing campaign to recruit new members.
Powell outlined the goals and objectives of the conference. She emphasized the importance of their position, stating, “This union is built on the trust of our members. Your role as a financial officer is vital in upholding that trust. You are a guardian of the union’s integrity.”
Secretary-Treasurers’ Training Takes Place
Following the introduction of exhibitors, training began to the General Session with a brief Quickbooks overview, training on locals’ Dues Check Off (DCO) procedures, maintaining and sorting Excel DCO files, 1187 Authorization for Deduction of Dues, and the audit process per pay period. At the conclusion of the presentations, questions were taken from the floor.
After the initial presentations, attendees split into three breakout groups for training sessions on Fiduciary Responsibilities and QuickBooks Training (Beginners and Refresher).
Secretary-Treasurers’ Training Testimonials
“I’m here to make sure I’m doing what I’m supposed to do,” stated Terri Steele, Birmingham Area Local. “I’m not too big to admit when I’ve made a mistake. I am here to learn about the laws and rules that govern us and change the perspective of our members who think we’re just an ATM.”
Jim Kelly of the Central New Jersey Area Local believes in mentorship. “It’s important to have someone behind you to know what they are doing in case you are suddenly gone,” As secretary-treasurer of his local for 10 years, Jim is taking Quickbooks Beginners with local member Gilbert Eng, who wanted to step up for the betterment of his local. “The local is very important to me,” said Gilbert. “We as union members must stick together to make the post office a better place.”
Cheryl Heard, Savannah Local enjoys Secretary-Treasurer’s training and always learns something new whenever she takes a QuickBooks Refresher course. Serving as Treasurer of her local since 2018, Heard believes that no matter your experience, “you still need training because you’ll never know it all.”
“I take pride in what I do,” began Janice Alexander-Scott of the Northwest Illinois Local who is eager to share the knowledge gained here with her local. “I’ve spent 90 hours or more a month to do the best job that I can as a treasurer for my local. I treat their money like mine, and I want to expose the membership to programs that help them financially.”
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