Our pledge to you is to continue working on your behalf in improving those things over which we have influence. This was the basis of the Chevron meeting that I had with Joe Laymon (VP of Human Resources), Taryn Shawstad (General

Manager, Total Remuneration, & HR) and Claudia Polidori (Benefits Manager) in October. The intent, as the incoming CRA President, was to build a relationship with Chevron executives who have an influence in CRA matters. My meeting with them was worthwhile and I feel that I accomplished this goal.

In November, certain CRA leaders (Al Horan, Benefits; Pat Branson, Treasurer; MJ Stone, Secretary; Dennis Dauphin, Communications; Skip Rhodes, Public Affairs and I met with Chevron HR (Benefits) and Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA-Internal Communications, Regulatory Affairs, Digital Media, Chevron Humankind). This meeting was quite productive; it helped establish a strong rapport, discussing issues and needs in a positive and collaborative manner that was quite productive.

Chevron has, over time, always made representatives available to meet with CRA and share information and expertise as well as provide financial support all in a positive, supportive way. For this, I thanked them for Chevron's continued generosity.

The framework for both of these meetings was to look for ways that Chevron can help CRA and how CRA can help Chevron. This is a key foundation of my goals as President of CRA.

Some general comments from Chevron important to CRA were:

Based on the CRA cornerstone request that Chevron supplement pensions, Chevron continues an annual review of pension supplementation and will decide in the Spring if they plan to do anything. I know that this is a key concern to some retirees and CRA continues to advocate for this. I hope that our collaborative approach on this matter will yield results.

In our discussion of CRA membership, Chevron mentioned that they are committed to being a feeder for CRA membership through their policy of long-term employment. This means that Chevron will assist CRA by giving us improved access to new retirees so we can make the case for CRA membership. Chevron is quite supportive of CRA through its financial and other assistance.

Chevron is committed to continuing its medical benefits support for eligible retirees, subject to any new regulations issued by Washington. Also, they plan to review the issue of CRA making available medical coverage to members who do not qualify for Chevron medical coverage.

In response to thanking Chevron for its continued financial support of the CRA, Chevron will continue to provide expertise, share information and provide financial support to CRA so it can continue in its mission of adding value to the retirees.

The CRA / Chevron partnership in public affairs matters has made a positive contribution to the company in the past several years. We reinforced this commitment to a positive long-term relationship and readiness to continue to be an advocate for the company.

Chevron is very satisfied with retiree use of Chevron Humankind matching gifts (dollars or time) and is considering changes to enhance it in areas of interest that align to Chevron's corporate contributions program.

CRA shared the following matters with Chevron:

In regard to public affairs matters, CRA is actively trying to get as many members to join the Chevron Advocacy Network (CAN) as possible. This has been a challenge to get retirees engaged but is a key goal this year for CRA. Skip Rhodes, Public Affairs Chair, is heading this effort for the CRA.

The CRA is enhancing its electronic communications to be of more value to members. This includes the website, publications, and communications. To the latter end, CRA is exploring development of a national electronic data base (led by Frank Coe, Demographics Chair) so the CRA nationally can supplement and enhance chapter communications with members.

We're able to keep the web site current now that we have completed the CMS changeover. We are posting messages from Al Horan about Benefits as the news develops, and we have added Chapter Meetings to the Homepage. We hope that the CRA website becomes a handy reference for all retiree computer Users. Dennis Dauphin, the Communications chair, is adding lots of new communications services. He is also exploring social media for the CRA with Chevron's help.

The CRA Benefits committee (Al Horan, Chair), in addition to its milestone efforts in providing dental, auto, home insurance as well as life event management publications to its members, is exploring possible fee discounts with service providers such as Vanguard as a member benefit.

In my mind, the meeting reinforced the many services that the CRA provides for its members and the value that Chevron has for the Association. I also see how diligent CRA leaders work on behalf of you. In the end, the CRA is a service to its members and it relies on you to be a supportive member. You can do this in several ways. First and foremost you can renew your membership by paying dues promptly (for you and perhaps for your spouse if desired). Each retiree and spouse member is matched by Chevron and provides the major source of CRA funding. If a chapter is not available, you can join the Unaffiliated, which gives you full access to all member benefits. You may also help recruit a new member or remind others to continue membership. Lastly, you can be active in CRA chapters, join the Chevron Advocacy

Network (CAN), and sign up as a candidate for a CRA national leadership position as well provide your address for the national database.

Finally, please remember that Chevron supports the CRA Public Service Awards. Please think about a deserving member of a Chapter and submit the application by March 15. Your Chapter has more information about how to do this. Skip Rhodes will provide more information shortly. The awards will be made at the annual meeting in Sacramento next May. All of you are invited to attend the annual meeting.

Best wishes for the New Year. Please contact me or any of the CRA officers at any time.