Preparing and Planning Ahead for 2025

Local and state officers have multiple responsibilities, and it is always wise and prudent to plan for the new year. Whether it is gathering information in preparation for the next year’s budget, planning ahead for important Department of Labor (DOL) and IRS deadlines, shredding financial documents that exceed the required five-year retention period, or attending various trainings, conferences, and state conventions, preparing and planning will ensure that these local and state goals are completed.

Secretary-Treasurer’s Training April 8-10, 2025 - Miami, FL

The Secretary-Treasurer’s Department is currently planning for the 2025 Secretary-Treasurer’s Training. Information will be available on the event section of the APWU website. Trainings are scheduled simultaneously; therefore, you will need to select one of the following training opportunities: Fiduciary Responsibility, Beginner QuickBooks, or Refresher QuickBooks (must have attended Beginner QuickBooks). There will be a limited number of seats offered for both QuickBooks training classes. We recommend local and state presidents and treasurers attend at least one Secretary-Treasurer’s workshop per year. When scheduling to attend, please plan to arrive and register on April 7 and depart on April 11.

The Secretary-Treasurer’s Department is committed to providing tools and resources for officers in leadership positions to fulfill their responsibilities and stay in compliance with applicable regulations and laws. Whether you are a new officer or have been in a leadership position for some time, there is always something to gain from ensuring that you have access to correct fiduciary information. The Secretary-Treasurer’s Department provides virtual training in the areas of Fiduciary Responsibilities of Union Officers, Trustee Training, Local Elections, and various other topics. To schedule virtual presentations, contact Annette August-Taylor 202-842- 8538 or email aaugust@apwu.org.

2025 APWU Scholarships

The 2025 scholarship deadline for the E.C Hallbeck Memorial Scholarship, Vocational Scholarship, and Best Essay Award is May 31, 2025. The APWU Scholarship Program is one of the great benefits of being a member of the APWU. The E.C. Hallbeck Memorial Scholarship awards 10 recipients $2,000 annually for four years to use towards an undergraduate program. Five Vocational Scholarship winners receive up to $3,000 to be used for three years of study in a specific trade, technical, industrial, or vocational school. One “Best Essay” winner is selected from the applicant pool to receive a one-time $2,000 award for their four-year tuition. The 2025 APWU Scholarship applications are accessible on the Secretary- Treasurer’s page of the APWU website.

Renewal of Bond Coverage for 2025-2028!

The new bond coverage period begins July 1, 2025, and will provide another three years of bond coverage. Local and state presidents will receive correspondence informing them of their option to either increase or decrease the current amount of bond coverage or keep the amount of bond coverage the same. If the local or state decides to keep the current amount of bond coverage, no further action is required, and the coverage will roll over when the new bond period of coverage takes effect. If the local or state decides to increase or decrease the amount of bond coverage, upon completion of the Request to Change Bond Coverage form, the new coverage will be administratively processed, and the bond premium will be deducted from the Dues Check Off (DCO). The APWU provides $5,000 in bond coverage at no charge to the local. While the Department of Labor requires a fidelity bond covering a minimum of 10 percent of the local or state’s liquid assets, the APWU strongly recommends local and state affiliates bond 100 percent of the liquid assets.

Finally, I want to wish everyone my sincerest Season’s Greetings and blessings for you and your family. ■