rman of Unit 21 was well-represented by fourteen members attending the 2023 IRTA Conference in Springfield. The Opening General Assembly featured a Keynote Address by Tom Morris, Chairman and CEO of the Morris Institute of Human Values. President Bill Funkhauser challenged the members to Reimagine the Illinois Retired Teachers Association. He invited delegates to consider how to keep IRTA relevant in the future and to be prepared for unforeseen events. Area caucuses met to discuss proposed constitution changes and elections. Our Unit 21 Honoree, Nancy McManus, was recognized at the Banquet on Monday night. A beautiful handmade quilt by Glenda Flaherty and Kay Ostrom accompanied a wine-filled basket to raise funds for the IRTA Foundation. Tuesday's General Session focused on the Election and Committee Reports. New Officers elected by acclimation were: President Michael Schmidt, Vice President Rainey Kaplan, Treasurer Donnie C. Ostrom, and Secretary LaVonne Chaney. A proposed State dues increase was approved: Annual - $50, Dues-deduct: $3.50 ($42 a year), Life dues - $600, Annual Recurring Dues - $46, Annual Associate Recurring Dues - $35, Associate Life Dues - $200. A proposal to allow all active members to vote for proposed constitutional changes was approved. A proposal to remove Regional Directors from the Board of Directors was defeated. Lunch and the Raffle drawing followed the Incoming President's Acceptance Speech.
Keynote Address by Tom Morris
https://members.irtaonline.org/news/keynote-speaker-tom-morris-convention-2023