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Changes & Updates
We are now accepting speaker proposals for the 2021 ANFP Meetings & events season! The safety of our members and attendees always comes first – we are continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation, but we are optimistic that we will be able to meet again in person in 2021. While we are continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation, we are optimistic that we will be able to meet again in person in 2021. As a CDM, CFPP and an ANFP volunteer, I invite you to take this opportunity to share your expertise with your industry colleagues. All topics are welcome, but trending topics we are aiming to include are crisis management, labor issues, staff recruitment and retention, and more. For more information, or to submit your proposal, please visit our Call for Proposals webpage. -
Important Dates & Deadlines
This is a reminder that if your chapter has not submitted the below requirements, they will not receive the chapter rebate as all items are past due at this time. Please submit the below requirements as soon as possible.
- End of the Year Financial Statement (June 2019 - April 2020) - PAST DUE
- Update officers in chapter portal - PAST DUE (incoming or current officers must now be entered as 'Add Position Current Term'). Click here for instructions.
- Affiliate Agreement and Code of Conduct signed and submitted to National - PAST DUE
- Meeting date and location submitted in chapter portal - PAST DUE
- First part of Bi-Annual Chapter Report (upload to chapter portal) - PAST DUE
- IRS Form 990 e-receipt (upload as image, PDF, or Word Doc to chapter portal) - PAST DUE
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Chapter Champions
Chapter Champions
Learn more about becoming a Chapter Champion HERE.
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Food For Thought
We have made many adjustments during the last few months. Many changes have taken place in our facilities, with our families, and how we obtain education and network with our peers. We are learning to adapt to the “new normal.” Over the last few weeks, we have heard from several chapters leaders about how they plan to transition from face to face meetings to virtual meetings. In addition to the best practices of hosting a virtual meeting (July Volunteer Leader), there are some other key practices to keep in mind related to the prior approvals process.
Applying for Multiple Sessions/Courses – Many chapters have decided to offer several sessions over a few weeks or months during the fall. As these will be considered separate sessions, each course will require a separate Prior Approvals application. This will ensure that a different Prior Approval number is assigned to each separate course, and those participating in the course will receive the correct number of CE hours.
Assigning Competency Levels – With each separate session/course a competency level will also need to be assigned. As your courses may differ, competency levels may also differ. Using Appendix C & D within the Prior Approvals handbook, you will need to decide the overall competency level for your sessions and select the most relevant topic areas for the education that will be covered in the session. Please see the Prior Approvals handbook for more information.
Application Deadlines – It’s important to keep deadlines in mind when completing the Prior Approval applications. As of June 1, a $50 late fee will be charged if applications are submitted with less than 30 days allowed for processing. We suggest ANFP Chapters submit applications and supporting material at least eight weeks prior to the start date of the program/event to allow time for processing, corrections, and advance publicity. Anticipate a four to six-week timeframe for approval from the date the application is received.
Make Use of the Toolkit – The Prior Approvals Toolkit has many useful tools, resources, and templates that help simplify the application process. It includes sample applications, speaker directory, how to’s, and speaker information form, all which are useful and relevant to a virtual session or course.
For questions regarding the Prior Approval application and/or processes, please email at priorapprovals@CBDMonline.org.
For questions regarding chapter meeting planning, please email chapters@ANFPonline.org or asolazzo@ANFPonline.org.
To learn more about the CE Prior Approvals application process, please take some time to view webinar on ANFPtv.
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Volunteer of the Month
This month we are honoring Denise Choleva CDM, CFPP, of the Vermont (VT) ANFP chapter as our Volunteer of the Month. Denise began her career in foodservice in 1998 at her facility and will celebrate her 22nd year this week. Denise joined ANFP and became a CDM, CFPP in 2003.
Somewhat hesitant and shy, Denise tended to sit in the back row at meetings and didn’t know many members. However, after hearing a national representative speak about volunteering and getting to know other VT members, Denise decided to volunteer with the chapter. Denise began her ANFP volunteer career in 2008 as the chapter secretary. Since that time, Denise has remained a volunteer with the chapter and has served in roles such as program and membership chair, webmaster, treasurer, and president. Additionally, Denise has taken much of her time to train others and step in when there were no other volunteers. Her passion, patience, and dedication to serve others has set the bar for volunteers that follow in her footsteps. VT ANFP members recognize her as someone they can go to with questions or concerns or when they need help; she is there without hesitation.
As for the future of the VT ANFP chapter, Denise and other chapter leaders are working to increase the number of CDM, CFPPs in the state in hopes they will join ANFP as well as the chapter. The chapter plans to reach out to targeted facilities within the state and inquire as to why there is not a CDM, CFPP within their facility. If there is a CDM, CFPP within their facility, but not engaged with the chapter, VT ANFP hopes to learn more about the opportunities to engage these members.
Volunteering with the chapter allowed Denise to come out of her shell and strengthen her leadership skills. For those that are hesitant to volunteer, Denise suggests starting with a less demanding role, such as serving on the hospitality or welcome committee. She also suggests getting to know others in your chapter by volunteering to be the greeter at your next chapter meeting and take the time to introduce new members to everyone and make members feel welcome.
Having served as spokesperson for several years, Denise knows the state spokesperson is always looking for help reaching out to state legislators. And if you have political or legislative connections, consider serving on the impact team to support the spokesperson. Or perhaps you have strong writing skills, Denise suggests developing the chapter’s newsletters 2- 4 times a year (dependent on your chapter) can help the organization tremendously by passing along important information to members and non-members. While Denise lists a few ways to get your foot in the door, she firmly believes volunteering will also help educate the individual about the chapter and the organization. In turn, this may lead them to feeling more comfortable to step into a more predominant and demanding role. Along with finding volunteering rewarding, Denise’s staff and facility have an appreciation and admiration for what she does for the chapter.
Denise states “Also, don’t ever feel like you are alone in this volunteer journey as you are not. The board members and other volunteers work as a team to keep these organizations running smoothly. You are never alone.”
Thank you, Denise for your continuous hard work, dedication, and support for the VT chapter and ANFP! Your passion is an inspiration for others, and we value and appreciate volunteers like you!
If you would like to nominate yourself or another volunteer, please email Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org.
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Important Dates & Deadlines
This is reminder that if your chapter has not submitted the below requirements, they will not receive the chapter rebate as all items past due at this time. Pleas submit the below requirements as soon as possible.
- End of the Year Financial Statement (June 2019 - April 2020) - PAST DUE
- Update officers in chapter portal - PAST DUE (incoming or current officers must now be entered as 'Add Position Current Term.' Click here for instructions.
- Affiliate Agreement and Code of Conduct signed and submitted to National - PAST DUE
- Fall meeting date and location submitted in chapter portal - PAST DUE
- First part of Bi-annual Chapter Report (upload to chapter portal) - PAST DUE
- IRS Form 990 e-receipt (upload as image, PDF, or Word Document to chapter portal) - PAST DUE
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Government Affairs Update
New to Volunteer Leader, we will be providing updates on government affairs initiatives with our chapter leaders as new information becomes available. These updates will be provided as means to help our members understand the initiatives that affect our industry as well as members.
Last week, chapter leaders received an email regarding PAC donations. We encourage chapter leaders to share this information on the chapter’s social media accounts as well as with all members.
Below is the link to the forms available on the website.
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Chapter Champions
Learn more about becoming a Chapter Champion HERE.
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Food For Thought
As we approach the middle of summer, many of our chapter leaders have already turned their thoughts to fall meetings. Unforeseen circumstances presented challenges for our chapter spring meetings, and we may face those same challenges in the fall. Depending on your state and/or facility’s recommendations for travel and/or gatherings of large groups, an in-person meeting may not be feasible. If your chapter decides to forego the in-person meeting, keep some ‘do’s and don’ts’ in mind when developing the meeting or sessions to present virtually.
DO Start with Learning Objectives – Similar to any face to face course or session, virtual sessions should also include objectives, and attendees should still be able to walk away with takeaways. For more information on how to write objectives, please refer ‘How to Create Learning Objectives’ in the Prior Approvals Toolkit on ANFPConnect.
DON’T Try to Re-Create a Live Event on a Virtual Platform – Trying to give your attendees the exact same experience as an in-person meeting is not feasible. Sitting in front of a screen watching a slideshow or a ‘talking head’ is far less engaging than being in a room with other attendees and a live speaker. Keep this in mind as you develop your agenda and consider a shorter program broken up over several days or even weeks.
DO Plan for Interactive Activities - Maintaining engagement during a virtual session can be difficult. Often, attendees have many behind-the-scenes distractions that compete for their full attention. To make the session more engaging, consider implementing polls, asking for feedback via the chat function (depending on the platform), Q&A sessions, trivia, or bingo (related to the learning objectives) through the session.
DON’T Use a Platform You are Unfamiliar With – For many of us, we have been forced to learn new technology that includes video/audio features. Whether it was for meetings, trainings, or even seeing the faces of our loved ones, we have likely had to learn to use a platform such as Zoom, Google Hangouts, FaceTime, etc. When it comes to your virtual events, go with what you know. Take the time to become more familiar with all the features available of the preferred platform and ensure your speakers feel comfortable with the technology as well.
DO Assign Volunteers to Help Facilitate the Session – While you may have one or two chapter leaders responsible for developing the program, there are many facets of a virtual session that require support and attention. Consider having one volunteer dedicated to monitoring the questions that come through on chat, dedicate another volunteer for troubleshooting for attendees that have difficulty with the technology, and designate someone as the virtual emcee/host.
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Volunteer of the Month
This month we are honoring Toni Skaggs CDM, CFPP, of the Wyoming ANFP chapter, as our Volunteer of the Month. Toni became certified in 2016 and jumped right into volunteering with her chapter as the president-elect. She then stepped into the role of president shortly thereafter and continues to serve in this role as of today. In 2019, she also served on the Young Members Advisory Council, a group of appointed members that guides the direction and focus on member recruitment and retention of individuals new to the profession and persons under the age of 35.
When Toni first stepped into the chapter volunteer role, she was not familiar with some of the responsibilities and faced various challenges. However, through this experience she has learned a great deal about chapter management and administration, and herself, and she has set an example for other members as a leader that is not afraid to step into the great unknown of chapter leadership.
She hopes by leading by example, that others will step outside their own comfort zones and volunteer with the chapter. Toni would also like to see the WY ANFP chapter continue collaborating with others states for chapter meetings as they have done in the past with Utah and Colorado with great success.
When asked about her thoughts on those members that may be hesitant to volunteer, Toni states “Just say yes. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and the experience has definitely added skills and knowledge to my toolbox I will carry to everything I do in life. It hasn’t always been easy but there has always been someone willing to help me from my state chapter or from nationals. It has truly been rewarding to be a part of something bigger.”
Thank you, Toni, for your dedication and service to ANFP! You have shown members that taking a risk is well worth the effort and has led to many great accomplishments! Congratulations on the many successes and more to come!
If you would like to nominate yourself or another volunteer, please email Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org.
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Changes & Updates
New Chapter Leader Resource!
In addition to the new Prior Approvals Toolkit that became available on June 1, we have also included a Food Broker’s Contact List in the toolkit on ANFPConnect. This list can be found within the Prior Approvals Toolkit under Additional Resources. This is a great resource for our individual members as well as chapters for prospective partnerships at the chapter level.
ANFP Government Affairs Update
New to Volunteer Leader, we will be providing updates on government affairs initiatives with our chapter leaders as new information becomes available. These updates will be provided as means to help our members understand the initiatives that effect our industry as well as members. All of the information is available in the ANFP’s ROOTS Roundup update. Please take a few moments to read through the update and share with your members.
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Important Dates & Deadlines
This is a reminder of the approaching deadline for rebate requirements.
- End of the Year Financial Statement (June 2019 - April 2020) - PAST DUE
- Update officers in chapter portal - PAST DUE (incoming or current officers must now be entered as 'Add Position Current Term.' Click here for instructions.
- Affiliate Agreement and Code of Conduct signed and submitted to National - PAST DUE
- Fall meeting date and location submitted in chapter portal - Due July 15
- First part of the Bi-Annual Chapter Report (upload to chapter portal) - Due July 15
- IRS Form 990 e-receipt (upload as image, PDF, or Word document to chapter portal) - Due July 15
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Chapter Champions
Learn more about becoming a Chapter Champion HERE.
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ROOTS Roundup
As we kick off a new year, Barbara Thomsen, CDM, CFPP will continue to serve as the Chair of the Government Affairs committee. This committee is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive and effective government affairs strategies for the association on both the federal and state levels. Continuing their service on the committee are Judith Hazlett, CDM, CFPP; Cindy Cothern, CDM, CFPP; Larry Jackson, CDM, CFPP; Zlatko Jancic, CDM, CFPP; Richard Lind, CDM, CFPP; Bionca Lindsey, CDM, CFPP; Kenneth Owens, CDM, CFPP; Sue Rinkenberger, CDM, CFPP; and Sherri Williams, CDM, CFPP.
Serving as the Chair on the ANFP-PAC committee is Shona McCue, CDM, CFPP. This committee is responsible for assisting the Government Affairs committee in the development and implementation of effective government affairs strategies and recommends the disbursement of funds from the ANFP-PAC in concert with current legislative strategies. Continuing their service are Denise Choleva, CDM, CFPP; and Tina Day, CDM, CFPP. Please welcome Andrew Aumann, CDM, CFPP; Dorothy Radermacher, CDM, CFPP; and Felicia Smith, MHA, CDM, CFPP as the newest volunteers.
This year, the committees will focus on increasing the number of ANFP-approved training programs and will continue to promote the CDM, CFPP credential as the primary qualification for the Director of Food and Nutrition Services in the absence of a full-time dietitian. The committee has developed a CDM, CFPP Credential at a Glance map that includes the current number of credential holders, long term care facilities, and ANFP-approved programs in each state. To view this map, click here.
On July 18, 2019, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rule making “Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Requirements for Long-Term Care Facilities; Regulatory Provisions to Promote Efficiency, and Transparency” would rescind the requirement that the director of food and nutrition services be a CDM,CFPP and ANFP submitted comments opposing this change (and generated additional like-minded comments). ANFP made a strong case to CMS for keeping the CDM, CFPP requirement; and this, in conjunction with growing press criticism of the entire CMS rule making stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, has delayed a final ruling from CMS for the foreseeable future.
ANFP’s participation in the Occupation America Jobs and Careers Coalition (OAJCC) continues to provide ANFP with more visibility on Capitol Hill and more potential platforms for the CDM, CFPP credential. OAJCC coordinated a May 20 letter (that ANFP cosigned) to relevant Senate and House committee chairs and ranking members urging a flexible workforce-development component in any stimulus bill passed by Congress. This idea is gaining traction on Capitol Hill and in the White House. On May 29, OAJCC hosted a Zoom meeting with Special Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy James Redstone to discuss the White House American Workforce Policy Board’s call-to-action to help those on coronavirus-related unemployment find new jobs, and this provided an excellent forum to explain the value of the CDM, CFPP credentialing program. OAJCC has also facilitated Zoom meetings between ANFP and apprenticeship program experts at the Urban Institute to possibly become a national sponsor for a youth apprenticeship program in foodservice. The Urban Institute received a $2 million annual grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to establish more youth apprenticeship programs and can assist with all aspects of ANFP potentially becoming a national sponsor, with funding of up to $1,000 per apprentice.
ANFP’s political action committee, ANFP-PAC, has $8,000 cash on-hand and is reviewing U.S. House and Senate candidates to support for the 2020 election.
Learn more about the GrassROOTS initiatives or join the cause and become a member of the network here. Please also consider giving to ANFP-PAC, which is integral to our visibility and success on Capitol Hill.
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Food For Thought
The 2020 volunteer year has officially begun. We are looking forward to a great year with new and veteran volunteers. As you have seen in the previous weeks, we have made many changes that have gone into effect as of June 1. Included in those are the changes to the Prior Approval application and process. We have distributed much information about these changes in the previous months, as well as tools, resources, and templates to help simplify the process for our chapter leaders. All tools, resources, documents, and the Prior Approvals handbook and application can be found on ANFPConnect in Volunteer Resources (Prior Approvals Toolkit & Meeting Resources).
Below are the most significant changes within the application.
- Step 2 - Chapters can request multiple certificates, one for each day or for a special event that would be separately priced. If you are allowing your members to register for one day of of a two- or three-day meeting, please request separate certificates for each day. Individual prior approval numbers will be generated for reporting purposes.
- Step 3 - Using Appendix C & D, you will need to decide the overall competency level for your meeting and select the most relevant topic areas the education included in your meeting will cover. There are 36 topic areas to choose from which follow the CDM Credentialing Exam blueprint. Refer to the Gap Analysis Tool found on www.CBDMonline.org under the Resources tab for a better understanding of how this tool can help evaluate continuing education goals.
- Step 6 - A description of the overall content of your meeting allows you to advertise your meeting to members using the 'Find CE' tool. Find CE is an area of the ANFP website where CBDM Prior Approved education can be found. You must be logged in to access.
- Beginning June 1, 2020, ANFP will charge a $50 late fee for applications submitted less than 30 days prior to the event. ANFP staff will work with chapters on a case-by-case basis for this new policy. In most cases, we will process the application if reasonable time is permitted.
New Resources & Tools
We have developed many new resources and tools to help simplify the application process. These are available on ANFPConnect in Volunteer Resources in the Prior Approvals Toolkit, and include the following:
- Example Applications - ANFP has provided samples of completed applications for chapter leaders to reference as they complete their own. This will ensure the submitted application is completed in its entirety and includes all required supporting documents in the correct format.
- Speaker Directory - The new user-friendly speaker directory will allow chapter leaders to find ANFP approved speakers by topic, state, and type of CE awarded (GEN, SAN, and Ethics). It also includes biographies from each of the speakers, simplifying the process of tracking down speaker bios that are required as part of the application. The directory will be updated regularly with ANFP approved speakers. It will also include speakers that are recommended by chapters (pending ANFP approval).
- Speaker Recommendation Form - Chapter leaders will have the opportunity to recommend speakers to national and other chapters. These recommendations will be added to the speaker directory. Speaker recommendations can include speakers that presented at chapter meetings or other industry workshops, conferences, or seminars.
- How to Write Learning Objectives - ANFP has provided a step by step guide on how to write learning objectives for your audience.
- Speaker Information Form - A form that can be sent to speakers to capture all their information, including contact information, learning objectives, name of session, CE type, and AV needs.
- Event Planning Grid - This template allows the meeting/program chair to keep all information and details related to meeting logistics including: speaker checklist, food & beverage details/catering, daily schedule with room assignments and audiovisual needs, etc., in one place, for easy reference and organization. Additional tabs can be added and customized, like vendor information, budget or registration dashboard, or other important information related to the event.
- Meeting Planning Checklist - This form allows the meeting/program planner to list all tasks that need to be executed for a successful meeting, along with the deadline for who is responsible for each task.
- Evaluation Form Template - Though it may look very similar to the previous version, we have added a few additional questions that will serve the chapter well for future meetings. As this serves as a template, chapter leaders will still be able to format and edit the document to fit their needs.
- Top 10s & Helpful Tips - A list of top ten tips for meeting planning and presenting, and other helpful tips, are available to help chapter leaders stay organized and prioritize these crucial components of the meeting.
For questions regarding the Prior Approval application and/or processes, please e-mail priorapprovals@CBDMonline.org.
For questions regarding chapter meeting planning, please e-mail chapters@ANFPonline.org or asolazzo@ANFPonline.org.
To learn more about the CE Prior Approvals application process, please take some time to view our webinar on ANFPtv.
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Volunteer of the Month
This month we are honoring Chris Rehmer CDM, CFPP, of the Iowa (IA) ANFP chapter, as our Volunteer of the Month. Chris has been a member of ANFP since 2003. After completing the dietary manager specialist certificate program at Des Moines Area Community College (Ankney), he was approached to volunteer as a chapter leader. At the time, Chris was hesitant as he was not always comfortable with speaking in front of others, something often expected of chapter leaders. However, he quickly learned the IA ANFP chapter has a long history of well-trained and knowledgeable volunteers to help him prepare for his role.
During his time as a chapter leader, Chris was the president-elect for one term, followed by three terms as chapter president. He also served as the program chair for one term and currently holds the expo chair role, which he has held since 2007.
Through his various volunteer roles with the chapter, Chris has been at the forefront of helping all members keep an open mind when it comes to new ideas, including ways to give back to IA ANFP members.
Looking ahead, Chris continues to see IA ANFP as a resource for its members as well as other states. Additionally, he would like to see IA ANFP continue mentoring new CDMs, an initiative that has led to the success of the chapter.
Having been a hesitant member that has turned into a well-respected, long-time veteran volunteer, Chris states “It has been an honor to serve our chapter and has opened doors that I never thought I would be interested in! The leadership in Iowa ANFP is second to none and will be there to help you succeed at any position you chose to volunteer for. So, let those fears subside and step out of your comfort zone; you will not be disappointed!”
Thank you, Chris, for your dedication, enthusiasm, and the hard work you have done for IA ANFP during these many years of service! We are incredibly appreciative of volunteers such as yourself! We look forward to working with you in this volunteer year!
If you would like to nominate yourself or another volunteer, please e-mail Abigail Solazzo at asolazzo@ANFPonline.org. -
Important Dates & Deadlines
This is a reminder of the approaching deadline for rebate requirements.
- End of the Year Financial Statement (June 2019 - April 2020) - PAST DUE
- Update officers in chapter portal - Due June 1 (incoming or current officers must now be entered as 'Add Position Current Term' at this time and click here for instructions.)
- Affiliate Agreement and Code of Conduct signed and submitted to National - Due June 15
- Fall meeting date and location submitted in chapter portal - Due July 15
- First part of the Bi-annual Chapter Report (upload to chapter portal) - Due July 15
- IRS Form 990 e-receipt (upload as image, PDF, or Word document to chapter portal) - Due July 15
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Chapter Champions
Learn more about becoming a Chapter Champion HERE -
Food For Thought
We hope you are well and safe during these unprecedented times. The current situation we are facing has introduced new challenges including staying connected with loved ones and friends, as well as fellow members. Some chapters are exploring the possibility of holding virtual meetings as a means to provide CE and networking opportunities. Below are a few options chapters can explore for their virtual meeting and networking needs.
Zoom – Zoom is an online video/audio platform where participants can see each other live, face to face. Members can also view live webinars as an audience member as well as recorded programs when it is more convenient for them. Zoom offers a variety of plans that fit into all budgets.
Houseparty – Houseparty is a free app that lets multiple users video chat together at one time. This is a great tool for networking, quick meetings, or mentor-mentee coaching sessions.
FreeConferenceCalling.com – This website allows you to conduct conference calls (audio only) with up to 1,000 callers and 6 hours of call time. Speakers are also able to share their screens, allowing them to present virtually as well as record their program for later use.
Google Hangouts – Google Hangouts is another video/audio platform. Like Zoom, users can conduct meetings live, face to face. This feature is free for those with Google e-mail accounts. Time of calls is unlimited and the platform is available via mobile or desktop.
Now more than ever it's important to keep in touch with members, even if it's a brief chat about the challenges you are currently facing or the last great book you read. Reach out to your members and stay connected!
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Prior Approvals Webinar - Changes & Updates
We will be conducting a live webinar to review the changes we have made to the prior approvals process on Wednesday, May 13 at 2:00 PM (Central). For those that are not able to join, we will record the webinar and make available to view at a later time. We will also send a follow-up communication summarizing the changes.
Registration is required. To register for the webinar, please click on the link below.
Register
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.