Regions 3 and 4 conducted their annual joint conference this year at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe in Stateline, Nevada, September 29-30. Chapters represented were Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington, Travis Air Force Base, California, and Naval Weapons Station, Concord, California. Located on the shore of Lake Tahoe, the hotel offered spectacular views of the lake and mountains, with snow arriving overnight on the peaks. The conference kicked off with a reception in a room formerly used by the famous Rat Pack when in town. Though there was no sign of Frank Sinatra or Sammy Davis Jr., it was easy to imagine them relaxing and enjoying themselves in the corner room with amazing scenery. The FMA members and spouses enjoyed good food and refreshments and happily caught up with one another.

On Saturday, the conference began with introductions by each of the chapter leaders in attendance. FMA President Emeritus Pat Niehaus then presented on her experience of recently going through the retirement process and offering insights into how to best prepare and maneuver to ensure the smoothest experience possible. This process ideally starts years in advance of a retirement target date. Johnny Gottstein, president of GPIS Federal Benefits Specialist, provided an outstanding overview of federal employee life insurance options, giving everyone in attendance a lot to think about, and with more confidence to improve their current coverage and plan.

After lunch, FMA Executive Director Todd Wells provided an overview of what is keeping the national office staff busy these days, as well as an overview of the top government affairs/legislative matters we are working on. Then Region 4 Director Vincent Stamper presented a riveting talk titled, “The Future of the Federal Workforce.” His explanation of AI use, and other systems that help his colleagues at the shipyard work smarter and more productively, was truly enlightening.

Despite the great presentations noted above, the best part of the conference was the chance for attendees to have extended discussions about the myriad issues FMA and our managers must address in the current climate. Many good ideas were brought up, and follow-up on possible ways to improve our member communications, and other efforts, will be undertaken in the coming months.

Thank you to everyone who journeyed to the conference. Special thanks to Pat Niehaus who planned the event and provided an amazing experience for all who attended. It was one to remember!