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Board Makes Final Plans for MASWM April Conference
MASWM will hold its Spring Conference at Margarittaville April 24-26 and the meeting may be one of the most information-packed in years.
Events Chair Charlie Fischer told the MASWM Board of Directors April 8 that everything points to an excellent event, with a wide range of presentations and several opportunities for fun. To ensure that all shops that wish to attend can, President Rob Libera reminded that the association offers financial support for shops that might hesitate to attend for budget reasons.
“If there’s an economic reason for not attending or staying a second night, please contact me, and we’ll work something out,” Libera noted.
Fischer said topics will include presentations by OSHA, “DESE Dan” Gier on manager training, the new MASWM workshop best practices manual, advocacy and more. A major highlight will be keynote speaker Amy Lutz, author and mother of an autistic child. The first-ever awards for manager of the year and other honorees will be presented as well. A record number of sponsors specializing in fields like health insurance will also make presentations.
For the “lighter” events, a reception will be held Wednesday evening for members arriving early, and the annual dinner will be Thursday evening. The reception will be held at a private home 10 minutes from Margaritaville and will include live music. Transportation will be available.
Election of officers takes place Thursday at the meeting, with the installation Thursday evening at the dinner. The annual meeting for Sheltered Workshop Insurance of Missouri will be held Friday.
Other Topics
Legislative Chair Kit Brewer said a major change is likely with MASWM’s federal efforts. He said that work with the Coalition to Preserve Employment Choice is increasing in importance. Group members have been meeting with members of the U.S. House and Senate, along with their staffs. This work, and the increasing probability of legal action to protect Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, are likely to bring the need for a changing focus. Brewer, who serves as the coalition’s vice president, also said an effort is being made to reach an agreement that would allow individual MASWM workshops to be members. Currently only three shops are members and regularly attend their zoom meetings.
Legislative Consultant Lynne Schlosser reported that the funding for Sheltered Workshops under DESE stayed untouched in the House. The $50-billion state operating budget will now head to the Senate for consideration. MASWM proposed Legislation to codify that county SB40 board funds are used as intended is progressing. The legislation is currently on the House calendar for perfection. She also shared that there is legislation being proposed regarding accessibility and voting rights for persons with disabilities with a guardian. A couple years ago, a county clerk attempted to remove persons with disabilities under guardianship from the registered voter rolls – even though they were granted that right by the courts.
Upcoming Efforts
Two other reports noted progress in important areas. Chair Geoff Shackelford said the recycling committee has completed an initial survey of shops engaged in that business. The group is looking for ways to make recycling services more profitable. Fischer, who also chairs the mentoring committee, said a survey has identified over a dozen shops that are looking for help from a mentor and others willing to offer mentoring to other shops. The biggest challenge is organizing a practical way to do it.
“People are volunteering to help, and others need the help,” Fischer said. “We have to figure out a way to make this work.”