Tuesday, October 30, 2007
- Bud Elder
(above) Representative Brian Renegar addresses the group
(above) Sterling Zearley visits with OPEA members from the state forestry service
OPEA executive director Sterling Zearley, along with general counsel Melinda Alizedeh Fard and board member Christie Biggs spent October 25th and 26th meeting both members and potential members in southeastern Oklahoma.
First up for the staff members was a stop at the Latimer County Library, where state employees from the forestry service, ODOT and DHS gathered to enjoy pizza and discuss common issues.
“It was amazing to me to see these hard working employees find common ground, even though they were from different agencies,” Zearley said.
Also attending the meeting was State Representative Brian Renegar.
“Representative Renegar spoke to the crowd about the upcoming legislative session and the OPEA platform,” Zearley said. “After hearing what he said at this meeting, we are anxious to work with him during the session.”
From there, the group visited the Talihina Veteran’s Center where, after a tour by assistant director and OPEA member Keith Linker, they met with employees at the shift change and attended a pre Veteran’s Commission Meeting barbecue.
“There were some 50-75 people at this event, and we had a golden opportunity to brag on OPEA and state employees,” Zearley said.
On Friday morning, the group attended the Veteran’s Affairs Commission Meeting.
“I had the opportunity to address this group about the goals and objectives of our association and our vision for state employment,” Zearley said.
Zearley brought back five new members from the trip.
Members who would like to bring Zearley, or any staff member to employee meeting can do so from the staff email section of the website, or by calling 405-524-6764.