Introduction to NACo Membership. Ilene Manster, Membership Coordinator

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1 Introduction to NACo Membership Ilene Manster, Membership Coordinator

2 Representation in Washington Ongoing legislative priorities are: Opposing unfunded mandates and preemption of county authorities; Maintaining and increasing the financial partnership with the federal government, including appropriations; Ensuring federal tax policies are equitable to county government; and

3 Representation in Washington Working on recurring federal authorizations affecting county government, such as community and economic development, transportation, workforce development, and public lands and rural development. If you would like to influence legislation, become a member of a NACo Steering Committee.

4 Conferences NACo Legislative Conference NACo Annual Conference NACo conferences provide members with the educational opportunities to learn and grow as well as to network with your peers.

5 Financial Services Center Programs With these savings, NACo membership pays for itself! U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance access to nationally bid contracts that provide significant reductions in price on essential products and services. Network of Care an internet network that the public, community based organizations and local government workers can use as a single source for key information relating to health and social services. Public Finance Authority a unique governmental entity that can finance tax-exempt conduit bonds for public and private activities that benefit public agencies on a multi-state basis. Retirement benefit programs Deferred Compensation (457), Defined Contribution 401(a) and Post Employment Health Plan (PEHP)

6 Prescription and Dental Discount Card Programs The NACo Prescription Discount Card Program and Dental Discount Programs provide savings for county governments and residents from the skyrocketing costs of prescriptions and dental care. The programs are available to all residents of a participating NACo member county and provide relief for the uninsured or underinsured.

7 Prescription Discount Card Program The NACo Prescription Discount Card Program has provided an average savings of 24 percent per prescription and more than 1,400 member counties have saved their residents more than $400 million. There is also an option for revenue sharing for counties. Features of the program: Free to counties and participants No age or income restrictions No forms to fill out by participants

8 Prescription Discount Card Program Revenue Sharing An option was created for revenue sharing for the NACo Prescription Discount Card Program. Here are some of the facts: Each county participating in the revenue sharing program gets $1 per prescription when the card price is lower than the pharmacy price There is an addendum to the contract that must be signed to be able to participate in the program If you choose not to participate in the revenue sharing program, there is no need to sign another contract

9 Dental Discount Program The NACo Dental Discount Program provides residents in participating member counties five to 50 percent discounts on a full complement of dental services and 20 percent on orthodontics. Features of the program: Everyone is accepted All discounts are available at time of service Unlimited plan usage, with no administrative forms or waiting periods Significant savings on dental cleanings, x-rays, braces, dentures, crowns, root canals and more

10 County News and NACo e-news County News is NACo s biweekly newspaper which is the nation s newspaper for county leaders NACo e-news is a biweekly electronic newsletter sent to over 30,000 county officials and staff on new programs, products and services to assist you.

11 Media and Marketing Strives to raise awareness of County Government and county issues National County Government Month - April Free media publication Media Relations Guide Free help with press releases from the Media Relations Manager Free media relations webinars

12 Award Programs NACo has a number of award programs to recognize and honor the special achievements of counties and county officials. Achievement Awards Recognizes unique, innovative county programs Arts and Culture Awards - This award program is designed to encourage counties to submit successful programs that have used arts and cultural activities to address not only the quality of life, but also social problems in their communities. County Courthouse Awards Recognizes innovative governance in NACo member counties

13 Award Programs County Leadership in the Arts Award Recognizes an outstanding local official who supports the arts Dale Sowards Award (public lands) - Recognizes a county official that makes a significant contribution to the maintenance and governance of public lands at the local, state and national level Legislator of the Year Award - Recognizes a member of Congress that champions NACo issues or counties with significant results.

14 The NACo Website The NACo website Legislative information Educational resources Conference details Geographical data Free publications Media Relations Guide, Right Way to Run a Meeting Member Center

15 NACo Webinars Available to NACo members at no charge Easy to use Timely information on pertinent issues Information comes right to your desktop

16 Solutions Through Education and Training NACo receives approximately $2 million annually in grants to provide technical assistance and training to county governments. These programs offer assistance on issues like homeland security, the environment and health care. Research NACo can conduct research for your county that can save your staff time and money! NACo staff is available to research county issues, providing you with a valuable benefit County Leadership Institute 30 selected officials from member counties participate in four-day intensive introduction to adaptive leadership skills

17 Grants Clearinghouse NACo member s only benefit Up-to-date web page listing of federal grants that counties are eligible to apply for and are currently accepting applications notification of grants when they are announced and counties can select grant notification by interest area Comprehensive searchable database of grants counties are eligible to apply for (although not all grants listed are currently funded or accepting applications)

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