Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer, Chair, presided over the Membership Standing Committee meeting on January 19. He reported that the Conference membership continues to reach record levels and retention rates are very impressive.

Mayor Palmer introduced special guest Duane Meek, President of Nationwide Retirement Solutions (formerly PEBSCo) who described in detail the newly expanded USCM Deferred Compensation Program. "With over 4,000 local governments and 325,000 participants, and over $5.6 billion in deferrals, the USCM Program has been a resounding success," said Meek.

Reporting on the new direct marketing and support model, Mr. Meek stated that USCM participants would now be able to manage their retirement assets through the Internet and voice technology. Nationwide Retirement Solutions administers the Conference's program. Other enhancements include education retirement specialists and a toll-free customer service number.

Committee members also heard from Mr. George Cloutier Chairman of Partner America ª and Chairman and CEO of American Management Services, Inc. Partner America ª is the USCM small business initiative, a public-private partnership between the Conference and American Management Services. It combines the resources from federal and local government agencies with the small business expertise of American Management to offer profit-improvement programs and services to Mayors and their small business community.

"The mission of Partner America ª is to connect Mayors and small businesses with the federal, state, local and private sector programs and resources that are readily available to them." said Cloutier.

Over the past year, Partner America ª has conducted over 20 mayoral-hosted small business events. These events are designed to promote growth and development for small business owners across the United States.

The Membership Committee also focused on a variety of ways to encourage all cities, both urban and suburban to be involved with the Conference. Members agreed to continue with the mayor to mayor orientation approach, which has yielded much success in the past.