The conference training agenda is now posted on the UCOWF website, at www.ucowf.org.  Click on Conference and follow the links on the page.  The schedule includes training tracks for investigators, administrators, and collections staff.  Presentations will be given by commissioners, federal program experts, investigators, law enforcement officers, collections specialists, administrators, technology specialists, program policy experts, prosecutors, and more.  The Certified Welfare Fraud Investigator examination will be administered.  Participant gifts will be provided, handouts are available with each training session, door prizes will be distributed at several events, and complementary food and beverages will be available in the hospitality suite.  A scrumptious awards banquet will be served, followed by a fabulous dance party.  You will be motivated, educated, networked, entertained, fed, and gifted.  You will be in the company of hundreds of people who understand what you do for a living, how you do it, and why!  Right on the beach!  What are you waiting for?  Please make your reservations for both the conference and the hotel as early as possible.  I look forward to seeing you in October.

I wasn’t there 35 years ago when the original Eastern Region on Welfare Fraud was formed.  In 1986, that region merged with the National Welfare Fraud Association.  The newly combined organization became the United Council on Welfare Fraud.  I have worked beside some of the people who were instrumental in the beginnings of UCOWF.  I admire those men and women for the work that they did for us then and since.  I applaud all of the officers and the boards of directors with whom I have had the pleasure of serving.  Each has been instrumental in growing the organization and increasing the value and credibility of the council.

Long before I became a member of the UCOWF board, I attended meetings of the National Association of State Welfare Fraud Control Directors.  The NASWFD is an organization which is sponsored by UCOWF.  It exists for the purposes of addressing problems experienced by state fraud control practitioners in performing their duties, to advise the UCOWF board concerning training needs, and to act as an advisory group to the council. The NASWFD membership includes a representative (or two) from as many states as are willing to participate.  The group meets twice annually.  The next meeting of this organization is scheduled on Tuesday, October 16, during the conference in Virginia Beach .  These meetings are fairly informal, and they provide an excellent opportunity for discussion of professional issues.  The members themselves form the agenda.  In recent years, some states have not been represented.  You don’t need to wait for a personal invitation.  If you can represent your state, JUST SHOW UP!  If you would like further information, please contact Eric Weyenberg, Chairman, at 808-586-7177.