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President's Message January 2010
President’s Message
Robert Fox
Assistant Director of Public Services, City of Birmingham
Vision Ensures Sustainability
In the last two issues of Great Lakes Reporter, I wrote about sustainability, with a focus on the human system or element. I also announced the scheduling of a Vision Workshop to develop a strategic plan with a set of goals to strengthen of the Chapter. On October 28, 2009, seventeen Michigan Chapter Board Members and Branch Officers participated in the Vision Workshop, facilitated by Dr. Lewis Bender in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. The session began with a group discussion where we attempted to describe our APWA Michigan Chapter in five years. Though discussion ranged over a variety of topics, the attributes we identified for the desirable future of our Chapter include:
A. Enhanced member value through Public Education
B. Changes to professional education programs
a. Regional collaborative programs and events; Chapter leadership guides local Branches toward regional meetings, workshops, and seminars
b. Coordinated Branch and Chapter meetings and programs
c. Targeted career education in areas of leadership, CECs and certification
C. Coordinated global approach to communication
a. Creating messages that support our educational efforts
b. Exploring communications technology, i.e., electronic social networking (Twitter, Facebook, etc.)
Members were divided into teams to determine goals in each area and identify tasks that would move us closer to our objectives; tasks are to be completed within the next year. Some of our Members also volunteered to champion each goal area. Champions are empowered by the Board to recruit other members to become involved in completing the tasks for the year.
Champions in the three goal areas are:
• Coordinated public education, government and citizens. Champions: Les Bland and Brian Klaassen
• Coordinated professional education; leadership and technical. Champions: Robin Wolf and Glenn Chinavare
• Improve Communication. Champions: Tracy Spencer and Theresa Lark
Champions will give a detailed update on the progress of each goal area at the January 2010 Board meeting. At the conclusion of the Vision Workshop, members were asked to give their final thoughts. As Lew went around the room asking members their opinion of the session, it became apparent that the session was very successful. The Champions who volunteered to take the lead on each goal area are to be commended for taking the initiative in moving the Chapter toward a robust future. The complete Strategic Visioning Session can be viewed on the Chapter website michigan.apwa.net. On behalf of the group, I want to encourage everyone who is interested in working with any of the three goal areas to contact Tracy Spencer, Chapter Administrator at 586 219-4617. Tracy will put you in touch with the appropriate Champion.
We Need You
The Chapter is looking for a few good people. The Chapter has several Committees that conduct the business of our Association. If you are interested in serving on a Committee contact Tracy Spencer, Chapter Administrator at 586 219-4617. This is a great opportunity to expand your personal and professional portfolio, while networking with fellow public works/public services professionals.
Wishing You a Pleasant and Joyous Holiday Season
On behalf of the Board of Directors, we wish you and your family a joyous, warm and safe holiday season and a happy and prosperous New Year.
Robert Fox
Assistant Director of Public Services, City of Birmingham
Vision Ensures Sustainability
In the last two issues of Great Lakes Reporter, I wrote about sustainability, with a focus on the human system or element. I also announced the scheduling of a Vision Workshop to develop a strategic plan with a set of goals to strengthen of the Chapter. On October 28, 2009, seventeen Michigan Chapter Board Members and Branch Officers participated in the Vision Workshop, facilitated by Dr. Lewis Bender in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. The session began with a group discussion where we attempted to describe our APWA Michigan Chapter in five years. Though discussion ranged over a variety of topics, the attributes we identified for the desirable future of our Chapter include:
A. Enhanced member value through Public Education
B. Changes to professional education programs
a. Regional collaborative programs and events; Chapter leadership guides local Branches toward regional meetings, workshops, and seminars
b. Coordinated Branch and Chapter meetings and programs
c. Targeted career education in areas of leadership, CECs and certification
C. Coordinated global approach to communication
a. Creating messages that support our educational efforts
b. Exploring communications technology, i.e., electronic social networking (Twitter, Facebook, etc.)
Members were divided into teams to determine goals in each area and identify tasks that would move us closer to our objectives; tasks are to be completed within the next year. Some of our Members also volunteered to champion each goal area. Champions are empowered by the Board to recruit other members to become involved in completing the tasks for the year.
Champions in the three goal areas are:
• Coordinated public education, government and citizens. Champions: Les Bland and Brian Klaassen
• Coordinated professional education; leadership and technical. Champions: Robin Wolf and Glenn Chinavare
• Improve Communication. Champions: Tracy Spencer and Theresa Lark
Champions will give a detailed update on the progress of each goal area at the January 2010 Board meeting. At the conclusion of the Vision Workshop, members were asked to give their final thoughts. As Lew went around the room asking members their opinion of the session, it became apparent that the session was very successful. The Champions who volunteered to take the lead on each goal area are to be commended for taking the initiative in moving the Chapter toward a robust future. The complete Strategic Visioning Session can be viewed on the Chapter website michigan.apwa.net. On behalf of the group, I want to encourage everyone who is interested in working with any of the three goal areas to contact Tracy Spencer, Chapter Administrator at 586 219-4617. Tracy will put you in touch with the appropriate Champion.
We Need You
The Chapter is looking for a few good people. The Chapter has several Committees that conduct the business of our Association. If you are interested in serving on a Committee contact Tracy Spencer, Chapter Administrator at 586 219-4617. This is a great opportunity to expand your personal and professional portfolio, while networking with fellow public works/public services professionals.
Wishing You a Pleasant and Joyous Holiday Season
On behalf of the Board of Directors, we wish you and your family a joyous, warm and safe holiday season and a happy and prosperous New Year.