News & Notes December 2002

Winter Meetings Will Feature Special Training Session

Have you seen the recent cellular phone commercials where a bad connection results in a funny, but frustrating outcome for the people involved? In one, dad brings home a monkey with a cold instead of movies that are old.

The ad series focuses in a lighthearted way on the importance of clear communications at home and at work. Improving communications in the conservation district workplace is one of several topics to be featured in a special three-hour professional development session during the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. (PACD) 2003 winter region meetings.

This is the first time that the Leadership and Professional Development Program has designed training for the "director-manager team." The long-term success of every district is dependent upon how well this team functions.

Directors and managers attending the training will come away with communication, problem-solving, decision-making and other tools - all intended to enhance district operations and strengthen director-manager relationships. The sessions will include exercises and breakouts focusing on real issues in the districts.

Excellence Resources, Inc., a Hummelstown-based firm will lead the training. They have provided training and consulting services to state agencies, businesses and other organizations around the world. The training is sponsored by "Building for Tomorrow" - the Leadership and Professional Development Program of Pennsylvania's Conservation Districts through a grant provided by the PA Department of Agriculture.

In addition to the professional development program, the region meetings will include updates from PACD and the State Conservation Commission, as well as regional business. The meetings are an excellent opportunity for networking and discussing association business in a small setting.

Dates and locations for each region meeting follow:

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