President's Message – April 2009

With the cherry blossoms in full flower, we look forward to exciting spring programs, an election, and two fabulous workshops including a fundraiser. For our April 7th program, VP of Unitech Rich Arnold will talk about assessing training needs in former Soviet Union countries. He's a great presenter with a rich sense of humor and tales to make us grateful we operate in tamer environs. In May we are treated to former chapter president Jeff Park's swift, successful technique for strategic planning. June's program will feature former U.S. Coast Guard training officer Terry Bickham, now Senior Learning Leader for Deloitte, telling how non-training interventions were designed and measured for the TSA.

We are composing the slate for our annual election. Jim Govoni has kindly agreed to stay on as VP of Finance but with a new baby and new job, Sandy Henderson is stepping down as VP of Administration. In non-elected positions, Molly Wankel will continue as Membership Chair, and Terry Goodwin will be our Program Chair. Dan Elbert and Mark Boccia will continue in Internet and Learning Technology. Susan Grunin is our Academic Liaison. After a double term as President with double duty as Program Chair, I look forward to contributing from the past president's post. If you feel able to serve as or would like to suggest someone to serve as President, President-elect, or VP of Administration, please contact me at president@ispi-dc.org.

In an outstanding gesture of generosity, Mark Boccia, whose day job is Director of Training for Marriott, has donated a 10-hour workshop on Presentation Skills. No run-of-the-mill sleeper, this course uses videotaping, individual coaching, and collaborative and individual work covering graphic design principles, body language, and communication. Two hours of pre-work are required to set the stage for big changes. Then a full day session begins with each participant videotaping their "before" segment. During the day, their presentation is redesigned, element by element, and the final product taped again to take away on a flash drive. This is a great way to prepare new grads, job seekers, and those ready for a promotion to impress employers they are equipped with great presentation skills. Limited to 10 people, please contact programs@ispi-dc.org to reserve your spot or give this workshop as a gift. A much-needed major fundraiser for the Chapter, the $500 cost may be tax deductible for participants. Stay tuned for the date!

On July 21-23, 2009, ISPI International is hosting a three-day workshop in D.C. on Principles and Practices of Performance Improvement. Chapter members receive a discount, and are asked to consider hosting a dinner group going to a local restaurant one evening. You can register for the workshop through the ISPI website, www.ispi.org.

FYI, difficulties with securing a location defer the Learning Technology Extravaganza until next year. If you would like to help with planning, please contact Terry Goodwin at programs@ispi-dc.com.