ICMA Congratulates Distinguished Service Award Recipients Dennis Beach and David B. Elder

In recognition of their lasting impacts on their communities and the profession, Dennis Beach, retired city manager of Fort Pierce, Florida, and David B. Elder, retired city manager of Worthington, Ohio, are the 2009 recipients of ICMA’s Distinguished Service Awards, conferred by the ICMA Executive Board earlier this year. The ICMA Distinguished Service Award is given to a manager who has retired from the profession and made an outstanding contribution to the management profession and local government. 

Descriptions of Mr. Beach’s and Mr. Elder’s contributions are included with the annual awards commemorative insert to the October issue of Public Management magazine. For more information on the Distinguished Service Award, contact awards@icma.org.

Time the Revelator

 

            Revelator – Noun – One who reveals, especially one who reveals divine will.

 

They say Time reveals all things.  Gillian Welch wrote a song called Time (the Revelator).  If you aren’t familiar with Welch you should check her out – she is in company with country/folk greats such as Emmylou Harris and Lucinda Williams.  I have no idea why Welch wrote the song, but to me it speaks to how Time is the great revealer of all things in life, especially who you are. Time will tell your story, and not only reveal that story to you, but to others.

As mentioned in my first post, I am unable to attend this year’s conference. I always enjoy the annual conference because it allows you an opportunity to learn more about current issues, new books,  management, but it also allows learning about oneself.  What did your time at the conference reveal about you to yourself and to others? Perhaps it taught you about a health care savings option that saves your organization dollars and keeps you from laying off an employee. Perhaps the Conference taught you that you really don’t understand Gen-X’ers and Y, but you’re willing to listen to what they bring to the table. Or, perhaps you discovered that you need more balance in your life…to spend that extra time with your spouse and kids rather than in the office. 

One of the “Ah Ha” moments I had in my life several years ago is that you can never go back – you have to make each day count.  It seems like a ridiculous light bulb moment because it is so obvious, and yet many of us punch our timecard without realizing that you’re punching the timecard of life.  I encourage you to make each day count – be better than the day before. LBJ use to ask his staff at the end of the day “What could we have done better?”  Decide to work each day at being a better spouse and parent, a better boss, a better son or daughter, take a class you’ve always wanted to like painting, guitar, or photography.  You hold the keys to what Time will reveal.

Go here to listen to Gillian Welch and David Rawlings perform the song:

Top 10 Conference Thoughts from a Non-Attendee

Ahh yes…Ohhhh Canada!  The land of cold, double-doubles (you know what I’m talking about coffee drinkers), and Neil Young. I am a little behind the blogging curve. I was out of the office without access to a computer….I know that sounds ridiculous to all of us tech junkies. But, when you’re hiking in Colorado a laptop just isn’t appropriate gear.  I am disappointed to not attend this year because Montreal would have been a great place to visit. I was interested to see how the French culture prevailed in a largely English speaking and culture country.  Anyway, I thought I would start off my blog posting with a Top 10 Conference Thoughts from a Non-Attendee:

1.  My 29 year streak of not visiting Canada has continued uninterupted.  I’ve traveled all over the world and have yet to make the 1400 mile trek to the Canadian border.

2.  I am not scared of any law enforcement official who is dressed in a costume that is a mix between the English in the Revoluntionary War and a soldier in WWI.

3. I miss the opportunity to connect with old friends to discuss topics like the economy, health care, and the New England Patriots last second victory over the Buffalo Bills..which leads me to #4

4. Why is Buffalo always involved in last second losses during the ICMA Conference? In 2007, the Cowboys defeated Buffalo on a last second field goal to win 25-24….eerily the same score as the Patriots – Bills game. What are the odds?

5. My clothes were neatly pressed from the cleaners when I put them on today – no wrinkles or fold lines for me!

6. I won’t have 1000 emails to respond to tonight when I get home work.

7. I’m going to have to do something to replenish my pen collection and desk drawer toys from not walking around the exhibit hall.

8. Speaking of the exhibit hall, I will need to walk on the treadmill tonight for 30 minutes to account for the lack of 100 laps through the exhibit hall.

9. I miss blue moons and late night slurred conversations with friends.

10.  I don’t get to compete for the most ribbons, stickers, and pins attached to a name tag. I’ve attached a picture of the traditional name tag that we Texans typically use at meetings and conferences.

And one to grow on….

11. Introduce yourself to at least one new person today. I miss meeting folks from all over. One of the best parts of our profession is our network, and the Conference is a great place to expand it.

ICMA Confers Honorary Membership to Robert B. Denhardt and Jay A. Gershen

During the annual business meeting on Tuesday, ICMA members voted to confer honorary membership to two distinguished public servants who have made outstanding contributions to the improvement and strengthening of local government. Thank you and congratulations to new honorary members Dr. Robert B. Denhardt, director of the School of Public Affairs at Arizona State University, and Dr. Jay A. Gershen, vice chancellor for external affairs for the University of Colorado at Denver.

Dr. Gershen will be recognized during the Celebration of Service preceding the Annual Conference Closing General Session.

Descriptions of Dr. Denhardt’s and Dr. Gershen’s contributions and accomplishments are included with the annual awards commemorative insert to the October issue of Public Management magazine. For more information on honorary membership, contact awards@icma.org.

Annual Award Recipients Recognized

ICMA members receiving Professional and/or Program Excellence Awards were recognized Sunday during the Opening General Session and this morning at the beginning of the keynote session. ICMA and the Awards Evaluation Panel applaud these members for their creative contributions to professional local government management and to the quality of life in our communities. Annual award recipients will walk the stage during the Celebration of Service preceding tomorrow morning’s closing session.  Commemorative awards booklets are available onsite here in Montréal and will be sent to all ICMA members as an insert in the October issue of PM magazine. For more information on the ICMA Annual Awards program, including a list of all 2009 recipients and nominees, check out icma.org/awards.

LOOK AHEAD: WE WILL BEGIN ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2010 ANNUAL AWARDS PROGRAM IN JANUARY

Congrats to 10 and 20 Year Service Award Recipients!

By now, those of you at the conference must have seen them. All those service award ribbons. 25 years, 35 years, 45 years and everything in between. Approximately 450 dedicated local public servants are receiving awards for 25 years of service or more. 

What you haven’t seen are 10 and 20 year service award ribbons. So, I want to call special attention to these 300 members, many of whom are receiving their first award this year. 

Ten years or 20 years may not be as long as 45, but it is still pretty amazing. This is not just 10 or 20 years as a member of ICMA, but 10 or 20 years in service to local government. No small feat. Congratulations!!

10 + 1: Montreal Conference Interview with ICMA President Dave Limardi

Wanna learn more about current ICMA President Dave Limardi? In this article from icma.org/conference2009, Dave speaks candidly about his influences, his year as president, and what the future holds for him and for ICMA.

Happy Birthday to the ICMA Code of Ethics!

Just getting started cutting and serving the Code's birthday cake!

It’s been great to hear ICMA President Dave Limardi talk about the history of the ICMA Code of Ethics, particularly that the first version was signed here in Montreal. This year, we celebrate the 85th anniversary of the code–that celebration was kicked off with a cake.  A very large and delicious cake.

Learn more at http://icma.org/ethics/85.

Reach Out to Your Colleagues Who Are in Transition

Share your encouragement  and support with your colleagues who are in transition. Several are attending the ICMA Conference, including Laura Hannah, Kathie Margoles, George Kolb, James Payne, Katherine Simmons, and Greg Smith. 

Members who have experienced job loss say the Members in Transition (MIT) program provides invaluable support, networking, and resources.  For example, ICMA hosts monthly conference calls and waives dues payments for up to three years (waivers are provided in six-month increments).  To see the full list of members in transition or to find out more about the program, visit icma.org/mit.

If you are in transition and haven’t signed up for the MIT program, stop by the Ask ICMA/membership area of the pavilion if you are at the conference or contact Amanda Relyea, project manager for the Members in Transition Program, at arelyea@icma.org.  Share your thoughts and experiences on this blog posting, or add your name if you are in transition and at the conference so your colleagues can offer you support.

Special Thanks to ICMA Notables

The conference is the perfect time for ICMA to express our appreciation for the service and leadership exemplified by such notables as past presidents, Distinguished Service award recipients, Honorary members, and so many others who do so much for ICMA and the profession. Thank you for your time and dedication.

• ICMA Past Presidents
• Honorary Members
• Distinguished Service Award Recipients
• Local Government Management Association Presidents
• ICMA Committee & Task Force Chairs