News Digest - Grand Rapids, Michigan-Host City 2021 Annual Conference - January 2017 - IIMC
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News Digest™
January 2017
The Premier Organization for Municipal Clerks Since 1947
For More
Information about the
2021 Conference
See page 5
Grand Rapids, Michigan-Host City
2021 Annual Conference
IIMC STAFF DIRECTORY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
News Digest™ ADMINISTRATION PRESIDENT
Vincent Buttiglieri, MMC, Township of Ocean, New Jersey
Professionalism In Local • Executive Director
vbuttiglieri@oceantwp.org
Government Through Chris Shalby
chriss@iimc.com PRESIDENT ELECT
Education Mary J. Kayser, MMC, Fort Worth, Texas
• Office Manager Mary.Kayser@fortworthtexas.gov
Volume LXVII No. 1 ISSN: 0145-2290 Denice Cox
January 2017 VICE PRESIDENT
denice@iimc.com
Stephanie Carouthers Kelly, MMC Charlotte, North Carolina
Published 11 times each year the News Digest • Finance Specialist sckelly@charlottenc.gov
is a publication of Janet Pantaleon
The International Institute of Municipal Clerks IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
janetp@iimc.com Monica Martinez Simmons, MMC, Seattle, Washington
8331 Utica Avenue, Suite 200
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 • Administrative Coordinator Monica.Simmons@seattle.gov
Maria E. Miranda
Chris Shalby, Publisher DIRECTORS – 2017 EXPIRATION
chriss@iimc.com maria@iimc.com
Andrew Pavlica, MMC, II, Garfield, New Jersey
Telephone: 909/944-4162 • (800/251-1639) EDUCATION drewpav@optonline.net
FAX: (909/944-8545) • Professional Development Maryann Hess, MMC, IV, Laurel, Mississippi
E-mail: hq@iimc.com Jane Anne Long, Ed.D. maryannhess@laurelms.com
JaneLong@iimc.com Anne B. Uecker, MMC, VI, St. Francis, Wisconsin
Founded in 1947, IIMC has 70 years of experience improving anne.uecker@stfranwi.org
the professionalism of Municipal Clerks. IIMC has more than • Certification Manager
Denise R. Chisum, MMC, VII, Lee’s Summit, Missouri
10,000 members representing towns, small municipalities Ashley DiBlasi
and large urban jurisdictions of more than several million Denise.Chisum@cityofls.net
ashley@iimc.com RaNae Edwards, MMC, VIII
people.
• Education Assistant redwards@grand-island.com
IIMC is affiliated with 49 U.S., & Nine Canadian Associations. Kellie Siggson Debi A. Wilcox, X, Durham, Ontario, Canada
National affiliations: Kellie@iimc.com Debi.wilcox@durham.ca
Bruce Poole, MMC, XI, Somerset, United Kingdom
• ATAM (Portugal) • JOSZ (Hungary) MEMBERSHIP
bruce.poole2@btopenworld.com
• IAM (Israel) • SLCC (England) • Director of Member Services
• UDITE (Europe) • VVG (The Netherlands) DIRECTORS – 2018 EXPIRATION
Janis Daudt
• IMASA (South Africa) • SOLAR (Scotland) Carol L. Anderson, MMC - I, Torrington, Connecticut
janis@iimc.com
• NAMCB (Bulgaria) • ADSO (England) Carol_Anderson@torringtonct.org
• Member Services Representative
Inside… Tammy Storrie
Lisa B. Vierling, MMC – III, High Point, North Carolina
lisa.vierling@highpointnc.gov
President’s Message................................................................................3 tammys@iimc.com Diane Whitbey, MMC – IV, North Little Rock, Arkansas
Region/Provincial/National News...........................................................4
IIMC Board of Directors Selects Grand Rapids, Michigan
Computerized Business Solutions dwhitbey@nlr.ar.gov
as Host City for its 2021 Annual Conference.......................................5 • Doug Griffith Mary Johnston, MMC – V, Westerville, Ohio
2017 IIMC Board Vacancies: Make a Difference dwgriffith@msn.com mary.johnston@westerville.org
in IIMC’s and Your Future!...................................................................6 Pam DeMouth, CMC – VI, Ankeny, Iowa
Getting Involved in Your Organization By Volunteering pdemouth@ankenyiowa.gov
On An IIMC Committee......................................................................8 Brian “Petie” Ruch, MMC – VII, Beardstown, Illinois
4-H Makes A Difference...........................................................................9 beardstown@casscomm.com
Nominations Invited For the Annual Institute Tracy L. Davis, MMC – IX, Keizer, Oregon
Director Award of Excellence............................................................10 davist@keizer.org
2017 Quill Award Nominations.............................................................12 Djimmer Petrusma, MMC –XI, Dronten, The Netherlands
A Farm Park in the Heart of the Community..........................................13 d.petrusma@gmail.com
Montreal Conference Centerspread.......................................................14
Detroit Plays Matchmaker to Fuel Economic Growth.............................20 DIRECTORS – 2019 EXPIRATION
Spotlight on Success - Arturo “Art” Camacho.........................................22 Julie Coelho, CMC – I, Warren, Rhode Island
Athenian Leadership Society Dialogues................................................24 jcoelho@townofwarren-ri.gov
Calendar................................................................................................27
Douglass A. Barber, CMC – II, New Carrollton, Maryland
Dbarber@newcarrolltonmd.gov
Pamela Smith, MMC – III, Sanibel, Florida
About the cover… Pamela.smith@mysanibel.com
Grand Rapids, Michigan will host the Robbie Hume, CMC – V, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
2021 IIMC Annual Conference. rhume@lawrenceburgky.org
The city’s name comes from the Grand Elizabeth Burke, MMC – VIII, Flagstaff, Arizona
River, Michigan’s largest inland river. www.iimc.com EBurke@flagstaffaz.gov
Gerald R. Ford, a native son, became Sheri Pierce, MMC – IX, Valdez, Alaska
Copyright by the
the 38th President of the United States spierce@ci.valdez.ak.us
on August 9, 1974. International Institute
Aleta Neufeld, CMC – X, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
of Municipal Clerks. Aleta.neufeld@lethbridge.ca
All rights reserved.
2 January 2017
IIMC News Digest
President’s Message
Vincent Buttiglieri, MMC
IIMC President, 2016-2017
As I communicated in last month’s News Digest, review the past and make changes that will not only
November was a very exciting month, not only for me enhance our lives personally but also enhance our lives
personally but for IIMC as an organization, as we were collectively. As members of IIMC, we have that oppor-
honored to be able to place a wreath at the Tomb of the tunity by stepping out of our comfort zone and get more
Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. After involved in this Association. As I stated previously, I
leaving this memorable event, I flew directly to Boston, whole-heartedly believe that each of us has the ability to
MA, to attend the 49th Annual Conference of the New make a positive impact, whether large or small, on our
England Association of City and Town Clerks at the beloved IIMC. One way you can do that is by volunteering
historic and beautiful Omni Parker House. I want to give to serve on one of IIMC’s twelve standing committees.
a special thanks to Region I Directors Carol Anderson, Time should not be a factor as most, if not all, of the
MMC and Julie Coelho, CMC, and past Region I Director work done by these committees is done via teleconfer-
Jim Mullen, CMC, for showing me such a great time while ence and email. See – you can make an impact without
in “their neck of the woods.” I had the amazing privilege even leaving your office. How great is that! The commit-
of administering the Oath of Office to NEACTC’s new tee application may be found on the IIMC website at
President Betsy Brown, CMC, from Fairfield, CT, who www.iimc.com.
replaces Robert Cutler, CMC from Foxborough, MA. I Now that we are in the new year, IIMC staff and our
would be remiss if I did not extent my thanks to Bob for partners in Canada are working fast and furious putting
a job well done. the final touches on our 2017 IIMC Conference which is
Now getting back to the Omni, you may ask what being held in beautiful Montreal, Canada. I am pleased
makes the Omni Parker House historic. Well, in the to say that our registration numbers are trending upward
summer of 1953, at Table No. 40 at Parker’s Restaurant, and I am anticipating this to be one of the best confer-
John F. Kennedy proposed to Jacqueline Bouvier. As they ences we have had in recent memory. You are not going
say, the rest is history. While there were many great to want to miss out on this educational and networking
presenters during this conference, all in attendance will experience so get your registration in as soon as possible
agree that the closing speaker, Norman Katz, was amaz- and PLEASE make your hotel reservation.
ing. Katz worked on President Kennedy’s security team I want to close as I have during many of my recent
on that fateful day of November 22, 1963 when Presi- messages. I announced the start of a peer recognition
dent Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas. Talk about a award called the Spotlight on Success where we get to
moving presentation. shine the light on the many members for the extraor-
As the holiday season came and went in 2016, I dinary acts that they perform each and every day. We
hope that each of you had the most amazing holiday and have highlighted some amazing individuals since the
had the opportunity to spend some quality “family” time start but, to be honest with you, the submissions have
because it is that time that truly makes the holidays definitely slowed down. Come on folks – I know there is
memorable. someone in your State, Province and Region that should
As 2017 is upon us, we have the opportunity to
Continued on page 4
January 2017 3
IIMC News Digest
President’s Message Continued from page 3
be recognized. Please nominate them. This is no time to
“wait for someone else” to nominate someone. The nomi-
nation form can be found on the IIMC website and it only
takes a few minutes to complete. Just Do It!
Thank you and make it a great 2017!
IIMC President Buttiglieri presenting the Oath of Office to Betsy Brown, CMC,
newly-elected President of the New England Association of City and Town
Clerks, during the New England Annual Conference.
Seated left: Former IIMC Region I Director James Mullen, CMC, and Barbara Rich
LaBombard, MMC, Clerk, Easthampton, MA; Standing Left: Former IIMC Region V
Director Tami Kelly, MMC and President Buttiglieri, MMC.
Region/Provincial/ Jardin botanique de
Montréal – Espace
National News pour la vie
New Hampshire
The Frédéric Back Tree Pavilion introduces
The New Hampshire City and Town Clerks Association visitors to the scientific, ecological, economic, artistic and cultural
elected the following individuals as officers for 2017: dimensions of trees. It educates people about the roles trees play
President, Mary Reynolds, CMC, City Clerk, Laconia in many aspects
of our lives, in
First Vice President, Sandra Allard, CMC, City Clerk, Lebanon
both cities and
Second Vice President, Raymah Simpson, Town Clerk, Bristol forests, and in
Secretary, Barbara Clark, Town Clerk, East Kingston the ecological
Treasurer, Betty Ramspott, CMC, Town Clerk, Sunapee balance of many
Past President, Kerri Parker, CMC, Town Clerk, Meredith ecosystems.
Webmaster, Sue McKinnon, CMC, Town Clerk, Newfields
© Montréal Botanical Garden, Michel Tremblay
4 January 2017
IIMC News Digest
IIMC Board of Directors Selects
Grand Rapids, Michigan As Host City
for its 2021 Annual Conference
At its midyear Board meeting in November 2016, the based in health care, automotive, information technology,
IIMC Board of Directors awarded Grand Rapids, MI, its aviation, and consumer goods manufacturing industries,
2021 Annual Conference. The 2021 Conference received among others.
eleven bids and Grand Rapids was one of three finalists. Grand Rapids is the hometown of U.S. President
The others were Little Rock, AR, and Minneapolis, MN. Gerald Ford, who is buried with his wife Betty on the
Grand Rapids is Michigan’s second-largest city grounds of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in
and sits on the Grand River, about 30 miles east of the city.
Lake Michigan. The city’s population is approximately If you are interested in discovering a new city that is
200,000. off the beaten path and offers up some of the best parts
A historic furniture-manufacturing center, Grand of American culture, Grand Rapids is a great place to
Rapids is home to five of the world’s leading office start.
furniture companies, and is nicknamed Furniture City. Along with an enthusiastic host committee, the 2021
Its more common modern nickname of River City refers Annual Conference should be as memorable as the City in
to the landmark river for which it was named. The city which it’s held.
and surrounding communities are economically diverse,
January 2017 5
IIMC News Digest
2017 IIMC Board Vacancies: Make A
Difference In IIMC’s And Your Future!
In the past few years, IIMC members who have B. Have served at least three (3) years as a Municipal
served on the Board of Directors have been involved in Clerk or other office as defined in IIMC’s Constitu-
many aspects that helped revitalize the Organization: tion, Article II, Membership, Section 2 A.
completing a three year strategic plan that included new C. Have attended at least two Annual Conferences.
education guidelines; elevating the financial health of Attendance may include the conference at which the
the Organization; creating progressive Organizational candidate’s term would begin.
policies; hiring a Director of Professional Development; D. Be a Full Member or Additional Full Member and, if
initiating an advanced conference selection process; elected, remain a Full or Additional Full Member dur-
producing successful conferences; increasing member- ing the term of office.
ship in all Regions; and maintaining transparent and E. Provide written support of candidacy from the legisla-
open communications with all members. These are just tive governmental body they represent.
a handful of the tangible accomplishments in which each
F. Provide written support of candidacy from their state,
Board was involved.
provincial, or national association within the Region
As an IIMC member, you, too, have the opportunity in which they are running.
to make an impact on your Organization. Have you ever
wanted to shape policies, programs and develop stra- VICE PRESIDENT:
tegic plans to help your colleagues? Can IIMC benefit
To qualify for the office of Vice President, a candidate
from your ideas and perspective? Do you want to convey
must:
to 10,000 colleagues that you value the efforts of your
Organization and that you want to have a voice in its A. Be an IIMC member for at least three (3) years.
growth and future? Do you want your decisions, direc- B. Have served on the IIMC Board for three (3) years
tion and vision about IIMC’s future to directly impact the prior to time of election.
membership? C. Have served at least three years as a Municipal Clerk
If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, or other office as defined in IIMC’s Constitution,
then it’s time to take that initial step forward and put Article II, Membership, Section 2 A.
your leadership and knowledge to task by serving as an D. Have attended at least two Annual Conferences.
IIMC Board of Director. Attendance may include the conference at which the
2017 Board vacancies are available in the follow- candidate’s term would begin.
ing Regions and as Vice President on the Executive E. Be a Full Member or Additional Full Member and, if
Committee: elected, remain a Full or Additional Full Member dur-
ing the term of office, which shall include terms as
Region Director Vacancies
President-Elect, President and Past President.
II – DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA, WV F. Provide written support of candidacy from the legisla-
IV – AR, LA, MS, OK, TX tive governmental body they represent.
VI – IA, MN, WI
VII – IL, KS, MO The Vice President automatically advances to Presi-
VIII – AZ, CO, ID, MT, NE, NV, NM, ND, dent Elect and then to President. All Candidates (Region
SD, UT, WY Directors and Vice Presidents) running for office must
X – CANADA submit to Headquarters the following:
XI – OUTSIDE NORTH AMERICA • Complete and return Nominating Forms announcing
Qualifications of Candidates: his or her candidacy 120 days prior to the Annual
Meeting (Form must be returned to IIMC HQ no
A Director’s term of office is three years. To qualify
later than Monday, January 23, 2017);
for office as a Region Director, a candidate must:
A. Be an IIMC member for at least three (3) years. Continued on page 7
6 January 2017
IIMC News Digest
2017 IIMC Board Vacancies…Continued from page 6
• A recent photograph for use in the News Digest (must Conference and are announced to the membership at the
be a high quality digital photograph, printed pictures Annual Business meeting.
are not acceptable). A 200-word essay (not to exceed
Elections – Vice President
200 words) on their qualifications, emphasizing ac-
If there is one Vice President candidate, no election
tivities in the Municipal Clerk’s profession (essay will
is held and the candidate is declared elected. If there are
be published in the on-line News Digest).
two or more candidates, IIMC will conduct an election 30
You can obtain Nominating Forms online at www. or more days prior to the beginning of the Annual Confer-
iimc.com under Board of Directors, or by contacting ence. Election of a vice-president shall be conveyed to all
Executive Director Chris Shalby at: chriss@iimc.com. Full, Additional Full, Associate, Retired and Honorary
Nominating Form, photograph, essay and the endorse- Members. Election results are provided to the candidates
ment of candidacy can be sent electronically to Executive prior to the Annual Conference and are announced to the
Director Chris Shalby. membership at the Annual Business meeting.
Candidates agree and understand that the above Here’s your chance to help lead the Organization
information will be published as received in the News dedicated to furthering the Municipal Clerk’s profession.
Digest. By joining the IIMC Board of Directors, you can expect
Elections – Region Director to work hard, and have a rewarding experience in return.
If there is one Region Director candidate, no election As an IIMC Board member, you will devote time, energy,
is held and the candidate is declared elected. If there are and ideas to lead the Organization forward. IIMC is
two or more candidates, IIMC will conduct a Region elec- looking for individuals committed to the Organization’s
tion 30 or more days prior to the beginning of the Annual mission and vision.
Conference. Full, Additional Full, Associate, Retired and Take your leadership to the next level, become an
Honorary Members can vote for Region Director. Election IIMC Board of Director.
results are provided to the candidates prior to the Annual
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January 2017 7
IIMC News Digest
Getting Involved In Your Organization By
Volunteering On An IIMC Committee
Editor’s Note: IIMC members who serve on an IIMC Committee will receive one point per year toward CMC Experience or
two points per year toward MMC Professional Contributions.
Involvement is the key to growth and development.
The core and essence of any member organization like
IIMC rests with its volunteers. Volunteers are needed to
help an organization in many ways: fundraising, confer-
ence planning, coordinating special projects and devel-
oping new ideas. Each project depends on the effort put
forth by the volunteers. As a volunteer, working on an
IIMC Committee conveys a pledge that the members are
committed to helping their Organization’s development
and looking out for its present and future interests. An
IIMC Committee is one of the most productive tools this
Organization has to work with. Whether you are chairing
a committee or serving as a committee member, you face “IIMC provides a setting for its members where they
the challenge of getting involved in the work the commit- can enhance their skills and proficiency toward becoming
tee was formed to accomplish. effective leaders,” said IIMC President Vincent Buttigl-
ieri, MMC, Ocean Township, New Jersey. “Volunteering
for a Committee is an excellent way for members to use
their creative abilities and talents to help the system.”
IIMC needs Committee members who are prepared
to work. Committees meet to review the previous year’s
accomplishments, and discuss strategies and objectives
for the upcoming year. The majority of Committee work
is done throughout the year through teleconferences,
E-mail or mail. IIMC’s growth is attributable to you -- the
members.
The findings of a committee have a direct impact of
the decisions made by the Board of Directors. The energy
you put into your work on the Committee has a direct
influence on the direction your Organization takes.
Your contributions and your participation on the
Committee will determine its success or failure. If you
participate, get involved, and encourage others on the
Committee to do so, the Committee will be successful.
Enthusiasm is contagious.
Put your input and insight to good use by volunteer-
ing for Committee work. You can find and complete an
application on www.iimc.com, click on Membership.
8 January 2017
IIMC News Digest
4-H Makes A Difference
By Jeff Goodwin, PhD, Colorado State University
Extension State 4-H Program director
WHAT DO FAITH HILL, JULIA Roberts, David Letter- • more likely to report better grades, higher levels
man, Temple Grandin, Reba McIntire, and Herschel of academic competence, and an elevated level of
Walker have in common? Each is an American icon. Each engagement at school;
is known to be a consummate professional. And each was • less likely to engage in risk behaviors, such as drink-
active in 4-H when growing up. ing, smoking, and drug use;
Over the years, 4-H has provided millions of young • two times more likely to plan to go to college;
people with opportunities to develop their leadership, • more likely to pursue careers in science, engineer-
citizenship, and life skills that have helped them become ing, and technology, with girls in 4-H more than twice
community leaders, successful professionals, astro- as likely to participate in science, engineering, and
nauts, entertainers, professional athletes — whatever technology programs than their peers;
they dreamed. Findings from a study led by Richard M. • 3.4 times more likely to delay sexual activity by
Lerner, Ph.D., professor at Tufts University, MA, confirm grade 12.
that young people in 4-H Youth Development Programs • 2.3 times more likely to exercise and be physically
do better in preparing to be productive and contribut- active.
ing adults than their non-4-H peers. Youth involved in • 3.4 times more likely to contribute in their
4-H experience high levels of positive development and communities.
are more likely to contribute to their families and their
communities. “The 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development confirms
what we always have believed to be true — 4-H in the
The study, which was sponsored by National 4-H Council community contributes to a stronger community,” said
in Washington, D.C., is the first-ever longitudinal study Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, National 4-H
to measure the characteristics of positive youth develop- Council. “Information about positive youth development
ment over an eight-year period. It involved more than provided by this study will ensure that 4-H continues to
7,000 participants in 44 states (including Colorado), and support young people’s growth into successful, contribut-
measured the impact personal and social factors have on ing members of their communities.”
a young person’s development. The study also compared
4-H to other out-of-school-time opportunities for youths, Information regarding Colorado 4-H Impact Studies
including Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, can be found at the Colorado 4-H website, along with
YMCA, and Boy/Girl Scouts. Overall, study researchers more details of the Tuft’s study, at www.colorado4h.org/
are finding that involvement in 4-H makes a more signifi- research_impact/index.php.
cant difference in many areas of positive youth develop- The 4-H program makes a positive difference in the lives
ment than other youth development programs. Partici- of more than 100,000 Colorado youths each year. For
pating in high-quality youth development programs like more information about the 4-H Program in your commu-
4-H plays a critical role in helping young people achieve nity, contact the Colorado State University Extension
success. Office in your county.
Study findings show that compared to their non-4-H Editor’s Note: This article was reprinted with permission for Colorado
peers, young people in 4-H are: Municipalities.
January 2017 9
IIMC News Digest
Nominations Invited For The Annual
Institute Director Award of Excellence
IIMC is pleased to invite nominations for the Annual direct knowledge of the nominee’s unique contributions
Institute Director Award of Excellence. to the profession.
The Award acknowledges unique and exceptional Family members may not submit nominations.
contributions of current or retired Institute Directors Please contact IIMC’s Education Certification
over time in promoting quality education for Municipal Manager, Ashley DiBlasi at Ashley@iimc.com if you have
Clerks. any questions about the Award or application procedures.
Nominations for the Award must be postmarked no
later than March 15, 2017.
AWARD POLICY
The Award will be announced and presented at the 1) The Institute Director Award of Excellence shall be
IIMC Annual Conference. presented to one Institute Director who has contrib-
uted to the educational needs of Municipal Clerks,
NOMINATION the advancement of the profession, and whose perfor-
Nominations will be invited from state and provincial mances have supported IIMC’s educational goals.
Municipal Clerk Associations, colleagues with whom 2) Individuals may be nominated if they are in the
the nominee works or did work on the Clerks’ behalf, process of terminating or have concluded their Insti-
IIMC Committee or task force members with whom the tute Director position (i.e.-current, past, or retired
nominee served, Institute Director peers and others with
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Nominations Invited…Continued from page 10
Institute Directors), if their nomination is otherwise c. Sponsoring college or university personnel,
consistent with stated Award Policy and Criteria. d. IIMC Committee with whom the nominee has
3) Please include support detailing the unique or served,
extraordinary individual efforts undertaken by the e. And other personnel affiliated with Municipal
nominee on behalf of Municipal Clerks, their profes- Clerks or IIMC who have direct knowledge of
sional development, and IIMC. the nominee’s performance as an Institute
4) IIMC will notify all nominees that they have been Director.
nominated for the Award, when the selection will be
4) Two letters of endorsement are required: a) a letter
made, and when and where the Award will be pre-
from the president of the State or provincial Munici-
sented.
pal Clerks Association served by the Institute Direc-
5) The President or those designated by the President tor, and from an official of the sponsoring university
shall determine the form of the Award. or college. These must accompany the Nomination
6) The current IIMC President shall present the Award Form.
at IIMC’s Annual Conference. In the President’s ab- 5) A copy of the nominee’s resume or bio and other
sence, Immediate Past President, the current Presi- information requested by the nominators.
dent’s designee or a designee of the recipient shall
6) The complete nomination package, including the
present the Award.
Nomination Form and all support materials, must be
7) In the recipient’s absence, the President shall an- mailed in one package and must be postmarked no
nounce the Award recipient during the Conference later than MARCH 15 of the Award year. Applications
and make arrangements for later presentation to the postmarked after that date will not be considered.
recipient. All materials must be contained in one complete
8) It is not required that the Award be given each year. package.
AWARD CRITERIA Any and all materials mailed separately to or piece-
1) A nominee must be, or have been, an Institute Direc- meal from the mailing of this complete and final
tor for a minimum of five (5) years. The Institute nomination package will not be considered during the
Director may be a past Director, a present Director, review and selection process.
or retired. 7) Preference will be given to Institute Directors who
2) Three nominators are required for each nominee. Two have kept their programs in compliance with IIMC’s
nominators must be IIMC members in good stand- Education Guidelines.
ing. Nominators must have direct knowledge of the 8) An Award recipient may receive the Award once in
nominee’s work as an Institute Director, as well as of any five (5) year period, and is eligible to be nominat-
the nominee’s unique accomplishments as described ed for the Award again after the five-year period has
in the materials submitted. A letter of endorsement passed.
from each nominator must accompany the Nomina- 9) Directors not selected for the Award may be nomi-
tion Form. nated in any subsequent year.
3) Nominators can be: For more information, visit www.iimc.com, under
a Municipal Clerks, Membership/Awards.
b Institute Director colleagues,
January 2017 11IIMC News Digest
2017 Quill Award
Nominations are now being accepted
for the 31st Annual Quill Award.
Created in 1987, the prestigious Quill Award recog- • At least ten years of IIMC membership;
nizes IIMC members who have made a significant and • Strong and extensive participation in IIMC;
exemplary contribution to their community, state or
• Service in teaching fellow Municipal Clerks Involve-
province and IIMC. More importantly, the individual must
ment with the initiation or administration of an IIMC-
support the goals and philosophies outlined in IIMC’s
approved training Institute or program or any other
Code of Ethics.
activity that enhances the professionalism of IIMC
The criteria includes length of service, strength and members;
extent of participation in IIMC, service in teaching fellow • Leadership in State/Provincial/National Municipal
Municipal Clerks, involvement with the initiation or Clerk professional organizations;
administration of an IIMC-approved training Institute or
• Significant and exemplary contribution to their com-
program or any other activity that enhances the profes-
munity;
sionalism of IIMC members.
• Significant and exemplary contribution to their State/
ELIGIBILITY Province/Country;
The Quill Award is open to all members of IIMC, • Significant and exemplary contribution to IIMC;
deceased members, retired clerks or a clerk who has • Significant and exemplary contribution to peers; and
changed positions. Serving members of the Board of • Attainment of the CMC Designation.
Directors or present officers of IIMC shall not be eligible
For more information or questions contact
for this award. Past Presidents will be eligible for the
IIMC Executive Director, Chris Shalby at chriss@iimc.com
Quill Award four (4) years after completing service on the
Executive Committee.
DOCUMENTATION
Nominations shall be solicited annually from the
Biodôme de Montréal/
membership. The following documentation shall be
St. Lawrence marine
submitted to Headquarters no later than April 1st of the
ecosystem
year of the Award:
• Resume of Nominee and reason for nomination,
• Nomination Form,
• A written endorsement from the State/Provincial or
National Association, and
• A written endorsement from the IIMC Region
Directors.
CRITERIA
The Biodôme’s ecosystem, containing 2.5 million litres of “seawater” made at
Those receiving the Award shall represent all of the
the Biodôme, is the perfect place to admire some of the shapes and colours
following Criteria: hidden in these cold, salty waters.
• At least ten years of service as a Municipal Clerk; © Canadian Tourism Commission, Pierre St-Jacques
12 January 2017IIMC News Digest
A Farm Park in the Heart
of the Community
By Julie Mordecai, Rio Grande Farm Park director, Alamosa, CO
THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED RIO GRANDE FARM PARK The Rio Grande Farm Park will be built out in phases:
(RGFP), LOCATED WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF Phase I will focus on agricultural uses, including aspir-
downtown Alamosa, is a sight to behold — especially ing farmers, a greenhouse, and educational opportunities;
in the summer when the Guatemalans are farming with Phase II will focus on the recreational aspects, including
their babies and children in tow; the incubator farmers assuring access to the Rio Grande River and providing
working together to bring their vegetables, flowers, and opportunities for river recreation; and Phase III will
honey to market; and countless volunteers helping to focus on the build-out of the events space and business
clean up the riverbanks and land during monthly commu- park.
nity workdays, which are held the last Saturday of every
Everyone is welcome to get involved with the park and
month. This very special park provides a sense of place,
all of its possibilities. The Rio Grande Farm Park is a
ties people to the land, and allows young people to expe-
program of the San Luis Valley Local Food Coalition and
rience the origins of their food.
is part of the Enterprise Zone. For more information,
In 2016, the land was purchased with the help of The contact Julie Mordecai at 719-580-0379 or director.rgfp@
Trust for Public Land and is owned locally by a nonprofit, gmail.com.
The San Luis Valley Local Food Coalition. The conser-
vation easement for the land is held by Colorado Open
Lands, and the purchase of the property was a commu-
nity effort with more than 300 donors, plus large contri-
butions by the LOR Foundation and Great Outdoors
Colorado. At the time of the purchase, the Local Food
Coalition donated trail easements to the City of Alamosa
to ensure the continuity of the trail system, which tran-
sects the park and has amazing views of Mount Blanca
juxtaposed with the beauty of the Rio Grande as it mean-
ders on its way to the Alamosa Wildlife Refuge.
Current plans for the park include expanding the orchard,
building the soil on remaining acreage, and developing
the Blue Trail (river use) with the City of Alamosa and
Adams State University. An environmental education
curriculum also is being developed that will be available
for local young people to learn about stream and water
ecology, organic agriculture, and soil ecology.
In the near future, a barn, parking area for river access,
places to sit and picnic, and housing for artists in resi-
dence or for individuals who want to live and learn on
organic farms will be built.
January 2017 13IIMC News Digest
Passport to Education – Passeport pour l’education
71st Annual IIMC Conference • May 21 - 24, 2017, Montreal, Canada
The 2017 Preliminary Program has been mailed to the following groups: IIMC members who have attended at
least one Conference in the past three years, Institute Directors, Regions I, X and retired and honorary members.
Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) Academy Sessions – 2017 Montreal
IIMC is offering six (6), four-hour pre-conference Master Municipal Clerk Academy (MMC) Sessions. The topics
offered will include The Power of Failure, Community Engagement, Decision Making, Boardroom Problems, Nonverbal
Communication and Workplace Culture.
Attendees must pre-register for Academy sessions and are open to members pursuing both the CMC and MMC
designations. Each Academy Session is worth two (2) CMC Education points or two (2) MMC Advanced Education
points. To receive points, each participant is required to complete a learning assessment.
Saturday, May 20, 2017 competency. This becomes a vicious cycle driving them
7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. further and further away from success and happiness.
Fee: $179.00US FAILURE! The shamed, shunned, shadowed word
that our affluent culture has been rapidly erasing from
The Confidence Quadrant for Clerks use may be the very key necessary to making our
Darren Fisher SUCCESS most likely. Join Darren for this life changing
Lead Strategist session as he teaches how we can gain confidence for
Darren Fisher Consulting positive risk-taking in our professional and personal lives
New Berlin, Wisconsin by focusing on our wins.
If you’ve experienced a life failure, as most of us During this session Darren will help you uncover:
have, the memory of the experience likely still stings. • The true reason why some people embrace success
And perhaps your self-confidence has never fully recov- and failure, while others do not
ered from the blow. When you fail to live up to expecta-
• Learn how confidence and adaptability are the keys
tions, your own or others, it’s like stepping into an open
to sustained achievement
manhole and landing in the pit of despair.
• The importance of owning our losses allowing us to
For some people, the wounds of these fiascoes are so
realign our goals and begin crushing it in all we do
profound they never recover their confidence. Their self-
esteem is compromised, and they sink into a depression
that further undermines their feelings of worthiness and Continued on page 15
2016 Annual Conference Sponsors
P R E M I E R SPONSOR
Proud Sponsor of Education
Programs and Speakers
14 January 2017IIMC News Digest
MMC Academy Sessions…Continued from page 14
• Your natural attitude application and the exer- Saturday, May 20, 2017
cises that will have you performing as a Confident 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Enterpriser Fee: $179.00US
• As a leader, how you can promote an office environ- Building a World-Class Community
ment that embraces success and failure because the Through Engagement and Diversity
empathetic response to failure is not only the most Pamela Miller
compassionate, it’s also the most productive Institute Director
Darren Fisher started Darren Fisher Consulting in Miller Management & Consulting Group
2010 as CEO and Lead Strategist. He has authored, The Suisun City, CA
Confidence Quadrant and is an international motivational
speaker. Prior to this, he owned an IT services busi- In local government, we pride ourselves in being
nesses because he is a bit of a geek. Darren is also an close to the public and responsive to their needs. Yet how
Air Force veteran with accolades for outstanding service, do we get out of the traditional and not very effective use
leadership and technical ability. of typically confrontational public hearings as the only
avenue for public input, an avenue that fails to engage
Darren fundamentally believes there’s excellence
community members in creative, innovative and inclusive
in everyone, so he’s made it his mission to help others
problem solving or shared responsibility for the results?
achieve a greater success. Should his handiwork yield
In this session, we will explore our thoughts and feel-
explosive returns, his dream is to own the Milwaukee
ings about the public participation process based on our
Brewers.
experiences. We will also explore what else is possible
A self-identified nerd (he attended science camp in for us as leaders/facilitators and for our stakeholders/
8th grade), Darren is big on getting children involved in participants.
STEM-related activities. Darren is an active volunteer
Through case studies, group dialogue, exercises, and
in the greater Milwaukee Community. He has served as
journaling, we will look at how we can actually embrace
president for the Maple-Dale Indian Hill Education Foun-
this kind of process. We will learn how to celebrate the
dation’s, the president of the Nicolet basketball feeder
diversity of our community and learn to use that diver-
program, and has coached numerous youth baseball,
sity as a strength. We will also explore how to create
basketball, football, and softball teams for his children.
stakeholder commitment, and how to effectively facilitate
Darren holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the engagement process from the idea stage through
Marquette University and a Master of Science degree in completion and follow-up using creative and inclusive
Computer Science Ed from Cardinal Stritch University. techniques. You will also create action plans to engage
Pre-registration and payment of a $179.00US fee is your community and stakeholders in the decision-making
required to attend this Academy session. To receive certi-
fication points, each participant is required to complete a processes, strategic planning, goal setting, execution,
learning assessment which will be completed during the and the management and accountability of outcomes.
session and turned in at the end. This session is limited to Participants will also:
30 registered delegates.
• Gain a deeper understanding of how our differences
contribute to the greater effort to create a world-
class community
Continued on page 16
P R E M I E R SPONSOR
January 2017 15IIMC News Digest
MMC Academy Sessions…Continued from page 15
• Explore how mutualism can strengthen our Michigan for six years. As Vice President for The Consor-
communities tium for Community Development, a non-profit organiza-
• Learn what we can do to affect change in the commu- tion consisting of 27 state and local agencies, her work
nity engagement process in our own communities focused primarily on the transformation of the commu-
nity through individual, organizational, and community
Pamela Miller served as the Executive and Institute capacity building.
Director for Continuing Education for Public Officials Pre-registration and payment of a $179.00US fee is
(CEPO) from 2012 until September 2014 when the required to attend this Academy session. To receive certi-
fication points, each participant is required to complete a
program transitioned into the Master Municipal Clerk learning assessment which will be completed during the
Academy program that it is today. She has been design- session and turned in at the end. This session is limited to
ing curricula for the Clerks in California for over ten 30 registered delegates.
years. Recently, Pamela formed her own consulting firm,
Miller Management & Consulting Group (www.mill- Saturday, May 20, 2017
ermcg.com), and is now partnering with the City Clerks 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Association of California (CCAC) to provide the MMCA. Fee: $219.00US
Pamela also currently serves as the Executive Director Decision Making Dynamics
for the California Association of Local Agency Forma- David G. Luke
tion Commissions (CALAFCO). CALAFCO is a nonprofit Founder and Managing Director
educational association to support the work of Local 4Forward Inc.
Agency Formation Commissions (LAFCo) in California. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Prior to returning to her native state of California
As a Municipal Clerk you are faced with situations
in 2012, Miller lived and worked in Benton Harbor,
every day in which your team looks to you to make a
decision. Whether you’re deciding which person to hire,
which vendor to use, or which strategy to pursue, the
ability to make a good decision with available information
is vital. It would be easy if there were one formula you
could use in any situation, but there isn’t.
Each decision presents its own challenges, and we
all have different ways of approaching problems. So, how
do you avoid making bad decisions – or leaving decisions
to chance? This session will open your eyes and explore
one key aspect of effective leadership that is often over-
looked: the decision-making process.
Through required pre-work and various exercises
you will uncover your decision making style while taking
a systematic approach to decision-making so that, no
matter what type of decision you have to make, you can
make it with confidence.
This session is designed to:
• Introduce different decision making styles and
explain how they impact the workplace – both on an
organizational and personal level
• Define good decisions and identify barriers
Continued on page 17
16 January 2017IIMC News Digest
MMC Academy Sessions…Continued from page 16
• Identify decision making and situational factors, and assessment which will be completed during the session and
develop strategies to maximize your decision making turned in at the end. This session is limited to 30 regis-
tered delegates.
abilities
• Focus on the application of approaches discussed
through brainstorming, self-assessment and self- Sunday, May 21, 2017
reflection, group activities, and mini-case studies 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Fee: $179.00US
• Provide you with take-home materials to assist you
and your team in your day-to-day duties
Preventing and Dealing with Boardroom Problems
David Luke is a senior consultant who has designed Eli Mina
learning materials for managers and employees in all Board Effectiveness Consultant and Registered
sectors. In addition to more than 20 years of experi- Parliamentarian
ence in adult learning and instructional design, David Eli Mina Consulting
has extensive consulting experience for large and small Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
organizations.
As a curriculum developer, facilitator, and educator As a board effectiveness consultant and meeting
from 1991 to the present, David designed and imple- management expert, Eli Mina has firsthand experience
mented many learning and competency assessment tools, in dealing with the myriad of problems that boards face.
skill development exercises, take-away job aids, and This session is designed to assist you in helping your
other training products for businesses, organizations, Board function effectively under the public microscope
and all levels of government across North America. and earn the public’s trust and confidence. A variety
of boardroom problems and their potential negative
David’s in-class, online, and video-based learn- impacts will be examined and both reactive and preven-
ing materials cover a wide range of topics for leaders, tative measures to address them will be explored. The
managers and frontline staff. David has developed importance of the Clerk’s objectivity, calm disposition,
competency and performance management frameworks, and reliance on core principles will be emphasized as
analyzed business processes, conducted learning needs participants learn how `to dance’ effectively with elected
assessments, supervised learning program evaluations, officials, the public, and their colleagues on the manage-
and acted as a software development project manager. ment team.
David worked as a planning analyst for Xerox Canada During this session Eli will focus on:
and as an internal consultant at AT&T. He has consulted
for many organizations including the Ministry of Health • Essential ingredients of a Board’s effectiveness as a
and Long-Term Care (Ontario), the Association of Munici- governing body
pal Administrators (Nova Scotia), The Regional Munici- • Good habits that build Board capacity and bad habits
pality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB), the Correctional Service that diminish it
of Canada, the Ministry of Revenue (Ontario), BC’s non- • Board solidarity, the two-hats dilemma, conflicts of
profit sector, Ottawa’s Community Health Centres, the interest
Kingston Economic Development Corporation, the Town • Flawed interactions both during and after Board
of Ajax, the Township of Pittsburgh, and the Saskatch- meetings
ewan Institute for Applied Science and Technology. • Flawed versus appropriate interactions between the
David holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Board and Staff as well as between the Board and
Carleton University and a Master of Business Adminis- Citizens
tration from the University of Western Ontario. • Focusing on a problem versus its root causes
Pre-registration and payment of a $179.00US fee is • Evaluations as a way to boost Board capacity and
required to attend this Academy session. A $40 additional
fee will be required at the time of registration to cover the effectiveness
cost of the pre- work materials. To receive certification
points, each participant is required to complete a learning
Continued on page 18
January 2017 17IIMC News Digest
MMC Academy Sessions…Continued from page 17
Eli Mina, M.Sc., P.R.P., is a Vancouver based Board During this session we will explore:
Effectiveness Consultant, Professional Chair, and Regis- • The non-verbal clues surrounding the messages you
tered Parliamentarian. Since 1984, Eli has advised his are sending and how you can use them to your advan-
clients on achieving excellence in decision making, tage as a leader
preventing and dealing with disputes and dysfunctions,
• The flip side and how non-verbal clues can lead to
chairing contentious meetings, demystifying the rules
conflicting issues and damage
of order, and minute taking standards. Eli’s clients
come from municipal government, school boards, native • How non-verbal communications can be used to
communities, credit unions, regulatory bodies, and the enhance interpersonal communications and to
non-profit sector. Eli has written five books, including change perceptions with both your coworkers and
“101 Boardroom problems and how to solve them,” “The your citizens
Business Meetings Sourcebook,” and “Mina’s Guide to • Your own non-verbal communication traits and
Minute Taking.” how they impact your presence as a leader through
Pre-registration and payment of a $179.00US fee is self-evaluation
required to attend this Academy session. To receive certi-
fication points, each participant is required to complete a Rex Osborn is a seasoned facilitator and keynote
learning assessment which will be completed during the speaker noted for his humorous approach and genuine
session and turned in at the end. This session is limited to
30 registered delegates.
appreciation of the experiences that shape each individ-
ual. Born in the Midwest, his unique style is a result of
Sunday, May 21, 2017 his own life experiences. His career choices have ranged
12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. from professional bouncer to intern funeral director to
Fee: $179.00US law enforcement. A veteran law officer for more than two
decades, Rex is also a popular TV and radio personality,
Actions Speak Louder Than Words: Non-Verbal weekly columnist and adjutant junior college professor.
Communication Skills for the Influential Leader He shares with us many anecdotal accounts from his
Rex J. Osborn, President/CEO long and varied career and has a talent for entertaining,
More Than Talk LLC, Ripon, CA while still imparting a serious message.
Pre-registration and payment of a $179.00US fee is
Non-verbal communication is the ability to commu- required to attend this Academy session. To receive certi-
nicate by sending and receiving wordless clues. Some fication points, each participant is required to complete a
learning assessment which will be completed during the
people just seem to have a knack for using non-verbal session and turned in at the end. This session is limited to
communication effectively and correctly interpreting 30 registered delegates.
signals from others. These people are often described as
being able to “read people.” Sunday, May 21, 2017
For others, it’s not a skill that comes easily. Knowing 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
how to leverage non-verbal signals effectively is a key Fee: $179.00US
leadership skill that can be dramatically improved with
awareness and practice. Enhancing Your Workplace Culture
Brenda Viola
Influential leaders stand out not because of the
Communications Consultant
things they say, but because of the things that they do
Sarasota, Florida
every day. As people we send messages to others through
conscious and unconscious actions with varying results. Work should be a place that is invigorating, not
As a leader in your municipality, what kind of clues are draining! At their core, people want to love their job and
you sending? there is nothing worse than working in an organization
that has a bad workplace culture. It doesn’t matter how
Continued on page 19
18 January 2017IIMC News Digest
MMC Academy Sessions…Continued from page 18
much money you make or how many weeks of vacation • Obtaining buy-in from co-workers
you are given; when you work in a toxic environment, you • Navigating resistance to change
still come home tense and stressed at the end of each • Implementation strategies
day. And that just isn’t worth it! • The importance of celebration
Culture is the underlying foundation that creates an
Brenda Viola has worked in the field of Communica-
atmosphere where ideas, teamwork, and personal and
tions for over 30 years as a journalist, news anchor and
professional growth can flourish. As a Municipal Clerk,
as an award-winning Public Information Officer for a
you are the heartbeat of your government organization
first-ring suburb of Philadelphia. She has coached thou-
and have the ability to influence an entire culture and
sands of professionals to “Master the Media” and effec-
“right the ship.” In just one department, in one corner of
tively speak - whether at a podium, in a meeting, or in
the building, a new culture can begin to emerge making
front of the TV cameras. In recent years, her training has
for happier municipal employees with the benefits being
evolved to include motivational speaking, with a special
reflected in the service extended to your citizens.
emphasis on the challenges faced by government employ-
Join Brenda for this interactive session as she guides ees and how to reconnect with the joy of public service.
you through the following:
People are most fascinated, however, by her brief
• Assessing your existing workplace culture stint as a QVC Show Host or by her blog, entitled
• Establishing goals for change “FLUFFI” - that stands for Fabulous Ladies United for
• Reviewing successful programs from other organiza- Fun, Fearlessness and Inspiration. She is a Sarasota,
tions for potential implementation Florida resident and proudly wears her IIMC Foundation
• How to effectively present ideas for cultural change turtle pin!
to your leadership team
Continued on page 21
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January 2017 19IIMC News Digest
Detroit Plays Matchmaker
to Fuel Economic Growth
By Michael Forsyth
Keasha Rigsby and Vallery Hyduk know the value of expand a business in the city. The goal is to provide the
a perfect match. They wanted to apply the same spark services and create the jobs needed to revitalize the city’s
that brought them together as friends to their relation- neighborhood commercial corridors.
ship as co-owners of Beautiful Bridal with Keasha, “Each quarter, Motor City Match helps nearly 100
Detroit’s one-and-only bridal boutique. businesses get started in Detroit,” said Rodrick Miller,
Rigsby was a bridal consultant on TLC’s reality TV CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corp., which admin-
show “Say Yes to the Dress.” Hyduk was supervising isters the program.
producer on a spinoff of that show, “Keasha’s Perfect “Not all are ready to open right away—some need
Dress.” Today, the two are business partners, and since help covering gaps in financing or finding the right
February have offered one-on-one consultations by location—but all of this activity is building a pipeline of
appointment at their upscale store showcasing a custom entrepreneurs, which is what thriving cities need.”
collection of designer gowns.
The program focuses on areas outside of Detroit’s
“We’re thrilled to be fulfilling our dream of owning a already-booming downtown and Midtown, fostering busi-
bridal boutique and really excited about helping couples nesses in the heart of Detroit neighborhoods challenged
fulfill their dream of finding the right dress for the with renovating long-abandoned properties.
perfect wedding,” Rigsby said.
Motor City Match provides various forms of assis-
Their dreams for Beautiful Bridal didn’t always tance, including $500,000 in matching grants each
match up with reality, however. Although they found the quarter. The program has awarded $1 million to winning
perfect location to lease—an 1889 French Renaissance applicants during the first two rounds of awards. That
Revival mansion -- after paying for renovations, they investment, in turn, has helped winning companies lever-
didn’t have enough money to buy the extensive inventory age some $6 million in public and private funds.
required.
On The Right Track
“We needed lots and lots of gowns for customers
to choose from, but these gowns are very expensive,” Like any good match-making service, the program
Hyduk said. “Our budget was just a bit short—we vets participants to ensure that the businesses and prop-
needed gap financing.” erties paired have the best chance of long-term success.
As in love, such matches might eventually happen by
That’s when Detroit’s unique economic development
chance, but Motor City Match makes the process more
tool, Motor City Match, came through with a $50,000
efficient and effective.
grant late last year.
It does that by having people with vacant Detroit
“Motor City Match allowed us to start with a much
properties who are looking for quality new tenants
stronger inventory, making us more competitive in a very
compete for grants, loans, and technical support in the
competitive industry,” Hyduk said.
Building Owner Track. People who want to start or
Perfect Pairs grow their business in Detroit compete for similar assis-
Motor City Match’s main mission is to pair Detroit’s tance in the Business Owner Track.
best available real estate with entrepreneurs from
Detroit and around the world who want to start or
Continued on page 23
20 January 2017You can also read
