Spring 2007 ESP Newsletter; Edition Number 107
Epsilon Sigma Phi The Extension Professionals' Organization
Come Prepared for Fun While You Learn at the 2007 ESP Conference
Russell Duncan, 2007 Conference Planning Committee Chair
Greetings from SC and the Alpha Phi Chapter! We hope "ya'll" are making plans to be in Charleston this September. We have a great time planned for you. From the pre-conference tours and "Welcome to SC" event on Tuesday to the Recognition Banquet on Friday night, you will be treated to some good old fashioned southern hospitality. Charleston is consistently voted the most gracious city in America and you will soon find out why.
On Tuesday night you will be "Welcomed to SC" at the SC Aquarium. You will be served heavy hors d'oeuvres that include the following:
Serving stations will be set up throughout the Aquarium so you will be able to browse the exhibits while you are eating. There will also be tables available for those who wish to sit and eat. The SC Aquarium is a truly wonderful experience. If you would like to learn more about it check it out at http://www.scaquarium.org/.
The Aquarium is a short walk (5 or 6 blocks) from the Francis Marion Hotel. If you prefer to ride, you can catch the DASH shuttle service. There is a stop on the corner of Calhoun and King Streets by the Francis Marion. The cost is $1.25 per trip. Ages 55 and over can ride for $0.60 per trip. For more information on Charleston area public transportation and routes click this link: http://www.ridecarta.com/home/default.aspx. This is an excellent and inexpensive way to get around Charleston.
Wednesday night is States Night Out. There are a number of excellent restaurants within easy walking distance of the Francis Marion. If you prefer, you can take the DASH shuttle to the Market area for even more variety.
Clicking the following link will send you to the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau dining website: http://www.charlestoncvb.com/visitors/tripplanner/dine_charleston.html?type=1&category=3&sub_category=19
It lists many excellent restaurants, many of which have their own websites where you may view menus and even make reservations. One of my favorites is Coast, a seafood and raw bar establishment that is only five minute walk from the Francis Marion.
Upon returning to the hotel you will be treated to an evening of music and dancing courtesy of the Alpha Phi Chapter. We have reserved the Gold Ballroom that evening to introduce you to South Carolina's state music, "Beach Music", and our state dance, the "Shag." We will have a local "Beach Music" deejay spinning tunes, as well as some semi-professional dancers teaching you how to "shag." There will also be a cash bar. Much fun will be had by everyone!
If you have never heard of "Beach Music," or you want to learn a little more about it, I suggest the following web sites:
http://www.beachshag.com/;
http://www.949thesurf.com/;
http://www.beachmusiconline.com/;
http://www.shagdance.com/; and
http://www.ripete.com/
These sites will give you a good background on what the music is, how the phenomenon got started and where it is headed today. Do your homework and get ready for a real good time!
We have a great program planned with lots of wonderful food, and some excellent entertainment. You will not be disappointed when you come to Charleston for the 2007 Epsilon Sigma Phi Annual Conference!
The National ESP Board participated in a mid-year board meeting recently. Many items of importance were discussed and actions achieved, including the following:
In addition to items discussed during the board meeting, please make note of the following:
We are anticipating your arrival for the 2007 National ESP Conference in September in the beautiful and historic Charleston, South Carolina. See the ESP website for details.
Thanks to all who responded to the 360° Organizational Assessment. The results of the survey can be found at:
http://www.zoomerang.com/web/SharedResults/SharedResultsPasswordPage.aspx?ID=L22TJZZF4X24
Some of the comments reflect experiences persons have had at the chapter and/or national levels.
Of the 29 persons responding to the survey, two were national board members, 24 were chapter officers or committee chairs, three were ESP members. Approximately 29% of the respondents had served one to two years, 57% served three to four years, and 29% served four or more years on national committees. Approximately 50% of the respondents reported that they had served on one national committee, 12% served on two committees, 25% served on three committees, and 12% served on four committees.
It appears that the organization as a whole should do a better job sharing its vision and getting people oriented to their roles and responsibilities. Members want more clarity on financial procedures. There is a great need to address participation in ESP activities. There appears to be some issues with having sufficient resources to achieve set goals. There is an expressed need to make sure that our goals are measurable and that progress toward goals is communicated. People want to feel included in the planning process of ESP programs and want to understand how they contribute to the organization's success. They need to be motivated. They want the organization to revise its plans based on the results of evaluation.
The National Board will include your comments in its discussions and will respond to your concerns in an appropriate format.
The Professional Development Committee is planning a two part pre-conference for Monday, September 10 from 1:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Part 1: Leadership: Progressing Through the System
Your career with Extension is very satisfying. You are recognized for the quality educational programs you've developed and implemented. Your programs are recognized because they help people solve problem and show impact in the community. Recently, you have been thinking about a new challenge with an administrative role, possibly as a county or multi-county director, regional director, program leader or an assistant or associate director.
This session will identify your current skill level for an administrative job and help you prepare a plan for acquiring additional skills. Interactive presentation topics will include personality and people skills, budget development, political interaction, teamwork, organizational skills, training opportunities and how to position yourself for a career change.
Part 2: Scholarship in Extension
Everyone talks about scholarship in Extension, but few Extension workers understanding the expectations and if they do, few know how to document their scholarship of application and impact.
This session will engage several Extension administrators in an interactive discussion to hear various perceptions of scholarship, how their perspective institutions define it and how scholarship can be documented. Participants will be able to identify areas in their professional work that demonstrate scholarship and understand how to generate credible evidence of impact.
This workshop will be useful to new Extension workers as well as seasoned employees. People will be encouraged to go back to their universities and promote a definition of "scholarship in Extension" and help it become part of the culture.
A complete program brochure and registration form will be available May 30. Check the ESP website for details on this date.
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Sunday, |
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1:00 p.m. |
National Board Meeting |
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Monday, |
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8:00-12:00 a.m. |
National Board Meeting |
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1:30 - 9:00 p.m. |
Pre-conference Session |
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Tuesday, |
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7:00 – 8:00 a.m. |
Registration |
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8:00 - 5:00 p.m. |
Pre-Conference Tours (cost includes lunch) |
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3:00 - 7:00 p.m. |
Registration |
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5:00 - 6:00 p.m. |
First Timers/Life Members
Reception |
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6:00 - 8:00 p.m. |
Welcoming Reception, Aquarium |
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Wednesday, |
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7:00 - 12:00 noon |
Registration |
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7:00 - 8:00 a.m. |
Exhibit and Poster Set-up |
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7:00 - 8:00 a.m. |
Breakfast - Everyone |
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8:00 - 10:00 a.m. |
Regional Meetings (NC, NE, S, W) |
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9:00 - 5:00 p.m. |
Exhibit & Poster Viewing |
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10:00 - 10:30 a.m. |
Break |
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10:30 - 12:00 noon |
General Session I |
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Welcome - SC Leadership
and Mayor Joe Riley |
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Citadel Color
Guard/National Anthem |
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Introduction of JCEP
Team and Guests |
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Speaker: Dr. David Sammons, |
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Director of
International Programs, |
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12:00 - 2:00 p.m. |
Lunch |
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12:45 - 1:45 p.m. |
Poster Viewing with Authors
Present |
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12:15 - 1:45 p.m. |
Past National Presidents
Luncheon |
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2:00 - 3:00 p.m. |
Concurrent Session I (Total 5) |
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3:00 - 3:30 p.m. |
Beverage Break |
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3:30 - 5:00 p.m. |
National Committee Meetings
(Total of 6) |
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5:00 p.m. |
States Night Out |
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8:00 p.m. |
SC Entertainment - Hotel |
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Thursday, |
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7:00 - 6:00 p.m. |
Registration |
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7:00 - 8:15 a.m. |
Breakfast - Everyone |
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7:00 - 8:15 a.m. |
Chapter President's Breakfast |
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8:30 - 10:00 a.m. |
General Session II |
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Speaker : James F. Barker, Invited Speaker, |
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President, |
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10:00 - 10:30 a.m. |
Break |
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10:30 - 11:30 a.m. |
Concurrent Session II (Total 5) |
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11:45 - 1:15 p.m. |
Ruby Luncheon and Lecture |
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Speaker |
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1:30 - 2:30 p.m. |
Concurrent Session III (Total 5) |
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2:30 - 3:00 p.m. |
Break |
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3:30 - 4:30 p.m. |
Concurrent Session IV (Total 5) |
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3:00 - 6:30 p.m. |
Silent Auction |
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4:30 - 5:00 p.m. |
Take Down Posters |
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6:30 - 8:30 p.m. |
Dinner and Live Auction |
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Friday, |
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7:30 - 8:45 a.m. |
Continental Breakfast |
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8:00 -10:30 a.m. |
Registration |
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9:00 - 10:00 a.m. |
Concurrent Session V (Total 5) |
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10:00 - 10:30 a.m. |
Break |
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10:30 - 12:00 noon |
General Session III |
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Speaker: Denise Ryan, Firestar |
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Invitation to Galaxy III |
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12:00 - 4:00 p.m. |
Lunch (on own) |
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Walking tours of |
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1:30 - 2:00 p.m. |
Memorial Service for Everyone |
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2:00 - 3:30 p.m. |
National Council Meeting |
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5:00 - 6:00 p.m. |
Reception & Cash Bar |
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6:00 - 9:30 p.m. |
Recognition Banquet |
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Saturday, |
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8:00 - 12:00 noon |
National Board Meeting |
The Galaxy III Auction is to be a major fund raising event for all the Extension Associations participating. ESP has been designated the coordinating organization for the auction. To successfully implement an auction of this scope, an individual will be designated as the Auction Facilitator. Their role will include but not be limited to the following:
Additional information regarding the responsibilities is available from the ESP National Office. The person designated by ESP as the Auction Facilitator shall receive a complimentary registration for the Galaxy III Conference and two nights lodging.
Interested? Send a letter outlining your interest and experience to Linda D. Cook, National Executive Director, espoffice@espnational.org by June 15, 2007. A decision will be made by the ESP National Board at the Pre-Conference Board Meeting in Charleston, SC.
The 2007 National ESP Conference, September 11-14, will feature 20 Professional Development Poster Presentations that were selected from a very strong group of proposals. The double blind, national juried - refereed process evaluated abstracts for poster presentations. The acceptance rate for poster abstracts this year was 68 percent.
The poster presentations will be available for viewing over two days - September 12 & 13. Authors will be available on Wednesday, September 12 from 12:45 - 1:45 p.m. for discussion with conference participants. The abstracts of the selected poster presentations will be on the National ESP Website by May 1.
The National ESP Conference is one of the premier venues for dissemination of innovation, professional, leadership and personal development among Extension faculty nationwide. Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) is the National Extension Professionals' Organization involving 8,000 professional Extension Educators with programming responsibility in agriculture, natural resources & forestry, family living, community development, youth development and sea grant education.
The 2007 National ESP Conference, September 11-14, will feature 25 Professional Development Seminars and Workshops that were selected from a very strong group of proposals. They include:
The 16 Concurrent sessions are divided among three tracks related to Emerging Leadership, Program Developers and Globalization. The double blind, national juried - refereed process evaluated abstracts for seminar, and research presentations. The acceptance rate for abstracts this year was 38 percent. This year we received proposals from 21 Chapters. We thank the professionals for submitting extremely outstanding proposals from these states: Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Every conference participant will have the opportunity to participate in five of these workshops & seminars in addition to the three dynamic and highly acclaimed General Session Presentations. The abstracts of the workshops and seminars will be on the National ESP Website by May 1.
Wednesday, September 12
Dr. David Sammons, Director of International Programs in the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) at the University of Florida
For a two year period prior to his appointment at the University of Florida, Dr. Sammons was on assignment with USAID/Washington (on leave from Purdue University) working as "Senior Advisor for University Relations and Agricultural Research, Training and Outreach" in the Office of Agriculture at the Agency. At Purdue, he held the position of Associate Dean of the College of Agriculture and Director of the Office of International Programs in Agriculture for the period 1993 to 2004. Previous to moving to Purdue, Dr. Sammons was employed for 15 years (1978 to 1993) at the University of Maryland as Professor of Agronomy with responsibilities in small grain (wheat, barley) breeding as well as multiple administrative assignments. He has a wide range of international experiences, first as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines (1968-70), and in recent years in short term consultant positions with USAID in West Africa, Egypt, and Sudan, and as a Fulbright Senior Fellow/Lecturer at Egerton University in Kenya. He has also acquired professional experience internationally in more than 50 countries across wide areas of Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Rim, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean. He is the author of over 170 scientific articles and seven books and/or book chapters. In 2001, Dr. Sammons was elected a Fellow of the American Society of Agronomy. He also serves on the Board of Trustees of the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA).
Thursday, September 13
President James F. Barker, Clemson University's 14th President
President Barker is first and foremost an architect. He came to the office with a clear blueprint of Clemson's future in mind - to become one of the nation's top public universities. To achieve this vision, he led the development of 10-year goals and an action plan built around collaboration, focus, relevance and academic quality.
The results speak for themselves: Today, Clemson is considered an academic rising star, nearly doubling research in just three years, launching major new economic development initiatives, dramatically increasing the quality of the student body, and experiencing a greater rise in national rankings than any public university in the top 40. For his leadership, President Barker has been honored with Order of the Palmetto - the state's highest civilian honor. He also was inducted into the Boys and Girls Clubs Hall of Fame.
Barker has emerged as a national leader in academic and public service arenas. He currently serves as chair of the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the region's accrediting agency, leading the search for the organization's new CEO, and chaired the ACC Council of Presidents during the league's expansion. He also has served on the Truman Scholars selection committee, was a Cambridge University Visiting Scholar, and has been awarded honorary doctoral degrees from S.C. State University and Mars Hill College. He is a member of the Shaw Group Board of Directors, serving on the Audit Committee.
Barker is a recipient of the National Distinguished Professor Award of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture and served as president of that association. He was named Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and has also been a partner in an architectural practice.
Friday, September 14
Denise Ryan of FireStar
Denise is a magna cum laude graduate of the University of South Carolina with a master's degree in business. What she really specializes in, however, is lighting fires. After motivating a prospect to spend $2.5 million with an advertising agency she worked for (the account was the largest in the company's 25-year history!), she realized she had a talent for firing people up. She took this talent and started FireStar, a company that specializes in enthusiasm.
Denise has re-energized thousands of people, waking them up to their full potential and helping them get everything they can out of their lives and their work. One of her audience members said "She makes me feel like I can do anything!" She has spoken for Fortune 500 companies as well as small businesses. She has addressed audiences ranging from senior military officers to school secretaries. And what is the most telling about Denise's presentations is that once an organization has worked with her, they can't wait to have her back.
Her infectious enthusiasm, her big smile, and her candor are her trademarks. Audiences love her humor and the tools she gives them to bring the fire into their lives - both personally and professionally.
All tours have a fee of $65.00 and include lunch. The deadline to register for all tours is August 3, 2007. Tours must have 20 participants to fill or they will be cancelled. Be sure to visit the South Carolina Information table during the conference for more tour options available in the Charleston area during your conference stay.
Agricultural Tour (Walking required)
The American Classic Tea Plantation- is one of a kind. If you haven't seen a tea plantation, you don't want to miss this opportunity! You won't see anything as it relates to tea like this any other place in the United States. The next stop is a local winery where it is time to relax, have lunch, and yes, taste wine. Then we'll head to The Clemson Coastal Research Center. Learn what is happening in Research and Education. A great day of fun and education.
Historic Georgetown Tour (Walking required)
Travel 60 miles up the coast from Charleston to the historical town of Georgetown, South Carolina. This town served as an important international port to the once-thriving rice plantations. You'll start your tour with a visit to the Kaminski House built in 1769 and filled with an outstanding collection of 18th and 19th century antiques and decorative arts. You will join Miss Nell for a walking tour of the Historic District of beautiful Georgetown and enjoy lunch at a local café. You'll have time to stroll the boardwalk and visit the quaint shops before visiting the Rice Museum and experiencing the historical rice culture of Georgetown County. Return to the Francis Marion Hotel after your day with the past.
Plantation Tour (Some walking)
Start your tour with a 90 minute motorized tour of historic Charleston with a stop at the famous Battery. You'll learn about Rainbow Row and the French Quarter just to name a few of the sights. Enjoy a 45 minute stop at the historic City Market; a shopping Mecca for Charlestonians since 1848. You'll travel to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens and enjoy a specially prepared box lunch. At the plantation you will have a 45 minute tram tour of the former rice fields, now the Audubon Swamp. Tour guides will take you through the Plantation house and the world famous gardens. Return to the Francis Marion Hotel after a day of sampling history.
Historic Charleston by Land and Water Tour (Some walking)
Your tour begins with a 90 minute bus tour of historic Charleston including 100 points of interest including a stop at the Battery waterfront. Your guide will narrate over 300 years of American history with stories of the American Revolution and the War between the States. The final stop will be at Liberty Square where you will lunch and then board your boat for Fort Sumter. After boarding, you will experience a relaxing 30 minute cruise through Charleston's historic harbor out to Fort Sumter. The tour is fully narrated. Guides explain many points of interest and historic significance. At Fort Sumter National Park, historians will provide detailed information about Fort Sumter and its pivotal role in the War between the States. After returning to shore you will travel to the historic City Market for strolling and shopping and a Charleston sweet treat. You may shop your way back to the Francis Marion Hotel or utilize your trolley pass to return.
The ESP Member Services Committee has evaluated the applications for the 2007 scholarships and mini-grants and the National ESP Board has supported their recommendations. The recipients for 2007 are:
PILD Scholarships:
Angus Professional Development Scholarship:
Administrative Leadership Scholarship:
One of the definitions of Strength is "degree of force or effectiveness"! Our Epsilon Sigma Phi organization is only as strong as the membership and leaders who invest in it!
It is time once again to set the plans in motion for our 2007 Scholarship Auction to be held at the ESP National Meeting in Charleston, SC. Slated for Thursday, September 13, a silent and live auction will be featured.
Join the XI Chapter of North Carolina as we recruit items to be auctioned! We need each state to assist us with collection of these auction items. Here is how you can help:
The following items have been successful in the past: woodworking pieces, jewelry, framed prints, pottery, weekend vacation getaways, scarves and hand woven items, to name just a few!
Our goal is to raise nearly $15,000 to support scholarship opportunities for the members of ESP. We need your help to secure the items to make this silent and live auction successful. The value of auction items typically ranges from $25 - $2,500. In addition, because ESP is a registered non-profit, all donations are tax deductible. A brochure has been developed for you to use when soliciting items from potential donors. Print this brochure from the ESP website at http://espnational.org and begin soliciting today.
If you would like more information, contact XI chapter representative:
Barbara_swanson@ncsu.edu.
Epsilon Sigma Phi National Committee Members were approved during the recent Mid-year meeting of the ESP National Board. Over sixty outstanding ESP members submitted their nomination forms to be considered for appointment to one of the six ESP National Committees: Professional Development; Public Issues, Membership Recruitment and Retention, Global Relations, Member Services, and Resource Development and Management.
The National ESP Board strives to have two members from each of our four regions on each of the six committees. This results in a total of forty-eight ESP members being appointed to the National ESP Committees. All ESP members submitting nomination forms will soon receive a letter. All committee appointees will start their committee work during the National Conference in Charleston, South Carolina in September 2007.
For the 2008 Committees the Western Region submitted 15 nominations representing eight chapters; North Central Region submitted 22 nominations representing eight chapters; Eastern Region submitted 14 nominations representing three Chapters; and the Southern Region submitted 12 nomination representing eight Chapters. Twelve nominations from each of the four regions were appointed to serve on the six National ESP Committees. Additionally, the 2009 National Conference Coordinator was appointed to the Professional Development Committee.
I would like to thank each ESP member who applied to serve their professional organization. I also would like to congratulate those who were appointed to serve on a National ESP Committee. Additionally, I hope that those who were not appointed to a committee for 2008 will consider submitting their nomination form to be considered for an appointment in 2009.
The ESP Regional Workshop theme, Internationalizing the US Cooperative Extension System, included comments from Colien Hefferan (USDA/CSREES Administrator) and Peter McPherson (NASULGC President) encouraging focus on this leadership dynamic. Mike McGrierr (CSREES/International Programs) shared valuable information and recommended resources including the National Initiative to Internationalize Extension website: http://www.msue.msu.edu/intext/global and International Extension Curriculum: (http://www.ces.purdue.edu/iec/).
ESP national website (K ) Go Global information with management by the ESP Global Relations Committee was highlighted during panel session, and included by McGrierr, as resource for JCEP team members.
http://ExtensionEnEspanol.net was shared at ESP Global Relations committee sponsored breakout session. This English/Spanish publications/translations national site, is housed at Texas A&M and managed by Dr. Bill Watson.
Panel members shared successful approaches to Internationalizing Extension with program involvement descriptions of individual and state strategies. Interface between International and Multicultural Programming was discussed with examples of addressing state and local approaches.
JCEP members enhanced their awareness of international programs and opportunities. Extension faculty indicated a trend of providing education to increasing numbers in multi-cultural audiences.
Participants expressed desire to investigate presenting a JCEP International Workshop of Experiences for Extension Personnel, perhaps with a format similar to JCEP's PILD. Workshops could have domestic and/or a foreign travel component with sponsorships through appropriate channels for the purpose of building the capacity of Extension professionals in international efforts.
As 2007 begins, so begins the 5th year of ESP's Fund Development Campaign to raise $500,000.00 dollars. This comprehensive campaign will help endow sufficient resources for scholarships and professional development opportunities for Extension professionals. The monies raised will be put into an endowment to financially support committee members' travel to the national meeting, regional workshop participation for each chapter, scholarships for professional development, concurrent session presenters at the national meeting, mini-grants, and costs incurred with recognition (awards).
As you can see, ESP supports a multitude of activities. It is the only organization that gives back to its members in this manner of support. In fact, from 2001 through 2006, ESP reimbursed 44 Chapters over $197,000. Of this amount, forty-one Chapters received over $42,000 for voting delegates to the national meetings. Thirty-three Chapters received over $31,000 for committee members to attend national committee meetings, while 43 Chapters received over $68,000 dollars to attend the JCEP regional workshops. Twenty-two Chapters received over $22,000 in scholarships; 14 Chapters received $18,000 in mini-grants, and twenty Chapters received over $14,000 for concurrent session presenters. This money was tallied by Chapter, but it actually went to the members from each Chapter. This literally gives meaning to the phrase, "It pays to be a member of ESP."
For more information on the campaign, or how to give, type the following link into your web browser: http://espnational.org/19July2005developmentbrochure.pdf and consider joining the over 475 currently employed and retired Extension professionals in supporting this effort to support the Extension profession. If you have given previously, please consider an additional contribution in 2007. Your tax-deductible contribution to the Epsilon Sigma Phi Development Fund will support ESP's continued leadership in excellent professional development opportunities and recognition programs for Extension professionals.
ESP is an organization that values professional development and recognition among its members. Spring is a wonderful time to be thinking of colleges to recognize locally in your state and then compete at a national level. Now is the time to look for the 2008 award winners who will be recognized at the Galaxy conference.
To encourage professional development among members of your chapter ESP has several mini grants and scholarships available to pursue professional development either as an individual or through a chapter effort for your entire organization. There are times when these grants and scholarships are not awarded because there are no or few applicants.
Having been on the Member Services committee for a few years I have been impressed with the work that is going on around the nation. I do know however, there are many other equally deserving individuals or professional development activities that could benefit from these awards. Check the ESP website for details on the benefits package and plan to submit applications for the 2008 scholarships and awards. The applications are not difficult to fill out, but start early so you get all the letters of support and recommendations needed to be sent in with the application. It is never too early to start planning for 2008 and what a better way than to be recognized or receive money from ESP to help make your dreams come true.
ESP Cruisers from Minnesota, Arizona, Oklahoma, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Florida will be departing Miami on January 6th of 2008 for Haiti, Jamaica, George Town, Grand Cayman and Cozumel on the inaugural ESP Family & Friends Leisure Cruise. The seven-night Western Caribbean excursion will take place on the world's largest luxury cruise ship, Freedom of the Seas, with opportunities for tours of the Mayan Ruins of Cozumel or by climbing into a comfortable safari 4x4 vehicle for the perfect way to explore the real Jamaica.
The cruise package includes staterooms, government and port fees, and even traveler's insurance. A few rooms still remain, but cannot be held past May. Anyone wishing to escape next year's winter and get away for a warm Caribbean holiday needs to contact ESP Member, Mike McKinney (Florida) at 813-973-4263 or email message to: mckcar@msn.com. Only two inside cabins remain at $945.66. Outside cabins are still available at $1160.66. Those wishing a Deluxe Balcony cabin at $1320.66 will be put on a first-come basis. Rates are based on double occupancy and do not include airfare to Miami.
Join the party....pamper yourself with breakfast delivered directly to your stateroom, enjoy Las Vegas style shows, meet your fellow ESP mates for exquisite evening dining and make this the vacation of a lifetime.
* We need one single male (retirement age) to share an inside stateroom with a fellow ESP retiree.
** Act now in order to assure availability.
*** Linda Pinholster, AAA Travel Counselor (lpinholster@aaasouth.com) is working with ESP to insure a safe and fun cruising experience.
For additional information contact Mike at 813-973-4263 or
mckcar@msn.com.
Ever try to plan for a conference and wonder who you will get to speak on a certain topic? Or give the keynote/capnote address? You talk to colleagues for suggestions, search the Web, who knows where else you look. But, of course, you want to be sure the person is good.
Now your search is over! The Professional Development Committee has established the ESP Speaker Source to assist chapters in locating high-quality speakers. The Speaker Source is located on the National ESP website under 'ESP Speaker Resource' as well as under 'Resources.' Speaker information will be purged after three years.
Submissions by members of speakers that you 'highly recommend' are being sought to populate this resource. If you have heard a dynamic speaker, please share this information with our membership. Of course, speakers' topics should fit within the mission of Epsilon Sigma Phi. Speakers you recommend should also be respectful of diverse cultures. Speakers should encourage participants to "think outside the box" and offer innovative ideas to enhance the Extension profession.
There are six categories with subtopics under each for which your recommendation of excellent speakers are sought. The topics include Leadership, Program Development, Communications, Knowledge of the Organization, Interpersonal/Human Relationship Effectiveness, and Office/Organizational Effectiveness. Please visit the national website http://espnational.org for the subtopics under each category.
Nomination forms are on the national website. Consider nominating speakers to make the task of finding appropriate, effective communicators easier in the future. Completed forms should be sent to the national office: espoffice@espnational.org.