Chapter Updates 

On Thursday, February 14, 2013 there were 24 attendees at our early morning networking event at Pittsford Farms Dairy (7:15-9:00). GV ASTD Board Vice President Chrystie Barker opened the event and welcomed everyone. Jennifer Benson, former Board Member, then began the facilitated discussion.  First, she welcomed everyone and then invited participants to introduce themselves. After introductions, Jennifer asked participants to engage in discussion and offer up some topics of interest related to the training industry regarding strengths, challenges/obstacles, strategy, and how GV ASTD might help. 

 The discussion that followed was wide-ranging, and featured what was most on their minds of those present:

• The importance of recruiters doing a good job of pre-screening to bring qualified applicants to small businesses.
• For job applicants, the importance of talking to real people (not just the company website) to find a position.
• • Networking is important.
  • Personal relationships are important.
  • Seeking outside the box means to obtain connections within.
• A couple of participants suggested that for people in transition, it might be a good idea to have a specific Special Interest Group (SIG) related to job search, hiring, recruiting, interviewing, etc.
• • Also discussed to perhaps involve not only GV ASTD, but also SHRM and NHRA.
• We were reminded that each of us is our own "small business" in the job search process. Doing one's homework and targeting particular employers was suggested as an important strategy. 
• A potential hiring manager observed that it is sometimes difficult to convince management to bring on a new staff member when internal candidates are available (and perhaps not as well qualified).
• • The manager found that a good strategy is to bring on contractors to demonstrate that having skill and ability in training design and development is important (not just subject matter expertise).
• Another suggestion to jobseekers was to research what current skills and abilities are needed (e.g., software expertise) and get some preliminary training in it
• Addressed need for TIPS AND TRICKS section of GV ASTD website…perhaps a blog or WIKI where people can add information
• Discussed leveraging the GV ASTD website as a resource where there could be a catalog option to add “talents” (e.g. voice over artist, HR training, etc).  Not necessarily advertising, but more as a reference.
• • Discussed that it is important to have a forum for exchange of creative ideas regarding what others are doing. Especially important when you are a resource of ONE in your organization.
• The CNY chapter of GV ASTD was suggested as an organization that does a good job of connecting its members regarding best practices.

Thanks to GV ASTD member Mary Harris for writing this event summary!

STC ROCHESTER CHAPTER PRESENTS SPECTRUM 2013, 54TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE, AT ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, MARCH 21 AND 22

ROCHESTER, NY--The Rochester Chapter of the Society for Technical Communication (STC) will hold its 54th annual conference, Spectrum, on March 21, 22, and 23, 2013. The conference will be held on the campus of Rochester Institute of Technology.

The conference begins on the evening of Thursday, March 21, with an opening reception and keynote presentation. The keynote speaker is Alan Houser, President of STC, whose topic will be “Seeing the Future, by Looking at the Past.” Mr. Houser is an STC Fellow, a former member of the OASIS DITA Technical Committee, and a popular presenter at technical communication conferences. He holds a BS in Electrical Engineering and an MA in Professional Writing from Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.

Friday, March 22, features a full day of presentations by technical communications experts who will discuss topics such as mobile online help development, professional development, information searching, e-publishing, technical editing, and data visualization tools. The day will end with a series of five-minute “lightning talks” on a variety of topics.

A ½-day post-conference leadership program on Saturday, March 23, will feature presentations by leaders in the technical communication profession.

Additional details about Spectrum 2013, and a link for registration, are available at spectrum.stc-rochester.org.

Spectrum is the longest-running regional conference of its type in STC. It has been held annually in Rochester since 1958.

Contact:
spectrum@stc-rochester.org

Thank you to everyone who filled out and submitted a GV ASTD survey prior to the holiday networking event. Over sixty people participated. Congratulations to Kristen Hadcock, who won the one year GV ASTD membership, effective on her next renewal date.

Over thirty five GV ASTD members and guests attended the annual Holiday Networking event on November 15  at Pomodoros on University Avenue to share good food, drink, and camaraderie. Congratulations to the three lucky attendees who had their names drawn at the event’s drawing. Pat Black and Mary Ness each won a copy of Stephen M. R. Covey’s The Speed of Trust. Britt Lui won a course seat with a retail value of $200 from New Horizons Computer Learning Center of Syracuse and Rochester.

written by Jim Darby

Kelli Loveless, Co-President of the GV ASTD Chapter, recently earned the coveted Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) credential from the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD) Certification Institute. The CPLP™ designation affirms that Kelli demonstrates the knowledge and skills to be a top performer in managing the learning function.

"I'm honored to earn this credential," says Kelli, Manager of Learning & Development at ESL Federal Credit Union. "It's a rigorous process involving nine areas of expertise. When you earn a CPLP™ you can be sure you have the range of knowledge to lead and succeed in the workplace learning and performance field," she says.

"It's particularly gratifying that three members of my team also achieved their CPLP credential because it signifies that we have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide value to our employer, colleagues, and clients," she adds.

Three of Kelli’s direct reports at ESL Federal Credit Union all of whom are ASTD members earned CPLP™ certifications in the following areas of expertise:

• Yvette Charleton, Training & Performance Specialist, in Delivering Training
• Jim Darby, Instructional Design, in Designing Learning
• Julie Demo, Training & Development Specialist, in Delivering Training

ESL encourages its employees to continuously enhance their professional skills by pursuing professional certifications both for their own career development and for the good of ESL and its members. One of the key performance goals in 2012 for Kelli and her team was to achieve the CPLP™ certification from ASTD to enhance the quality of ESL’s learning interventions. "While we're thrilled to earn our CPLP credentials, we recognize this achievement is part of the larger journey of continuous learning and improvement both personally and professionally," says Kelli.

"As the association dedicated to the workplace learning and performance profession, ASTD is at the forefront providing information on the critical skills and abilities that practitioners must have to succeed in the field," says Tony Bingham, President of the ASTD Certification Institute. "The CPLP™ credential was built to provide workplace learning professionals a tool with which to increase their knowledge, competence, and confidence while proving their value to employers," he says.

Learn More about How to Earn Your CPLP™ from Kelli and Her Team

The GV ASTD chapter will mark the CPLP™ achievements of Kelli and her team by hosting an informal discussion at the Pittsford Farms Dairy, 44 N Main St Pittsford, NY 14534, on Thurs., Nov. 15 from 7:30-9:00 a.m. Learn more about earning a CPLP™ certification from local people who have just completed the process. Kelli and her team will invite your questions and share their experiences over coffee and donuts. Be sure to join us! And even if you've already earned your CPLP™, come and network with other chapter members.

More information about the CPLP™ program may also be found at http://www.astd.org/Certification.aspx. Additional questions should be directed to: certification@astd.org.

written by Jim Darby

It was a success! We experienced a great turnout at our first morning professional development session, held on July 11th, at Pittsford Dairy.  The 7:30 a.m. timeframe was deemed positive by all attendees and will definitely be considered for future events.

The event began with 15 minutes of casual networking and chatting over coffee. Once we were full of caffeine (and treats), Jennifer Benson conducted an introduction activity followed by a facilitated conversation using pre-defined discussion points.

Thanks to all that attended and participated in the event.  Special thanks to Jennifer Benson for organizing and facilitating a great professional development and networking opportunity!

Thank you to the GV ASTD members who participated in the elections and approved the board of directors for the term July, 2012 - June 2013. The officers are:

Suzanne Choma and Kelli Loveless, Co-presidents
Becky Ezell, Vice President, Membership
Jennifer Benson, Vice President, Professional Development
Chrystie Barker, Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Hannah Morgan, Vice President, Talent Liaison
Tom Stone, Vice President, Technology & Social Media
Phil Minarik, Vice President, Finance
Bob Whipple, Vice President, Special Events & National Liaison

To learn more about the incoming board of directors, please click here.

Check out the new photo galleries from May and June program events! Both events were well-attended and the feedback was very positive. If you were not able to attend, check out the photos for what you missed -- and we hope to see you at GV ASTD events in the near future!

This week ASTD re-launched their website with a fresh new design and many new features. Of particular interest are the new Communities of Practice section, which bring together a range of resources in particular areas of interest to Learning and Development professionals. Check it all out at http://www.astd.org/

GV ASTD is excited to announce our newest member benefit: a more active Jobs page on the GV ASTD website that will share employment announcements.

Our intent is to be able to connect the training and development talent in the Genesee Valley area with employers.  To make this happen, we will be sharing leads and opportunities.

As the Talent Liaison, my role will be to disperse and promote employment opportunities in the region on our website. 

The opportunities will encompass everything in the training and development area including: curriculum development, organizational development, and of course, training.

We will be reaching out to area employers to make them aware of our potential talent pool and encourage them to share their openings and opportunities with GV ASTD.  Additionally, as members of GV ASTD, if your organization or an organization you know has opportunities, please, share them with the Talent Liaison and I will communicate them to the greater audience.

We look forward to making this a valuable resource for tapping into the hidden job market and adding value to the Rochester area.

If you currently know of or have job openings, email the full job description and/or link with the contact information to hannah.morgan@gvastd.org.

If you have suggestions or ideas on how we can make this a rewarding and rich resource, please contact me at hannah.morgan@gvastd.org or 585.727.0246.