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Administrative workshop helps employees
make 'cents' of changes in department

When trying to make cents (sense) of it all, it’s logical to begin with change – literally and figuratively.

That’s exactly where administrative personnel from throughout the state began their 21st annual Administrative Support Workshop in Meridian Thursday. This year’s theme was Making Cents of It All.

Change has been a standard at ITD the past five years – predating the current recession. Chief Engineer Tom Cole reviewed the administrative/personnel changes that have taken place in the department when he opened the annual professional development workshop.

He cited as examples in the past five years or less:

* Four new board members (one has not yet been named)
* Four ITD directors
* Three governors
* Three chief engineers, and
* Three of six new district engineers

More than 50 employees, representing a cross-section of divisions and districts attended the event. It began with remarks by co-chairwomen Connie Lane-Porter and Carla Anderson. Other speakers included:

* Michelle Cobler, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
* Heidi Reeder, Boise State University, “High-Impact Communication Skills”
* Jason Brinkman, GARVEE Program administrator
* Tammy Schoen, “Aeronautics Services, Aircraft & Scheduling and
* John Roberts, Business Psychology Associates, “Stress Management”

Informational sessions also included presentations about the District 3 Incident Response Unit services, the Materials Lab and Chemical Lab, and a panel discussion with Human Resource Services representatives, addressing personnel-related questions.

A 21-member group spent the past two months organizing the annual workshop. Committee members:

Connie Lane-Porter, Administration
Carla Anderson, Administration
Bonnie Fogdall, Division of Motor Vehicles
Elise Rising, Division of Motor Vehicles
Sandy Harris, Business & Support Management
Dianna Magstadt, Employee Safety
Judy Davis, Human Resource Services
Anne Gunn, Port of Entry
Heidi Lewis, Legal
Kristen Nau, Legal
Debby McCarthy, Equal Employment Opportunity
Diane Smith, Roadway Design
Sandy Frazier, Public Transportation/Planning
Jackie Lynskey, Enterprise Technology Services
Joy Finley, Highways, District 3
Ruth Munoz, Financial Services
Lois Wood, GARVEE Program
Tammy Schoen, Aeronautics
Derra Kolar, Aeronautics
Shauna Riggas, Communications
Kamee Pape, Internal Review