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DMV rolls out red carpet for regional AAMVA conference

ITD’s Division of Motor Vehicles served as host to this year’s AAMVA (American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators) Region IV Conference, June 29-July 1 in Boise.

Nearly 320 motor vehicles administrators and officials joined more than 115 jurisdictional representatives for the Boise event.

The conference agenda was more topical than past years with a variety of discussion/presentation formats and issues. Among the highlights were:

Preliminary feedback gave this approach two thumbs up, stating the broader information is more useful than jurisdictional specific presentations.
Dr. Heidi Reeder, keynote speaker, provided some helpful and cheap/free tips for keeping morale high while budgets are reduced and layoffs/furloughs are required.
Crisis Communication had folks laughing then teary eyed.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder provided a glimpse into how to deal with employees suffering from PTSD.
Industry and jurisdictional panelists provided information on how IT can help during these tough economic times.
A panel of administrators shared information on managing agencies/people with ever dwindling budgets.
Successfully managing contracts, CDL Rules/Audits, Unconventional Vehicles, Photo Enforcement on LPRs, Size Does Matter, Internal Fraud / ICE Partnerships and much more were timely and informative discussions included on the agenda.

The President’s Reception provided a glimpse of the Basque culture. Many were surprised to learn that Boise is home to the largest Basque population outside of Spain said Amy Smith, ITD vehicle services manager and president of the association’s Region IV.

The traditional charity auction raised more than $4,500 for the Idaho Peace Officers Memorial.

Networking opportunities were plentiful and many attendees agreed that talking to their peers and industry partners is one of the most beneficial aspects of any AAMVA conference, Smith said.

A post-conference survey was sent to participants who were encouraged to return their completed survey so AAMVA can make the 2011 Region-IV conference even better.

“Speaking of 2011 . . . mark your calendar to join us for next year’s Region IV conference in Big Sky Montana from June 22 to 24. Colonel Mike Tooley and his crew look forward to hosting,” Smith said.