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Fall 2015 Newsletter

Fall into Training 

Ron Tredway, Ph.D., SPHR, CPLP

Fall is such an exciting season of the year. The crisp air in the morning is so refreshing and the colors of the leaves so beautiful. It’s a time of the year that we are reminded of changes all around us. The colors give way to leaves releasing and covering the ground and places once hidden by the thickness of the foliage becomes visible in a new way. When the changes catch our eye and we are intent on looking around at the ‘newness’ of the moment, we catch some pretty spectacular views that inspire, motivate, and inform us about our environment and how we may make the most of it.

It reminds me of our personal and professional development, of self and others. We face changes in seasons, both in work and life, where the environment and the needs of the environment become different. While reflecting on what is occurring, do we see the ‘newness’ waiting to be explored and the renewal of horizons that may bring spectacular futures? I find it important in these times to invest in the development of knowledge, skills, and abilities that create new possibilities in the new environment and strengthen overall effectiveness.

As learning and performance (training) professionals, we have a wonderful opportunity to guide the development of those we serve. Are we helping them catch a glimpse of the beautiful colors of hope and gain new insights about their performance to help them transition through their current season of work and life? For most, we don’t “fall” into meaningful learning during transitions; we need intentional and purposeful action, along with guidance and encouragement by our training colleagues.

Announcing Your 2016 ATD Smoky Mountain Chapter Board

• President:  Cindy Light
• President Elect: Ron Tredway
• Secretary:  Yvonne Hart
• VP Finance:  Allen Lutz
• VP of Communications: Amanda Smith
• VP of Marketing: Joseph Bunch
• VP of Membership: AJ Bussell
• VP of Programs:  Christopher Giles
• VP of Student Services: Beverly Pope

Meet the New Faces!

Christopher Giles is the Manager of Development and Performance for ORAU in Oak Ridge, TN.  In this position, he oversees the professional development and performance management for the Department of Energy’s ORISE contract, as well as ORAU Corporate. He has a BS degree in Human Resource Development from the University of Tennessee.

Amanda Smith, PHR, SHRM-CP,  is the Senior HR Generalist at Centrus Energy Corp.  She has over 10 years’ HR experience in the Oak Ridge area.  Prior to moving to the East Tennessee area, Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Tennessee Technological University and a Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga.  She has been an active member in local and national HR organization including service as a board member for the Oak Ridge HR Association.  As a generalist, Amanda has developed training programs, conducted training sessions, and evaluated program effectiveness on HR related topics.

AJ Bussell is the Training Program Lead at Centrus Energy Corp. serving as a Senior Training and Development Leader with extensive experience working with all organizational levels creating, promoting, and delivering training solutions designed to support the organization’s business plan.  AJ received a B.S. degree from Tennessee Wesleyan College, and since that time served in the United States Navy and the civilian sector.  His background includes various leadership roles and management experiences in project management, operational planning, training, course development, and occupational health. AJ is a former Naval Instructor and currently certified as a DiSC trainer.  Also, he currently serves as VP of Public Relations for TIC Talk Toastmasters Club located in Oak Ridge.

Beverly Pope is a SHRM certified professional. She has been a national member of the Society of Human Resources Management for nine years and is an active member of the local Tennessee Valley Chapter.  In her most recent position, she was responsible for onboarding, training and development, performance management, employee retention, benefits management, and employee relations. Beverly holds a B.S in Sociology from Middle Tennessee University and a M.B.A. with an emphasis in Human Resources Management from the University of Phoenix. She currently resides in Maryville, TN.

Second Annual Trainer Throw-Down is Coming

In its second year, this spirited and fast-paced competition is your opportunity to claim your bragging rights as a skilled throw-down champion. Share your best tools and techniques while you present on the topic of ENGAGEMENT. The winner will be selected by chapter members and guests in attendance during this lunch meeting, December 18. 

Last year’s title holder, Linda Blocksom, from the University of Tennessee, describes her experience, “The Throw-Down Competition at ATD last year was great fun! All of the presentations were creative and well done. I was honored to be chosen as the winner among such talented colleagues.”

Summer 2015 Newsletter

Spring 2015 Newsletter

Lean OD: A Word From Your Chapter President

In working in a struggling economy in the recent years, there has been the need for what I call “creative development”.  The type of development that doesn’t require travel, an expense account, registration fees or per diem.  Plainly put, this is development on a shoe-string budget.  This is a challenging concept but one that OD professionals have adapted to in the recent past.  So, how can you offer development to your entire team (fairness) at the same time (alignment) with minimum financial impact (cost)?  Starting a staff book club may be the answer.  For several years, I’ve had the pleasure of leading a team of professionals through the development phase of their career with this approach.  Depending on the organizational goals of the company as well as the foundational competencies of the team, I compile a list of 4-5 book options and ask the team to vote.  The book receiving the most votes wins.  Each team member receives a copy along with a prescribed reading schedule for the next 8-12 weeks.  20 minutes is set aside each week for the team members to discuss their reactions, findings and observations to the assignment.  At the end of the book, the team chooses one area, either personal or business, in need of improvement and applies a new concept from the book.  Each team member then provides updates on their progress for the remainder of the year.  Over the years, my team has covered a variety of topics ranging from the algorithms of technology to how love works in corporate America.  In turn, I’ve been exposed to concepts and ideas that wouldn’t ordinarily interest me but have certainly broadened my perspective on business and increased my capacity for the unknown.  As Plato once said, “Necessity is the mother of invention”.  What development tools have you invented during these lean times?  

Cindy’ is interested in your comments and responses.  Please send responses toPresident@smokymountainATD.org

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Upcoming Events

Join us for a dynamic discussion of Individual Development Plans on May 15! Linda Blocksom , of the University of Tennessee will present “The Wisdom and Tragedy of Individual Development Plans” during our next monthly meeting. Linda is the winner of the first ever Smoky Mountain Chapter Trainers Throw-Down!

Individual Development Plans (IDPs) have long been the trellis beneath which we plant the future with our employees, providing a framework to help them achieve professional growth. And then what? Once the document is complete, how do we ensure that the plan is carried out? Is it the employee's responsibility to follow-up, or is it yours? And more importantly, should we have even created a plan in the first place? In this compelling session, we'll discuss the wisdom that supports a great IDP and the tragedy that occurs when plans are created for employees who don't need them. Finally, some great examples of solid IDP templates will be shared.

Networking and lunch will be available, starting at 11:30 a.m., and the program begins promptly at noon. Let us know of any dietary restrictions upon check-in at the registration desk.

Register at http://www.astdsmokymountain.org/event-1910148 

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Opportunities from Other Chapters

ATD Memphis is proud to present two e-learning events in May!

• May 4-6: Adobe Captivate Training. Three full days of training, featuring Joe Ganci, a widely respected thought leader in the e-learning industry. Cost is $750.
• May 6: E-Learning Round Table Discussion and Dinner with E-Learning Thought Leaders.  Evening panel discussion with key leaders in our industry: Joe Ganci, Kevin Thorn, and Bob Taylor. Dr. Trey Martindale, Associate Professor for the Instructional Design and Technology Program at the University of Memphis, will serve as the moderator. Cost is $40.
• Adobe Captivate Discounts: All attendees at either event will receive 25% off a purchase of Adobe Captivate (a $250 value). Terms and conditions apply.

Fall 2014 Newsletter

Meet Your New Board

Our Meeting Schedule is Changing

In 2014, we sampled a variety of meeting schedules, offering lunch-time and evening programs to determine the most popular meeting times. After a year of evaluation, we determined we would no longer offer evening meetings and also decided to move our lunchtime meetings from Wednesdays to Fridays to accommodate more schedules of trainers who are conducting training throughout the week. Networking and lunch begin at 11:30, and the presentation starts promptly at noon.

We will continue to meet at Rothchild's Catering and Conference Center, located at 8807 Kingston Pike, Knoxville. Our new meeting schedule for 2015:

Trainer Throw-Down Success

And the winner was...Linda Blocksom, from the University of Tennessee, for her engaging CHANGE session! Linda received the most points for audience engagement, learning value, originality, and entertainment,  but the competition was fierce! Challengers were Yvonne Hart, life coach from A Focused Purpose Coaching; Kelly Floyd of Covenant Health; Lucille "LG" Gardner; and Erin Colbert from Team Health. All competitors had ten minutes to present their best talent before the audience cast their votes after each presentation. Several presenters had the audience on their feet, finding an assigned group or communicating without words. Others facilitated a group exercise with a play on words or provided opportunities to ask questions in a Q&A session. 

Summer 2014 Newsletter

Chapter Rebranding

Have you heard? We’re changing our name to ATD Smoky Mountain Chapter to align with ATD National, the Association for Talent Development. In May 2014, ATD National announced the decision to change to keep up with the growing global nature, expanding diversity, influence, and impact of our profession. ATD recognizes the training and development profession has transformed as T&D professionals’ roles have become much broader and deeper. Today’s T&D professionals are responsible for a wider scope and have a greater impact on talent development. Stay tuned for how the national association and our local chapter demonstrate how our work stretches far beyond training.

Member Connections

Have you checked out our Member Connections page? Business owner or consultant members can find new clients and grow their business by joining the Member Connections Network. We’re helping members connect with others who have training needs by offering advertising opportunities at no cost. Whether you have a training need or can offer services, check out the areas of expertise listed. ATD Smoky Mountain Chapter does not endorse or guarantee the work of any specific business.

Your Board of Directors is also available to you.  Board members may be able to present at members’ organizations for up to one hour on specific topics, at no cost, based on their availability. Review the areas of expertise listed to determine which Board member(s) to contact regarding topical needs for your organization.

Programming Options for You

This year, we have been offering lunch as well as dinner meetings to better serve your needs for flexibility at our new location: Rothchild’s Catering and Conference Center. This variety has proven quite successful, with equal average attendance at both afternoon and evening sessions. Let us know what you think. Do you have a preference? Check out some of the upcoming programming options for the rest of the year, below.

Learning Adventure at Dollywood!

Get ready for this year’s organizational visit to Dollywood! Slots are filling quickly and space is limited. The day promises to be full of information, including a behind-the-scenes look at how Dollywood does training and organizational development. Note, the park will be closed, so a private tour of some of the operations will be available for those able to stay a little longer after the main meeting and lunch. This is an additional option, included in the event for those who are interested and have time available. 

A Full Day of Learning, Coming in October

October's session is a full-day workshop on cultivating high performance workplaces. Join Terry Crow, president of Starfish Performance Consultants, for a dynamic session. Learn how to inspire, motivate, and equip staff to help them contribute their best and develop their full potential.

Take advantage of Early Bird registration for the discounted rate. Hurry...the offer expires September 30 before the rates go up! 

Do You Have What It Takes To Thrown-Down?

If so, get ready for the end-of-year Trainer Throw-down! The ATD Smoky Mountain Chapter is excited to host the first ever Smoky Mountain Trainer Throw-down. This December, we will have a fast-paced and fun competition for trainers during our evening program. Five trainers will be selected to compete and will have the opportunity to win a $100 VISA gift card. The winner will be selected by audience members based on originality, entertainment, learning value, and engagement. 

Sign Up Now for CPLP Study Group

We are in the final stages of planning a study group, just in time for the November/December testing window. Sessions will be led by seasoned Board Members who have all passed the certification exam. We will be reaching out by email to all who have expressed interest in participating, but it is not too late to let us know if you would like to join.

Have You Connected With Us Via Social Media?

We encourage you to tweet during meetings, comment on Facebook or LinkedIn posts, or start a conversation like some already have! Frequent posters can win a gift card during a monthly meeting. 

Spring 2014 Newsletter

Winter 2013 Newsletter

Fall 2013 Newsletter

Summer 2013 Newsletter

Spring 2013 Newsletter

Congratulations to Us: CORE!
We are proud to announce the chapter has achieved 100% CORE again this year. This mean we have met 100% of the elements of Chapter Operating Requirements in 2012! ASTD National recognizes our efforts to provide value through well-run programs and services, as well as excellent operations.

President's Corner New Chapter Mission & Vision As of May 1, ASTD Smoky Mountain Chapter has new mission and vision statements.  These statements were developed after a year of strategy discussions based on emerging trends in learning and performance.  Many chapter members were involved in these strategy discussions, led by Past President Bryon Ownby.  Using Bryon’s work, a small subgroup composed of Joseph Bunch, Amparo Atencio and myself, developed the new statements.  The statements were then approved by the Board of Directors and presented to the membership in attendance at our April chapter meeting.  The new mission and vision are better aligned with the ASTD National  mission and vision and were strongly influenced by emerging trends in our industry as well as the statements developed by other ASTD chapters.  I’m happy to announce the new statements: Chapter Vision: To create a community that champions workplace learning and performance in East Tennessee. Chapter Mission: To empower professionals to positively impact business results through exceptional workplace learning and performance. These statements will guide our chapter strategy and initiatives going forward.  Our vision is the future state we’re driving toward – and our mission is how we intend to get there.  We invite you to join us on this journey!  Are there programs or initiatives you’d like to see?  Contact me at president@astdsmokymountain.org or reach out to any member of the Board.

What IS the Backchannel? The backchannel is an excellent resource! Attendees at our monthly luncheon meetings can share learning points with their Twitter followers who are not able to attend the meeting. During the meeting, attendees can expand on the learning by tweeting their own reflections about what they have learned. The value of the backchannel is in the sharing. All that is needed is a smartphone, laptop, or tablet. Simply use the hashtag #astdsmoky or mention @astdsmokymtn in your tweet.

  

Robert Lucas is Coming Save the date! September 11, 2013  This year's full-day workshop will feature Robert Lucas, a published author and spirited blogger. He will present a dynamic and interactive session on "The Creative Trainer: Brain-Based Strategies to Make Learning Events Sizzle." Get a sneak peak of Mr. Lucas' strategies for enhancing learning environments, or join his networks online. www.robertwlucas.com www.facebook.com/robertwlucasenterprises www.thecreativetrainer.com/wordpress More information will be announced soon!

Winter 2012 Newsletter