Certified Public Managers® Respond to Need

Lifestyles were disrupted, residences were shattered, businesses were destroyed and lives were lost.

It was not too many weeks ago that the eyes of the nation and the world were focused on the Gulf Coast area of the United States as Hurricane Katrina brought unprecedented destruction and despair to that area of our country. And shortly following on its heals was the power of Hurricane Wilma pounding Florida.

The news reports allowed us to see the pain of families losing their homes and loved ones to the ravages of the hurricane-force winds and rain, and the resulting flooding. While New Orleans garnered much of the national press’s attention, significant portions of Alabama and Mississippi experienced the same severe or even worse conditions.

And those CPMers able to attend the 17th Annual Professional Development Conference in Manchester, New Hampshire won’t soon forget the photos and descriptions former AACPM President Tom Patterson of Louisiana shared during the conference. Or the first-hand account of disaster relief efforts in hospital settings experienced by Nancy DeWitt of Louisiana. Or the relaying of personal experiences Barbara Pepper of Mississippi and Betty Wood of Alabama had just before they traveled to New Hampshire.

Moved by the need for help, CPMers meeting in Manchester responded to a challenge offered by the AACPM Board of Directors to raise funds to assist in the disaster recovery efforts. The AACPM Board, with the approval of the AACPM House of Delegates, pledged to match up to $2,000 in funds contributed by individual members or member societies. The funds collected would be given to the American Red Cross’ National Disaster Relief Fund.

Individuals and members societies responded to the call with a total of $5,000 being collected.  Arrangements are being made to have the funds presented to the National Disaster Relief Fund through the Greater Manchester, NH Chapter of the American Red Cross due to the origination of the fund raising idea in New Hampshire.

Home | President's Message | Reflections on Manchester Conference
Professional Development Conference | Ron Buchholz | NH Managers Recognized
New Academy Leaders Elected | CPMs Respond to Need | HOD Meeting
Treasurer's Report | Henning Award | Competency Model | Test Your Knowledge
20 Best Excuses for Calling in Sick

Society News: Arizona | Arkansas | Kansas | Kentucky | Oklahoma | Wisconsin