Boise, Idaho—A Jewel of a City in the Treasure Valley of the Gem State AND Home of a Vibrant CPM Program and Society

By Ronald L. Buchholz, CPM
ronbuchholz@charter.net

In mid December 2007, I had the opportunity to travel to the idyllic capitol city of Boise, Idaho where I had the honor to represent the Academy and participate in the fifth Idaho CPM Program graduation.

On Tuesday, December 18, 2007, 49 members of the Idaho CPM Class of 2007 received their CPM designations from Idaho Governor C.L. ”Butch” Otter during an impressive ceremony held in the auditorium of the Washington Group International (WGI) building in downtown Boise. Mike Rush, Interim Executive Director of the Idaho State Board of Education, served as the Master of Ceremonies for the graduation program.

The 2007 Class consists of employees from 21 different state agencies, with 21 public managers from the Northern Idaho Track and 28 public managers from the Boise Track. Each class designated a spokesperson who represented the class and gave a presentation during the graduation on behalf of the class members. Heather Leach represented the Northern Idaho Track, while Kevin Zauha represented the Boise Track. Both Heather and Kevin did an outstanding job of expressing the feelings, values and strengths of their classes, as well as expressing how their fellow classmates felt about earning the CPM credential.

Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter gave an outstanding Keynote Address and was warmly received by all those in attendance. Governor Otter spoke of his vision and ideas regarding the role of government in the lives of Idaho citizens and how the objectives, goals and outcomes of the CPM Program are aligned with his vision and ideas. He went on to strongly state his support of the Idaho CPM Program. He closed his remarks by requesting the opportunity to be a guest speaker at an upcoming CPM class so he could spend time exchanging ideas and discussing the role that managers can play with those public managers studying to earn their certification. As further evidence of the support of Governor Otter and his Administration, no less than 15 Cabinet-level Commissioners and Directors were in attendance during the graduation ceremony.

Also in attendance was Connie Pratt, the founder and first Idaho CPM Program Director. It was Connie’s vision, dedication and hard work that were the catalysts for the creation of the Idaho CPM Program. Connie was recognized for her achievements with the presentation of the inaugural Connie Pratt Award, which were awarded to the most outstanding and exemplary member from each of the two classes. Governor Otter and Connie jointly presented the first two awards to Michael Demick from the North Idaho Track and Kelly McConnell from the Boise Track.

Each graduate was presented a beautiful wood framed/beveled cut glass mounted CPM certificate signed by the Governor, as well as a wooden Idaho CPM Program business card holder made in the shape of the State.

In addition to participating in the graduation ceremony and reception that followed, Idaho CPM Society President-Elect Reva Tisdale and I had the opportunity to meet the graduates the morning of the graduation at a meeting set up by Idaho CPM Program Director Paul Servatius. Reva and I provided information and answered questions about the Idaho CPM Society and the American Academy of Certified Public Managers®, and the benefits of joining both organizations. As a result, a number of graduates joined the Society immediately after the graduation and others expressed interest in joining.

During my stay, I also had the opportunity to meet and talk with a number of Idaho CPM Society Officers and members. I was warmly welcomed and received by all, and made to feel like I was truly a member of the “Idaho CPM family.” I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to every person who made my first trip to Boise a truly memorable one for me. In particular, I would like to thank Paul Servatius and Reva Tisdale for serving as most gracious hosts during my stay. Paul, Reva and I had the opportunity to dine together at one of the premier restaurants in Boise and talk about CPM items of mutual interest at the Society and Academy level, as well as to share stories about our families and lives. Paul and Reva truly provided the very best that “Rocky Mountain hospitality” has to offer.

I look forward to returning to Boise for the 25th Annual AACPM Conference in 2013, if not before, to attend another outstanding CPM Professional Development Conference and again to take in all the scenic beauty Idaho has to offer. I strongly encourage you to do so as well!

© Copyright 2008, American Association of Certified Public Managers®