Montana Chapter of
IAWP
News from Big Sky Country
Volume 22, Issue 4 August, 2007
Montana Chapter Website
Table of Contents
Presidents Corner
President’s Corner Pages 1-2
By DeeDe Baker
Veterans Report Pages 2-3
From the Archives Pages 3-4 Well as I begin this month’s column. I would first like to offer my
Region News Pages 4-7 congratulations to Debbie Krantz and Terri Haueter for both
successfully completing the UI Specialist part of the WPDP tests.
Education Article-WPDP Page 7
I would also like to congratulate David Laber on his receipt of the
Financial Report Page 8 Logan S. Chambers award. Congratulations to all of you, and you’re
Int’l Delegate Fund Pages 9-10 continued educational growth.
District XIV Institute Pages 11-13
In June, I attended the IAWP International Conference in Boise,
Idaho. One of the topics that I thought was so appropriate for any
workforce professional was called Becoming Effective Change
Agents, which was presented by Wynnmill Solutions, Wynn
Montgomery.
In this ever changing work environment, we witness our own refusal
to change certain aspects of our day to day environment. Whether
it is a change in a process or procedure, or a physical change to our
work stations, most of us don’t readily accept changes.
According to Mr. Montgomery, personal change precedes
organizational change. It is much easier to handle change
effectively when we understand the process and apply “successful
Montana IAWP News is published bi- changer” aptitudes and attitudes. This is sometimes difficult if we
monthly by the Montana Chapter of
get mired in our own personal feelings about changes.
International Association of Workforce
Professionals (IAWP).
The change cycle that we experience, whether in our personal life
Editor: DeeDe Baker Send articles to: or work life, is similar to the grief cycle, which includes denial and
dbaker@mt.gov isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. If we can
see ourselves moving through the first four stages quickly and
Publisher: Elaine O’Leary
getting to the acceptance stage, we allow ourselves to grow as
President’s Corner (cont.)
individuals. This in turn will create feelings of accomplishment and pride.
Mr. Montgomery then went on to explain how we can become effective change agents. This
included taking personal responsibility for what has happened, what is happening, and how
we feel about it. Change is a normal and necessary part of life and can be an adventure
that ultimately brings out the best in each of us. Instead of digging in our heels, it is so
much better to approach these changes with the attitude that I am willing and eager to
learn something new.
What matters is not so much what happens to us, but how we respond to what happens to
us. “I cannot always change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always
reach my destination.”
In our working environment, we all encounter the need to change due to policy or
procedural updates, budget constraints, staff limitations, or change in legislation. I would
like to encourage each of you to approach these situations with the thought that this is an
opportunity for growth. With that in mind, I believe we can make our work environments
better places for ourselves, our coworkers, and our customers.
Veterans Report
Joe Fletcher, Veterans Chair
As your Veterans Chair, I will try to keep us abreast of current events that will affect our
veteran clients both with Employment & Training and other issues as well. As an example:
The House Committee on Veterans Affairs recently approved four bills to improve
benefits and health care for veterans.
HR 2874 – Increases care for homeless and low-income veterans, authorizes a new grant
program for re-adjustment counseling for vets who served after 1991, and provides grants
for transportation for rural veterans to state veterans’ offices, Veteran Service Officers
and other nonprofit groups.
- HR 2623 – Bans VA from collecting co-payments for hospice care.
- HR 1315 – Increases adaptive housing grants to $14,000 for family members who have a
disabled veteran living in their home. It also extended mortgage foreclosure protection
for returning veterans from 90 to 180 days.
- One bill (HR 23), which grants a $1,000 monthly benefit for life to merchant mariners
and/or their surviving spouses, passed the House committee.
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Veterans Report (cont.)
All of the bills now move to the full House for a vote before being transmitted to the
Senate side.
Don’t forget to thank our young veterans that we are honored and privileged to serve as
they return from Iraq and Afghanistan. They truly are our heroes.
From the Archives
by Marla Hagen
I found this “historical” article in the first volume of the Montana Chapter News,
published July 9, 1974.
“HISTORICAL NOTES BY C.C. WARNER
For many years, Montana had maintained a small membership in the International
Organization, but it was not until 1944 that Montana applied for, and received, its own
charter.
In 1945 and 1946, there was no International Convention due to the embargo on
travel. However, in the June 1, 1946, issue of the Montana USES Bulletin we find the
following:
“MONTANA DELEGATES ATTENDING IAPES CONVENTION
The thirty-third annual convention of the International Association of Public
Employment Service -- the IAPES – convened May 27 in Minneapolis. This is the first
convention since 1944 owing to embargo on travel during early 1945. Montana is
represented by O.C. Lamport, State Director, and Jess C. Fletcher, training specialist on
the State staff. The latter is president of the Montana chapter of IAPES. ………
--
From 1946 to 1953, Montana had its own Chapter but it was not very active. In
1954 it was decided that Montana should do something and get with the program. Jess
Fletcher was elected President and the main order of business was to encourage State-
wide participation. The outcome was the decision to have our own State convention. The
President elect and the Convention site for the next few years were:
President Convention Site
1955 Ben Evans – Helen L.O. Helena
1956 Vic Morris – Billings Missoula
1957 George Kniepp – Butte Great Falls
1958 Don Merritt – C.O. Butte
1959 Dallas Eklund – Kalispell. (None)
1960 Charles Peterson – C.O. (None)
1961 Robert Kinton – Blgs. Billings
1962 John Honey – Missoula Butte
1963 Clay Garner – Butte --
(Note: 7 of 9 Presidents were from Local Offices)
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From the Archives (cont.)
It was during these years that the idea of Districts and Executive committee Members
was implemented. New ideas were developed at District meetings, presented at the State
Convention and subsequently submitted to the National Convention. A system of awards
was established and the Montana Chapter received numerous citations and plaques.
In October of 1973, our Administrator, Mr. Fred Barrett, notified each employee that
the Montana Chapter was being reorganized.
It is our hope that the Montana Chapter will again be recognized as one of the most
dynamic chapters in the Nation.”
Region News
Region I
By Billie Schmaltz & Laura Gardner
Flathead Job Service Workforce Center, Kalispell
Like all offices, the Flathead Office is working through our hiring and office changes.
Congratulations to Bill Nelson who was hired as the Manager for the Kalispell Office! Bill
has been with the Flathead One Stop Workforce Center for three and a half years as an
Employment Specialist and as a Business Advocate. We are excited to have Bill at the
helm!
CONGRATULATIONS also to our other promotions. Debra Krantz was hired as the
Manager of the Polson Office and Johnette Watkins was hired for the Manager in Libby.
We had a fun “flip flop” retirement party for Mike Shoquist since he has always despised
us wearing flip flops to work. We had summer decorations, a flip flop cake and Mike got
his very own pair of flip flops to wear in retirement.
Now we start the process for hiring our supervisor. Region 1 Director, Pat Hulla, has had
quite the juggling act with our office being management-less and learning her new duties.
Our ex-fearless leader, Mike Shoquist, has been very gracious to help out with some of
the interview process. THANK YOU MIKE!!!
We just had a fun VOOV activity matching staff to Looney Tune characters. Who do you
think is most like the Tasmanian Devil?
Da, da, dats all folks!!
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Region News (cont.)
Mission Valley One Stop Workforce Center
As of July 1, 2007, Debra Krantz, Programs Supervisor was been chosen for the Manager I
position for the Polson and Thompson Falls Office.
Cherry Harvest has begun. Picking started July 16, 2007, this years crop is expected to
be one of the best. Todd Erickson has been out in the fields assisting orchard owners in
finding workers and the pickers. Office of Public Assistance and REO is also out in the
fields.
The E.S. Staff has been extremely busy with job orders and job seekers. We have had up
to 150 job orders this summer. Staff continues to struggle with finding applicants for
employers’ who are qualified and who want to work.
Missoula Workforce Center
Missoula Workforce Center survived the reorganization of our division. Wolf
Ametsbichler will remain our Lead Supervisor for the 3rd Street Office. Kelly Deniger was
promoted to Lead Supervisor at the Palmer Street Office. Pat Hulla came to our office to
meet the staff and finalize Wolf and Kelly’s positions. We are honored to have her as our
Region I Manager. That leaves very little change in the Missoula offices. We are moving
full speed ahead.
Employment Consultants – We hired a new EC to start on 8/6/07, Susan Chatriand
formerly of the Human Resource Council. We offered a temp EC position to our runner up,
J.R. Strand with wonderful experience including the Lewistown Chamber of Commerce.
He will also start on 8/6/07. Staff is excited to be getting help after being so short
handed. Lynda Hartless will temporarily take on the duty of Case Manager with Adult
Programs.
Disability Navigator Grant – Paula Marcinkowski will step into the role outlined in
the Disability Navigator Grant. Meetings and training are being scheduled to help get this
program on the right start.
Adult Programs – Will Stubsten and Wolf attended a meeting in Helena to iron out
the process for coordinating services to dislocated workers between PCWA and the
state’s Workforce Centers.
Missoula Workforce Center committed to a healthy style of living. Both Palmer Street
and 3rd Street offices were tracking activities and reporting weekly. We had a friendly
cross-town competition to see which office would gather the most ACTIVITY points
earned by the end of June. The Palmer Office swept the 3rd Street Office under the rug.
Thanks to Dick Madsen for bringing the most points of all, but it wasn’t enough to pull the
3rd Street Office to a win. Sally Russell earned the most activity points for the Palmer
Office. Thanks for your efforts everyone!
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Region News (cont.)
GREETINGS FROM REGION III
BILLINGS UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE CLAIMS PROCESSING CENTER
by Tonette Luoma
The Billings UI office lost one of its IAWP members, Amber Cook, when she left Billings
to go to school in Australia. Amber Cook, worked for ERD and Workers Compensation
Regulations and was based out of the Billings UI Claims Processing office. Amber left in
mid-June.
The Billings UI office has recently interviewed and hired three new Customer Service
Reps. Connie Wetch, Claims Assistant at the Billings office is one of new CSRs. The other
two positions are being filled by Penny Letherman and Lindsey Farnsworth. All three will
start in their new position on August 6.
Other than a few days of uncomfortable heat in the building due to the air conditioning
having hiccups, the Billings UI office has been running smoothly.
Greetings from Eastern Montana!
SIDNEY JOB SERVICE:
Breanna Joslin-Steppe has returned for a second migrant season as a temporary
Employment Specialist in Sidney. Kamie Miller has joined the Sidney office as a
permanent Employment Specialist. Welcome back Breanna and welcome aboard Kamie!
GLENDIVE JOB SERVICE:
Congratulations to Lonnie Cross, who celebrated 25 years with Job Service on June 5th.
Dawn Guenzi has finished her first round of chemotherapy treatments, with round two
beginning July 24th. Dawn reports very little of the unpleasant side effects, except for
the hair loss, and has kept her part-time work schedule. Please keep her in your thoughts.
The Glendive JSEC hosted its 19th Annual Golf Classic in June. It was another successful
event. The weather was perfect, food was excellent and everyone had fun mixing it up.
Local sub-chapter members hope to have an upcoming “social” at a cool spot that features
frosty mugs of [root] beer floats!
Region V Update
By Jeannie Wohlfrom
The local Job Service office in Helena has been crazy!!! Roxanne Bullard, Phil Grossberg,
and Doris Hiles all retired at the end of June. Deb Buxbaum was recently chosen as the
new Manager I. Congratulations Deb!! They have a new DVOP, Brad Wiles. Joe Hubber,
one of the Employment Consultants, is leaving for a teaching position in Las Vegas on
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Region News (cont.)
August. 3rd. The office has a new representative for the Educational Opportunity Center
who is hoteling in the office. Her name is Nisan Burbridge. She is off for the summer,
but will return on Aug. 1st. Jackie Lynch and Doug Backenburg also hotel there,
representing Experience Works. Dave Coombs is a new Employment Consultant. Hopefully
everyone can keep all of that straight!!
The Claims Processing Center is also getting ready to welcome some new people. They have
a total of 6 new Customer Service Representatives, 3 in Helena and 3 in Billings, that will
be starting on August 6th. In Helena, Lisa Yim, Kristi Jensen and Amanda Hastings were
the successful applicants and have been offered positions. So please welcome them
aboard as they start their new adventure in Unemployment Insurance land.
WPDP – Workforce Professional Development Program
By Anne Chapman-James, Education Chair
Are you aware that members of IAWP are eligible for educational grants? If you
answered no, you may want to look into the two opportunities available to you.
The Logan S. Chambers Scholarship and the Montana Chapter I.A.W.P. Educational
Scholarship Grant are the two grants available to members who wish to increase their
knowledge, skills and abilities in a course of study that relates to employment,
unemployment, training or related programs or toward a degree that relates to job
performance/promotional possibilities.
To qualify for either of these grants the applicant must be a member of IAWP. The Logan
S Chambers Scholarship amount is calculated based on the number of years an individual
has been a member of IAWP with the maximum grant amount being $200. Members may
apply for this grant on an every-other-fiscal- year basis.
To be eligible for the Montana Chapter I.A.W.P. Educational Scholarship Grant, an IAWP
member must have first exhausted their eligibility for the Logan S. Chambers
Scholarship. The course of instruction should be provided by an accredited institution
(college, university, business school or high school) or by a recognized professional or
consulting organization. Grant requests may NOT be a duplication of Montana Department
of Labor and Industry out-service training programs. The total amount of the grant
awarded may not exceed $500, and covers payment for books, the course itself and other
incidental fees associated with the course. Grants may be awarded at any time during the
financial year (February 1 through January 31).
If you are interested in applying for either of the scholarships please contact Anne
Chapman-James by email at achapmanjames@mt.gov, or by phone at 444-0881, for the
application materials.
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IAWP Executive Office 1802 Louisville Road Frankfort, KY 40601
1-888-898-9960 Fax: 502-223-4127 e-mail: iapes@iapes.org
FINANCIAL REPORT
FOR MONTANA CHAPTER OF IAWP
7/1/06 – 6/30/07
CHECKING ACCOUNT – current balance as of June 30, 2007 - $3,710.35
Credits –
Membership Dues -- $ 9,364.00
Education money from UI & DLI -- $ 4,000.00
(half of this was for previous year)
Fundraisers -- $ 716.00
Money from cookbooks sold -- $ 130.00
Money from IAWP pins sold -- $ 38.00
Interest –- $ 12.93
TOTAL CREDITS –- $14,260.93
Debits –
Portion of dues to National -- $ 5,292.00
Speakers for Fall Institute/Spring Conference -- $ 2,000.00
Expenses to send 2 officers to International -- $ 2,308.13
District Director expenses -- $ 1,335.60
IAWP pins -- $ 444.30
Cookbooks from Idaho IAWP -- $ 250.00
Awards -- $ 245.55
Travel reimbursement for Board meetings -- $ 100.00
Postage and supplies -- $ 63.24
Secretary of State filing fee -- $ 15.00
Returned check -- $ 10.00
TOTAL DEBITS -- $ 12,063.82
WADDELL & REED ACCOUNT – current balance as of June 30, 2007 -
$5,472.23
Credits –
Dividends -- $ 247.80
TOTAL CREDITS –- $ 247.80
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Montana Officers and Chairs:
DeeDe Baker President 444-9063 Anne Chapman-James Education Chair 444-0881
Elaine O’Leary President-Elect 777-5833 Deb Buxbaum Awards Chair 444-3351
Deb Buxbaum Vice-President 444-3351 Steve Vantighem Legislative Chair 791-5817
Jeannie Wohlfrom Past President 444-9495 Cindy Berg Service to Disabled
Betty Peterson Secretary 791-5818 Elaine O’Leary Newsletter/Public Rel. 777-5833
Dawn Guenzi Treasurer 377-3314 Ken McLean Constitution 791-5826
Joe Fletcher Veteran’s Chair 791-5820 Larry Ludwig Int’l Development (509) 738-4987
International Delegate Fund
David L. Washburn
IAWP International Development Committee Chairperson
The International Delegate Fund was established several years ago to help assist the
attendance of members from non-U.S. chapters attend the IAWP Annual Educational
Conferences, by assisting with travel expenses. As you may know, it takes more money to
travel from other countries to the conferences than it does for us in the United States.
In most cases the International Delegates’ live in countries where salaries are much lower
than U.S. salaries.
The travel expense money is awarded on an as needed basis usually one or two months
prior to the International IAWP Conference each year. In the past few years $3500 to
$7500 per year from the International Delegate Travel Fund has been used to assist 1 to
3 IAWP International Delegates attend the IAWP Annual Educational Conference that
year.
The intent is to have a balance in the fund from year to year to assure that we can help
as many International delegates as possible on an as needed basis each year. Attendance
of as many as possible IAWP International Delegates at the Annual IAWP Educational
Conferences adds great value for all who attend the conferences.
The 2007-2008 IAWP International Development Committee is asking four your help this
year to raise as much additional money as possible to raise the International Delegate
fund balance to at least $10,000 this year. The International Development Committee is
asking each IAWP chapter & district to have fundraisers or make a donation to help
support this worthy cause. I would like to challenge each United States IAWP Chapter
to raise between $500 and $1000 this year to contribute to this fund.
You may try challenging each of your chapter members to donate just $2 or $3 each.
That would be a great help in raising the funds. If you need some fundraising ideas
please feel free to contact me and I'll be glad to share some ideas.
Please send the donations to the IAWP Administrative Office as soon as possible to allow
us to plan the travel distribution.
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International Delegate Fund (cont.)
IAWP ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
1801 Louisville Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
Checks should be made payable to The IAPES Foundation with a note in the memo section
"International Delegate Fund".
Remember these IAWP International Development fundraising activities will count as
valid International Development Award activities which means could mean additional
chapter achievement points for your chapter. Be sure to keep good documentation of
these activities for your award nominations.
I appreciate your assistance with this very important IAWP International Development
activity.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions or if you need any assistance. I
can be reached at either my home number, (208) 746-9565, or by cell (208) 413-2956.
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DISTRICT XIV
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE
Silver Falls Conference Center,
Sublimity, OR
September 27th to 29th, 2007
WHAT: I.A.W.P. District 14 Annual Educational Institute and Meeting
WHEN: September 27, 28, and 29, 2007
WHERE: Silver Falls Conference Center, 20022 Silver Falls Highway SE, Sublimity, OR
97385. Less than an hour away from Salem, Oregon.
WHY: To bring members from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington
together for education, networking, and teambuilding.
Plan to come early or stay late to visit beautiful Oregon including the venue at Silver Falls State Park
with lovely hiking trails including the Trail of Ten Waterfalls, nearby The Oregon Garden, Portland
and sales tax free shopping, restaurants and cultural events, Oregon beaches, the Cascades and the
Columbia Gorge.
Agenda
Thursday, September 27 District Council Meeting
Dinner
Friday, September 28 Breakfast
Educational Program:
Laurie Warner, Director, Oregon Employment Department
Grant Axtell, presenter on “The World is Flat”
Networking Luncheon
Graham Slater, Administrator, Research Division, Oregon
Employment Department
“District XIV – Diverse and Similar”
Charlie Granade, national presenter on
“Am I really in the Dream Business?”
Dinner and Entertainment
Saturday, September 29 Breakfast
Membership Business Meeting
Register Early – There are Limited Accommodations! Please complete and return Registration
and Accommodation forms.
I.A.W.P.: SEPTEMBER AT SILVER FALLS CONFERENCE CENTER, OREGON
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REGISTRATION FORM
DISTRICT XIV
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE
Silver Falls Conference Center
Sublimity, OR, September 27th - 29th
Registration Deadline Friday, September 7, 2007
Name: _________________________________________________________________
Address:_______________________________________________________________
Daytime Phone: _( )___________If Oregon Member, Cost Center/Section: ______
I.A.W.P. Members, Please Check this Box. This Institute is For Members Only.
Registration Fees: (Please check all that apply)
Full Registration is $70.00.
This includes all education events and meals beginning with dinner Thursday September 27th
through breakfast on Saturday morning, September 29th.
I plan to attend dinner Thursday, September 27th.
I plan to attend dinner Friday evening. September 28th.
I plan to attend breakfast Saturday, September 29th.
1 Day only Friday, September 28th - $50.00. This includes all education events and American
breakfast and lunch.
Guest Name:______________________________.
Guest dinner $15.00 each: Thursday, September 27 Friday, September 28
Guest breakfast $9.00 each: Friday, September 28 Saturday, September 29
Please contact the registration chair to discuss special dietary arrangements or accommodations.
Accommodations may be reserved by using the
Lodging Reservation Form – a separate document
If requesting agency-paid registration, please forward this registration form to your cost center
manager for approval.
Please send check, if applicable, to Stephanie Stevens, Registration Chair, 17005 Selden Rd, Dallas,
OR 97338. Questions? Stephanie may be reached at (503) 947-1871 or by email at
Stephanie.j.stevens@state.or.us.
Your signature: __________________________________Date: __________________
Your email address to receive confirmation: __________________________________
Amount Enclosed: _________________Check Number: _____________
Note: Oregon Employment Department Section Manager/Supervisor please attach the Registration
Cover Letter signed by Section Manager/Supervisor.
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DISTRICT XIV EDUCATIONAL
INSTITUTE
Silver Falls Conference Center,
Sublimity, OR
September 27th to 29th, 2007
LODGING RESERVATION FORM
Name: _________________________________________________________________
Address:________________________________________________________________
Daytime Phone:_____________If Oregon Member, Cost Center/Section: _________
I.A.W.P. Members, Please Check this Box. This Institute is For Members Only.
Room Choices: (Please mark appropriate boxes)
Dogwood and Cedar lodges have been reserved. Each lodge has six comfortably
furnished, double-occupancy bedrooms and two restrooms with private dressing area
and shower. Each lodge also offers a spacious living room where guests can enjoy indoor
activities or relax by a fireview woodstove. Double-occupancy requests receive priority.
Limited accommodations please reserve EARLY to ensure accommodation.
Please reserve double occupancy in the reserved lodge at $31.31 per person per night.
I will be rooming with ________________________________ or Arrange a roommate.
th th
Thursday, September 27 Friday, September 28
Please reserve single occupancy in the reserved lodge at $47.22 per night.
Thursday, September 27th Friday, September 28th
Deposit for $20.00 is enclosed, payable to Oregon I.A.W.P., balance payable directly to
Silver Falls Conference Center at check-in. MasterCard, Visa and personal checks are
accepted.
Be aware that available accommodations may not be near the Dining Hall. The Lodges however are
at the core of the Conference Center with close proximity to event venues. Phone (503) 873-8875.
For more information you may also contact the Silver Falls Conference Center Website:
www.silverfallsconference.com
Please send deposit, to Registration Chair, Stephanie Stevens, 17005 Selden Rd Dallas, OR 97338.
Questions? Stephanie may be reached at (503) 947-1871 or by email at
Stephanie.J.Stevens@state.or.us.
Your email address to receive confirmation: __________________________________________
Your Signature: _____________________________________________Date: __________________
Amount Enclosed: $_________________ Check Number: _____________
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