Friday, July 30, 2004

CAN YOU HELP WITH THIS REQUEST FOR INFORMATION AND IDEAS?

The following request for help came to me as a referral through the ARMA organizational network. Specifically, Mr. Hunter, the writer sought help internally and someone knew enough about ARMA to make an inquiry with the Los Angeles chapter. Recognizing that the original request came from someone in Seattle, the Los Angeles chapter president forwarded it to me. I invited Mr. Hunter to prepare his request for posting on our BLOG. If you can help him, please do respond to him directly at jamhun@safeco.com. We hope Mr. Hunter will not only find the help he seeks, but will realize the value of ARMA as a source for information and networking amont records and information management professionals and, then, that he might join our association.

Do you get inquiries you can't answer personally, but that a posting on the BLOG might help address? Forward such items to me and we'll post them. This is yet another way ARMA can be of service within the community.

--Roger Winters, President

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One of my assignments is off-site storage of archive records. I’m looking for a technique to link supplier rate increase requests to supplier-offered savings opportunities, a rational plan that puts them in the position of having to earn their increases. In other words, for every net dollar of increased cost they request in their rate structure, I want them to give me a net dollar of operational savings. Make sense?

We have allowed one fairly stingy rate hike over a five year period. Last year we dug in our heels and just stubbornly refused their rate increase. That got us 12 months worth of breathing room but it isn’t likely to work twice. We need something with legs, something that will continue to contain storage & service expense over time.

Anybody ever put a provision like this in place with any of your service suppliers, past or present?

Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Jim Hunter
Safeco Corporate Procurement
Safeco Plaza, O-2
206-925-1228
jamhun@safeco.com 


Tuesday, July 27, 2004

ORGANIZATION SEEKS SKILLED PROFESSIONAL RECORDS MANAGEMENT HELP

Farming and the Environment (F & E) is a relatively new non-profit located in Seattle, working state-wide to protect the environment and enhance the economic viability of agriculture in Washington State by providing farmers and ranchers with the support and resources they need to be good stewards of Washington’s land, water and air.

F & E has been under the fiscal sponsorship of another non-profit and is in the process of establishing an independent office and a record keeping system.  ARMA, the Association of Information Management Professionals was recommended by the F & E Secretary/Treasurer as a resource to ensure the quality of F & E’s new record keeping system. 

F & E would like to find a skilled professional to work with our staff to design and organize a record keeping system for current and future growth.  Both an electronic and hard-copy record system is desired.  Please contact Josh Simenstad at 206-622-1340 or josh@farmingandtheenvironment.org for more information.