Wednesday, December 28, 2005

Great NW Region Manager Message


Happy New Year!

‘Tis the Season to get the new calendars out and begin planning the New Year. For me, it is shaping up to quite busy, already! Here are some important GNW Region of ARMA dates you may wish to get onto your 2006 calendar right away!

February 14 – ARMA International Elections ballots are due. ARMA will be mailing ballots to its members around January 6th. You may learn more about the candidates by visiting the MyARMA section of the ARMA website (www.arma.org/myarma). There you will find candidate bios and their perspective on current RIM issues. There is also a transcript of the “Candidate Forum” which was held in Chicago at the conference. You may also ask questions of the candidates via the Candidate Forum on the member forum page – and, of course, read answers of questions that others have asked. While in MyARMA, you may wish to check your own profile to be sure your contact information is correct. I encourage you to exercise your voting rights in our organization!

March 13-15 – The Great NW Region Conference will be held in Seattle, WA. Plan to come into town the day before (Sunday) for a couple terrific “socials” that the host, Greater Seattle Chapter, has arranged. There will be a cocktail hour in the Space Needle as well as tickets to the EMP (Experience Music Project) and the Science Fiction Museum at the Seattle Center. Then, Monday morning will begin a two-and-a-half day whirlwind of marvelous speakers and sessions in two “tracks.” You should begin looking for the brochure with all the details sometime in January. The conference registration fee will be $300 for ARMA members (up to a cutoff date). The Best Western Executive Inn, 200 Taylor Avenue North, is the location for the conference. Room rates will be pretty reasonable - well under $100!

June 23-24 – The Great NW Region Leadership Conference will be held in the Greater Portland, Oregon area. We appreciate the Oregon Chapter for hosting this one-and-one-half day event in 2006. If you have, will be, or are considering serving your chapter as a Chapter Board of Director member, this is a great opportunity to learn more about the governance of our Chapter, Region and International organizations; tips and training on performing your duties for your chapter; and a wonderful chance to network with other volunteers from our GREAT Region. Watch for more information about this event in future chapter publications and this column.

Fran and I will be visiting several chapters during the next several months. We very much look forward to meeting each of you. Thanks for being a member of our Association! I wish you a prosperous 2006!

Very truly yours,

Susan M. Lord, Manager

Great NW Region of ARMA

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Greater Seattle Chapter, January Meeting: "Less Stress, More Success"

A BREAKFAST MEETING! ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 5TH

Our Thursday, January 5, 2006, meeting will be a BREAKFAST MEETING, at the Best Western Executive Inn (200 Taylor Ave N). Our program will be timely--starting 2006 with positive and helpful information to reduce the feelings of stress in the workplace and other areas of your life. Please consider inviting coworkers or others in your life who may benefit from this program.

Our speaker is Patricia Klingler, CPC (Certified Professional Coach), of "Xplore Your Zing! Coaching." The program topic is "Less Stress, More Success."

Consider this: 80% of workers feel stress on the job, nearly half say they need help in learning how to manage stress, and 42% say their coworkers need such help. More than 50% of adult Americans suffer adverse health effects due to stress. Patricia will speak to the Greater Seattle chapter of ARMA about a pressing social and workplace issue - personal stress.

Patricia's specialty is helping people cope with stress. Both men and women are afflicted; hence the prevalence of stress in the home, community, and workplace. In the workplace, stress can affect productivity and bottom lines in the work environment. It's easy to see someone in a fit of rage or with a regular pattern of absenteeism. And what about "invisible stress," which sometimes has a greater impact? Patricia will speak about techniques and strategies that can help us identify some common stressors in the workplace, and steps that can be taken to alter the occurrence and the impact of stress behaviors.

She promises that we'll leave her presentation:


  • understanding how stress manifests itself

  • recognizing the benefit of empowerment and personal choice

  • providing tools that can minimize the likelihood of stressed employees


Date: January 5, 2006

Time:

  • 7:30 Registration

  • 8:00 Breakfast

  • 9:00 Program


Cost: Members $25.00; Guests $30.00

Menu: Pike Place Brunch Buffet Fruit Juice , Seasonal Fruit Tray , Scramble Eggs, Sausage Links and Sliced Ham, Baby Red Potatoes, Eggs Benedict Crepe wrapped Chicken, Smoke Salmon with bagels and Cream Cheese, Belgian Style Waffles, Freshly Brewed Coffee, Decaffeinated or Tea.


Parking: Parking at the Best Western parking lot is located behind and underneath the hotel. You may either drive up to gate and ask to be let into the parking through the intercom or, if it’s open simply drive in. Pick up your free parking pass at the meeting registration desk and return to your car. the holiday season in full swing and folks beginning to take holiday vacation time and just plain

Register NOW at the Greater Seattle Chapter's Web site <-- CLICK HERE!

Andrea Bettger, Greater Seattle Secretary

    Puget Sound Chapter - January 11 Meeting

    The following is posted to let you know the details about the Puget Sound Chapter's workshop and meeting on January 11th:


    January 2006 Workshop & Chapter Meeting
    Puget Sound Chapter of ARMA International
    Wednesday, January 11, 2006
    La Quinta Inn, Tacoma, Washington

    Workshop: 4:30 - 5:30 pm
    Registration/Social: 5:30 - 6:00 pm
    Dinner: 6:00 – 7:00 pm
    Program: 7:00 - 8:00 pm

    Workshop Only: $10.00
    Workshop & Dinner Program: $25.00
    Dinner Program: $20.00

    Add $3.00 to each Dinner fee above, if you register after the deadline of January 6, 2006.

    Workshop: “Case Study: King County Dept. of Development and Environmental Services”. Today records managers serve a growing number of customers in our organizations. How do we effectively manage this large work load? This workshop will explore how project management can be used to manage small and large records management projects. Techniques can help you to solve common problems with records management projects such as management support and resource allocation. Learn how these techniques were used for the King County Department of Development and Environmental Services records retention schedule project.

    Speaker: Patty Holmquist, CRM joined King County Records Management in September 2004. Patty graduated from UPS with a degree in Business Administration, specializing in Organizational Behavior. She completed the Records and Information Management certificate program at the U of WA. She was awarded her CRM in 2002. Her experience in records management covers a broad spectrum of the business and public sector. She is a member of the Puget Sound Chapter of ARMA

    Program: “Use of Technology in an Effective RIM Program”. The rapid pace of technology changes presents both challenges, and solutions to those challenges with respect to effective records management. Technology changes throughout society have resulted in records management becoming increasingly harder for many records managers. This presentation will explore 5 challenges in records management that advances in technology have brought about, and offer possible solutions that the very same technology offers to address these challenges.

    Speaker: Gregory Trosset joined King County in September 2004. Bringing an IT oriented background to King County, Greg worked previously at Swedish Medical Center in the Information Services Department as a Senior Project Manager, Applications Analyst, and an Applications Group Supervisor. Previous positions in Healthcare Management have included work with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Capital Health Services, and Community Health Centers of King County. Greg also brings to the County over 20 years military service, both active and reserve and is currently a Commander in the Naval Reserve. He holds an MBA with a major in information systems, and a Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Administration, both from the State University of New York.

    Make your reservations in several ways: Call Shirley Hines at: 253-653-9088, e-mail Shirley at Shirley.a.hines@boeing.com, or register on-line at pugetsoundarma.org.
    Registration Deadline: Friday, January 6, 2006. “No-Shows” will be billed.

    Wednesday, November 30, 2005

    Bellevue Eastside Chapter - December 13 Meeting

    Join us for a very special Chapter Meeting with Joan Feldman

    Tuesday, December 13, 2005. Dinner begins at 6:00 p.m.

    Speaker: Joan Feldman, Managing Director, Navigant Consulting Discovery Services

    Prior to joining NCI, Ms. Feldman was the founder and president of Computer Forensics, Inc. where she pioneered the use of electronic discovery in commercial litigation. Her background combines more than 27 years of computer forensic and litigation expertise.

    Topic: 7 Steps to Electronic Discovery

    The 7-Step Roadmap to Better e-Discovery Management provides concise step-by-step guidance to records managers on how to manage the increasing need to preserve and collect electronic records. Explore challenges faced by records managers who must respond to legal requests for electronic records.

    BEC meets at the Coast Hotel, 625 116th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004.

    To register: http://www.armabellevue.org/registration.htm

    Monday, November 28, 2005

    Puget Sound Chapter of ARMA International

    December 2005 Annual Auction
    Wednesday, December 14, 2005

    La Quinta Inn, Tacoma, Washington

    PLEASE NOTE new meeting time below:

    Registration: 5:30 - 6:00 pm
    Dinner: 6:00 – 6:45 pm
    Business Meeting: 6:45 - 7:00 pm
    Auction: 7:00 - 8:00 pm

    Dinner: $20.00 (if reserved by 12/09/05)
    $23.00 (if reserved after 12/09/05)

    Dinner Menu
    Tossed Green Salad & Assorted Dressings
    Sliced Turkey over Cornbread Dressing
    Roast Beef with Burgundy Sauce
    Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
    Vegetable Medley
    Rolls & Butter
    Assorted Desserts
    Coffee & Iced Tea

    Make your reservations in several ways: Call Shirley Hines at: 253-653-9088, e-mail Shirley at shirley.a.hines@boeing.com, or register on-line at www,pugetsoundarma.org.

    We encourage you to bring guests to this great event! Be sure to indicate their name and employer. Thank You!

    Great Northwest Region Message (from Fran Blaylock)

    Season of Thanks

    Thanksgiving has come and gone, and I sincerely hope each of you enjoyed time with your family and friends and had a chance to relax and count your blessings. I always enjoy this time to be thankful for everything I have, but especially to share with others less fortunate and to get in the swing of making special gifts for those I love. I think all of us have something special to share with others both at home and at work.

    This is especially true of your friends and acquaintances within ARMA. As we move towards the end of the year, I hope you will think about how to extend your support to ARMA. There are so many ways to reach out, such as attending your chapter meetings, acting as a RIM mentor or even sharing your unique expertise within our region. One of the messages I heard from the leadership meetings at the Chicago conference is that we all have the capability to reach out and make a stronger, unified association and to better define our future. We need to look outside our scope of vision to look for better ways to communicate who we are, and what the profession stands for.

    ARMA has been through many trials and tribulations to gain firm ground and prove our worth within our organizations. One area that is gaining momentum in ARMA is the Competency Project. The project kicked off with a Job Analysis Panel of more than 40 people from all different arenas within the profession, including general practitioners, practitioners from special sectors such as legal, pharmaceutical and other industry specific groups, educational experts, consultants, and representatives from the IT sector. These individuals shared their special expertise to create the first draft of the core and industry-specific responses. This first draft is a 100-page documents and covers RIM tasks, knowledge, and skills relating to our everyday responsibilities and covers entry level through management and director levels. I think we should all give thanks to the volunteers that worked hard to produce this first draft!

    The next step is to have two sub-groups analyze and perfect this document to prepare it for submission to the International Job Analysis panel by Mid-February. After the panel completes it’s input, an e-mail request will be sent out to the general ARMA membership, requesting volunteers to participate in a validation survey. Keep your eyes open for this e-mail if you are interested in participating in this exciting project.

    A reminder, ARMA elections are coming up in January. This is your chance to select the leaders that will move ARMA International into the future. Take time to acquaint yourself with the candidates and to make the best decision possible for you as an individual member and for creating a stronger ARMA. To locate the candidate bios and issue perspectives, visit www.arma.org/myarma. Election ballots will be mailed January 6 and due back February 14. This is your opportunity to share your voice and help shape the future of ARMA!

    ARMA International has also been busy in the Legislative/Legal arena, with the introduction of several bills on data security to Congress. ARMA leaders and staff met with members of the House and Senate to recommend language to be added to bills and explain the importance and need for written records management procedures to be included in the legislation. Keep up with the most recent ARMA activity by accessing Senate Bill 1408, The ID Protection Act on the ARMA International website.

    Finally, the plans are firming up for our Region Conference “Keeping on Track in Century 21,” scheduled for March 13-15, 2006. The conference will be held at the Best Western Executive Inn, close to the Space Needle and downtown Seattle. The brochures will be coming out soon, so keep your eyes peeled. I encourage you to register early, as the speaker line-up looks very good, and there will be much opportunity for terrific networking with other ARMA members from your region. Hats off to the GNW Region Conference Committee! They have been working very hard to bring you a quality conference.

    I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and best wishes for the new year.

    Fran Blaylock
    Great Northwest Region Coordinator

    Friday, October 28, 2005

    Greater Seattle Chapter November Meeting

    The Greater Seattle Chapter November meeting will be held on November 3 at the Best Western Executive Inn (200 Taylor Ave North Seattle, WA). Those important holidays are around the corner make sure to bring your check book or extra cash we will have a Silent Auction for the Greater Seattle scholarship fund. Unfortunately, we can’t accept debit/credits. All proceeds will be going to the Scholarship fund to assist our members continue with their professional education. To register for the November 3 meeting go to Greater Seattle Chapter website to register.


    Program Information

    Identity Theft-Its' Not just Financial- Reginald Reid has been involved with Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. for 3½ years. During this time he has traveled to cities in California, Arizona, Virginia, Florida, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington talking about the importance of two things: access to affordable legal services and the need for protection against the fastest growing crime in North America, identity theft.

    His company has been working to help private individuals, as well as small and large companies, all over North America understand the importance of safeguarding themselves and those that are the most important to them from what many in the business world call ‘financial cancer.’ We hope you will join us for this important topic. You will be able to bring information back to your organization and apply this information at home.

    Date:
    November 3, 2005

    Time:
    5:30 Registration
    6:00 Dinner
    7:00 Program

    Dinner: Mesquite Roasted Chicken Breast or Fettuccine Alfredo with Apple Pie for dessert.

    Parking: Parking at the Best Western parking lot is located behind and underneath the hotel. You may either drive up to gate and ask to be let into the parking through the intercom or, if it’s open simply drive in. Pick up your free parking pass at the meeting registration desk and return to your car.

    Silent Auction: Instead of having one large auction this year we will be having two small silent auctions. If you wish to donate an item please contact Susan Priebe or Andrea Bettger .

    We hope to see you at this exciting program !
    Andrea Bettger, Greater Seattle Secretary

    Thursday, October 27, 2005

    Puget Sound Chapter Announces November 9 Meeting


    November 2005 Chapter Meeting -- Puget Sound Chapter of ARMA International
    Wednesday, November 9, 2005
    La Quinta Inn, Tacoma, Washington

    Registration: 6:00—6:30 pm
    Dinner: 6:30 – 7:15 pm
    Business Meeting: 7:15 - 7:30 pm
    Program: 7:30 - 8:30 pm

    Dinner: $20.00

    “RM and its Role Responding to Public Records, Discovery & Subpoenas”

    Program: Compliance with requests for information is important not only in governmental settings, but is also crucial to managing risk in a corporate environment. Policy and procedure for the collection, review and release of records is a necessity. Efficiently responding to these requests can be a challenge without proper Records Management. This is particularly true when it comes to electronic records. Our speakers will discuss the important role records management plays in this arena

    Speakers: Barbara Benson, Director of Records Management Services, University of Washington since 1992. She earned a Graduate degree in History/Archival and Records Management from New York University. She has worked as either Archivist or Records Manager for such diverse organizations as Chemical Bank; Trinity Church; New York City Department of Records and Info Services; Seton Hall University and the Archdiocese of Newark; New York State Archives and Records Administration.

    Eliza Saunders, Director of Public Records and Open Public Meetings at the University of Washington since 1998. She received her Bachelor’s degree in American History from University of California at Santa Barbara and her Master of Science in Public Relations from Boston University. Ms. Saunders worked for a number of years in the Mutual Fund industry however the thrust of her career has been in academia. Prior to joining the U of W she worked in student affairs; first for the Registrar at Boston University and later as the Administrator for Admissions at Harvard Medical School. Ms. Saunders is considered an expert on access to university records and has spoken to both the International Media Law Conference and the Meeting of International Commissioners of Access to Information at the invitation of the U.S. Department of State.

    Make your reservations in several ways: Call Shirley Hines at: 253-653-9088, Fax: 253-627-6464, register on-line at pugetsoundarma.org, or e-mail Shirley at shirley.a.hines@boeing.com.

    Friday, October 21, 2005

    The Latest from Sue Lord


    November Message from the Great Northwest Region Manager

    Hello, everyone! I am still on a natural high from the ARMA Conference in Chicago. Gee, it was a great event in a very neat city. Kudos to all who were involved in producing this superb affair! If you have never been to an International Conference, you should begin working on your employer now to go to Conference next year in San Antonio. The International Conference and Expo simply offers the best in educational courses and vendor contacts for the Records and Information Management Professional. It is a wonderful thing to be able to meet people from all over the world in our profession at the Conference. I hope you will be able to “experience” an International Conference at least once in your career.

    One of the annual events at the International Conference is the “Awards Banquet.” I am happy to report that one of GNW Region’s own, the Greater Anchorage Chapter of ARMA, won the medium-sized 2004-2005 Newsletter of the Year Award for their publication “Turnagain ARMA News.” Later in the evening we learned that the Boise Valley Chapter of ARMA, receive the medium-sized Chapter of the Year award for 2004-2005! How exciting! Please join me in congratulating each of these chapters from our Region for their accomplishments!

    Please join me in welcoming two new members of the Great Northwest Region team. Marc Simpson of the Puget Sound Chapter has graciously agreed to serve as GNW Region Treasurer. Andrea Bettger of the Greater Seattle Chapter has offered her services to become webmaster for the GNW Region. We thank Marc and Andrea for their spirit of volunteerism. I would also like to thank Kevin Holfeld of Boise Valley and Toby Allen of Greater Anchorage Chapter for the service they each provided the Region during their terms.

    I wish you well during this autumnal season and thank you for being a part of ARMA.

    Very truly yours,

    Susan M. Lord, Manager
    Great Northwest Region of ARMA

    Wednesday, October 05, 2005

    Archives Expo

    Seattle Area Archivists are celebrating Archives Week the week of October 10-15. There will be several activities sponsored by members of the Seattle Area Archivists.

    October 11 King County Archives Open House 12- 3 p.m.
    This is a perfect opportunity to tour the facility, view recent acquisitions and other material from the collections, and enjoy refreshments. For more information, please call 206-296-1538, email archives@metrokc.gov, or visit our website.
    Location: King County Archives, Seattle

    October 12 Archives Expo
    Seattle area archives will display information about their holdings and services, and provide informative talks.
    Location: Seattle Public Library, Central Branch, Level 4, Meeting Room 2
    • 11 a.m. The Old Seattle Cemetery at Denny Park How to use archives and other repositories to trace the origins, lives and final resting places of early Seattle residents once buried at the Old Seattle Cemetery. Location: Seattle Public Library, Central Branch, Level 4, Meeting Room 2
    • 1 p.m. Preserving your Family Photographs Presented by Nicolette Bromberg, Visual Materials Curator, UW Libraries. Location: Seattle Public Library, Central Branch, Level 4, Meeting Room 2
    Thursday, October 13, 11:30 am Brick Wall Workshop
    Bring your brown-bag lunch and your "impossible genealogy problem" and our knowledgeable staff will brainstorm possible solutions!
    Location: National Archives & Records Administration, Seattle

    There are several events at the Washington State Archives in Olympia for complete event listings please see Seattle Area Archivists website.

    Personal Information Privacy Day

    FREE RESIDENTIAL SHREDING
    Personal Information Privacy (PIP) Day provides a day of FREE residential shredding. Protect you personal information from identity theft by bring your personal information and records for FREE SHREDDING. On Saturday October 8, 2005 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1202 Harrison St, Seattle WA (cross street Eastlake Avenue East). Restriction: residential shedding only; no business shredding; paper only; no binders; clips or electronic media accepted! For more information please contact Greater Seattle Chapter of ARMA or 206-628-7292.

    PIP day is sponsored by Shred-It, Greater Seattle Chapter of ARMA, and PEMCO Insurance.

    We hope to see you all drop your personal information!
    Andrea Bettger, Greater Seattle ARMA Secretary

    Thursday, September 29, 2005

    Puget Sound Chapter Announces October 12 Program

    “Rocket Science for Records Managers: Determining Retention Periods”

    The Puget Sound Chapter of ARMA has asked us to pass along this information about their upcoming October 12 meeting in Tacoma:

    Program: Records management is not exactly rocket science, but sometimes you feel like it is. Developing those retention periods can often feel like it involves complex mathematical calculations, but it really is based on simple practices. This presentation will take a more advanced look at the analysis involved in determining retention periods including where to look for requirements and how to identify the value of a record. In addition, Jennifer Winkler will also cover the approval process and tips and techniques she has used at the City of Seattle for implementing the schedules.

    Speaker: Jennifer Winkler is the City Records Manager for the City of Seattle. Hired in September 2001, Jennifer is responsible for the development and implementation of a City-wide Records Management Program for the City of Seattle and its 35 departments. Included in this is: developing retention schedules for each department, establishing city-wide policies and procedures for best records management practices, developing a vital records program, offering files management assistance, consultation on records management issues as necessary and developing a compliance audit component. Every day brings new and interesting challenges. Jennifer holds a BA in History and Masters in History with a Certificate in Archives and Records Management, both from Western Washington University. She is a member of the Bellevue Eastside Chapter of ARMA and is also active in the Association of Local Agency Records Managers (ALARM), National Association of Government Archivists and Records Administrators (NAGARA), Seattle Area Archivists, and Northwest Archivists. She has spoken locally and nationally on a variety of records management issues.

    (NOTE: Jenny is also co-chair for the Great Northwest Region Conference, hosted by our Seattle chapter, to be held at the Best Western Executive Inn in Seattle - near the Space Needle - March 13-15, 2006.)

    DETAILS:
    October 2005 Chapter Meeting
    Puget Sound Chapter of ARMA International
    Wednesday, October 12, 2005
    La Quinta Inn, Tacoma, Washington

    Registration: 6:00—6:30 pm
    Dinner: 6:30 – 7:15 pm
    Business Meeting: 7:15 - 7:30 pm
    Region Manager Visit: 7:30—7:40 pm
    Program: 7:40 - 8:40 pm

    Dinner $16.50 (reservation received by 10/07/05)
    Or $18.00 (reservation received after 10/07/05)

    Wednesday, September 28, 2005

    Looking to the Future

    A Message from Fran Blaylock, Great Northwest Region Coordinator

    Greetings! I would like to take this opportunity to express my excitement as your new region coordinator. I have great respect for the dedication and commitment of our Region Manager, Sue Lord and Dean Koga, past Region Coordinator. One hallmark of an outstanding profession is the willingness of its members to help each other, thereby improving on that profession. Sue Lord and I hope to support you, your local chapter and the region to promote your career as a RIM professional and to keep our Great Northwest Region healthy and vibrant today and in the future. I am here as your resource and connection to ARMA International and our local chapters. Please don’t hesitate to contact either Sue Lord or me with any questions or concerns. Good communication at all levels is the key to our success.

    I just returned from the ARMA International 50th year celebration and annual conference in Chicago. This is the first year I have had the opportunity to attend Leadership meetings during the conference. I would like to share one of the projects sponsored by ARMA International that was presented on their ‘radar screen’ of strategic issues. This ‘radar screen’ identifies key issues likely to have a significant impact on the profession. One major issue presented was the absence of clearly articulated competencies and lack of formal standardized education curricula, which limits the credibility of our RIM profession.

    To address this need, ARMA International undertook a groundbreaking project to develop core RIM competencies. To accomplish this, ARMA has contracted with an outside firm, Castle Worldwide, which specializes in the development of competencies. Similar efforts have been made in the past; however, the scope and depth of this project will bring it to the forefront. With the help of volunteers from varying sectors including ARMA, vendors, education, and Castle Worldwide, the core competencies should be completed by December, 2006. Once the competencies are defined, a career map will be developed along with a self-assessment tool at the end of the study. This will be accomplished by analyzing the core competencies against a curriculum map and identification of the educational gaps. Watch for opportunities to participate in this exciting project. Look at “MY ARMA” section of the www.arma.org website for the timeline to participate.

    In addition to this project, ARMA has been active on the international scene by leaders attending meetings with representatives of the international chapters and on the federal level with several visits to Washington DC last year. As a result of these visits, ARMA was asked to write language for a new proposed act, which has recently been submitted. In addition the International President of ICA Archivist attended the Chicago conference, which demonstrates the need to join hands with other organizations that have shared interests and needs.

    Over all, the conference was very well attended and focused on building partnerships and developing skills to increase our level of professionalism and competencies in RIM. If you attended, I hope it provided an opportunity both to network and take back this knowledge to share with your companies. I want to thank the Region members who attended the luncheon, as it was a great time to catch up and share our experiences. It was very well attended by around 50 members and I hope you all enjoyed the event!

    If you have any questions about ARMA, the competency project, your chapter, and/or membership, please feel free to contact either Sue, slord@vjglaw.com or me, FBlaylock@icos.com.

    Have a terrific ARMA year!

    Fran

    Joint Meeting October 6

    Joint meeting, Greater Seattle Chapter and Bellevue Eastside (BEC) on Thursday, October 6, 2005. Our chapters have come up with an exciting meeting for all of those ARMA members unable to attend the ARMA, International meeting in Chicago and will be of great interest to new ARMA members. Several people that attended ARMA International will share their professional and personal experiences at the chapter meeting. We will also reveal information on utilizing ARMA International resources such as Information Specific Group (ISG), ARMA website, and much much more!
    To register for the meeting please go to the Greater Seattle ARMA website by 5 p.m. on Monday October 3rd. If the Greater Seattle website is inaccessible or you are having issues please email Sue Gunderson directly with your reservation.

    Our program details:

    Date: October 6, 2005

    Location:
    Best Western Executive Inn
    200 Taylor Ave.
    Seattle, WA 98109
    Directions to the Best Western

    Time:
    5:30 -6:00 Registration
    6:00- 7:00 Dinner
    7:00- 8:00 Program

    Program:
    ARMA, International and Beyond! Discussion of ARMA International conference lesson learned and experiences at ARMA, International Chicago 2005. Also how to access ARMA International resources: Information Specific Group (ISG), ARMA website, etc.

    Speakers:
    Fran Blaylock, Andrea Bettger, Bonnie Nadler, Joe Ramsdell, Susan Priebe and many many more!


    Dinner Menu:
    Caesar Salad
    Chicken Florentine with Wilted Spinach leave, Asparagus, smoked Gouda and Classic Mornay Sauce
    or
    Vegetarian Stir Fry with Pan Seared Vegetable with Asian Style Yaki Soba Noodles in Red Pepper Soy sauce
    Dessert: Peach Cobbler
    Focaccia Bread/ Butter, Freshly Brewed Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee or Tea

    Parking:
    Park in the Best Western parking lot located behind and underneath the hotel. Driving to the gate and ask to be let into the parking lot through intercom (buzzer) or simply drive in. To pick up free parking pass please come to meeting registration desk.

    Cost:
    With dinner
    -Member $25.00
    -Non-member $30.00
    Presentation only
    -Member $10.00
    -Non-member $13.00

    Greater Seattle and Bellevue Eastside Chapter hopes to see you there!

    Tuesday, September 27, 2005

    Our Blog Is Featured in Chicago Presentation

    Susan Priebe has passed along this bit of news from the 2005 ARMA International Conference in Chicago:

    Many thanks to Jesse Wilkins for mentioning in his excellent presentation given at the 50th ARMA, International Conference in Chicago last week, our chapter's BLOG. He had a screen shot of our page and encouraged other chapters to consider using this easy-to-set-up and dirt-cheap way (ours is free of cost, using "Blogger.com") to enhance communications within the chapter and also to help other random searchers/surfers discover the world of records management, etc.

    I would highly recommend checking out the session notes from Jesse's program on ARMA, International's Web site, once they are available there. He gave us a very interesting and lively presentation of what the future of the future might look like for us, "past the bleeding edge," in technology. Believe me, it seems we'll be busy, busy, busy!

    Susan Priebe Records Analyst Shared Services PEMCO Insurance www.pemco.com

    206-628-7292 or 1-800-GO-PEMCO REWARDING RESPONSIBILITY

    Wednesday, September 07, 2005

    Workshop Announced

    Bernard Chester, a member of the Greater Seattle Chapter of ARMA International, asked that we post the following workshop announcement on the Chapter's Blog. We are glad to pass this along on his request. This is not a project being undertaken by the Chapter. We are not able to endorse or make any recommendation about it.

    Electronic Records Management: -- A Practical Toolkit
    1-Day Workshop

    September 28, 2005

    BEC Factoria
    12400 SE 38th St
    Bellevue, WA

    Syllabus

    Electronic Records Principles
    Inventorying Electronic Records
    Classifying and Accessing Electronic Records
    Records Storage Technologies
    Retention and Disposition
    Auditing the Program
    RM and IT
    Best Practices and Next Steps

    Learn to:

    Conduct an electronic records inventory, including centralized and decentralized storage and electronic records applications

    Classify and categorize electronic records, including manual and automated approaches

    Store and preserve electronic records for 1-100+ years

    Incorporate records management practices into IT systems and processes

    Cost of the class: $495

    Cost includes training manual, resource CD with additional materials, and catered lunch. Course fee is due by first day of class.

    AIIM/ARMA members: save an additional $50!

    Instructor: Jesse Wilkins, CDIA+, MIT, LIT, ICP, EDP
    · Frequent speaker at AIIM, ARMA, TAWPI, Xplor
    · Extensive standards work on electronic records, email, and digital preservation

    For more information or to sign up for the course, contact Jesse Wilkins:
    (303) 574-1455 office
    (303) 484-4142 fax
    jesse.wilkins@imergeconsult.com

    Friday, September 02, 2005

    Going to Chicago? Invitation to Region Activities--

    Region Manager Sue Lord Invites You to Region Meetings

    If you are attending the 50th Annual ARMA International Conference in Chicago this month, consider joining with other Great Northwest Region people at any of the following events:

    Saturday, Sept 17, 12:30-1:00 - GNW REGION MEETING in the Hyatt Hotel - 3rd floor. A short time to meet in person and catch up on a few Region things - but mostly to get to know one another...

    Following this Region Meeting will be "Chapter Leadership Day," which will take up pretty much the entire afternoon. It should have great information for Board members and other chapter leaders. The schedule includes break-out workshops, information on marketing your chapter and member recruitment, as well as many other presentations.

    This is the event that we are asked to provide "door prizes" for fun giveaways throughout the afternoon. You may receive a chapter pin, hat, t-shirt, something representative of one of the Region's localities, vendor trinkets, etc., donated to the event by other chapters.

    Monday, Sept 19 no-host REGION LUNCHEON - Right now, it looks like Monday, September 19th from Noon until 1:30 pm may work for us. Sue Lord will get to Chicago early, and will locate a restaurant at Navy Pier - there are several to choose from - that can accomodate our group. She will do her best to choose one with a somewhat varied menu and affordable pricing. If attending the Conference, look for a posting and sign-up sheet near the Registration area with pertinent information about the Great Northwest Region Luncheon.

    Last year, we had a terrific, fun, crowd in Long Beach. Sue hopes to meet many of our Region's attendees again this year in Chicago!

    NOTE: Among our chapter's members who are going to Chicago are Susan Priebe (Vice President), Andrea Bettger (Secretary), and Dean Koga (Past President). If you are also attending, contact any one of these three -- they will be glad to keep you informed about Region sponsored activities.

    Volunteer Web Master Needed for Region Site

    Region Manager Sue Lord Calls for Volunteer

    Sue Lord, Region Manager, wrote to the chapter leaders today, saying:

    "I learned recently that Toby Allen is unable to continue performing the duties of Great Northwest Region Web master. I am asking you to ...help me find a new Web master. Our Web site needs to be re-designed -'energized,' if you will - and I hope you might recommend a talented person who will be willing to design and maintain our Region Web site for the next couple of years. Think about it.... I bet there is a quiet person in your chapter who is wanting to volunteer, but just isn't a 'people' person. Perhaps being a 'chapter meeting greeter' or 'telephone volunteer' just scares them to death! Maybe there are members who cannot make it to meetings, but would be willing to volunteer computer time to our organization.

    "Please contact me as soon as possible with any candidates you may have, so I may get in touch with the candidate(s) and begin work on this project. Thank you, in advance, for your help in this matter."

    NOTE: Can you answer the call and help with the Region Web Site? Please let ME know if you're able and I'll pass your name along to Sue Lord.

    New Treasurer Named for Great Northwest Region

    Sue Lord, Region Manager, Reports:

    "I am sorry to inform you that Kevin Hofeld is unable to continue in his position as the Great NW Region of ARMA Treasurer. With approval of our Region's Coordinator, Fran Blaylock, I have appointed Marc Simpson of the Puget Sound Chapter to be the Great NW Region of ARMA Treasurer. Welcome, Marc!

    "Fran and I look forward to welcoming Marc to the Region team. Both of us have known Marc for about eight years and I know many of you know him, as well. Marc has served the Puget Sound Chapter in many ways for approximately the past 10 years. Among the many chapter positions he has held are: Vice-President (membership chair); 3 years as President,and 2 years as Chairman of the Board. He has served on many chapter committees including: 2000 Region Conference committee, chapter seminar committees, chapter communications committee, Chapter ByLaws committee; Hospitality committee and many, many others over the past years. Marc served as co-editor of Puget Sound's newsletter, Soundings, last year, and is currently the Web master for the chapter. As you can see, he will be quite an asset to our Region!"

    NOTE: Marc has been a most energetic leader in the Puget Sound Chapter. I'm delighted to hear he's taken on this important work for the Region. Please join me in wishing him the best in this role! Marc, may you always be well balanced! -- Roger Winters, Chapter President

    Thursday, September 01, 2005

    Web Site Being Moved


    Best Western Executive Inn (and Neighboring Space Needle)
    Blog Admin = Roger
    You Can Still Register for Our Meeting Thursday, September 8th!

    Hello, Seattle ARMA Members,

    As you might have noticed, our chapter's Web site is DOWN! If you recently went to http://www.armaseattle.org/ to register for next week's meeting (Thursday, at our new location, the Best Western Executive Inn, close to the Space Needle), you would have been frustrated by finding our site isn't there!

    Not to worry! Our Web site is being moved from one hosting service to a new one. We think the new one will provide us with some added functionality that we can use to create an even more valuable asset for our chapter. The transfer should be complete within a few days.

    In the meantime, you can still register for Thursday's meeting: send an email to Sue Gunderson at sgunderson@datasitenw.com indicating how many people you're registering for and whether anyone wants the vegetarian dinner option. If you just want to attend the program, you need to let Sue know that, too.

    We'll also have information on the Chapter's Web Log ("Blog") at http://seattlearma.blogspot.com/, so if you ever find the main Web site is down again, look there for the information you need!

    We all hope to see you on Thursday, not just because Patty Holmquist's presentation on how to become a Certified Records Manager (CRM) is fabulous, but because we want the opportunity to visit, catch up, and network with you!

    Best wishes for a great Labor Day weekend!

    Your obedient servant,

    Roger

    Roger Winters, Chapter President
    roger.winters@metrokc.gov

    Tuesday, August 30, 2005

    CDIA+ Training Offered by AIIM

    The Northwest Chapter of AIIM will offer Certified Document Imaging Architech (CDIA+) Training on September 29-30, 2005. Training will be held at the Bellevue Community College in Factoria (Room 204).

    Those holding a CDIA+ certification possess critical knowledge of technologies used to plan, design and specify a document imaging /management system. This course will prepare students for CDIA+ exam.

    Early Bird Registration:
    (Ends September 2, 2005)
    AIIM / ARMA Member $545
    Non-Member $575

    Regular Registration:
    (After September 2, 2005)
    Member / Non-Member $595

    Group Registration:
    (minimum of 3 attendees)
    Early Bird $500 each
    Regular $525 each

    To register, contact: Lisa Goldsworthy @ lisa.goldsworthy@co.snohomish.wa.us or 425-388-3713.

    Friday, August 26, 2005

    1st Greater Seattle Meeting of the Year

    First meeting of Greater Seattle ARMA year is September 8th. We hope to see you this year because we are planning on some exciting meetings in our new location. The Greater Seattle ARMA Chapter will be meeting at the Best Western Executive Inn,which will also host the Great Northwest Region Conference March 13-15, 2006. Some new features at our new meeting site include inside parking, internet access, and DESSERT!



    To register for the meeting please go to the Greater Seattle ARMA website http://www.armaseattle.org/registration.htm by 5 p.m. Friday September 2nd. If the Greater Seattle website is inaccessible or you are having issues please email Sue Gunderson with your reservation at sgunderson@datasitenw.com inlcude your name and organization. Cost of the meeting are $25.00 for members and $30.00 for non-members.


    Program Details:
    Date: September 8, 2005
    Location:
    Best Western Executive Inn
    200 Taylor Ave.
    Seattle, WA 98109

    Time:
    5:30 -6:00 Registration
    6:00- 7:00 Dinner
    7:00- 8:00 Program

    Program:
    "How to Become a CRM"
    Patricia Holmquist, CRM, will provide basic information on qualifying and applying for the CRM exam. She will give a description on what each of the tests cover and how to prepare for them. There will be time after her presentation for questions.

    Speaker:
    Patty Holmquist joined King County Records Management in September 2004. Patty graduated from the University of Puget Sound with a degree in Business Administration, specializing in Organizational Behavior. She completed the Records and Information Management certificate program at the University of Washington. She was awarded her CRM in 2002. Her experience in records management covers a broad spectrum of the business and public sector. She is a member of the Puget Sound Chapter of ARMA.

    Dinner Menu:
    Harvest Green Salad
    • Sake Seared Northwest Salmon filet with Baby Choy, Red Pepper soy and Asian Sticky rice
    • OR
    • Pasta Primavera (Veggie Option) Pan fried vegetable with Fettuccine Noodles in a Garlic Olive Oil Sauce
    Focaccia Bread/ Butter, Freshly Brewed Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee or Tea
    Dessert: Chocolate Mousse

    Andrea Bettger, Secretary

    Greater Seattle Website Maintenance

    The Greater Seattle Chapter website may be down the weekend August 26 thruAugust 29 due maintenance. If you are unable to reach the website it is temporary and should return by Monday August 29th. If you would like to register for our September 8th meeting please email Sue Gunderson with your information. Maintenance to the website should be completed by August 29 5 p.m.
    Thank you for your patience.
    Andrea Bettger
    Webmaster

    Friday, August 19, 2005

    Puget Sound Chapter Seminar

    Puget Sound Chapter Holding Electronic Document Management Seminar

    The seminar, “Electronic Document Management; A Case Study and Legal Considerations,” is scheduled for Wednesday, September 14, 2005, beginning at 1:00 p.m. The registration deadline is September 9th.

    We hope to post the brochure here on the chapter Blog – it’s something we’re learning how to do. In the meantime, for details and to see the brochure, contact the Puget Sound Chapter. A link to their Web page can be found at the top of this Blog, on the right.

    Thursday, August 18, 2005

    Help Us Keep Our Blog Up-to-Date

    Whenever you see that an item on our Blog has outlived its usefulness (e.g., a job announcement that has passed the due date for applications), it helps us if you let us know it is time to delete it. We try to keep up, but can't always do so.

    Let us know when the Blog needs housekeeping by sending an email to Roger Winters at roger.winters@metrokc.gov.

    From the Great Northwest Region Manager...

    A Message from Susan Lord

    Dear Great Northwest Region of ARMA members:

    Welcome to the 2005-2006 ARMA year! I trust you had an enjoyable summer. I know that your chapter officers and directors have been busy these past few months preparing for a most excellent 2005-2006 business year.

    Most of the chapters began this business year by having representation at the 2005 Region Leadership Conference hosted by the Bellevue/Eastside Chapter (in true Aloha style). I believe we all learned a lot about ARMA International, the Region, duties of the chapter’s Board of Directors (BOD) positions, and best practices for chapters. There was opportunity to network and share information with each other and we had a bit of fun, too!

    During the summer, your chapter Boards have been calculating budgets, planning the calendar, contacting speakers for your educational programs, and a myriad of other things. I hope you will thank your chapter officers and directors - at your next opportunity - for the time and effort they volunteer on behalf of our organization. I appreciate them and I am sure you do, too!

    I would like to welcome a new member to the Region leadership team. Fran Blaylock of the Bellevue/Eastside Chapter is the 2005-2007 Region Coordinator. Fran is the primary contact person for the Bellevue/Eastside, Boise Valley, Greater Seattle, and Mount Vernon Regional chapters. Fran has been an active member of ARMA for about nine years and has served her chapter in many positions including Chapter President for two terms. I have known Fran for many years and am very honored to work with her in this new capacity at the Region level.

    Please mark your calendar now for the 2006 Great Northwest Region Conference to be held March 13-15, 2006 in Seattle, WA. This 2.5 day conference entitled “Keeping on Track in Century 21” promises to be a terrific opportunity to enhance your records management skills. Hosted by the Greater Seattle Chapter of ARMA, the planning has been under way for several months. Currently, there is a call for presentations. Two educational tracks are being designed: “Lessons,” especially for attendees new to the field; and “Lessons Learned,” for the more experienced records professionals. If you are interested in speaking at the Conference, please contact Co-Chair of Programs, Roger Winters, at Roger.Winters@METROKC.GOV or by phone at (206) 296-7838.

    If you are planning to attend this year’s International Conference in Chicago, please be aware we are planning to meet at a local restaurant during the conference for a no-host GNW Region Luncheon. Keep your eyes open for a notice/sign-up sheet to be posted at the message board near the Registration area. Also, there will be information on the message board about our “Region Toast” typically held prior to or immediately after the Awards Banquet. In addition, to those of you who are chapter leaders, please consider attending ARMA Leadership Day on Friday, September 16 and/or Region and Chapter Leadership Day on Saturday, September 17. Please contact me should you have any questions.

    Finally, I hope you have a great ARMA year!

    Very truly yours,

    Susan M. Lord, Manager
    Great Northwest Region of ARMA

    Thursday, May 26, 2005

    Great Northwest Region News


    Message from the Great NW Region Manager


    Dear Great Northwest Region of ARMA members:

    My, the 2004-2005 ARMA year has passed quickly! Of course, at the chapter level, it seems there is no relief, eh? As the current year winds down, there is hardly time for a breather as the next year gears up. I hope you will acknowledge the efforts of your chapter’s Board of Directors members. They are steadily working in their volunteer positions to serve you, your chapter, and your profession.

    Please join me in thanking Dean Koga, Great NW Region Coordinator, for serving our Region so very capably the past two years. Sadly, Dean’s term as coordinator expires on June 30, 2005. He has worked closely with several chapters and will be sorely missed! His will be a tough act to follow!

    Lately, I have had the pleasure of sitting in on the GNW Leadership Conference Committee meetings hosted by the Bellevue/Eastside Chapter of ARMA. Please know that the committee is well organized under the leadership of Fran Blaylock and they are ready to “rock ‘n roll.” I am truly looking forward to the event, which will be held June 10-11 in Bellevue. The Leadership Conference is especially designed for chapter leaders, but I am convinced that general chapter members can find significance by attending, as well. The skills one will learn at the Conference will be valuable in our workplace as well as our daily life. So, if you are interested in making a “late registration” reservation for this event, please do not hesitate to contact Fran Blaylock at fblaylock@ICOS.com or me at slord@vjglaw.com, or 253-383-3791.

    ARMA International is gearing up for its 50th Annual International Conference and Expo to be held in Chicago on September 18-21, 2005. As in years past, our Region will be announcing a no-host luncheon get-together during the Conference. So, if you plan to attend the Conference, please keep your eyes open for information about that gathering.

    Lastly, I would like to thank you for the efforts and contributions you have made to your local chapter, ARMA and the profession. I wish you a terrific and safe summer.

    Very truly yours,

    Susan M. Lord, Manager
    Great NW Region of ARMA

    Tuesday, May 24, 2005

    Planning Meeting for Great Northwest Region Conference


    You're Invited!

    The Seattle Chapter of ARMA is the host for the 2006 Great Northwest Region Conference. It will be held March 13-15, 2006, at the Best Western Executive Inn in Seattle, in the shadow of the Space Needle.

    NOW is the time to get involved with the Planning Committee, if you'd like to influence the content, context, and contests (OK-just going for a little alliteration) associated with this big event, drawing ARMA people from throughout the Region: Alaska, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. The title of our conference is "Keeping on Track in Century Twenty-One."

    A planning meeting is happening at 5:15 p.m. on Thursday, May 26. It will be held at the offices of PEMCO Insurance on Eastlake Avenue in Seattle. Our host is Susan Priebe. You can contact her at Susan.Priebe@PEMCO.com or phone her at (206) 628-7292 for information and directions.

    This is definitely the time to get involved on the "Ground Floor" to help develop this Region Conference into a fabulous educational, social, and regional event!

    P.S. - Calling all members of the US Procrastinators' Club - this may be our big chance to visit the 1962 World's Fair!

    Monday, May 09, 2005

    Can You Help? P-Patch Trust Seeks Records Help


    Non-Profit Seeks Volunteer Help with Retention Policy and Schedule

    The P-Patch Trust is a volunteer non-profit organization looking for professional volunteer assistance in developing a records retention policy and schedule. I have attached an organizational fact sheet (see below). Our web site can be found at http://www.ppatchtrust.org/

    Contact. Ray Schutte, 206.499.3649 ray.s@ppatchtrust.org, for more information.


    Thanks for posting our request,

    Ray Schutte
    "The truth of the matter is that the flower has cleverly manipulated the bee into hauling its pollen from blossom to blossom." The Botany of Desire, Michael Pollan

    ===============================================================

    Fact Sheet

    Mission
    P-Patch Trust, a nonprofit organization works to acquire, build, preserve and protect community gardens in Seattle’s neighborhoods.

    Through advocacy leadership and partnerships, the Trust expands access to community gardening across economic, racial, ethnic, ability and gender lines; promotes organic gardening and builds community through gardening.

    We seek to break urban isolation by providing opportunities for people to garden together, learn from each other, develop a sense of neighborhood and create a more livable urban environment.

    Board Members
    Barbara Donnette
    Pat Gibbon
    Ryan Dwayne Hawkes
    Wendy K. Hughes-Jelen
    Mary Lou LaPierre
    Michael McNutt, Treasurer
    Cristina Mone, Vice President
    Ray Schutte, President
    Lindy Sheehan
    Maud Sterling

    Staff 0.25 time FTE, Accountant, Lance LaRowe

    Partners
    P-Patch Program
    Rich Macdonald, Manager
    Dept of Neighborhoods
    700 3rd Ave, 4th Floor
    684-0264
    rich.macdonald@seattle.gov



    Cultivating Communities Gardens
    Seattle Housing Authority
    And
    SNAC
    Seattle King County
    Martha Goodlett
    684-0540
    martha.goodlett@seattle.gov

    City of Seattle P-Patch Program
    42 P-Patch sites
    18 Cultivating Communities sites (In Seattle Public Housing)
    2000 plots
    5000+ gardeners

    Gardeners’ obligations are a small rental fee plus 8 volunteer hours per gardener to maintain gardens, public areas or P-Patch office administrative tasks

    Ownership
    P-Patch Trust—6 (8% of all P-Patch sites)
    Pinehurst—1976
    Judkins—1986
    Hillman City (+3leased Plots)—1994
    Greenwood—1997
    Fremont—2000
    Baker—2004

    Other ownership
    Parks—13
    City Light—4
    Street ROW—6
    DON—1
    Metro King County—3
    Leased from landowner—10
    School District—1
    Seattle Housing Authority—18

    Trust Services
    § Funds Gardenship Fund that provides garden fees for low income gardeners
    § Site Improvement Fund, a small grant fund of $300 or less.
    § Grants to organizations that foster healthy available food to food banks and low income residents. Currently providing funds to Lettuce Link, a program of the Fremont Public Association and Cultivating Communities, a program of the Seattle Housing Authority.
    § Liability insurance for all the P-Patch and Cultivating Community gardens, over 70 projects.
    § Fiscal Agency services for community gardens and parks.
    Yesler Community Garden
    Republican P-Patch
    Thistle P-Patch
    University P-Patch
    Angel Morgan P-Patch
    Roosevelt P-Patch
    Snoqulamie P-Patch
    Queen Pea P-Patch
    Hillman City P-Patch
    Charleston Hillclimb
    Lincoln Park P-Patch
    Picardo P-Patch
    Judkin's Park
    Ballard P-Patch
    Evanston P-Patch
    Colman Park P-Patch
    Fremont P-Patch
    Friends of NE Queen Anne Parks
    Interbay Site Fund

    Memberships
    American Community Gardening Association
    Food Resource Network Federation (FRNF)
    Seattle Tilth
    WA Toxic Coalition

    Accomplishments
    Five-Year Strategic Plan with P-Patch Program
    Acquired 6 gardens between 1987 and 2004.
    In 2004 the Trust provided over $16,000 in funding for community gardening and healthy available food projects representing 33% of the Trust’s total expenses.

    Sunday, May 08, 2005

    05/05/05 Auction - Fun for All!


    W
    ith gift baskets, Mariners' tickets, gift certificates, and an amazing basket stuffed with wonderful things chosen by the Board at the Puget Sound Chapter, the Greater Seattle Chapter held its Cinco de Mayo scholarship auction.



    Susan Priebe and Roger Winters


    President of the chapter, Roger Winters, served as auctioneer, decked out in a huge sombrero (note the bullets, too - now we know why it's called "ARM-A"). Susan Priebe assisted with displaying the many goods up for bids.


    Andrea Bettger (front), organizer of the auction, peruses silent auction items


    "The credit for this successful auction belongs to Andrea Bettger," Roger said, asking the attendees to acknowledge her contributions. "She organized almost every aspect of it herself, with help from some other good people!"

    The chapter's scholarship fund supports members in accessing educational and professional opportunities they could not otherwise use. A scholarship application, available on the chapter Web site is completed by the member and submitted to any one of the Board members. The Board reviews the request, seeks additional information if needed, and makes the scholarship award decision. "We hope more members will take advantage of these resources as we continue to build them up with events like the auction," Andrea said.

    The Greater Seattle Chapter of ARMA also uses scholarship resources to ensure that its Chapter Member of the Year (MOTY) can attend the ARMA International Conference. If the winner's company covers the costs, chapter funds are not required. Otherwise, the chapter underwrites the basic costs the MOTY needs to attend. (Last year's winner, Roger Winters, covered his own registration costs through being a speaker at the conference; the chapter helped with transportation and lodging.) "We have resources to support our members in many ways, as they develop themselves professionally," Roger said. "Our meeting raffles, the auction, and other activities, along with chapter membership revenue, make this possible."

    The Cinco de Mayo event was a great deal of fun for all who attended. Everyone got a special "Pay-So" worth $5 for one of their bids, as an incentive to keep bidding for a favorite item. It had a picture of "El Presidente" (Winters), noting the 05/05/05 date of the event.

    A final tally of the auction proceeds will be published as soon as it is available. Thanks to everyone who donated and to everyone who bid.

    A good time for a good cause!

    Thursday, May 05, 2005

    Remember the Great Northwest Region Jobs Blog!

    LEARN ABOUT OR POST INFORMATION REGARDING JOB OPENINGS OR JOB SEEKERS IN OUR FIELD

    The Great Northwest Region of ARMA, International, has organized a centralized listing for jobs in records and information management - the Great Northwest Region Jobs Blog! Its purpose is:

    (1) to list employment opportunities and

    (2) to list employment-like opportunities, such as requests for consultant services, and

    (3) to serve job-seekers by providing a location where they can let the members of this region of ARMA know what they are looking for and how they are qualified.

    To post your position announcement, resume, or notice you are seeking consultant help, send it to Roger Winters or to the jobs coordinator for your local chapter. Roger will be glad to try to answer your questions about the blog.

    If you request that something be posted and it becomes outdated (e.g., you fill the job), please let us know so we can remove the item from the Blog!

    Thank you!

    Roger Winters, President
    Greater Seattle Chapter
    Coordinator, Great Northwest Region Jobs Blog

    Thursday, March 10, 2005

    Educational Opportunities in Seattle Area

    Announcing some great educational opportunities in the Seattle Area for the month of April and May!

    April 12 Burning Records – Events, Response, and Mitigation
    Presenters: Steve Edwards, National Archives and Records Administration; Barbara Benson, University of Washington; and Jennifer Winkler, City of Seattle. Disaster mitigation and response is the key to getting your business up and going again after a disaster. This program will present two case studies in disaster response and helpful (and easily implemented) tips to mitigating the effects of a disaster. Come learn from actual experiences and get new ideas for disaster preparedness and response.
    Cost: FREE
    Registration: Please send your name and organization to CRMP@seattle.gov
    Registration is limited!


    April 22 ARMA/ AIIM Seminar – Life Cycle for Success
    A two track, combined seminar presented by Bellevue/Eastside, Puget Sound, and Greater Seattle Chapters of ARMA, International—The Association for Information and Management Professionals—and—AIIM Northwest—Association for Information and Image Management. Joan Feldmen, Computer Forensics, as the lunch-time speaker presenting Tales from the Crypt.
    The Basic track will be presented by Barbara Benson, University of Washington and Jennifer Winkler, City of Seattle presenting Starting from Scratch: Identifying and Developing the Basics of a Records Retention Program. In addition, the Advance Technology track has two presenters Art Bellis, OmniRIM Solutions presenting Putting the Cart Before the Horse--Why You Should Be Thinking RM Before ECM. Also, Adam Jansen, Secretary of State Office presenting Mission Critical: Preserving Electronic Records.

    Registration information will be mail directly to local area ARMA and AIIM members or see information on the Greater Seattle Website about the ARMA/ AIIM Spring Seminar.
    Cost: $100 ARMA or AIIM members or $125 for nonmembers (Includes lunch, refreshments, parking)
    Register: April 13, 2005

    May 19 and 20 Understanding Archives: An Introduction to Principles and Practices
    This two day training session is presented by Society of American Archivists and co-sponsored by Seattle Area Archivists and will be located at the Seattle-NARA facility on Sand Point Way. This workshop will provide an overview of basic archival functions, including appraisal and accessioning, arrangement and description, preservation, and reference.
    Cost and Registration: Early bird (on or before 4/19/2005): SAA Member – $285; Nonmember – $320
    Regular (after 4/19/2005): SAA Member – $360; Nonmember – $395

    The Greater Seattle Chapter hopes you will take one of these opportunities and expand your Records and Information Management Knowledge!
    Andrea Bettger, VP Programs
    March 10, 2005

    Wednesday, March 09, 2005

    Greater Seattle Web Site Update

    If you have not checked on the Greater Seattle Web site please do so! Several of the pages have been updated including the Events Calendar, Jobs and new addition about the April 22 Spring Seminar. On the Spring Seminar page get a sneak peak at the location, training sessions, and registration information. Also, the Greater Seattle Board will be accepting applications for scholarships for this Spring Seminar. If you want to attend but that work budget can afford it, you can still go by sending your Scholarship Application to one of the board members for review. Coming soon to the Greater Seattle website information about April's Records and Information Management Month (RIMM) 2005.

    VP Programs and Webmaster
    Andrea E. Bettger
    March 9, 2005

    Tuesday, March 01, 2005

    Congratulations, Bonnie Nadler!!!


    Bonnie Nadler Is Elected to ARMA International's Board!



    Bonnie Nadler, a member of the Bellevue/Eastside Chapter of ARMA, has won election to the ARMA International Board of Directors. She will join the board July 1st.

    The Greater Seattle Chapter of ARMA congratulates Bonnie on this outstanding achievement. We knew you could do it!

    Bonnie is well known to many of our members. She has been an ardent champion for the ARMA Education Foundation and has served on numerous ARMA International committees. She is employed by a company known as Microsoft.

    It's great that Bonnie is yet another Great Northwest Region ARMA person in high places!


    Request for Information - Can You Help?

    City Seeking Help with Paper Use Reduction

    Greater Seattle ARMA has received an inquiry from the City of Seattle, which is seeking information, case studies, and other resources to help with a paper reduction program they are instituting. Can you help? If so, please reply directly to the requester, Debra Taevs.

    NOTE: If you have information you would like to share with all the readers of the Greater Seattle ARMA Chapter's BLOG, click on "Comments" below and you will be able to do so. Thank you!

    The request follows:

    Please contact me with any ideas about ways to reduce paper consumption within a municipality. We are especially interested in ideas related to technology or ways to store or share documents that would result in less paper being used. We are also very interested in collecting Case Study info about other organizations that have successfully reduced paper use. Thanks!

    Debra Taevs
    SPU
    Intern
    Coordinator
    Paper Waste Prevention Campaign
    206-684-7902
    Debra.Taevs@Seattle.Gov

    Monday, January 31, 2005

    News and Notes - From the Chapter President


    Seattle Chapter’s February 3rd Meeting – It’s Barbara Benson!
    “My bad!,” as they say these days. In the last edition of this publication, I said I’d be the speaker at the February 3rd chapter meeting. (I’m just over-eager, I guess.) I’ll be doing a presentation on Electronic Filing for King County Superior Court on March 3rd.

    February 3rd features Barbara Benson of the University of Washington. Her subject will be “Document Imaging—the University of Washington Finance Department.” I know you’ll find Barbara to be an engaging and informative speaker. I’ll find hers a hard act to follow.*

    I hope you are able to attend this meeting – we return to the evening format: socializing at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m., program and speaker around 7 p.m., adjournment by 8 p.m. The details about registering for the meeting are on our Web site at http://www.armaseattle.org/. Next month, on March 3 (a dinner meeting) I will present the new E-Filing service we are soon rolling out at the King County Superior Court. We have been preparing for this for a long time…

    Chapter meetings are opportunities for networking—learning from one another within our ARMA chapters. The Puget Sound region has three different educational ARMA chapter meetings a month—in Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma. (See their meeting notices, below.) This is a rare opportunity.

    Find links to the other ARMA chapters on the Greater Seattle Chapter’s Blog, the “Web Log,” at http://seattlearma.blogspot.com/. That’s where you can find out about their programs and make reservations to attend.

    Attendance Incentive$ PLUS!
    Attending at least four Seattle Chapter meetings during the period between December 2004 and June 2005 means YOUR NAME will be entered in special drawings in JUNE for gift certificates of $100, $50, and $25! For each meeting you attend beyond the minimum of four, an additional entry with YOUR NAME will increase your chances of winning. (You could have four chances to win one of the certificate$!)

    And, now, a BONUS! As we prepare for the 2006 Great Northwest Region Conference, we’ll be needing volunteers for a wide variety of reasons. Fill out and turn in a Volunteer Information form and we’ll add YOUR NAME to the gift certificate drawing for yet another chance to WIN! Even if you assume “They know me and what I can do!” you should fill out this form. It may reveal interests and talents that we simply didn’t know you had. Also, the form is designed to find out something about when you are able to volunteer and various other preferences. (I hope to have this form set up for downloading, in PDF, and on our Web site soon.)

    From Our Region Manager, Sue Lord:
    Your Region Needs You!

    I am very sorry to report that our Region Treasurer, Fred Pauls, is unable to continue his duties for the rest of the ARMA year. Fred has been a very competent Region Treasurer and he will be missed.

    An application for this temporary position (until June, 2005) and a brief description of the Treasurer's duties will be sent via e-mail to all of the members in the Region. This is a great opportunity for an interested person to "try on" this duty for the next 6 months and decide whether to re-apply for the next term.

    If you would like more information, please contact me at slord@vjglaw.com or 253-383-3791.

    The 2006 Great Northwest Region Conference
    We continue to plan the 2006 Great Northwest Regional Conference, to be held March 13-15, 2006. You are welcome (and needed!) to help with this great project.

    Our co-chairs, Susan Priebe and Jenny Winkler, are leading us toward holding a fabulous educational event. The Conference is planned for the Best Western-Executive Inn near the Space Needle in Seattle. There will be very reasonable room rates, making this conference more affordable for those from outside the area. We hope to include parking, so folks from the area won’t be deterred by anxiety about Seattle’s infamous traffic. Help us minimize problems by anticipating and working around them.

    WILL YOU HELP? Please contact Susan (susan.priebe@pemco.com) or Jenny (Jennifer.winkler@seattle.gov).

    Program Ideas? I am heading the Program Committee and we are getting our ideas together about what the conference should include. There will, of course, be a call for proposals from presenters, but we want to give everyone guidance on the overall themes and purposes we hope the conference will serve. This is the perfect time for you to share your ideas. Contact me at roger.winters@metrokc.gov.

    Save These Greater Seattle Chapter Meetings Dates in 2005!
    Generally, we meet the first Thursday of each month, with a 5:30-6 p.m. social period followed by dinner and a program at the Rock Salt Café on Lake Union in Seattle. Activities conclude by 8 p.m. The dates for the remainder of this ARMA year are:
    March 3: King County E-Filing (Roger Winters)
    April 7: Outsourcing Records Storage (Dean Koga)
    May 5: Our Cinco de Mayo Scholarship Auction!
    June 2: Annual Awards Dinner (Speaker TBA)

    ARMA International’s 50th Conference Is Coming
    A high point of the year is the ARMA International Conference. This year, it will be ARMA’s 50th Conference and it will be held in Chicago, Illinois, in September. Will you be planning to go? (Don’t forget, you can apply to the chapter for scholarship support to provide some help in defraying the expenses! Also, the Chapter Member of the Year each year is sent to the Conference by the chapter, if there is no other source of funding.)

    A Conference of Our Own: April 22, 2005 at SeaTac (The Radisson)
    The three Puget Sound area ARMA chapters and the local chapter of AIIM will co-sponsor an all-day conference on Friday, April 22, 2005. Reserve that date on your calendar now. More details will be coming from the planning committee. This will be a great local opportunity for learning, networking, and checking in with local vendors on their products and services. The cost will be relatively low. Why not ask the Seattle Chapter for help with the cost of attending, if you need it, by submitting a Scholarship Application (see the Web site, http://www.armaseattle.org/)? Return the completed application to any of the Board members. The purpose of our scholarship program is to provide our members, ARMA professionals, with a resource to help them extend and expand their education.

    Pictures of the Month
    Here are photos from the ARMA International Conference in Long Beach last October.

    On the left, Secretary Susan Priebe poses with Queen Mary on (where else?) the Queen Mary!

    On the right, Chapter President Roger Winters and Past President Dean Koga, one of two Great Northwest Region Coordinators.

    Make Your Vote Count!
    Chapter elections will be this spring, as we again select officers to steer the activities and allocate the resources of our organization. Are you a potential candidate for President, VP-Programs, Secretary, Treasurer, or VP-Membership? Think about it! Job descriptions are available in the ARMA chapter bylaws and more information can be had by asking any of the current Board members about these opportunities for leadership. This is an opportunity to be involved, or at least to have a say in who will lead us during the exciting and outstanding times ahead in ARMA year 2005-2006.

    This Just In!

    Puget Sound Chapter’s February 9th Meeting
    “Public Right to Know”
    Wednesday, February 9, 2005 (register 6, dinner at 6:30, program 7:30)

    Since the 1970's, the State of Washington Public Records Act has provided citizens an opportunity to request information regarding the actions of public agencies financed by their tax dollars. This law has been the center of both controversy and conflict as the debate continues on what is 'private and personal' and what information should be open to the public. Nancy Krier and Linda Moran, attorneys for the State Attorney General's office, will provide an overview of the Public Records Act and also recent developments involving the disclosure of information. We welcome Nancy & Linda back to speak to our Chapter and share new developments that will affect all of us as records management professionals.

    Speakers:
    Nancy Krier: Ms. Krier is an attorney in the Licensing and Administrative Law Division of the Washington State Attorney General’s Office, where she serves as a section chief and is a Senior Counsel. She advises the Public Disclosure Commission and other agencies. Ms. Krier is a reviewer of state agency public records denials submitted to the AGO for review under the Public Records Act. Prior to her current assignment, she worked in the Criminal Justice Division on the civil rights team of attorneys responding to inmate civil rights lawsuits. She also advised Department of Corrections programs such as the budget office, public records office, and institutional industries. She received her B.A., summa cum laude, in political science and journalism from the University of North Dakota in 1982 and her J.D. from the UW in 1986.

    Linda Moran: Ms. Moran is the division chief of the Licensing and Administrative Law Division of the Attorney General’s Office. This division provides legal services for several state agencies and advises various state boards and commissions. Linda’s primary legal assignment is to advise the Department of Licensing, and she has administrative oversight for attorneys and professional staff located in Olympia and Seattle. Linda is a 1983 graduate (magna cum laude) of Rhode Island College in Providence, Rhode Island and a 1986 graduate (cum laude) of the Seattle University School of Law.
    Make your reservations in several ways:
    Call Chrissy Stroberger at: 253-926-5980, Fax: 866-560-0574,
    register on-line at http://www.pugettsoundarma.org/
    or e-mail Chrissy at cstroberger@rainierpac.com.

    Bellevue-Eastside Chapter’s February 8 Program
    Information Retrieval - “The New Paradigm”
    Tuesday, February 8, 2005 (register 5:30, dinner at 6, program 7)

    Speaker: Patrick Sokolan, Vice President & Chief Technology Officer for Arcessa
    Mr. Sokolan will examine the current world of information retrieval and help us understand how we need to shift our approaches and use of technologies to solve the current and future critical issues with retrieval. His presentation will help us understand the products and technologies supporting information retrieval. Mr. Sokolan will discuss the new paradigm in effectively identifying and solving the information retrieval problems and issues facing many organizations today.

    Mr. Sokolan’s background includes more than 21 years of management and large-scale information technology experience. In his current capacity as CTO and VP at Arcessa, he is responsible for the design and delivery of terabyte to petabyte information retrieval systems in the Federal Government space.

    Prior to joining Arcessa, as President of SST Consulting, he provided information and knowledge management services to a broad range of companies in the banking, education, retail and manufacturing sectors. As a management consultant he has worked with companies like EpicEdge, the Spiegel Group, Eddie Bauer and Motorola. His list of successfully completed projects is long and includes assignments like the “Webification” of the Washington State Court system, migration and data unification of 100,000+ node networks, and several “merging of disparate systems” following complex multi-company acquisition events. His typical involvements are driven by the need to join, fuse and analyze large amounts of disparate and geographically disperse data in complex environments.

    Board Member Contact Information
    Here’s how to reach the six members of the Greater Seattle Chapter Board:
    * Roger Winters, President: roger.winters@metrokc.gov or (206) 296-7838
    * Dean Koga, Past President: dkoga@stoel.com or (206) 386-7508
    * Andrea Bettger, VP-Programs: andrea.bettger@seattle.gov or (206) 615-1609
    * Shelley Boogaard, VP-Membership: mailto:sboogaard@riddellwilliams.comor (206) 389-1637
    * Susan Priebe, Secretary: mailto:susan.priebe@pfcenter.com or (206) 628-7292
    * Clifford Moon, Treasurer: cliff@fileboxseattle.com or (206) 328-5688

    Have You Looked at the Blogs Lately?
    The Great Northwest Region chapters are collaborating on records and information related job announcements and messages from job seekers, so all this information can be maintained in one place, but used by everyone. The place to look is the “ARMA Jobs Northwest” WeB LOG” (blog), which is located on the Web at http://armajobsnw.blogspot.com/. If you have job openings information, be sure to let your chapter’s job information representative know, or at least send the information to me at roger.winters@metrokc.gov.

    The Greater Seattle Chapter has its own “blog” for general purposes. It is located at http://seattlearma.blogspot.com/. This blog serves us somewhat like a Web page does and somewhat like a Newsletter would—it’s somewhere in between. You may not realize it, but you can post comments on our blog! For any particular message, there’s a small “comments” link—click on it and say your piece! There’s also a little envelope icon—use it to e-mail the particular message to someone else.

    * ON A PERSONAL NOTE …
    I will miss the February 3 meeting, so I’ll not have the enjoyment of hearing Barbara Benson’s presentation. In another part of my life, I’ve been appointed to a national advisory board for support groups for the Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Foundation. I’m a co-coordinator of the Seattle Area RLS Support Group. RLS is a sleep disorder—as bedtime approaches, sensations arise in the legs (usually the calves) that, while hard to describe (“creepy-crawly,” “building tension,” “electric”), can only be relieved by moving the legs; you can’t sleep or sit still until the condition resolves itself, often not until 3 or later in the morning. RLS is widespread, but unrecognized by those afflicted with it and by their doctors. It often runs in families and, left untreated, can be very disruptive of sleep, relationships, and more. The advisory board is being brought together in Pittsboro, North Carolina, for meetings February 2-5. For more information about RLS, see the foundation’s Web site at http://www.rls.org/, or contact me (rwinters@seanet.com or 206-296-7838-work).