And the winner is......

Puget Sound Chapter for 2008 Chapter of the Year-Large Chapter, Congratulations!

Pictured just after the ARMA awards dinner from left to right Marc Simpson, Greater Northwest Region Manager and Past President; Tara Ramos, Treasure; Ember Krumwied, President; Joy Sage, Director; and Sue Lord ARMA Board Director and Past President.

ARMA Conference Wrap-Up and Core Competencies

As the saying usually goes, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, unless we are talking about the 53rd Annual ARMA International Conference and then we just have to share all the details! Which is exactly what our November program will do! Join us on Thursday, November 6, at the Best Western Executive Inn in Seattle to hear about the conference from several members who attended. Attendees will share information about the sessions they attended and the newest gadgets, software, etc. from vendors they visited.

Date: Thursday, November 6, 2008

Agenda: 5:30 p.m. networking; 6:00 p.m. dinner; 7:00 p.m. program

Cost: $25 (dinner); presentation only $10
Serving harvest green salad, grilled Mahi Mahi, rice pilaf or vegetarian option pasta primavera with vegetables. For dessert Key Lime Pie.

Location: Best Western Executive Inn (200 Taylor Avenue North). For directions, see below.

Program Title and Description: ARMA Conference Wrap-Up and Core Competencies Attendees of the ARMA International conference will share their knowledge about their favorite presentations. You will hear from records managers from several different sectors, such as government, hydro-power, biotechnology, and legal field. You will understand ARMA’s RIM Core Competencies; also how to access ARMA International’s tools on their Website. We will also be giving away several goodies—you won’t want to miss this meeting!

Who will be speaking?
This will be a joint Bellevue Eastside and Greater Seattle Chapter meeting, so members from both chapters will be invited to speak and share their ARMA Conference experience. Some of the speakers will be: Andrea Bettger, Fran Blaylock, Andrew SanAgustin, Jennifer Winkler, and many more!

Register: This program is open to all professionals interested in learning about the ARMA International Conference. Please register by Monday, November 3, by emailing registration@armaseattle.org and include your name, organization, phone number, and DINNER selection.

Directions to the Best Western Executive Inn: From Interstate 5, driving north or south, take the Mercer Street exit (Exit #167). At the bottom of the ramp, bear right (onto Fairview) and then go left at the stoplight. After crossing 9th Avenue, you will pass through a short tunnel and the street becomes Broad Street. Stay in the left lane as you proceed on Broad Street. The first opportunity to turn left is a left-turn lane pull-out, which you should take (onto Taylor Avenue). The Best Western Executive Inn is on the left (East) side of the street.

Parking: There is on-street metered parking available. (We can no longer offer parking for our members in the hotel’s garage.) You may also take Metro buses 3, 4, or 16.

GNW Region Marketing

GNW Region Marketing

Some of you may remember me from a few years ago when I was the Great Northwest Region Manager from July 1999 through June 2003. At the end of two terms, I needed to take some time off from any ARMA leadership positions because I was so busy with my new job and on travel about half of the time. But after a few years passed by, like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, I realized that I missed my ARMA family and getting involved in ARMA activities.

So it was time to find my way back home - not to my birth state in Kansas, but back home to ARMA. Since clicking my red dance shoes wouldn’t help me find my way home, I contacted (then in-coming) Region Manager, Marc Simpson and Kit Schultz and asked if there was something I could do for the region and my home chapter. Now I am very pleased to say that I am the new Great Northwest Region Marketing Director and the Columbia Basin Chapter Secretary. You’re all familiar with the chapter secretary position and responsibilities, but if you’re wondering what the Marketing Director is responsible for doing, let me take a minute to describe the position.

Working with Marc, Fran, Cindy, and Andrea in our region, as well as other leaders and members at the international, region, and chapter level, the Marketing Director will be responsible for promoting ARMA and the many benefits of being a member to increase attendance to GNW region conferences and increase membership for the chapters. This may include assisting in developing new chapters, reinstating dormant chapters, working with chapters to market to local businesses, increasing advertising for region conferences, and various other ways to increase membership for our region. In order to develop as many good marketing ideas as possible, I’ll be contacting members in our region as well as other regions’ officers and ARMA International to get recommendations for building membership and attendance and to find out what has or has not worked in the past. So if you have any ideas or suggestions for marketing our region to bring in new members and to increase conference attendance, please pass your comments on to me. And I’ll be sharing the ideas and suggestions with our region so the chapter leaders can determine what should be incorporated into their chapter’s plans.

So it turns out that for me, the Wizard was right. There really is no place like home. And it’s great to be back!

Yours sincerely,

Deb Martin
GNW Region Marketing Director

Seattle Area Archivist hosting Archives Fair

Archives Fair will be on Monday, October 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Seattle City Hall, 600 4th Ave in the Bertha Knight Landes room.

At 11 a.m. Treasures in the Seattle Municipal Archives will be presented by Scott Cline, Seattle City Archivist

If you are in the downtown area please consider stopping by during the fair to find out what collections, services and materials are in the area archives.

Legal Industry Specific Group

Legal Industry Specific Group
When: November 11, Noon-1 p.m.
Where: Foster Pepper 1111 3rd Ave 30th Floor Seattle Wa 98101
Register: Contact Andrew SanAgustin

Nexus

ImageSource, Inc. is proudly hosting its annual Nexus Conference at the Meydenbauer Convention Center in Bellevue, Washington held on October 14-15, 2008. This two-day conference is packed with education and insight that will be beneficial to all organizations that want to transform their business processes to provide the best value. This is ECM Solutions Conference.

Nexus has value for all IT professionals, including executives and directors, IT specialists, system engineers, project managers, records managers, and all technology users. Breakout sessions are rated by complexity to ensure that all attendees are getting the best experience from the conference.

ImageSource would also like to give ARMA members $100 off their registration fee for Nexus. When registering, please enter the promotion code found here.
For more information on Nexus or to register for the event, please visit http://www.nexusecm.com/.

Posted by Andrea Bettger, Greater Seattle President

Golden Path to Success

Greetings GNW Region chapters:

Success is measured in many ways in every facet of our lives. How does success look? When do you know when you have reached the “Land of Oz” after journeying down the long golden path through the many trials and tribulations that meet you along the way? Success has a different meaning to each individual. Many quotes have been written trying to encompass what it means both personally, professionally and on a spiritual level. One quote that I find meaningful is:
”To succeed... you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you” - by Tony Dorsett.

However I firmly believe that to be truly successful, you must find a sense of balance in all aspects of your life. Another quote that helps me to find that balance is:

“To laugh much; to win respect of intelligent persons and the affections of children; to earn the approbation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give one's self; to leave the world a little better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm, and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived--this is to have succeeded" - by one of my favorite poets, Ralph Waldo Emerson.

No matter how success is defined, I encourage you to look to ARMA to start down that yellow brick road and develop your own definition. I want to encourage you as an ARMA member to consider what ARMA and your chapter specifically can do to help you gain the knowledge, courage, confidence and heart to be a RIM leader.

There are many options currently available to you as an ARMA member to enhance your skills and increase your value as a RIM professional in the workplace. Starting at the chapter level, make sure you take the time to attend the meetings offered by your local chapter. Also, don’t hesitate to check the meetings put on by our neighboring chapters. The chapters in our region work hard to offer an array of topics, so I am confident you will find something of value to you. Another option is to attend the ARMA International Conference in Las Vegas running from October 20th through the 23rd. It is a powerful networking opportunity, considering ARMA members worldwide attend this conference!

As a final note, one of the most important resources we have in our region is the power of networking. Keep in touch with your local chapter and your ARMA friends. I don’t know how many times I have contacted someone in ARMA when I have a problem at work to solve or just need to connect to others in RIM. It is this connection that makes our region and ARMA so special!

Also, don’t forget…if you plan to attend the ARMA International Conference in Las Vegas, please check the information board in the Registration area for the time and date of our no-host region luncheon. Marc and I will scope out the perfect spot! Also, there is a region reception on Sunday, October 19th in the conference hotel. Again, please check the information board in the Registration area for the time. It is an excellent opportunity for networking with other members of our GREAT! Northwest Region.

Hope to see you there!

Fran Blaylock
GNW Region Coordinator
Posted by: Andrea Bettger, Greater Seattle President

Email Management –Policies and Procedures

Educational Program Infomation
Greater Seattle Chapter of ARMA, International

Date: Thursday, October 2, 2008

Time: Noon – 1:00 p.m.

Cost: FREE (bring your own brown bag) There is no charge for this meeting.

Location: Seattle City Hall, 600 4th Ave, room 214 (inside of City Council’s reception room)

Program Title: Email Management –Policies and Procedures

Program Description:
Email has become our primary means of business communication within our organizations and the outside world. It has become necessary for records managers to implement guidelines and policies. Some of the driving forces for email management are the need to access historical emails and documents for critical business decisions, legal discovery, storage management, and corporate governance.

Our expert panel, Vanessa Ressler and Jeff Benson will speak about email management at the Port of Seattle and National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and help you solve some of your email issues.

Speakers Profile:
Vanessa Ressler is the Records Program Manager at the Port of Seattle.
She began working for the Port of Seattle in September 2000. Prior to working for the Port, she worked in the medical records field for 26 years. Vanessa worked at two hospitals in Oregon and a home health agency here in Washington and currently manages the Port’s records program and is the Port’s Records Officer and oversee the public disclosure process.

Jeff Benson is currently at the National Archives and Records Administration/Pacific Alaska Regional Office in Seattle, where he has been a Senior Records Analyst for over nine years.
His previous work experience includes Regional Records Officer contractor at the Seattle office of the EPA; as well as archival/records management responsibilities in the private sector (Weyerhaeuser Company), state government (New York State), and municipal government (New York City).

Register: This program is open to all professionals interested in learning about the Email Mangement-Polcies and Procedures. Please register by Tuesday, Septeber 30, by email registration@armaseattle.org please include your name, organization, and phone number.

How to Get There: Seattle City Hall (600 4th Ave Seattle, WA) Southbound on I-5:Take the James Street exit #165A and turn right on Columbia or James streets. Northbound on I-5: Take the James Street exit #164A and turn left on James street. Take a bus by going to King County Metro Transit Trip Finder.

Parking: There are several parking garages around Seattle City Hall or on-street parking.

Posted by: Andrea Bettger, Greater Seattle President

Greater Seattle, September 11 meeting CANCELED!

The Greater Seattle Chapter meeting on September 11, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Best Western Executive Inn is CANCELED due to low attendance.

I believe several people would find Microsoft MOSS SharePoint topic very valuable and would like to reschedule this meeting for a later date. Please follow the link for a short survey—only four questions
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=UEKx93OxHYPFRlBdcmkY_2bg_3d_3d


I apologize in advance for any inconvenience and hope to see you at our October 2, meeting.

Andrea Bettger
Greater Seattle President

Value Proposition for SharePoint

Greater Seattle Chapter Meeting

Date: Thursday, September 11, 2008

Time: 4:30-5:30 p.m. Networking; 5:30-6:30 p.m. Program

Cost: $25 (hor oeuvres); presentation only $10

Location: Best Western Executive Inn (200 Taylor Avenue North). For directions, see below.

Program Title: Value Proposition for SharePoint

Program Description
With increasing legislative compliance and Rules of Federal Evidence, the sheer volume of electronic documents and email created with Microsoft OFFICE has steamrolled any idea of safely filing inside the Windows Directory.

Microsoft SharePoint, and the Microsoft OFFICE SharePoint Server, through use of databasing, allows one method to accurate file and share common electronic documents. But is it enough? Learn how the Clearview ECM solution (clearviewecm.com) empowers SharePoint to overcome fundamental challenges in security and user adoption, while fully leveraging the current investment in enterprise software license agreements.


Speaker Profile
Peter Frix from The Frix Technology Group is a locally-owned system integrator of content management solutions. Peter Frix, Principle of the Frix Technology Group, has automated business processes with electronic records for 25 years. He has a Bachelor of Science –Management from University of Portland, Certificate as a Document Imaging Architech (CDIA), CompTIA and Certificate as an Electronic Information Records Manager (CEIRM), University of Washington.


In 1999, ImajNet was launched to improve total solution quality by co-locating the Project Management for conversion of customer documents and metadata with installation of complex, database solutions. In 2006, The Frix Technology Group acquired FreeDoc, a successful document scanning service bureau, followed by Western Micro Services, since re-named WesternMICROFILM, in 2007.

Register: This program is open to all professionals interested in learning about the Digitial Records Recovery. Please register by Monday, September 8, by emailing registration@armaseattle.org and include your name, organization, and phone number.

Directions to the Best Western Executive Inn: From Interstate 5, driving north or south, take the Mercer Street exit (Exit #167). At the bottom of the ramp, bear right (onto Fairview) and then go left at the stoplight. After crossing 9th Avenue, you will pass through a short tunnel and the street becomes Broad Street. Stay in the left lane as you proceed on Broad Street. The first opportunity to turn left is a left-turn lane pull-out, which you should take (onto Taylor Avenue). The Best Western Executive Inn is on the left (East) side of the street.

Parking: There is on-street metered parking available. (We can no longer offer parking for our members in the hotel’s garage.) You may also take Metro buses 3, 4, or 16.

AIIM Summer Events

AIIM's upcoming summer events are on Thursday July 31st and August 21st.

July 31st will feature the Washington Secretary of State Mr. Sam Reed as he explains current approaches and strategies within the State with respect to Electronic Content Management. The event will be on July 31 from 4 -7 p.m. at Swedish Cultural Center 1920 Dexter Ave. N, Seattle Wa. Cost is AIIM Members $10; Non-members $15.

On Thursday August 21st, we will host our annual summer boat cruise around Lake Washington, including dinner. The Lake Dinner Cruise will be on Thursday, August 21st, from 6-9:30p.m. The cruise will be on the Argosy Cruise Ship Champagne Lady leaving from the west side of Lake Union. Docking location AGD E Dock AGC marina on South Lake Union 1200 Westlake Ave N. Seattle, WA 98109. Cost AIIM Members $15; Non-Members $25.

To register or for more details, please see AIIM Northwest Website.

2008 Leadership Conference “Five stars! It was the most engaging, inspirational and motivational presentation I have ever been to!"

2008 GNW Region Leadership Conference (June 20 & 21 in Tacoma, Washington) was a success -- I give it two thumbs up and five stars! It was the most engaging, inspirational and motivational presentation I have ever been to --Tina Brickley, ARMA member of Greater Seattle Chapter.

The conference had a Hollywood theme, and the different segments were separated with "Take 1, take 2, etc." Leading lady Susan Lord (Great Northwest Region Manager and incoming ARMA International Board Member) was mesmerizing with an all-star cast: the charismatic Sharon Alexander-Gooding, an educator from the University of West Indies and on the ARMA International Board of Directors made the long journey from Barbados to Tacoma to co-star and gave a very informative, inspirational talk on ARMA International. She truly made the audience feel the impact of ARMA on the world and broadened our horizons about what ARMA is doing worldwide.

Another shining star Susan Whitmire informed us about the ARMA International Education Foundation, which is an organization dedicated to "advance the knowledge in the field of information management through the funding of research and education." (See Foundation Mission Statement). The foundation has scholarships you can apply for and they are happy to accept donations, contact the organization to find out more
at http://www.armaedfoundation.org/. Also, Susan was selling $5 drawing tickets for winners to receive admission to the ARMA conference coming up in Orlando (2009) after the Vegas (2008) conference. If you want a drawing ticket, please contact Andrea Bettger, who has the tickets locally and she will bring them to the August 15 meeting.

Also making a memorable and impressive appearance was Tom Killam, ARMA International Director of Member Services. Killam encouraged all of us to tap into the ARMA resources available to us, especially the ARMA online courses and information about RIM accreditation. There are so many resources available to us to improve and broaden our knowledge in our field and be better at what we do. Killam also gave us thought provoking ideas and encouraged us to contribute our ideas to develop better, stronger chapters that work more effectively. He also encouraged us to not only focus on our membership drive to attract new members, but also to keep the existing members engaged by keeping in touch with them and encouraging them to participate in various activities.

Dale Mask, a trainer from ALLIANCE also gave us thought-provoking ideas about the different kinds of leaders and managers that we work with and how to deal with them effectively by recognizing their styles and knowing how best to get positive results by working with them using the right methods. I feel I gained knowledge that I was able to take to my job and benefit me the very next week! He also gave us assignments as
individuals and as small groups and we found that the results we achieved as teams of people pooling our ideas together for the answers tended to yield better results than when we tried to solve problems alone as individuals.

We were even further in awe of the high-spirited appearance of Marc Simpson (incoming Region Manager) who got the audience involved in a "game show" about how to hold better board meetings, chapter meetings, and how better to treat potential new members. In general, we learned how to be better ARMA members as caring, professional individuals and as a group working together. We also learned that sometimes when planned speakers can't be present for meetings or something unexpected happens at the last minute, it's a good idea to have a back-up plan for a meeting. This way it is productive for the people that took all the trouble to get there and to still have a positive meeting.

There were numerous shining stars in the "game show" scenarios acted out. I think one actor deserves an honorable mention for “best comedic performance” in making us laugh with his wit that he interjected into his skit, and that is Andrew SanAgustin. Andrew, thank you for making us learn and laugh at the same time. I'd like to also give honorable mention for the "most enthusiastic game show contestant category" to Michelle Morrison (ARMA member from Idaho). Michelle also contributed some great ideas about things to make chapter meetings more effective and efficient in our more serious part of the seminar.

I'm sorry I cannot mention all the names but there were many wonderful shining stars that made it all possible. Everybody there, including the audience were truly shining stars and I was so glad to be a part of it as I learned so much and truly enjoyed every moment of it! I would without question, highly recommend a leadership conference to any ARMA member interested! It was extremely worthwhile for me and has truly made a change in how I manage not only my ARMA matters, but also my professional work matters and my personal matters with people I deal with everyday.

“Five stars! It was the most engaging, inspirational and motivational presentation I have ever been to"--Tina Brickley, ARMA member of Greater Seattle Chapter.

Photo (Left to Right: Fran Blaylock, Marc Simpson, Tom Killam, Susan Lord, and Sharon Alexander-Gooding)

Writing Effectively: August 15, 2-4 p.m.

August 15, 2-4 p.m. (1:45 p.m. registration)
Topic: Writing Effectively
NARA, 6125 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA
Speaker: Jon Osterberg, PEMCO
Cost: FREE; 30 participants only!
(ARMA member have priority)

In "Writing Effectively," you'll learn tips for how to improve business writing. The secret is to boost reader comprehension, and you can do that by breaking old habits and learning to write clearly and concisely. How?
• Adopt the "active" writing style
• Shorten word and sentence length
• Avoid redundancy and jargon
• Choose strong, specific verbs.

To register email your name, company name, and phone number to: registration@armaseattle.org

Andrea Bettger, Programs Director

Tri-Chapter Picnic, July 27

July 27, 1-3 p.m.
Tri-Chapter Picnic
Steel Lake Park, Picnic Area #3
2410 S. 312th ST
Federal Way, WA
Topic: Who has the best potato salad?

This will be our 2nd Annual Tri-Chapter Picnic with Bellevue Eastside, Greater Seattle, and Puget Sound Chapters. Come share burgers, hot-dogs, and the traditional summer salads. Everybody is invited family members, significant others, and partners. Last year it was great meeting some old and new ARMA friends. Please bring a side dish using the first letter of your last name:

• A-H - Salads, veggies, fruit
  
• I-P - Chips and dips
  
• Q-Z - Deserts
  
• Bringing your own beverages
  

If you plan on attending, please contact incoming Greater Seattle President, Andrea Bettger at andrea.bettger@seattle.gov.
I hope you will join us this year!

Server Anarchy: You Don’t Have to Live Like This

Topic: Server Anarchy: You Don’t Have to Live Like This
Speakers: Jennifer Winkler, City of Seattle and
Bill Greathouse, National Archives and Records Administration
Cost: FREE

July 1, 9:30-11 a.m. or July 2, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
LIVE Presentation at Seattle City Hall Internet Webinar at YOUR DESKTOP
600 4th Ave Directions provided with registration

To Register contact:
Jennifer Winkler, city of Seattle
Telephone: 206-684-8154 or Email: CRMP@seattle.gov

Greater Seattle Chapter Member of the Year 2007-2008

The Greater Seattle Chapter’s Chapter Member of the Year for 2007-2008 is--

Andrew SanAgustin, Foster Pepper

Please congratulate Andrew SanAgustin for a job well done!

Message from the Great Northwest Region Manager

Dear Great NW Region of ARMA members:

Oh, joy! Spring has arrived – finally! It is the promise of the regeneration of garden plantings, the placement of vegetable garden seeds, and the careful transplanting of seedlings that get me all excited about the season. The assurance and anticipation of the “fresh” and “new” that Spring always delivers makes me, well, just giddy!

During the springtime, Chapters, Regions and ARMA International also accomplish a little “regeneration” and “seedling transplanting”. New members to ARMA’s board of directors at the different leadership levels really do offer fresh ideas and add a sense of newness to the Association. It can be an exciting time for our ARMA volunteers. But, as with the seedlings in our gardens, we may need a little extra care to “grow” into sturdy leaders of our Association.

I am pleased that ARMA International has made the commitment to assist our volunteers in their endeavors to be strong chapter leaders. For the second year, ARMA has arranged for an executive leadership trainer to be present at each region’s Leadership Conference. In addition, ARMA has a section on its website that provides resources for our chapter leaders to assist them in their volunteer duties. ARMA has also recently developed a leadership course called “Personal Leadership Skills”. As part of ARMA’s Leadership Academy, this on-line course was created exclusively for ARMA volunteer leaders. It is part of ARMA’s commitment to support and help “grow” our chapter leaders’ development.

If you are a current ARMA chapter leader, or hope to be involved as a volunteer in our Association in the future, I encourage you to attend the Great Northwest Region of ARMA Leadership Conference to be held June 20-21 in Tacoma, WA. Hosted by the Puget Sound Chapter, this conference is an affordable opportunity for you to gain leadership skills (applicable to our work, home and other environments) during a four-hour course by executive leadership trainer, Dale Mask. You will also have the chance to learn more about ARMA and meet a member of its International’s Board of Directors, Sharon Alexander-Gooding, who will discuss the initiatives of our association. You will meet Tom Killam, ARMA’s Director of Member Services who will be speaking about the resources available to chapter leaders, and, most important, you will be meeting and sharing with your fellow ARMA leaders and members from throughout our Region. This Conference promises to offer “nourishment” to the current and new ARMA volunteers in our great Region. I hope you will consider attending. Please see more information at our website http://www.armagreatnorthwest.org. If you have any questions about the Leadership Conference, please do not hesitate to contact me at slord@vjglaw.com or 253-383-3791.

Finally, I have enjoyed my years as the Great Northwest Region Manager because of you. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve you and get to know you. I feel I have grown both professionally and personally by working for and with my colleagues in our GREAT! Northwest Region. So, it is with a sense of sadness that I step down. Alternatively, I am also excited (its that “spring” feeling of newness, again!) that the Region will be in the capable hands of our Region Coordinator, Fran Blaylock, and Region Manager, Marc Simpson, as there is already a sense of new “growth” and “fresh ideas” for our Region! Your “new” region team will serve you well, I am sure!

Very truly yours,
Susan M. Lord, Manager
Great Northwest Region of ARMA

Disaster Recovery: Lessons Learned from Katrina and Recovery Techniques

Please consider joining the Bellevue Eastside and the Greater Seattle Chapter for this great workshop on May 14.

Topic: Disaster Recovery Lessons Learned from Katrina and Recovery Techniques Spring Workshop Brochure

Date: May 14, 2008

Time: All day seminar 9:00 am--4 pm; Dinner: 5:30-8:00 p.m.

Locations: Seattle City Hall (600 4th Ave Seattle, WA) and Best Western Executive Inn (200 Taylor Ave) for directions follow links

Cost:
All day, no dinner $75 (includes lunch)
Morning only $40 (no lunch)
Dinner only $27 (Best Western-Executive Inn 200 Taylor Ave)
All Day, plus dinner $90

Description: Disaster Recovery: Lessons from Katrina
As Records Manager for Mississippi Power Company, Gail Ann McCreary, CRM, was responsible for managing the company’s records recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina hit the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 2005. Using photographs, Gail Ann will describe their experiences in the aftermath of the worst natural disaster in US history.

In addition to handling various degrees of damage to records at multiple sites, three corporate office buildings had to be completely vacated of undamaged records, personal effects, computer equipment and office furniture –- in 2 weeks and without electricity, telephones, elevators, or personnel. Emphasis will be placed on disaster response and records recovery efforts as well as preparation, management of the overall disaster recovery effort, customer service issues and business impact. The presentation will conclude with lessons learned from the disaster and recovery process with opportunity for questions.

Disaster Recovery Techniques
In the afternoon, attendees will be shown disaster recovery techniques such as the recovery of photographs, paper, books and electronic media. Participants will be able to practice these techniques on-site at Seattle City Hall. (You may get wet!)

Speaker: Gail Ann McCreary, CRM is the Records Manager for Mississippi Power Company, a position she has held for over 28 years. Prior to starting the Records Management Program at Mississippi Power she was a reference librarian for the Mississippi Library Commission. She received her bachelor’s degree from Mississippi University for Women.

Gail Ann has been an active member of ARMA International since 1980, serving the association at the chapter, region and association levels. She is a former Chair of the Utilities ISG and the Member Relations Committee and has served on the ARMA International Board of Directors.
Gail Ann obtained her CRM designation in 1988 and served several years as Coordinator of the ICRM Mentorship Program.

There are two payment options:

Check: Please send your check /money-order made payable to ARMA Greater Seattle Chapter: Spring 2008 Workshop
Send Check To: Greater Seattle Chapter of ARMA, International
Spring 2008 Workshop
PO Box 218
Seattle, WA 98111-0218

Credit Card: Please bring card day of event. Advance processing, contact Jennifer Winkler, 206-684-8154 or Andrea Bettger, 206-615-1609.

Registration Deadline: Monday, May 12, 2008 5 p.m.

Questions? Jennifer Winkler, 206-684-8154

You can add your name quickly to the roster by registering online at SpringWorkshop 2008 website.

Mercury Access Systems: Rugged Mobile Documentation Technology, April 30

On April 30, 2008, Mercury Access Systems will present Rugged
Mobile Documentation Technology conference from 8 a.m. to noon. Presenting business and
government departments our specialized rugged hardware, mobile, data and
document management solutions to succeed nowadays. Attendees will learn:

• How things have changed on rugged computer and mobile industry.
  
• What it takes to be more efficient with your mobile data anywhere
  anytime
  
• How to run and build your business or agency by having the right
  tools on hand.
  

Experienced representatives from EC Computers, Mercury Access Systems,
Captaris, Roper Mobile, Tiburon, Formotus Inc. Who've been there, done
that, shared their success tips, as well as some of their mistakes.

Over 200 professionals will attend this event- and with good reason! We
tell it like it is, giving them the hardware and software tools to manage
the flow of business information from anywhere and anytime information you
can use to accelerate your success.

To register contact Gino Reyes

EC Computers Inc./ Mercury Access Systems
Vice President of Business Development
Phone 206-878-3321

Opportunity Is Knocking

I have few regrets in life. But of those few, most involve opportunities that I let pass me by.

April is just full of opportunities for members of the Great Northwest Region of ARMA!

First up is the Great Northwest Region Conference April 7-9 in Portland. The Region Conference is an excellent opportunity to expand both your knowledge and your network, as well as see the latest goods and services our vendors have to offer. Come learn, see old friends, make new ones, and have fun. This is one that I won’t let pass me by! Will I see you there? I surely hope so. If you haven’t already done so, register now! There is still time and still room for you at the Conference!

There are some great opportunities just ahead in our chapters too. This is the time of year that our chapters seek nominees for their respective Boards. If you truly want an opportunity for personal and professional growth, this is it. At our recent Region Team meeting, Sue, Fran and I talked a bit about how much we each have learned from serving in ARMA. I doubt that ten years ago any of us envisioned ourselves serving on the Region level, yet here we are. Now, beginning July 1, 2008, our Region Manager and friend, Sue Lord will be moving up to serve on the ARMA International Board of Directors! We agreed that each level has taught us new skills and expanded our horizons. The training that we have received has been invaluable. That training can be yours too. And it all starts at the chapter level. Learn new skills or sharpen old ones. Hone your supervisory skills, learn how to manage a project, and become a more effective communicator. These opportunities await you in serving your chapter. Contact your chapter’s Nominations Chair.** I’ll bet there is still time and still room for you on the ballot!

It has been an honor and a privilege for me to serve these past few years as Treasurer of the Great Northwest Region. I want to thank Sue and Fran for giving me the opportunity. But as my term ends on June 30th, the opportunity for someone else to serve as Region Treasurer begins. Might this be your opportunity?

Don’t let these great opportunities pass you by. Opportunity is knocking. Open the door.

Sincerely yours,

Marc

Marc J. Simpson, Treasurer
Great Northwest Region
of ARMA International

**For the GREATER SEATTLE CHAPTER, the Nominations Chair is Roger Winters, Past President. You can indicate your interest in possible leadership roles for the chapter by contacting Roger SOON at roger.winters@kingcounty.gov or (206) 296-7838.

March 6, Greater Seattle Chapter Meeting

Program Title: Digital Records Recovery: The What, Where, When, Why and Most Importantly How?Who

Should Attend?: Records and Information Managers, IT professionals and Legal Professionals. If you need to comply with CRM credits, please contact Program Director.

Date: Thursday, March 6, 2008

Time: 8:00-8:45 a.m. Registration, networking and breakfast; 8:45-9:45 a.m. Program

Cost: $20 (includes continental breakfast); presentation only $10

Location: Best Western Executive Inn (200 Taylor Avenue North). For directions, see below.

Program Description: The 2006 addendums to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedures explicitly include electronic evidence as discoverable in litigation. In this session we will:

• Discuss the specifics of the new rules that apply to digital records and electronic evidence;
  
• Learn how to recognize potential electronic evidence in the enterprise and classify/manage it appropriately;
  
• Consider ways to understand identification, ownership, location, and secure preservation, recovery, and management of relevant electronic data;
  
• Discuss needs and gaps in litigation evidence procedures and provide policy and process guidance;
  
• Talk about ways that Records Managers, IT and Counsel can collaborate to oversee scoping, planning and management of electronic evidence discovery and recovery procedures.
  
• Discuss the importance of clear and well understood records retention rules and the records manager's role in the preservation and recovery of digital records as electronic evidence.
  

The presentation will begin with a short explanation of the changes that were made in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and explain specifically how they apply to records management practices. Matthews will look at some of the specific issues that have arisen in case law as a result of this emphasis on electronic evidence.

Matthews will discuss the communication challenges that arise between records management, IT professionals, attorneys and courts. He will discuss ways to help litigators with little or no understanding of enterprise IT operations.

Specifically Matthews will describe and demonstrate some documentation that has been created as a primer for attorneys in which is described all of the different types of electronic data, its location, ownership and the procedures, resources (time, personnel and money) required to recover it if necessary. Matthews will talk about possible solutions to better identify and manage records that might be relevant to current or future litigation.

Matthews will encourage audience participation in a discussion of their specific environments and how the information we have shared might play out in those environments.

Speaker Profile: David R. Matthews, CISSP, GSEC, CISM, City of Seattle
David Matthews is currently the Deputy Chief Information Security Officer for the City of Seattle. He has worked in the Information Technology field since 1992. He began his IT career as a Network Administrator and all around IT support for a small public relations firm. He began working for the City of Seattle as the Technology Manager for the Legislative Department (City Council) in 1998. In early 2005 he was selected to be the first Deputy CISO for the City. In May, 2005, the City’s CISO was hired by the University of Washington and David was made Acting CISO. He worked in that capacity until April, 2006 when the City hired a new CISO. In his work for the City he has developed and created a NIMS/ICS compliant incident response plan; updated and extensively re-written the City’s Information Security Policy; and created and taught training courses on information security and forensics. He has most recently created an IT primer for the City’s Law department as part of his collaboration with them on eDiscovery issues.

He is a participant and leader in regional information security organizations. He is the public sector co-chair of the US-Cert/DHS sponsored North West Alliance for Cyber Security (NWACS). With PSACS he has worked with the Pacific Northwest Economic Region non-profit (PNWER) to sponsor information security training for SCADA operators and managers; four Blue Cascades disaster scenario exercises, and is the creator and editor of a portal web-site with local information security and forensics activities, a library of best practice documents and links to information security and forensics web sites (www.psacs.org/portal/psacs)

David is also an active participant in the Agora, Pacific CISO forum (PACISSO), Computer Technology Investigators Network (CTIN), ISSA, ISACA, InfraGuard and ISC2. He participates on the local Critical Infrastructure Protection sub-committee of the Regional Homeland Security team, and also works with a national infrastructure protection group called TISP (The Infrastructure Security Partnership). He has published an article on Active Defense in the ISSA journal, and has presented at many emergency management and information security conferences. His most recent presentation on eDiscovery called “Translating Geek for Attorneys” has been presented to records managers, information technology and security audiences and was given as a continuing legal education course for the U.S. Attorney’s office in Seattle.

David is a native of the Seattle area whose interests spread much further than IT or even Information Security. He is an avid reader, writer, hiker, biker, gardener, and a black belt in Shitoryu karate. He and his wife live with their three children north of Seattle.


Register: This program is open to all professionals interested in learning about the Digitial Records Recovery. Please register by Monday, March 3, by email registration@seattlearma.org. Include your name, organization, and phone number.

Directions to the Best Western Executive Inn: From Interstate 5, driving north or south, take the Mercer Street exit (Exit #167). At the bottom of the ramp, bear right (onto Fairview) and then go left at the stoplight. After crossing 9th Avenue, you will pass through a short tunnel and the street becomes Broad Street. Stay in the left lane as you proceed on Broad Street. The first opportunity to turn left is a left-turn lane pull-out, which you should take (onto Taylor Avenue). The Best Western Executive Inn is on the left (East) side of the street.

Parking: There is on-street metered parking available. (We can no longer offer parking for our members in the hotel’s garage.) You may also take Metro buses 3, 4, or 16.

I hope to see you there! David Matthews is a great speaker and this is a very exciting topic!

Andrea Bettger, Programs Director

Elected to ARMA International Board!

**** Way to Go, Sue! ****

The Greater Seattle Chapter of ARMA International congratulates Sue Lord, Great Northwest Region Manager, on her election to the ARMA International Board of Directors!

Sue's term will begin July 1, 2008, running through June 30, 2011.

Once again*, a leader from the Great Northwest Region has stepped up to the plate to give time, energy, and dedication to our professional association.

We have valued Sue's guidance, support, and contributions to our Region, our State, and our Chapter, particularly over the past few years when she has been our Region Manager. We know she will give the ARMA International organization her commitment to excellence, her extraordinary enthusiasm, and her simply powerful love for our profession and for ARMA International.

Please join in congratulating Susan Lord for her achievement!

By clicking on Sue's name above, you should open a new e-mail message addressed to her, in which you can express your personal feelings about all that she has done and wish her well in her new role with ARMA International as a Board member.

*Recent Great Northwest Region leaders who have become leaders in ARMA International have included Dave McDermott, CRM (former President of the association), and Bonnie Nadler, CRM, a current member of the Board.

Great Northwest Region Manager Sue Lord

MESSAGE FROM THE REGION MANAGER

Dear ARMA Members:

The 2008 Great Northwest Region Conference is fast approaching! I am getting so excited! The 2 ½ day affair will be held Monday thru Wednesday, April 7-9, 2008, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland OR. Very affordable lodging has been arranged by the chapter at a hotel near the convention center.

The Oregon Chapter of ARMA has been working diligently for well over a year in planning and executing our Region Conference. They have a terrific slate of speakers set for this educational event. They have thoughtfully considered educational content that addresses the technologies, practices, and issues related to the management of records and information. Subject matter includes sessions on RIM basics such as beginning a records program and creating retention schedules for attendees who are, perhaps, new to our profession. Other sessions focus on CRM exams, electronic records retention, project management, and how the new Federal Rules of Civil Procedure affect our profession and the management of our records.

We have some “hot” speakers, as well! Straight from the ARMA International conference will be John Isaza, Esq. I have had the pleasure of taking several of Mr. Isaza’s sessions at the last couple International Conferences. Mr. Isaza is a lawyer from California and is widely recognized as one of the country's foremost experts on electronic discovery, the revised Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and other RIM issues. This speaker is great and he will be providing several sessions at our Region Conference. In addition, we are honored to have ARMA International President-Elect, John Frost, CRM speaking about our organization’s initiative “ARMA RIM Competencies Project - Advancing Our Profession and Your Career”. These two speakers alone are worth the price of admission, but there is SO much more!

In addition, please know there will be a vendor show during the conference. This is a great opportunity for you to meet with sellers of software, records storage, supplies, and equipment unique to our profession. If your organization is in the market for such, this is a great place to begin your search.

I do hope you plan to attend this educational event. Registration has begun and in order to get the “early registration” discount, please be sure to register by March 15th. In addition, ARMA and AIIM members are offered discounts. I am counting on you to share this message with other records/information management professionals, administrators, or attorneys in your place of business or RIM community. We really want to get the message out about this educational event, about the benefits of ARMA, and our profession.

To read more about the conference, go to https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=169222 and register today!

I look forward to seeing you in Portland!

Very truly yours,

Susan M. Lord

Message from Fran Blaylock, Region Coordinator

What Matters to You?
by Fran Blaylock, GNW Region Coordinator

Greetings and Happy New Year to all my GNW ARMA friends! I hope 2008 finds all of you healthy, mentally alert and ready to start the challenges of the New Year. A recent advertising campaign caught my eye that I think is an appropriate question both in our professional and personal lives. The advertising focuses around a single question, “What Matters to You?” I find the content of the ads amusing considering the different items people put on the pedestal. It truly brings to light how each of us is an individual with varying needs, hopes and accomplishments. I have occupied many seats as an ARMA member, leader, and mentor, and I think it is very necessary to answer this question no matter where you are at in your professional and personal growth.

I know our local chapters have struggled with this question trying to determine various ways to reach their membership. I speak often on the need for you as an ARMA member to communicate your needs and interests with your chapter leaders and to ARMA International. I think it is equally as important to touch base and consider what I call a whole life approach. It is easy to lose sight of your goals if you can’t find a way to harmonize all the different facets of your life. Take a few moments out of your busy schedule to list what is important to you and then what you need to do to support the top items on your list. This activity may require some soul searching as often we forget to stretch out of our comfort zone! Seriously consider all the possibilities and try something new. View ARMA and its membership as your primary resource for the challenges you face as a RIM professional.

I encourage each of you to review your list of “What Matters to You”. If you have professional goals that can’t be met due to lack of information or the right connections, contact your local chapter or ARMA International. I have always said a task doesn’t get done by contemplating the outcome…just do it! Your GNW Region leadership is also here to help. We do our best to recognize the needs of our region chapters, but we need your help to communicate what those needs are.

One way to support your vision of our profession is to help make ARMA grow in a positive direction. Review the 2008 Board of Directors candidates on the ARMA International website and cast your vote. One of GNW Regions finest is in contention this year. Guess who? Also the GNW Region Conference, hosted by the Oregon chapter is fast approaching. The dates are April 7-9 at the Oregon Convention Center. You will receive the brochure in the next few days. Please take a moment to look it over as there is an excellent speaker list! If you need information now, visit the conference website at www.regonline.com/armagnw2008/. Oregon has done a terrific job in putting this conference together, and it is a great motivator to enhance your RIM knowledge and meet other RIM professionals in our region.

I wish you all a Happy Valentine's Day and hope to see you at the GNW Conference!

Fran Blaylock
GNW Region Coordinator

Region Treasurer on Raising Our Voices

Let’s Raise Our Voices!

Welcome to 2008! This year is destined be an historic year. 2008 will bring us many things including another February 29th as well as another Winter Olympics. It will also bring us another Great Northwest Region Conference this April. The conference committee has been working very hard. I’ve had a sneak peek and I know that you will be thrilled to see the conference they have put together for us! The brochure is due out very soon, so watch your mailboxes for it. This is one you won’t want to miss!

The most historic event of 2008 will be the Presidential election. Will we see history made with the election of the first woman President or the first Afro-American President? Or will it be one of the other candidates? Who will we elect? Regardless of who we elect, the most important part is “we elect”. Our right to vote is one of the most sacred of our rights. It means that we, the people get to decide who we want to lead us. It is a right that separates us from dictatorships and one that thousands of our country’s men and women have fought and died for us to have. When Abraham Lincoln wrote his Gettysburg Address, he used the phrase “of the people, by the people, for the people.’ “By the people” means that the government is elected by the people. But if we don’t vote, what message do we send to our forefathers? What message do we send to our troops around the world?

A lot of people like to believe that their one vote isn’t significant. What does it matter what one person thinks, right? Wrong! The idea for independence started with two men who persuaded fifty others to sign the Declaration of Independence, pledging their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to the cause. Many of them lost their fortunes and many their lives in the struggle for independence. Don’t we owe it to them, and everyone who has fought to secure our rights, to vote?

The ARMA International 2008 Board of Directors elections are right around the corner with chapter elections soon after that. It is just as important that we all participate in those elections as well. Of all of the organizations that I have seen, ARMA is truly one that is made up of its members, by its members, and for its members. What we, the members, think and want is important. Let’s start 2008 off right by raising our voices and flexing our voting muscle. I urge all of you to visit the online candidate forum at My ARMA to read each of the candidate’s bios and views on the key issues. Then remember to vote!
Oh, and if you’re an “old dog” like me and aren’t real comfortable voting online, ask ARMA for a paper ballot. They’ll send you one! (Go to arma.org; log-on to “MyARMA”; click on “Account Preferences.” The third section shows a drop down menu next to “Election Ballot, where you can accept the default, “OnLine Ballot” or select “Paper Ballot.” Be sure to click on “Select Changes” at the bottom of the page after you have edited your account preferences.) Together, with a collective voice, we can and we will advance our organization and our profession.

On behalf of the entire Region Team, I wish you all a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

Sincerely,

Marc

Marc J. Simpson, Treasurer
Great Northwest Region – ARMA International