Municipal Monitor - January/February 2008 - (Page 5)

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Recognizing Achievement By Betteanne M. Cadman, CMO S everal years ago I received a copy of the Random House College Dictionary, Revised Edition. It was known as “The Official Scrabble Challenge Book” and was often referenced in order to substantiate or disprove the validity of some obscure word. I am sure you can appreciate that as the night wore on it was increasingly consulted with reckless abandon! I referred to that dictionary the other day – not to confirm a word’s existence, but rather to reaffirm my understanding of the word “recognition.” Recognition, n. appreciation of achievements, merit, services etc. or an expression of this. Formal acknowledgment conveying approval or sanction. Having recently reviewed AMCTO’s newest publication, Pillars of Achievement, I couldn’t help but reflect on the achievements and accomplishments of the Association. And by Association I am referring not only to you, the members of AMCTO, but the Association itself. This particular publication, the inaugural edition, acknowledges the most recent successes of our membership: the E.A Danby Award, the Prestige Award, Academic Achievement Awards, Committee Chair Certificates, Board of Directors Certificates, Certified Municipal Officers and Employee Service Awards. Recognition is not only for individual members, but also for AMCTO staff, and for municipalities that, through their staff, have employed innovative techniques resulting in performance improvement and enhancing the municipality’s image. The Awards Review Task Force, in carrying out its mandate, not only recommended changes to the award programs that were previously in place, but also proposed additional means of recognition, including Zone Awards and Service Award Certificates. The latter, implemented subsequent to the 2007 Annual Meeting, recognized more than 1,400 individuals – one thousand four hundred municipal professionals from a total of approximately 2,200 members! Sixty-four per cent of the Association’s membership has had a long-term commitment of at least 10 years to the municipal profession. In my estimation that is noteworthy. It suggests to me that as the membership has grown, so has AMCTO in responding to its members’ requests. The aspect of an achievement that is most worth recognizing is not the achievement itself but the spirit of energy, determination and courage that made it possible. Since 1990, we have annually recognized a member of AMCTO who has demonstrated a commitment to the goals and objectives of the Association, and their contribution to the Association, the profession and their community. To date, the 19 individuals who have received the Prestige Award have unequivocally contributed to the advancement of the municipal profession and the acknowledgement of AMCTO as the leading municipal professional association in Canada. The striking similarity amongst these individuals is the passion and commitment to their profession and community that is so readily apparent. You may be asking yourself why I have chosen to dedicate an article to acknowledging successes. Quite simply, it’s an opportunity to encourage you to not only consider nominating an individual or your municipality for their outstanding achievement, but also to motivate you to rise to the challenge. Nominating a colleague is a simple process. It is a genuine way of appreciating the work they have undertaken. It also tells the nominee that you have noticed what they do and that you value their professional contribution. Awards honour the recipient, but they also bring attention to the profession. Often we are humble about our achievements and those of our workmates. Taking the time to bring attention to our accomplishments can contribute to public understanding about what we do. Recognition motivates others to strive for excellence and we all benefit from it. Take pride in what you have achieved. “It is important that you recognize your progress and take pride in your accomplishments. Share your achievements with others. Brag a little. The recognition and support of those around you is nurturing.” Rosemarie Rossetti ◆ municipal MONITOR • 5 January/February 2008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Municipal Monitor - January/February 2008

Municipal Monitor - January/February 2008 Contents President’s Message: Recognizing Achievement Viewpoint: Increasing Voter Turnout Building Bridges The Municipal Buddy System Harnessing the Wind Water Under the Bridge Municipal Memos Index to Advertisers

Municipal Monitor - January/February 2008

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