Congratulations to NOPHNRCSE for a successful Annual Training Conference!

The 2008 Annual Training Conference Program offered many opportunities for valuable training to our membership. The Hispanic Emphasis Program and Federal Women's Program Managers had their annual training in conjunction with NOPHNRCSE. The National Employee Development Center (NEDC) offered "Managing for Excellence". There were many workshops and valuable presentations for all.

Farmer/Rancher of the Year Award

For the first time, NOPHNRCSE presented the Farmer/Rancher of the Year Award. Mr. Jesús Castillo, strawberry and tomatillo grower from California received the award during the Ray Margo Awards Luncheon. Click here for more information on Mr. Castillo's accomplishments as a conservationist.

Workshops

The highlight of the program seemed to have been the Day in the Life presentations and the Speed Mentoring workshop.

The Day in the Life workshop consisted of a video and a presentation of a day in the life of three NRCS employees: Rosa Reyes, District Conservationist in Florida, Deni Hazell, Engineer in Wisconsin and Manuel Matos, Soil Scientist in North Dakota. They shared what a regular workday is like, the tools they use and how their work makes a difference in helping people help the land. This presentation received high praise from the audience, including national leadership and state conservationists who attended the conference.

The Speed Mentoring workshop is best described as fast-track career advice. NOPHNRCSE lined up top NRCS leadership such as Kathy Gugulis, Leonard Jordan, Wayne Maresh, Dana York, several State Conservationists and other top managers to serve as mentors in a two-hour session where participants had the opportunity to sit down one-on-one with them in mini-mentoring segments. Participants were able to ask questions regarding possible job opportunities, education and career advancement. At specified time intervals the session moderator prompted the audience to move on to talk with a different mentor. There was a buzz in the air, you could feel the energy in the room. At the end of the workshop, faces were glowing. The speed mentoring workshop was a total success!

Scholarships

Six deserving students received NOPHNRCSE scholarships of $1000.00 each. Click here to see photos of the scholarship recipients.

Eight students were sponsored by NOPHNRCSE to attend the conference. They came from places like New Mexico State University, the University of Puerto Rico, Riverside Community College (CA), Georgia State University and the Interamerican University (PR). The students had an opportunity to visit with hiring officials from across the country about federal internship programs and job opportunities as well as meet other NRCS employees that may serve as mentors. The students competed with many other applicants from around the country for a chance at attending the conference. One of the requirements was having an interest in a career in agriculture and natural resources conservation. Click here to see a photo of the student participants.

Membership Awards

The NOPHNRCSE membership awards went to Edwin Almodóvar and Astrid Martínez for their leadership and tireless work in support of the organization. Click this link for more information.

HEPM of the Year Award

Tanya Robles, HEPM from California received the HEPM of the Year award for her support of the program over many years.

New NOPHNRCSE Officers Sworn In

NOPHNRCSE members elected Luis Hernández as the new President. Mr. Hernández is the Soil Survey Region 16 Team Leader (MO Leader) and the Arkansas State Soil Scientist. Click here to read his message to the membership.

Other officers sworn in were Astrid Martínez (State Soil Scientist, WY) as Executive Vice President; Eileen Vale (District Conservationist, TX) as Secretary; Regional Representatives Ted Lucero (CO, Northern Plains), Timothy Garrahan (DE, Northeast), Heather Medina (MI, Midwest) and Jorge Ruiz (PR, Caribbean). Click here to see a photo of the new officers.

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