Conference Overview
Tuesday, October 20
Noon
TABCCM T.J. Patterson Golf Tournament
(Please download a pdf or contact Jim Wyatt at 361-550-1507 for details.)
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Delegate Registration
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Technology Center Open
2:00 p.m.
TML Resolutions Committee Meeting
Wednesday, October 21
7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Delegate Registration
7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Technology Center Open
9:00 a.m.
TML Board of Directors Meeting
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Concurrent Sessions
Money for Nothing: Implementing a Performance Management Program in Four Quick, Easy, Free Steps
David Childs, Ph.D., CEO, Fit For Service, Irving
Moderator: Ron Sauma, Councilmember, Benbrook
Handout A, Handout B
The Dallas County Tax Office earned four national awards for excellence and, in 2007 and 2008, was the only government agency in the State of Texas to be recognized by Quality-Texas, the Texas Malcolm Baldrige Performance Excellence program. This session will share the four cornerstones of that program.
A Texas Take on the U.S. Economy: What Does this Mean for Texas’ Local Governments? (repeated at 10:30 a.m.)
Elizabeth Morris, CEO/Chief Economist, Insight Research Corporation, Dallas
Moderator: Garry Watts, Mayor, Shenandoah
Handout
Ms. Morris will provide hard facts about the current economic cycle and how it affects the future of Texas’ towns, cities, and counties.
Leadership: A Reality Check
Tina Sivinski, Founder and President, Vivezza Partners, Dallas
Moderator: Kathryn Wilemon, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem, Arlington
One of the largest collections in bookstores is on leadership,
but the reality is that leadership is not in a book. It is grasping
the constant change circulating around us. It is respecting and
motivating the multi-generations in today’s workforce. It’s leading through the realities that organizations have goals to achieve and that without motivated teams, achieving results would be much more difficult. We all have the ability to lead change, provided
we understand how to move with the natural dynamics in hand.
State-of-the-Art Information Technology for Small Cities (Small Cities Session)
Tim Howell, IT Analyst, City of Hutto
Moderator: Laura Rothrock, Councilmember, Mexia
Handout
Revolutionize and transform your city by creating a culture of
innovation, improving customer service, and staying on top of technology through low-cost products and solutions. This session will present ways to revolutionize the way you do business and offer services. You won’t want to miss this millennium’s perspective.
Successful Economic Development in a Difficult Economy
Betty Anne Matthies, Mayor, City of Seguin; Doug Faseler, City Manager, City of Seguin; and Terry Trevino, Director of
Economic Development, City of Seguin
Moderator: Jill Harrison Souter, Councilmember, Alamo Heights
Hear how the City of Seguin scored an economic development
coup during tough economic times. City leaders will tell how they successfully landed a deal that brought a Caterpillar engine assembly plant to the area, creating more than 1,400 direct jobs.
Protecting City Accounts from Identity Theft
Diane Pedicord, General Counsel, Oklahoma Municipal League, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Moderator: June Earp, Councilmember, Azle
Handout A, Handout B, Handout C
The purpose of this session is to provide information about the Federal Trade Commission’s “Red Flag Rule” to prevent identity theft. Ms. Pedicord will compare ideas for compliance and
consider how this new federal mandate interacts with local
sunshine and other laws. The session will focus on establishing
policies and procedures for implementing an identity theft
prevention plan, executing an internal risk audit, and anticipating risks to the public. You will learn how to devise and execute a plan, and you will be given an instrument for conducting a
thorough identity theft risk assessment and developing a
prevention program in compliance with the federal rule
requirements.
Texas, We Count: Preparing for the 2010 Census
Pauline Medrano, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem, City of Dallas, and National Census Advisory Committee Vice Chair; Marisela Rosales, Census Bureau Partnership Coordinator, Dallas; Sharon Barbosa-Crain, Chair, Complete Count Committee, Irving, and former Councilmember, City of Irving; and Lisa Wood, Chair, Complete Count Committee, Arlington
Session Moderator: NA
Handout A, Handout B
In an effort to proactively prepare for the 2010 Census, Complete Count Committees (CCCs) are being formed all over the nation. These committees work closely with the Census Bureau and reach out to the community in an effort to ensure a complete count of every person residing in that area, since a complete count will benefit cities and the entire state of Texas. Panelists will discuss the advantages of forming these committees and explain how a CCC can help your city prepare residents for April 1, 2010 (Census Day).
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Guest Hospitality Center Open
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Concurrent Sessions
A Texas Take on the Economy (repeated from 9:00 a.m.)
Elizabeth Morris, CEO/Chief Economist, Insight Research Corporation, Dallas
Moderator: Troy Miller, Mayor, Mexia
Handout
Details
Dealing with Difficult Personalities: You Get on My Nerves!
Lisa Carver, President, Moxie Consulting, Little Rock, Arkansas; and Beth Bormann, Assistant City Manager, City of Carrollton
Moderator: Bob Kelly, Mayor, West University Place
Handout
Participants in this interactive session will learn how to better deal with various personality types, both personally and professionally. We will discuss how to face your dread, analyze your personal hot buttons to avoid confrontations, be proactive in all conversations, and modify your personal communication style for positive long-term results.
Community Policing
Jeff Halstead, Chief of Police, Fort Worth Police Department; Ken Flynn, Deputy Chief, Fort Worth Police Department; and Charlie Ramirez, Deputy Chief, Fort Worth Police
Department
Moderator: Frank Moss, Councilmember, Fort Worth
Attendees will learn the details of one of the most successful community policing partnerships in the United States. “Code Blue” is also the Citizens on Patrol program in the Fort Worth Police Department. This program is one of the primary reasons Fort Worth has been transformed from one of the most dangerous major cities in the mid-1980s to one of the safest today. You will learn why it was formed, who is involved, and the amount of training and funding required for success. The presenters will also host a question-and-answer session to better serve the audience.
Stronger Development Regulations – Enhancing Your Community’s Sustainability, Beauty and Safety
Rudy Garza, Executive Director, The Brick Industry –
Southwest Region, Temple; Tony Jeter, City Councilmember, City of Temple; Nika Reinecke, Economic
Development and Planning Director, City of Lewisville; and
John Webb, AICP, Director of Development Services, City of Richardson
Moderator: Darren Lathen, Councilmember, Garland
Handout A, Handout B
Every year, communities like yours face the challenge of becoming more sustainable, more beautiful, and safer. The use of stronger development and building standards with defined masonry requirements for all construction can achieve these goals and many more. Masonry construction is durable, sustainable, requires little to no maintenance, retards fire and wind better, can enhance and stabilize your tax base, and of course, it is absolutely beautiful. Come and learn how to overcome the political hurdles of developing stronger building standards, as well as learn about the many benefits of masonry standards from some people that have been there and done that.
Federal Issues of Importance to Cities
Neil Bomberg, Program Director for Human Development and Public Safety Federal Relations Center, National League of Cities, Washington, D.C.
Moderator: Walter Bowen, Mayor, Lake Worth
Although far from home, Congress regularly deliberates on
legislation that impacts our cities in Texas. NLC staff will brief
attendees on the status of NLC’s 2009 federal lobbying priorities.
Providing People Hope: Hometown Stimulus Programs
Tom Guilfoy, Director of Managed Competition, Bob Kopp, Public Works Director; Erin Rinehart, Workforce Services Director; Gregg Salmi, Assistant Fire Chief; Scott Whitaker, Parks and Recreation Director,City of Carrollton
Moderator: Mike Taylor, Councilmember, Colleyville
Come hear how one city is offering its citizens hope. The City of Carrollton launched its own hometown stimulus program in February 2009. The focus of the program is on helping people find temporary jobs, both at the City of Carrollton and elsewhere. As part of the program, Carrollton sponsored a free job fair in March, facilitated networking with potential local companies who might have compensated jobs available for job seekers, and identified short-term sustainable work projects within the city.
Small Cities Innovation Lab (Small Cities Session)
Collaboration can spark innovation. You are invited to participate in a roundtable discussion on small city innovation. Come prepared to share a successful city project with your colleagues, and get ready to walk away with some innovative ideas.
Noon – 3:00 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Grand Opening
3:00 – 4:45 p.m.
Opening General Session and Presentation of Municipal Excellence Awards
The Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success
Andy Andrews, Orange Beach, Alabama
Join Andy Andrews on a fast-paced exploration of these life-changing truths, which are based on extracts from his international
bestselling book, The Traveler’s Gift. In this address, Andrews will poke fun at our perception of ordinary themes and explain these seven principles in a way you have never heard before. He won’t merely encourage you—he will pave the way for inner change.
Andy Andrews is an internationally known speaker and novelist whose combined works have sold millions of copies worldwide. He has been received at the White House and has spoken at the request of four different United States Presidents. His bestseller, The Traveler’s Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success, is an international sensation. Its message of hope, faith, and perseverance is transforming thousands of lives worldwide every day. His newest book, The Lost Choice—A Legend of Personal Discovery, blends fiction, extensive research, and a powerful message of hope.
Thursday, October 22
7:30 – 8:45 a.m.
TML Risk Pools’ Breakfast - SOLD OUT
(separate ticketed event, NO CHARGE)
7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Delegate Registration
7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Technology Center Open
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Open
A continental breakfast, sponsored by Buxton, will be served in the exhibit hall.
8:00 – 11:45 a.m.
Affiliates’ Board, Business, or Educational Sessions (AHMO, AMCC, GFOAT, TAMHO, TCAA, TMPRTA, TMUA, TPWA, and TXAPA)
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Concurrent Sessions
Visual Thinking for Strategic Planning
Steven Wright, Owner, Wrightmarks Graphic Facilitation, Seattle, Washington; and Carol Zolnerowich, Deputy City Manager, City of Mesquite
Moderator: John Monaco, Mayor, Mesquite
Come learn how visual thinking can support organizational and group success in strategic planning. Sunni Brown believes that “information overload” is best managed by using visual language and the thoughtful design of information. In this session, you will learn how coupling text and presentation materials with graphics and visual architectures will significantly enhance meaning,
comprehension, and memory when it’s time to develop a strategic plan in your city.
Scenic City Certification Can Bring Long Term Results
Anne Culver, Executive Vice President, Scenic Texas, Houston and Regina Morales, Director of Economic Development, City of Sugar Land
Moderator: Jim Covington, Mayor, Belton
Handout A, Handout B, Handout C
City officials in every city have a choice in how their city looks. Through the use of a variety of municipal programs, today’s city officials have an impact on the growth and development of their cities for years to come. The mission of the Scenic Cities Certification Program is to support and recognize cities that implement scenic standards for public roadways and public spaces, with the long-term goal of improving the image of all cities. Learn how your city can achieve status as a Scenic City.
Leadership for Extraordinary Times (continued at 10:30 a.m.)
Kevin Baum, Principal, InCentergy Consulting Group, Austin
Moderator: Leonard Reed, Mayor, Willis
A wise person once said, “May you live to see extraordinary times…” Congratulations, friends, you made it. In the short time since we turned the millennium, we have seen incredible events take place in the United States and the world. From acts of terrorism, to natural disasters, to the collapse of entire business dynasties, the pace and scale of major events in this century alone have become staggering. How we respond to these events, should they occur on our watch, is what will define us as inspired leaders and organizations, not the fact that they happened while we were in charge. This session will give leaders the necessary tools and skills to Face Failure, rather than Fear Failure. It will demonstrate the inherent power in honesty, so long as we can Name, Claim, and Explain what we are doing in response to major events (as opposed to Name, Blame, and Inflame!).
Positioning Your City for Retail: Maximizing Retail Opportunities
Bob Bolen, Partner, Buxton, Fort Worth; and Amy Wetzel, Senior Vice President, Buxton, Fort Worth
Moderator: Jim Winn, Mayor, Sundown
Handout
Now is the best time for communities to set the stage for retail growth by improving their infrastructure and sharpening
marketing skills. This session will give you a variety of tools,
techniques, and best practices used by cities to grow their retail base. You will leave the session aware of retail opportunities and how to capitalize on them.
Thinking “Outside the Box” Inside a Small City (Small Cities Session)
Reed Iwami, President, World Web Resources, Georgetown; Bryan Scott, Vice President of Sales and Chief Operation Officer, World Web Resources, Georgetown; Bob Hart, City Manager, Kennedale
Handout
Moderator: Beverly Gaines, Councilmember, Webster
A small population doesn’t diminish the relevance of developing and nurturing your city’s image. Being a small city doesn’t minimize the importance of providing your citizens with access to information 24/7 about their local government. Learn how cost-effectively you can have a custom-designed Web site, as well as a citizens-driven branding program, that fits your small city’s budget.
Preparing Critical IT Infrastructure Systems for Disasters
Randy Wright, Director of Public Safety, Portland, Texas,
Police Department; and Mike Conduff, President and CEO, The Elim Group, Denton
Moderator: Jungus Jordan, Councilmember, Fort Worth
Handout A, Handout B
Weather-related disasters often come with some warning—a few days for a hurricane, a few minutes for a tornado, and sometimes only a few seconds for a flood. Other disasters come with no warning—a damaging fire, an attack in the building, a major power outage. Warning or no warning, preventable or not preventable, during the disaster is NOT the time to be wondering about the integrity and redundancy of your critical information technology infrastructure. In this fast-paced and practical session, policy-makers and practitioners alike will learn which systems are most critical and what they should be doing to protect and use them during a significant disaster.
An Update on the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) (repeated at 3:30 p.m.)
David Gavia, Acting Executive Director, TMRS, Austin; and Nancy Goerdel, Acting Chief Investment Officer, TMRS, Austin
Mr. Gavia and Ms. Goerdel will update conference attendees on the latest
developments at TMRS. A question-and-answer period will
be included.
Moderator: David Ruesink, Councilmember, College Station
Handout
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Guest Hospitality Center Open
10:15 – 10:30 a.m.
Refreshment Break
Sponsored by Oncor
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Concurrent Sessions
Thinking Beyond the Limits: Regional and Statewide Wind Energy Economic Development Projects (Small Cities Session)
Greg Wortham, Mayor, Sweetwater; and Joe Vining, Senior Vice President of Economic Development, Round Rock Economic Development Partnership; Buzz David, President and CEO, Amarillo Economic Development Corporation
Moderator: Jerod Peek, City Commissioner, Sweetwater
Handout A, Handout B
Regional and statewide partnerships can harvest great economic benefits for your city. Get the inside scoop on how several cities have cooperatively harnessed a piece in the wind energy market.
Leadership Ethics (AMCC) (repeated at 2:00 p.m.)
Brian Muir, President, James Madison Group, Inc., North Salt Lake, Utah
Moderator: Freddie Taylor, Councilmember, Sulphur Springs
Handout
As a public sector leader, you are held to the highest standards by citizens. The press is also watching, and just one mistake by your employees could create a public relations nightmare for years to come. Come learn the ethical foundations of government and how to strive for ethical leadership excellence. Discover how to avoid the most common ethical mistakes and how to create an ethical culture on your team. Just one significant ethical lapse could derail your public sector career; discover the ethical
principles to follow to prevent this from happening to you or
your employees.
Leadership for Extraordinary Times (continued from 9:00 a.m.)
Kevin Baum, Principal, InCentergy Consulting Group, Austin
Moderator: Leonard Reed, Mayor, Willis
Details
The Do’s and Don’ts of City Management Evaluations
Ron Cox, Principal, Ron Cox Consulting, Friendswood; and James Thurmond, Ph.D., Director, MPA Program, University of Houston
Moderator: Jackie Levingston, Mayor, Groesbeck
Handout
Evaluating employees on job performance is difficult for even the most experienced supervisors. For elected officials, the challenges are even greater for a variety of reasons—for example, lack of experience in evaluations, lack of knowledge of public operations, political pressures, time constraints, uncertainty about the employee’s actual duties, and lack of information about the employee’s job performance. Evaluations are important to help improve performance; however, they must be done correctly, or there may not be a change in performance. The issue is not whether to evaluate or not; the real issue concerns the quality of the evaluation.
Social Media for Municipalities: Passing Fad? (continued at 2:00 p.m.)
Carla Pendergraft, Owner, Carla Pendergraft Associates, Waco; and Will Hampton, Communications Director, City of Round Rock
Moderator: Randy Riggs, Councilmember, Waco
Handout
Facebook, blogs, and Twitter are the new darlings of business these days. But do they have any applications for municipalities, or are they just a fad and a waste of time? Attend this session to find out more about social media and learn some of the ways that cities are currently using them.
Recruiting and Motivating Emerging Leaders and Volunteers
Vicki Luther, Ph.D., Co-Director, Heartland Center for
Leadership Development, Kerrville
Handout A, Handout B, Handout C, Handout D, Handout E
This useful and practical session will help guide you in recruiting and maintaining community and organizational leaders and
volunteers. Combining leadership and motivational theory with Ms. Luther’s experience in community development, this session will be a must for community builders everywhere.
Understanding and Planning for the Risks of Governing a City
TML Intergovernmental Risk Pool Staff
Moderator: David McCartney, Councilmember, Baytown
This presentation will focus on the fundamentals of risk
management and loss prevention. Special attention will be given to the identification of loss trends and subsequent corrective
actions in historically problematic areas and departments within local governmental entities. Types of services and resources
available to help prevent losses will be explained.
Noon – 1:45 p.m.
Delegate Luncheon and Keynote Speaker -- Sold Out
(separate ticketed event, $25)
Experience the Extraordinary
Craig Karges, Wheeling, West Virginia
Craig Karges will combine the art of magic with the science of psychology and the power of intuition to create the impression that nothing is impossible. Tables will float, minds will be read, metal will bend, and your imagination will be challenged because you won’t believe your eyes! Using total audience participation, Karges will dazzle the mind as he challenges you to question what is real and what is unreal. You won’t just watch this presentation, you’ll experience it! He will baffle, mystify, and thoroughly entertain you and then, at the end of the presentation—when he has you in the palm of his hand—he will deliver a powerful message concerning the potential of the human mind. “Experience the Extraordinary” is business theatre and motivational entertainment at its best!
Craig Karges is an award-winning entertainer, a nationally recognized speaker, and an author. His performance is an extraordinary blend of mystery, humor, psychology, and intuition. He says that he does not possess supernatural powers, nor does he claim to perform as a psychic or a magician. While he acknowledges that he is an entertainer, and showmanship plays a role in what he does, he insists that he does not prearrange anything with members of the audience.
2:00 – 3:15 p.m.
Concurrent Sessions
Health Care Changes in a Recession
Susan Smith, Executive Director, TML Intergovernmental Employee Benefits Pool, Austin
Moderator: Angela Raiborn, Mayor, Rusk
Handout
Health care costs rank among the top economic concerns of Americans. Health care expenses are the fastest-growing cost component for employers, rising much faster than the underlying rate of inflation. But what can an employer do? This presentation will offer specific answers to that question. We will also discuss the Obama administration’s health care decisions and their
impact on political subdivisions’ self-funded and/or fully funded benefit plans.
Leadership Ethics (AMCC) (repeated from 10:30 a.m.)
Brian Muir, President, James Madison Group, Inc., North Salt Lake, Utah
Moderator: Scott Sheley, Councilmember, Baytown
Details.
Handout
Community Change and the New Economy: A Best Practice Approach (continued at 3:30 p.m.)
Dave Ivan, Regional Director, Michigan State University Extension Central Region, Michigan State University West
Moderator: Ray Aranda, Mayor Pro Tem, Dilley
Handout
Today, regionalism is being completely redefined, based on
community goals. High-performing communities don’t look to their community neighbors as competitors, but rather as partners in luring talent and innovation. The foundation of the new economy is the recognition that economic competition and
success are now determined on a global, not local, scale. In this session, Mr. Ivan will share successful strategies of communities across the country as they work within this new economy.
Criticism Management
Dr. Randall Garner, Professor of Behavioral Sciences,
College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville
Moderator: Mark Conlee, Mayor, Bryan
Handout
Based on years of research and an award-winning book in the area of criticism management, this session will offer a new way to view and handle criticism and criticism-prone situations. Using a new definition and targeted techniques, participants will be provided practical advice and proven strategies for giving, receiving, and even soliciting criticism. You will learn the answers to these important questions and more: Why do people criticize? Is it better to give or receive criticism? What are some of the communication problems we encounter in dealing with criticism? How can we better assess criticism we receive from others? How can we best respond to criticism? What are the advantages of actually soliciting criticism from others?
Social Media for Municipalities: Passing Fad? (continued from 10:30 a.m.)
Carla Pendergraft, Owner, Carla Pendergraft Associates, Waco; and Will Hampton, Communications Director, City of Round Rock
Moderator: Randy Riggs, Councilmember, Waco
Handout
In this session, we’ll go into more depth about the social media tools available today—including specific blogging tools, wikis, YouTube, and more—and how they can be useful to cities.
Building the Internal Capacity of Your Organization (repeated at 3:30 p.m.)
Barbara E. Lewis, Associate, Corporation for Positive Change, Denver, Colorado
Moderator: Guy Jackson, Mayor, Anahuac
Handout A, Handout B
When has your city or department been at its best? When have you been inspired to stretch and fully express your strengths? When have you been able to give others the confidence to achieve more? What would happen if you focused on what is most valuable and life-giving in your city? In this important
session, you will explore these questions as you learn how to build upon your strengths—that is, build capacity—to help move your city forward.
Strategies for Addressing Your Compensation and Benefits in Uncertain Times (repeated at 3:30 p.m.)
Harold Cates, Director of Human Resources, City of
Midlothian; Lisa Norris, Director of Human Resources, City of Grand Prairie; and Gayle Sims, Director of Human Resources, City of Waxahachie
Moderator: Boyce Whatley, Mayor, Midlothian
Handout
Cities, now more than ever, must work smarter as many
municipalities are being asked to do more with less. While tax revenues decline and demands for service continue, programs are increasingly evaluated for efficiency, processes are streamlined, and every dollar spent is scrutinized to ensure impact to the bottom line is justified. In this session, panelists will provide creative
cost-saving alternatives to traditional approaches in the areas of benefits and compensation. We will share proven ideas that our cities have implemented that have worked for us and may present options for you. Discussions will include alternative strategies to traditional benefits and compensation approaches, including
employee-leasing, job-sharing, high school intern programs, use
of incentives, aligning wellness with strategic goals, interlocal
agreements, employee morale, and benefit communication.
Town and Gown Relations: Achieving Community Together (ACT) Campaign
Lisa Dvorak, Assistant Chief of Police, City of San Marcos; Michelle M. Lopez, Associate Director of the LBJ Student Center, Texas State University-San Marcos; and Dr. Joanne H. Smith, Vice President for Student Affairs, Texas State University-San Marcos
Moderator: Ben White, Mayor, College Station
Handout A
The Achieving Community Together (ACT) Campaign is a collaborative effort of the City of San Marcos and Texas State University-San Marcos to work together on common values, missions, and goals. Formed in June 2008, ACT is the result of innovative problem-solving and citizen participation. ACT promotes positive relations between student and non-student residents through education, community connectedness, and resources. The program has rapidly evolved from a single educational event to a large scale, ongoing program with long-term impact.
2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
(AHMO, AMCC, TABCCM, TCAA, TMPRTA, and TXAPA)
3:15 – 3:30 p.m.
Refreshment Break
Sponsored by HillCo Partners
3:30 – 4:45 p.m.
Concurrent Sessions
An Update on the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) (repeated from 9:00 a.m.)
David Gavia, Acting Executive Director, TMRS, Austin; and Nancy Goerdel, Acting Chief Investment Officer, TMRS, Austin
Details
Moderator: Ronnie Christian, Alderman, Stanton
Handout
What Every City Official Should Know About the Legislative Process in Texas: How the Process Affects the Outcome
Frank Sturzl, Executive Director, Texas Municipal League; and Shanna Igo, Deputy Executive Director for Policy Development and Legislative Services, Texas Municipal League
Many city officials may not be aware of the details of how the legislative process works. Routine suspensions of various rules and even the Texas Constitution are common. Conference committees often make new legislation without the benefit of public input. Learn how these and other intricacies of the process affect city-related legislation.
Community Change and the New Economy: A Best Practice Approach (continued from 2:00 p.m.)
Dave Ivan, Regional Director, Michigan State University
Extension Central Region, Michigan State University West
Moderator: Ray Aranda, Mayor Pro Tem, Dilley
Details
Handout
The Psychology of Critical Communications: Holding Ourselves and Others Accountable (AMCC)
Dr. Randall Garner, Professor of Behavioral Sciences, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville
Moderator: Marie Briseno, Councilmember, Lamesa
Handout
Building on the Criticism Management concepts, this session
will examine how to have a successful accountability/critical
conversation with others (employees, coworkers, associates, and so on) without the conversation being destined for doom or
focused on symptoms rather than the real issues. This session will explore the often delicate circumstances that can occur when we observe “performance gaps” between what is expected from
others and what actually occurs. Based on the interpersonal
psychology of the communication process (what is going on
inside of us and others), practical suggestions will be offered to more effectively present criticism and feedback in a manner that has a greater chance of short-circuiting defensive responses
while maintaining individual accountability. There are many
psychological biases that affect our interpersonal interactions. This can lead us down a path that can result in misinterpretations, excessive emotion, and mixed messages—often leading to
less-than-ideal behavior. Every person in a leadership position should be armed with this valuable information.
Building the Internal Capacity of Your Organization (repeated from 2:00 p.m.)
Barbara E. Lewis, Associate, Corporation for Positive
Change, Denver, Colorado
Moderator: Deloris Prince, Mayor, Port Arthur
Details
Handout A, Handout B
Strategies for Addressing Your Compensation and Benefits in Uncertain Times (repeated from 2:00 p.m.)
Harold Cates, Director of Human Resources, City of
Midlothian; Lisa Norris, Director of Human Resources,
City of Grand Prairie; and Gayle Sims, Director of Human
Resources, City of Waxahachie
Moderator: Sam Fugate, Mayor, Kingsville
Details
Handout
Evening
Vendor Hospitality Events
Friday, October 23
7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Delegate Registration
7:30 – 8:45 a.m.
Women in Government Breakfast
(separate ticketed event, $20)
It’s Never Too Late to Be What Might Have Been
Susan Carnahan, Carnahan Presents, Inc.,
Monument, Colorado
Change is frightening because it surrounds the unknown. This inspiring session will help you look forward to, and even create, change as a mechanism in reaching new horizons and goals. Experience Susan’s message
on how to open yourself to challenges and learn what you must do in order to transform your life.
Susan Carnahan’s enthusiasm for life, humor, and talk-show style combine to animate audience interaction with the how-to’s of leadership today. With more than 20 years in advertising, marketing, and finance, she has turned her talent toward speaking and motivating over the last 22 years. Speaking to more than 150,000 individuals a year—from the Chickasaw Indian Reservation in Oklahoma to Kemper Insurance, Ford, Kodak, Ping, and Arizona Power—Susan has helped companies and individuals across North America and Europe achieve new levels of prosperity, happiness, and productivity. She has shared the platform with such professionals as Barbara Bush, Colin Powell, Barbara Walters, Magic Johnson, Dr. Joyce Brothers, and Maya Angelou. She wrote and recorded the audio cassette programs Lessons In Leadership and What’s Sex Got To Do With It? Her latest book is Motivational Leaders.
7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Technology Center Open
8:00 a.m. – Noon
Exhibit Hall Open
A continental breakfast, sponsored by First Southwest Company, will be served in the exhibit hall.
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Concurrent Sessions
Avoiding Litigation: A Workplace Survival Guide
Michael Mirarchi, President, Mirarchi Management Group, Plano
Moderator: Charles Alworth, Councilmember, Tyler
Handout
Litigation-free management is a by-product of positive employee relations. Learn practical strategies and tactics for protecting municipal and personal assets. Take away scripted responses to use to avoid liability in sensitive situations and prevent past events from being used to support future legal claims. Learn how to replace liability with credibility.
Legal Question-and-Answer Session
TML Legal Staff
Saying It for Less: Why Communications Is Still Important in Tight Budget Times (repeated at 10:30 a.m.)
Tom Bryson, Director of Communications, City of Farmers Branch; and Belinda Willis, Director of Communications and Marketing, City of Mansfield
Moderator: Oscar Trevino, Mayor, North Richland Hills
As Texas cities navigate this tough economic climate, it is
important that dialogue with residents not get lost in the shuffle. A panel of Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (TAMIO) professionals will explain why continued and frequent citizen communication is more important than ever as cities make tough decisions during the current economic crisis. This session will offer suggestions on ways to keep communications a priority for little or no cost. You’ll learn how to produce quality
publications for less, use online and social networking sites to reach more residents at lower cost, and partner with other public agencies to share costs on communication and marketing efforts.
Are You Leading a Cutting Edge Life? (repeated at 10:30 a.m.)
Melanie Bolke, Founder, ShineTheLight Communications, Austin
Moderator: Susan Clifford Narvaiz, Mayor, San Marcos
Handout
The way we use technology has changed the way we interact with each other. Constant demand for instant accessibility holds us captive to hand-held devices. Discover four keys to managing your personal energy in response to today’s fast-paced, 24/7
environment.
Retail: The New Economic Development
C. Kelly Cofer, CCIM, Principal, The Retail Coach, Tupelo, Mississippi and Aaron Farmer, National Project Director, The Retail Coach, Tupelo, Mississippi
Moderator: Barbara McIntyre, Councilmember, Cleveland
Handout
“Once upon a time,” as the fairy tale openings say, the concept of economic development was synonymous with industrial recruitment, as thousands of economic development organizations across the U.S. focused their efforts on attracting manufacturing facilities.
Within the last decade, however, these development organizations received a rude awakening. It seems that almost overnight, most found themselves facing new and unfamiliar obstacles as more and more manufacturing jobs were moved outside of the U.S. to lower costs. These once-mighty manufacturing foundations seemed like just a fairy tale, indeed.
The good news is that, as in the past, American economic developers have continued to adapt, and development organizations around the country are now finding new ways to boost their local economies in a once often-overlooked field: Retail Recruitment and Development.
Join us for our presentation and discover how the right retail recruitment tools and modern strategies can better enable your community to effectively compete.
9:00 a.m. – Noon
Affiliates’ Board, Business, or Educational Sessions (TAMIO and TMLDA)
9:15 – 10:15 a.m.
TML Board of Directors Meeting
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Concurrent Sessions
Leading Organizational Change
J. Clint Anderson, Ph.D., Founder and President, J. Clint Anderson Company, Georgetown
Moderator: Allen Harris, Councilmember, The Colony
Handout
The need for change in organizations is no longer a question. The question is how to bring about effective change. This presentation will give insight into achieving organizational change. Participants will clarify the leader’s role in the change process as they consider the three approaches to changing an organization. Four primary leadership considerations will lay a foundation for determining the appropriate change process. The result will be a greater
understanding of the capacity for achieving the desired changes, including anticipation of levels of resistance.
The Future of Transportation in Texas
Barry M. Goodman, President, The Goodman Corporation, Houston; and Lynn Spencer, Senior Associate, The Goodman Corporation, Houston
Moderator: Theresa Scott, Councilmember, Elgin
Handout A, Handout B, Handout C
This session will help you maximize your city’s local dollars and will guide you in your efforts to seek state and federal funding for various transportation and community revitalization projects. Topics will include the impacts of the recently approved Texas state legislation; the new, upcoming transportation authorization; and the American Reinvestment Recovery Act. You will leave this session with knowledge and understanding of local, state, and
federal funding tools and how the new legislation will assist you in implementing your transportation and community revitalization priorities.
Saying It for Less: Why Communications Is Still Important in Tight Budget Times (repeated from 9:00 a.m.)
Tom Bryson, Director of Communications, City of Farmers Branch; and Belinda Willis, Director of Communications and Marketing, City of Mansfield
Moderator: Kenneth Sapp, Councilmember, North Richland Hills
Details
Are You Leading a Cutting Edge Life? (repeated from 9:00 a.m.)
Melanie Bolke, Founder, ShineTheLight Communications, Austin
Moderator: Gretchen Fagan, Mayor, Tomball
Details
Handout
Texas’ Multicultural Future: Crisis or Opportunity?
Ed Retta, Managing Partner, Cross Culture Communications, Dallas; and Cynthia Brink, Partner, Cross Culture Communications, Dallas
Moderator: David Southern, Mayor, Granbury
Handout
From the panhandle to Brownsville, Texas is changing. Our
population is diversifying—and not only due to Mexican
immigration. Many communities have increasing numbers of Asians and Muslims. The visible impact gives many of us pause for concern: Is this a good development or not? In this session, you will learn that we need not fear the shift in our population,
because Texas is a place where many people want to live. The big question is: Now that we must interact daily with people from
different cultures, how can we do it better? What are some of
the challenges—and benefits—to local government?
Persuasion Power: The Art of Letting Others Have Your Way
Susan Carnahan, Carnahan Presents, Inc., Monument, Colorado
Moderator: Shelley Brophy, City Commissioner, Nacogdoches
Handout A, Handout B, Handout C
How would you like to convince your boss that you deserve a three-week paid vacation? What about selling your cost-saving idea to management? Or persuading your spouse to clean the house or take out the trash without a fight? Maybe you’d like your children to do their homework without a hassle? If you
answered “yes” to any of those questions, you need to brush up on your negotiating skills. Whether you know it or not, every
day you encounter situations where you need to communicate clearly and effectively in business and in life…better known as negotiating! Susan Carnahan’s session will be filled with tips and techniques for refining your listening, selling, and persuasion skills to help you get what you want using style, tact, and ease.
Generating Electric Power Can Be a Breeze
Mike Sloan, President, Virtus Energy Research Associates, Austin
Handout A, Handout B
Wind power—recognized as one of the most important elements of the climate solution—is a cost-effective and readily available technology for zero emission and zero water consumption
electricity generation, capable of being added rapidly to contribute meaningfully to state and national electric needs. This session
will discuss the success of the Texas wind industry as a leading
example of how government leadership, combined with
well-conceived policies, can effectively catalyze clean energy
development.
Noon – 1:45 p.m.
Delegate Luncheon and Keynote Speaker
(separate ticketed event, $25)
Positive Psychology: The Science of Happiness
Shawn Achor, Harvard Lecturer, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
This presentation will examine recent scientific breakthroughs in the study of happiness and apply the research to our everyday lives. What are the internal and external causes of happiness? Is our happiness genetic, or can it be changed? What role does optimism, mental-priming, goal-setting, and mindset play in our ability to be happy? Mr. Achor will conclude with a discussion of researched applications for increasing our baseline level of happiness.
Shawn Achor is the winner of more than a dozen distinguished teaching awards at Harvard University, where he delivered lectures on positive psychology in the most popular class at Harvard. His research and lectures on happiness and human potential have received attention in The New York Times, The Boston Globe, and The Wall Street Journal, as well as on NPR and CNN Radio. When not at Harvard, Achor travels around the world giving talks on positive psychology to Fortune 500 corporations, financial institutions, schools, and nonprofit organizations. He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard and earned a master’s degree from Harvard Divinity School in Christian and Buddhist ethics. He is the CEO of Aspirant, a global positive psychology consulting firm that researches positive cutliers—people who are well above average—to help consult organizations on where human potential, success, and happiness intersect.
2:00 p.m.
Resolutions Question-and-Answer Session and TML Business Meeting
