2007-08 YEAR IN REVIEW Certificate Programs Conferences & Workshops Credit Courses Learning Communities Learning in Retirement Youth Programs Connecting the university and the community annual report07-08:annual report 10/2/08 5:32 AM Page 1 Skobic Helping Area Artists Learning Community of Artists-Best Business Practices program was developed and offered by Continuing Education and Extension and the Small Business Development Center to strengthen the professional and business capacity of artists. Nineteen visual artists from the 7 Rivers Region formed the first learning community of artists that began in October 2007 and successfully completed the program in June of 2008. The program covered marketing, sales, business insurance, legal issues, business technologies and resource development. Following the success of the first program, UW-L received funding support from a second UW-Extension grant to develop and offer Planning for Profit at a Distance, a more advanced entrepreneurial program for artists. Martina Skobic, program facilitator, has more than 25 years of legal, business, teaching, and consulting experience. She earned her MBA degree at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a law degree at the University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Prior to moving to Wisconsin, Martina worked, lived and studied in New York, Jacksonville, Florida, Zamora, Spain and Strasbourg, France. If there is sufficient demand, additional learning communities will begin fall 2008. A Friends of Education Award from Phi Delta Kappa was given to the Early Childhood Professional Development Organization for work in the community and collaborative effort between the La Crosse School District, Western Technical College, Viterbo University, UW-La Crosse, Family Resources and area child care providers. Learning Community graduate, Marilyn Toenjes, has had her journal article accepted by Education Today to be published this November. 2 Who are we and what do we do? Continuing Education/Extension (CEE) works with faculty and departments to extend the instructional, research and public service resources of UW-L to individuals and organizations in western Wisconsin communities and in other parts of the state. CEE can work with you to develop educational programs (both credit and noncredit) that enable individuals to earn degrees and certificates, meet licensure requirements, accomplish professional goals, participate in conferences, and pursue leisure and academic interests. annual report07-08:annual report 10/2/08 5:32 AM Page 2 ? Onalaska ? Holmen ? West Salem ? Whitehall ? Eau Claire ? Appleton ? Manitowoc ? Lodi ? DeForest ? Sun Prairie ? Portage ? Oregon ? Waunakee ? Elkhorn ? Lake Geneva ? Kettle Moraine ? Watertown ? West Allis ? Brown Deer ? Greendale ? Greenfield ? Fox Point ? Milwaukee Number of Programs Number of Enrollments Learning Community 168 4,607 Credit Courses 124 1,183 Certificate Offerings 26 313 Conferences & Workshops 93 3,842 Pre-College Programs 16 837 Older Adult Programs 35 1,250 Total 462 12,032 LEARNING COMMUNITIES ?Learning Community of Artists: Best Business Practices Program helped me increase my sales by approximately 300 percent from January to May 2008. As a result of the program, I believe I am closer to achieving financial success without sacrificing creativity.? ? Joyce Diveley, Learning Community of Artists student ? Learning Community of Artists: Best Business Practices program began its first cohort enrolling 19 visual artists from all disciplines. The program empowers students to take the next step in building sustainable art businesses using theory and hands-on skills with an emphasis on adult, interactive learning. ? In partnership with the UW-L School of Education CEE administered the ME-PD Learning Community program for 678 teachers and school professionals. Learning communities were organized in 23 cities throughout Wisconsin. ?The ME-PD program is founded on a history of improving the quality of education throughout the state of Wisconsin while remaining absolutely dedicated to meeting the individual needs of its graduate students.? - Rhonda Rabbitt, Ed.D., interim director, ME-PD Program Credit courses, conferences and workshops were delivered to: 3 annual report07-08:annual report 10/2/08 5:32 AM Page 3 ? Chemistry 103 was offered for 17 advanced high school students, and English 110 was offered for 19 advanced high school students in partnership with the West Salem School District. Biology 105 was offered for 10 advanced high school students in partnership with the La Crosse School District. ? The Arabic and Persian Immersion program, an eight-credit UW-Madison program, drew 45 adults from across the country to learn Arabic or Persian. ? Through shared resource agreements with Bangor, Arcadia, Black River Falls, Galesville-Ettrick- Trempealeau, Holmen, La Crosse, Onalaska, Sparta, Viroqua and West Salem school districts, 44 credit courses were offered to 461 educators and administrators. The collaboration provides district specific, teacher-centered professional development that is aligned with the districts? established goals. The School District of Holmen has been able to offer job- embedded and on-time credit opportunities to staff for the past several years through a partnership with the UW-L CEE Office. We offer learning opportunities that are relevant and timely, as well as provide staff with a credit option. It?s a win-win. The experiences have been very well received and positive. ? Sandy Richert, Director of Instructional Services, Holmen School District 4 CREDIT COURSES ? The 15th annual Washburn Academy, offered in partnership with the UW-L School of Education and the Cooperative Educational Services Agency (CESA) #4, resulted in 330 graduate enrollments from the two academy weeks in Holmen and Onalaska and additional pre-academy offerings. ? Four courses in best practices for early childhood education resulting in 63 enrollments were offered to area educators and child care providers through the La Crosse Early Childhood Professional Development Options partnership. ? Two online courses were offered for area educators and other professionals who work with culturally diverse audiences. ? The Exercise and Sport Science Master of Science Sport Administration option offered in Pewaukee and the Physical Education Teaching option held in Appleton completed three-year rotations of classes using a cohort format. Credit staff (left) front, Gary Gilmore, Annette Valeo; middle, Kay Robinson, Lynn Weiland; back, Karen Hansen and Susan Larkin. annual report07-08:annual report 10/2/08 5:32 AM Page 4 Course series opens door for completion of college degree Deciding to become a stay-at-home mom and run a day care business was what Gwen LaPour always wanted to do. LaPour is a state licensed in-home provider and owns and operates Sonshine Family Childcare in La Crosse for more than 18 years. ?I wanted to stay at home and take care of my kids. That?s basically what I wanted to be when I grew up ? a mom,? says LaPour. At the young age of 19, LaPour began her life as a wife and mother. After her fourth child, starting a day care business seemed to be the best of both worlds, being able to stay home with her sons and daughters while supplementing their income by watching a few other children. Earlier this year, LaPour completed a series of four professional development courses for early childhood educators offered through Early Childhood Professional Development Options (ECPDO), a collaboration between UW-La Crosse, Viterbo, Western Technical College, CESA #4, La Crosse School District, Gundersen Lutheran Family Resources, Coulee Catholic Schools, La Crosse Day Care Center and Head Start. During one of the courses, Families and Communities, Amy Sullivan, director of the Self Sufficiency Program (SSP) at UW- La Crosse, spoke to students about exploring the possibility of a college education. ?Now that my youngest child had moved out to begin college last year, it was time to give some thought to what I wanted to do,? says LaPour. She completed the SSP and decided to pursue completing her undergraduate degree. This summer she?s spending her free time completing application materials at UW-Milwaukee to pursue an online bachelor of science, community education degree. ?I?d eventually like to work as a parent educator or work with families as a resource person. Having been in day care for almost 20 years, I have a large backlog of experiences to pull from. I?d like to be able to pass that on or help others,? says LaPour. Gwen LaPour I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Sport Administration cohort. The instructors were very knowledgeable and the class times made it easy for me to continue working while earning my graduate degree. ? Exercise and Sport Sceince Graduate Student 5 annual report07-08:annual report 10/2/08 5:32 AM Page 5 CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS 6 Older Adult Programs ? Two Old Times on the Mississippi Elderhostels, five-day excursions on the Julia Belle Swain steamboat, had 91 total enrollments. ? Jazz on the Mississippi, an Elderhostel program was attended by 58 seniors from across the country. ? The Learning in Retirement (LIR) organization offered 35 programs for its 251 members with total enrollment of 1,250. Programs included Alternative Medicine, Literature Past & Present, Great Men/Poor Presidents, Geography of the Mediterranean and Storytelling for Adults. I loved the Storytelling class and thought Sara Slayton, the instructor, was wonderful. The ?Explore Winona?s Historic Architecture? trip was definitely an ?eye opener? and I truly enjoyed it. These events have been so enriching and to get to know more people is certainly a bonus. ? Murial Stanek, Learning in Retriement member Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate program addresses training needs The likelihood of an autism spectrum disorders diagnosis has increased dramatically over the last decade. A 30-hour Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate program offerd collaboratively by UW- L CEE and Chileda to helps to improve communication, social and physical skills in autistic persons. Since the program began in 2000, the certificate has been offered 11 times enrolling 219 individuals representing education, health, human services and families of persons with an autism spectrum disorder. As a result of this training, these professionals are better able to provide appropriate care based on currently recommended practices than colleagues who did not enroll in the training. An impact survey was conducted via phone interviews. Sixty percent of respondents indicated that the learning obtained in the certificate program led them to change their curriculum and/or activities carried out with their students; 50 percent of respondents said they altered their teaching practices; and 73 percent said that these altered concepts and methods had a positive effect on student learning and behavior. My experience working with CEE staff has been great. We communicate frequently and they are always responsive to my questions and needs. I look forward to assisting CEE with the GIS Certificate Program in the Fall. ? Todd W. Sutherland, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service ? In partnership with Chileda, CEE offered the Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate program. Twenty-five adults completed the 30-hour certificate this year. ? The Gerontology Certificate workshops, offered in partnership with the Psychology department, included seven core and elective programs, enrolling 92 learners. ? In partnership with the Geography/Earth Science department, a Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Certificate program completed a cohort rotation. ? The Supervisory Management Certificate program, a series of professional development seminars offered by the SBDC, was offered to 190 business managers and supervisors. annual report07-08:annual report 10/2/08 5:33 AM Page 6 7 CONFERENCES & WORKSHOPS The experienced, knowledgeable presenters as well as the diversity of attendees made this strong. ? Midwest Autism Conference attendee Noncredit staff (left) Karen Langaard, Penny Tiedt, Andrea Hansen and Jan Olson. trianglert Health & Human Services New Programs ? The Wisconsin Long-Term Care Conference, cosponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, brought together 722 care managers, nurses and others working in long-term care reform. ? Long Term Care Leadership Development program drew 26 participants in the four-part series. ? In partnership with Franciscan Skemp Behavioral Health, an Anger and Rage workshop was offered to 86 health and human service professionals. ? A Dementia Specialist Program was attended by 30 direct care staff and offered the practical skills to increase caregiver?s confidence and effectiveness when addressing difficult behaviors. ? A Post Traumatic Stress workshop, intended to help local providers know what to expect from soldiers returning from war and others experiencing traumatic stress, drew 26 individuals. ? The Wisconsin School Psychologists Association Spring Convention drew 209 school social workers, guidance counselors, nurses, principals and psychologists from around the state. ? More than 160 school personnel, human service providers and healthcare providers came together to attend the first Midwest Autism Conference. An evening program for parents was also offered attracting 65 participants. ? Two bilingual skills in health care courses were offered. In partnership with the Franciscan Skemp-Sparta Campus, Spanish Medical Terminology was offered to 31 health care workers, and Bridging the Gap, in partnership with Tri County Memorial Hospital, was offered to 25 individuals. ? Two workshops, part of the Nonprofit Management Series, We Need to Get Organized and All We Need is More Money, designed for board members and key staff, attracted 51 participants. ? The 23rd annual Wisconsin Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies Conference was attended by 76 individuals who explored, in an interdisciplinary manner, questions related to separatism and tolerance as they relate to globalization, human rights, peace and conflict. Ongoing Programs ? The International Death, Grief and Bereavement Conference, developed in partnership with the UW-L Center for Death Education and Bioethics, brought together 114 professionals and individuals dealing with grief. ? The Wisconsin Lower Extremity Symposium and Workshops, co-sponsored by the Health Professions department and Gundersen Lutheran Sports Medicine, drew 91 physical therapists and athletic trainers from several states. ? Community Health offerings included Experiential Learning Strategies for Health Education, the Adolescent Health Symposium, Research Tools and Processes, Foundations in Health Education, and Health and Wellness Through Yoga. annual report07-08:annual report 10/2/08 5:33 AM Page 7 Continuing Education in the Arts (CEA) offers noncredit arts programs, in partnership with the College of Liberal Studies, to youth and adults in the surrounding communities. ?Participants learn from distinguished professionals and established artists, many classes offer continuing education credits and all classes are held on the UW-La Crosse campus with access to state-of-the-art studios and equipment,? says Linda Steine, CEA program coordinator. Response has been overwhelmingly positive. ?The hands-on participation and knowledge of the instructor was a strength of the program,? says one participant. ?I walked away with a better understanding of the details involved of creating my art piece ? plus it was great fun!? adds another. Classes offered this year have included Jewelry Making, Figuration Studio, First Steps to Starting Your Art Business, Ceramics and a Chicago weekend art tour. Additional classes are planned for the upcoming year. A complete list of courses can be found online at www.uwlax.edu/conted/artleisure This workshop gave beneficial field experience needed for more in- depth understanding. ? Wetlands Delineation Training Workshop attendee trianglert Education ? ACT Train-the-Trainer workshop, a pilot program for area teachers to help prepare students for college entrance exam testing, was offered in two school districts resulting in 87 students completing the ACT Prep Course. ? The annual fall Educator Workshops, co-sponsored by the Mississippi Valley Gifted and Talented Network, were attended by 115 educators and parents from over 20 area school districts in Wisconsin and Minnesota. trianglert Sciences ? The Midwest Instruction and Computing Symposium, in cooperation with the Department of Computer Science, brought together 243 higher education participants who focused on the integration of computer-based technology in the teaching and learning process. ? More than 140 conservationists attended the 20th annual Prairie Enthusiasts Conference, in cooperation with the Biology Department and CEE. ? Seven Wetland Delineation Training workshops, were attended by 188 natural resource professionals. Workshops were held in La Crosse, Waupaca and Madison, Wis. Partners included the UW-L River Studies Center, Wisconsin Department of Administration Coastal Management Program, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, United States Geological Survey, USDA- Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. trianglert Arts & Humanities ? A new series of Continuing Education in the Arts classes, offered for 65 individuals, included jewelry making, pottery, drawing and starting an art business. ? Thirty individuals took part in the Chicago Art Museum Excursion, visiting the Art Institute of Chicago and The Museum of Contemporary Art. ? Forty individuals took part in the Chicago Art & Theatre Tour. ? Ireland Hiking Adventure attracted 13 individuals. ? The 20th annual Mini-Harmony Education program, designed to improve vocal singing techniques and performance presentation, was attended by 43 barbershop singers from Wisconsin and Minnesota. 8 CONFERENCES & annual report07-08:annual report 10/2/08 5:33 AM Page 8 trianglert Economic Development ? In partnership with the La Crosse County Aging Unit and the Coulee Region Long Term Care Workforce Coalition, UW-L served as a site for the national Creating Aging Friendly Communities online conference. ? Six programs addressed the diverse and aging workforce, including the series Workforce Diversity Initiatives focusing on practices within government, education, business and the community. Additional workforce development programs included building inclusive organizations, recruiting and retention strategies, and hiring and training tactics. ? The Sixth World Congress of Cliometrics conference held in Edinburgh, Scotland attracted 112 individuals interested in the use of economic theory and statistical techniques to study economic history. ? SBDC offered the second Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) series as a preparatory course for the CGBP exam. Twenty business professionals from the region, two UW-La Crosse faculty members and one undergraduate student participated. ? SBDC launched three new non-credit business education programs, Success on eBay Series, Web Business Plan ? Online Marketing Tactics and Leading & Communicating Effectively enrolling 95 individuals. ? The SBDC offered 38 business education programs, workshops, and community economic development events to business owners, managers and employees within the 7 Rivers Region resulting in 914 participants. Topics included executive education, middle management, basic management, international business and community economic development. Small Business Development staff (left) Maureen Spencer, Stephen Woessner, Vicki Bain and Jan Gallagher. If you are interested in: ? More information about learning communities, credit courses, certificate programs, conferences and workshops ? Partnering or co-sponsoring a program with UW-L ? Creating a program that meets specific needs of your organization Please contact us: By Mail: Continuing Education UW-La Crosse 205 Morris Hall 1725 State Street La Crosse, WI 54601 By Phone: 608.785.6500 By Fax: 608.785.6547 By E-mail: continuinged@uwlax.edu Web site: www.uwlax.edu/conted Many programs are made possible in partnership with UW-Extension. Director, Continuing Education M. Donald Campbell ? 608.785.6501 campbell.dona@uwlax.edu Marketing Services Tracy Noyes ? 608.785.6511 noyes.trac@uwlax.edu Business Development Jan Gallagher ? 608.785.8782 gallaghe.jani@uwlax.edu Community Health Gary D. Gilmore ? 608.785.8163 gilmore.gary@uwlax.edu Conferences and Youth Programs Penny Tiedt ? 608.785.6503 tiedt.penn@uwlax.edu Exercise and Sport Science/ Teacher Education Annette Valeo ? 608.785.6528 valeo.anne@uwlax.edu Human Services Andrea Hansen ? 608.785.6509 hansen.andr@uwlax.edu Learning Communities/Teacher Education Lynn Weiland ? 608.785.6512 weiland.lynn@uwlax.edu Online Programs Kay Robinson ? 608.785.6510 robinson.kay@uwlax.edu For More Information Brings the community together on a mutual issue and creates dialogue and creative thinking. Great program! ? Creating Aging Friendly Communities attendee 9 S & WORKSHOPS annual report07-08:annual report 10/2/08 5:33 AM Page 9 New test taking skills helped me take the different parts of the ACT, as well as finish the sections quicker and more efficiently. ? ACT Prep participant 10 trianglert College Preparatory Programs ? Sixty-one high school students participated in two ACT Prep Courses, a pre-college program designed to raise student test scores. ? Academic Skills workshop, helped prepare participants for the academic adjustments when transitioning from middle school to high school or high school to college. trianglert Youth Programs ? In cooperation with the Alumni Association, 57 high school students attended the Careers in Sport workshop. Participants discovered and explored career choices available in the wide world of sports from professionals in the field. ? STEM Saturdays: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), designed to provide youth with opportunities to advance their interests and abilities in science and technology, was attended by 53 students. ? Ongoing pre-college programs, offered for 561 middle school and high school students included: ?The 18th annual Young Scholars program ?Girls in Science, in partnership with the Wisconsin Center for Academically Talented Youth ?Environmental Explorers, in partnership with the Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center ?Junior Science and Humanities Symposium ?The seventh annual Vocal Jazz Camp ?Kids College, in partnership with the Mississippi Valley Gifted and Talented Network ?Harmony Explosion Camp ? Fifteen cyclists attended the USA Cycling Athlete Development camp. The top six young men and women riders from the three days of competition advanced to the national camp at the U.S. Olympic Training Center. Careers in Sports Benefits Sparta Youth Fifteen-year-old Chloe Miller Hansen discovered the many career choices available to her in the wide works of sports this past January when she attended a new day-long program, Careers in Sports. The workshop, intended for high school students, explored careers from fitness and athletic training, and sports media to sports marketing and organized sports management. Chloe, along with 56 other participants, were able to attend breakout sessions presented by 10 industry professionals and hear about a typical day in the life of a sports writer, TV sports broadcaster, athletic trainer and other experts. ?As an athlete I?ve been thinking about future careers for myself such as an athletic trainer or physical therapist. (The program) looked interesting because I wanted to learn more about jobs in sports,? says Chloe. Her interest in the field of physical therapy stemmed from pain she suffered due to low arches while in gymnastics. ?They recommended physical therapy to help with the pain and ever since I?ve been very interested (in physical therapy),? says Chloe. ?I enjoyed the program and learned a lot. I really liked the breakout groups because I could learn more about my specific field of interest. For example, I didn?t know that the physical therapy area was so competitive.? What?s on the horizon for this young scholar? ?I hope to attend the University of Colorado at Boulder when I graduate from high school. Until then I plan on continuing with school and sports - gymnastics, volleyball, basketball, softball and backyard football just to name a few,? she adds with a smile. PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAMS annual report07-08:annual report 10/2/08 5:33 AM Page 10 11 CEE?s custom programs are dedicated to providing the finest professional development opportunities for nonprofit, business, government and other organizations throughout the 7 Rivers Region and the state. Our custom programs are designed to support strategic organizational objectives as well as to meet specific skill development needs of the work force. Please contact us to determine how we can work with you. PARTNERSHIPS ? A $10,000 Collaborative Professional Development grant was awarded by UW System to UW-La Crosse and its partners in the La Crosse Early Childhood Professional Development Options partnership. The grant was used for continued funding of its highly successful programs for early childhood educators and caregivers. ? UW-La Crosse School of Education and CEE in collaboration with CESA #4 were awarded, for the third year, a Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction grant to support a License Renewal Support Center (LRSC). UW-L is one of 12 sites in Wisconsin to be named an LRSC. The primary purpose of the Center is to provide PI 34 license renewal-related services to licensed educators not employed by Wisconsin public schools. ? The Workforce Diversity Collaborative designed projects and sponsored educational forums for local employers through a $10,000 UW-Extension DPDI grant. The collaborative included representatives from Franciscan Skemp Healthcare, Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse County, the La Crosse School District, the NAACP-La Crosse Chapter, Viterbo University, Western Technical College and Workforce Connections. ? UW-L Continuing Education and Extension continues to be an approved American Psychological Association sponsor of continuing education programming for psychologists. In partnership with the 7 Rivers Psychological Association and others, CEE offers quality programs that further the science, practice and teaching of psychology. ? UW-Extension Division of Continuing Education Outreach and E-Learning awarded a $14,500 a Continuing EDvantage grant to CEE to develop recruitment and recognition initiatives with the Coulee Region Long Term Care Workforce Coalition. ? Through a $21,800 EDvantage grant from UW-Extension, CEE offered Learning Communities of Artists: Making a Living. In partnership with the SBDC and the Pump House Regional Arts Center, the program offered education and management support to area art businesses and entrepreneurs. ? The 2008 Summer Youth Program Guide, a collaborative effort by the La Crosse Public Library, the La Crosse School District, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater La Crosse and CEE, was distributed to all K-12 students in the La Crosse and surrounding school districts. The guide offered Coulee Region families one resource for planning youth summer activities. ? The UW-L Foundation provided scholarships for youth programs. Who do we work with? University academic and administrative units; area school districts and educational agencies; health care organizations; professional associations; local, state and federal governments; and various community organizations. Why should you work with us? ? Benefit from our experience in program development and delivery. ? Receive administrative support while freeing you to focus on program content. ? Provide visibility for your department or organization. ? Develop the service portion of your promotion and tenure files. ? Receive compensation for your instructional service. Administrative staff (left)Tracy Noyes, Susanne Koehler, Carol Klimek and Don Campbell How can we help you? Program development, including audience identification, needs assessment, market research, content development and speaker identification. Program implementation, including budget development, marketing, instructor arrangements, logistical arrangements (facilities, equipment, food service, lodging), pre- registration, on-site registration, revenue and expense management, report generation, Continuing Education Unit (CEU) reporting and program evaluation. SERVICES annual report07-08:annual report 10/2/08 5:33 AM Page 11 University of Wisconsin-La Crosse University of Wisconsin-Extension 1725 State Street La Crosse, WI 54601 Address Service Requested This publication was not produced at taxpayer expense. Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID La Crosse, Wis. Permit No. 545 Rob Dixon Licensed psychologist and school psychologist, Robert Dixon, Ph.D., spent several years working as a school psychologist before being hired in 2001 as an assistant professor in the psychology department at UW-La Crosse. In 1999 Dixon began work with the school psychology program at UW-Superior, but when the program closed 15 months later Dixon was offered a position at UW-La Crosse to work with a similar program. Two years later he was named graduate director of the school psychology program and has held this position since. Dixon became involved with Continuing Education and Extension in 2006 when the planning committee for the International Death, Grief and Bereavement conference wanted to offer American Psychological Association (APA) continuing education credits. Dixon offered to help and stepped in as an APA approved sponsor. Because of his involvement with the conference, he became familiar with the services the CEE office provided. In 2008 Dixon sought the help of CEE to help plan the Wisconsin School Psychologists Association (WSPA) conference. As professional development chairperson for WSPA, Dixon was interested to know what conference services CEE could provide. ?We?ve (WSPA planning committee) been very pleased (with CEE). We?ve had two identical spring conferences, one that WSPA managed and one that CEE managed. The conference we managed burned just about everyone out and we only made $700. The one that CEE managed made $5,000 and everyone was pleased and refreshed.? Due to the success of the conference, WSPA has contracted with CEE for the next three years to manage their spring and fall conferences with attendees ranging from 50-350. ?It?s kind of a no brainer for us to continue to use CEE services. It really showed us the power of CEE, the services, the connections, the registration process, just the ease of running the conference.? Dixon is also a founding member of the newly developed 7 Rivers Psychological Association, an organization created to promote networking and professional development in the area. ?Because we are such a fledgling organization, we don?t have a lot of capital and a lot of members. CEE has partnered with us and managed three conferences and again their services and support was superb.? FACULTY FEATURE annual report07-08:annual report 10/2/08 5:33 AM Page 12