Clear Lake ConnectionClear Lake Connection

July 2011July 2011

INSIDE:

CLNAC Board of Directors’ biographies

“Let’s Talk” Monica Cornetti

Newly certified…

Tips from Toastmasters

Launch Dates

“Got Skills”

“How to Receive Feedback”

and much more…

Lorna DeArmond, CPSAdministrative Assistant, Manager IIUnited Space AllianceEVA, Robotics and Crew Systems

Lorna is a well qualified administrative assistant with extensive experience in administrative and technical support to NASA’s Johnson Space Center Astronaut Training, Shuttle and International Space Station Programs. She brings a wealth of experience to managers, engineers, and coworkers in the Mission Operations Directorate. She began her career at JSC in 1986 with Barrios Technology where she spent her first year supporting Shuttle Failure Mode Effects and Analyses Reviews at Rockwell in Downey, California. From there she was assigned to work at Kennedy Space Center in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Once she returned to the Johnson Space Center she continued supporting Shuttle Operations and went to work for Johnson Engineering Company in 1997, a former division of SpaceHab. She was quickly promoted to Senior Administrative Coordinator for the Director of Flight Hardware. Lorna started at United Space Alliance in May 2005 as an Astronaut Appearances Administrator, responsible for planning and execution of all aspects of astronaut public speaking events before she was promoted to the on- site lead admin for EVA Systems and Task Group where she works with EVA Flight Controllers to teach astronauts to do spacewalks.

Lorna is currently enrolled in undergraduate studies for her Associate of Arts Degree in Business Administration at San Jacinto College. She joined IAAP in 2007 and promptly received her CPS certification in May 2008. She has served in the following positions for IAAP - both at chapter and division level:

2007 - 2008 Dress for Success Committee Chair2008 - 2009 T-L Division Special Committees

Minutes Approval Chair2008 - 2010 CLNAC Bylaws & Standing Rules

Chair (2 consecutive terms)2009 - 2010 CLNAC Seminar Committee Chair2010 - 2011 CLNAC Bylaws & Standing Rules

Chair2009 - 2011 T-L Division Bylaws and Standing

Rules Committee Chair (2 consecutive terms)2010 CLNAC Alternate Delegate to International Education

Forum & Annual Meeting in Boston, MA.

In her spare time she enjoys gardening, travel and horseback riding. Lorna supports many charitable organizations throughout the year and dedicates her time to mentoring young people in her Purpose Driven Life Group.

Carolyn Eubanks, CPS – Vice-President

Carolyn is the co-owner of Premium Building Company in Alvin, TX. She has recently left employment with the City of League City after 10 years to help her husband in the family business.

Carolyn did self-study to prepare for the CPS exam. She took the exam in May of 2007 and obtained her CPS designation. Carolyn decided that she should look for a Chapter to join so she visited the two chapters that are in her area and decided that the Clear Lake/NASA Chapter was the place she felt the most comfortable. She joined this chapter in January of 2008 and served as the Chairman of the Hospitality Committee for the 2008-09 year. She has served as Vice President for the past two years and will serve in this position for one more year. She served on the Texas-Louisiana Division Audit Committee for the 2010-2011 year.

Carolyn has attended three T-L Division Leadership training sessions and four of the T-L Annual Meeting and Educational Forums. She has been able to serve as Chapter Alternate at three of the T-L Meetings. She is a member of the CPS/CAP Society of Texas and attends their annual conferences. She has also had the privilege to attend one Educational Conference that was held in Denver, Colorado.

Carolyn and her husband John attend church at Praise Chapel in Webster, Texas. Carolyn enjoys spending Sunday afternoons hanging out with her husband. She also enjoys anytime that she gets to spend with her daughter, Nikki. Carolyn and Nikki spent a lot of time training for the 2010 Houston Marathon along with their friend, Frances Jackson. They each completed two ½ marathons in January of last year. Carolyn was not the fastest of the three, but she finished strong and was very proud of her accomplishment. The thing she is looking forward to the most is a visit this summer from her 7 year old grandson, “Koen”.

Rachael Venable, CAP – President-ElectI received my CPS certification in May 1996 and the CAP certification in May 2011. Since joining IAAP in 1994, I have been a member of the Downtown Houston Chapter, CPS Society of Texas and am currently with the Clear Lake/NASA Area Chapter. Some of the committees I have held positions on since joining CLNAC include: Seminar, Community Service, and 2012 T-L Division Planning. Recently, I represented CLNAC as the Delegate for the 2011 T-L Division Education Forum.

My current position is Senior Administrative Assistant with the North American Olefins & Aromatics group at LyondellBasell Industries. Previously, I held Executive Assistant positions with Calpine, American National and Enron. I have a diverse background having worked in the Human Resources, Tax, Insurance, Business Finance, Commercial and Operations sides of several businesses and enjoy the versatility of learning a new role.

I have four beautiful children along with several pets and devote all my spare time to leading Girl Scout Troop #1848 over the past 8 years. I enjoy traveling and looking for any means of possible growth. Being a member of IAAP brings both the development and challenges I enjoy both personally and professionally.

Jeanette Smith, CPS - Secretary

She has been a member of the Clear Lake NASA Area Chapter since January 2009 and served on the Audit Committee in 2009.

Jeanette Smith is employed by United Space Alliance as an Ops/Administrative Associate to Manager II of the Extravehicular, Robotics and Crew Systems Division.    She has previously worked as church secretary; typist for newspaper; data processing operator for textile mill, credit union, and hospital; insurance clerk, transcript clerk, and graduation clerk at a university.

Jeanette is a native of Alabama, presently living in Baytown, Texas since 2003.  Her hobbies include reading, biking, cooking, traveling and enjoying family time.  She is married with three adult children and has no grandchildren yet. Her professional interests include maintaining her proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, learning the latest technology and becoming the indispensible Virtual Assistant.

Bernice Woolsey, CPS - TreasurerBernice joined the NASA/Clear Lake Chapter of National Secretary Association (NSA) in 1974. She became a Charter member of Clear Lake / NASA Area IAAP Chapter in 1986. She has served as the CLNAC Treasurer since 1990 (that’s 21 years!) She has thoroughly enjoyed being an active participating member of the Clear Lake NASA Chapter and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with her.

Bernice obtained a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in 1972 from the University of Houston–Central Campus and her Master’s in Accounting in 1979 from the University of Houston-Clear Lake Campus.

Bernice has been employed by Blackburn Marine Equipment Company for 43 years. She has been married to her husband, James, for 38 years and is currently enjoying semi-retirement in Canyon Lake, TX. She enjoys walking, swimming, camping and porch sitting. However, her favorite aspect of the outdoors is to watch the sun set and the moon rise.

Billie Hall, CPS - Director I

Billie is the Buyer for the Purchasing Office at the City of League City. She has worked for the City for 9 years and held the positions of Accounts Payable Specialist, Office Manager, and Buyer.

Billie did self-study to prepare for the CPS exam. She took the exam in November of 2006 and obtained her CPS designation. Billie decided that she should look for a Chapter to join so she visited the two chapters that are in her area and decided that the Clear Lake/NASA Chapter was the place she felt the most comfortable. She joined this chapter in March of 2008 and served as the Co-Chairman of the Hospitality Committee for the 2008-2009 year. She served as Awards Committee member 2008-2009 and Awards Chair during 2009-2010, Hospitality Chair during 2009-2010, Membership Committee member 2009-2010, Awards Chair 2010-2011. Billie will be serving this position again this year and hopefully mentoring someone to fill this rewarding role. She will serve as Director for the 2011-2012 year.

Billie attended three of the T-L Annual Meeting and Educational Forums. She has also had the privilege to attend one Educational Conference that was held in Denver, Colorado. She has recently sat for her CPPB exam.

Billie is “batching it” with her 81 year old father that keeps her on her toes and recently bought a house, you guessed it , next door to “dads”. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially with her heart, Tori, and her four legged baby, Lady Bug. Hobbies include dancing, riding motor cycles, gardening and baking.

Stay connected, if you have recently moved or changed your e-mail address, send your new contact information to membership@iaap-hq.org.

Membership Enrollment Payment PlanDid you know that your chapter has a Membership Enrollment Payment Plan where a prospective member, renewing member or reinstating member can make payments of the appropriate fees divided into 3 monthly payments to fund her membership? See Frances Jackson for a flyer with details or email fjackson@caprock.com.

Boxtops for Education We continue to accept Boxtops for Education coupons at our Board and Chapter monthly meetings. This ongoing project is easy, simply collect boxtops coupons from participating products.  You will be amazed at all the products that offer box tops http://www.boxtops4education.com/earn/clip/Brands.aspx?WT.ac=UHP_PartProducts.We collected over 1,000 coupons during our first drive, so let’skeep it going and snip those Boxtops for Education! 

The Community Service Committee will have a collection box at our July 18 meeting.

KITWOM (Keep in Touch With Our Military)The Community Service Committee wants to continue tosupport our troops around the world.  So we are planninga postcard writing campaign during June and July.  This will give us the opportunity to thank these dedicated citizens for protecting us and our democratic way of life.  We’ll set up a table at the July meeting with postcards and pens so that members can take time to send greetings.  We will also be collecting items for care packages. Participation is voluntary.  The Community Service Committee will have a box for donations at our July 18 meeting.

"Let's Talk! - The Secret of Powerful"Let's Talk! - The Secret of Powerful Communication Skills”Communication Skills”

presented by Monica Cornetti, MS EDE

By Irene Dillon, CPS/CAP

Monica gave an inspirational, humorous, motivating, insightful presentation at our June chapter meeting. Following are just a few quotes and tips she shared.Versus getting up in the morning dragging and allowing negative, draining thoughts to occupy our entire morning, we should wake up with joy and enthusiasm with the realization that the world needs us. “Get your “ASK” in gear!” “If you can’t change the people around you…change the people around you!”“Say the right thing to the right person at the right time.”

STEPS TO SAYING “NO”:

1.Acknowledge the request

2.Decline the request (use “and”, versus “but”; “however” = “but” in a tuxedo)

3.Optional - State reason

4.Alternative solution offered (tell what you want – “Here’s what I can do…”)

A few LIPSTICK LESSONS from Monica’s book, “Your Face Isn’t Finished Until Your Lipstick Is On”:

•Appearance is crucial to your success in the workplace, and you must be smart in your dress and presentation

•Your worth is not based on your physical beauty. You are special because of who you are.

•There is no formula for success. You must choose your own path.

•Lead your own Bragfest. You have unique personal qualities that have helped you achieve great things in the past and those qualities will help you become the women you want to be.

•You got Sizzle baby!

It is possible to live an empowered life of fulfillment and success …in your shade and on your terms.

Shared with permission from Monica Cornetti

Donna Rodgers CAP Experience:1988 – The year I gained my CPS certification! That seems like ancient times, and in

fact it was. But don’t think that my experience of passing the 6-part CPS test the first time was any accident. I studied; I took review classes at San Jacinto South Campus; I passed on the first attempt; I got TMJ from grinding my teeth and worrying about the outcome.

Fast forward to 2011! The CAP examination seemed like a breeze to me, though I didn’t mention that as we left the building. I went into this event with a very positive attitude. My study sessions with Rachael Venable were very beneficial and we had a great time meeting once or twice a week after work to prepare. I know that my success in gaining my CAP certification though was the result of well over twenty years of experience in the Administrative Profession and my involvement in IAAP! I had the experience and the time was right for me to test for CAP. You should have seen me doing my “Happy Dance” when the letter came in the mail that day!

Rachael Venable CAP Experience:The CAP Exam was tough. Having a fantastic study partner really helped. Donna

Rodgers and I listened to the audio study in the car, read flash cards over and over, and did the exams in the book at our study sessions.

I took the CPS exam in 1996 and took a class Enron offered its employees. The instructor said we must utilize all learning mechanisms to keep up with today’s information, technology and management skill sets. This would include news, newspapers, magazines, talk radio, even events at work.

Using all the tools available is the fastest track to reaching your goal. Achieving this designation has been both a personal and business goal for me over the past year. It is wonderful to be able to bring this to my director and add it to my mid-year review!

Congratulations to the Newly Certified:Congratulations to the Newly Certified:

Rachael Venable, CAP

Donna Rodgers, CPS/CAP

Lernette Patterson, CPS

Billie Hall, CPS, CPPB (Certified Professional Public Buyer; not an

IAAP certification, but very deserving of recognition)

Billie Hall, Certified Professional Public Buyer Experience:

I was one of 150 who successfully completed the CertifiedProfessional Public Buyer (CPPB) exam held May 2-14, 2011.“The Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) was initiallyestablished as the Professional Public Buyer (PPB) certificate programin 1979 and expanded in 1991 to a full-scale certification. This prestigiouscertification is an outstanding honor for individuals employed in the public procurement profession and is an asset to their specific division of governmental administration.” 

“To date there are 8,632 purchasing professionals have achieved this accomplished status.  To become certified as a CPPB, candidates must demonstrate through an application process that they meet specific requisites established by the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC); including formal education, procurement related coursework/training and public purchasing experience.  A comprehensive written examination is required to confirm the candidate’s mastery of the body of knowledge for public purchasing professionals.  The CPPB certification recognizes only those professionals who have fulfilled these prescribed standards of competency in public procurement.”

My experience….I have been going to three-day conferences at least once a year, usually two (2) for the last three (3) years.  I took a five-week online prep class in February/March 2011. During one of the classes a new Procurement Dictionary came out and we were advised to memorize it.  We were also advised to start individual study up to six (6) months out.  My test was scheduled for May 6th at 8:00 a.m.  On April 7th I had to have sinus surgery, as I had been sick since November 2010 and could not seem to get over the infection even after several bouts of antibiotics and steroids.  I was supposed to recover and be on my feet by the following week.  Something happened during the surgery and I did not bounce back as planned.  The following week it was discovered I had amnesia from the anesthesia.  I was pretty much in a panic as my test was in three (3) weeks.  I discovered that the information I had read in the dictionary, I did not remember.  I took vacation on May 2nd through 6th and crammed for the exam, not knowing if I would retain the information.  I was basically a nervous wreck. The day of the exam I put it in God’s hands and said, “what will be, will be.” I finished the exam with way too much time remaining and remember telling my Dad and my boss that either I did very, very well or very, very bad, and it was exceptional practice. The waiting to find out if I had passed was just as nerve racking!  Yesterday when the envelope came I could hardly breath. I flipped the envelope to open it, but then realized it would have the initials after my name if I had passed.  When I turned the envelop back over I was holding my breath until I saw the CPPB behind my name.  I just looked up and told my Dad “I passed”….he said “how do you know, you haven’t even opened it!”  and I showed him.  LOL  I felt very, very relieved and very, very grateful to the man upstairs because it was truly in his hands!

                                                                                Helping you present professionally Visual aids are an important part of many presentations. The most commonly used media are the flipchart and computer-based presentation programs. Here are some suggestions for making the most of your visual aids:

FlipchartA flipchart mounted on a portable easel works best when used with a relatively small audience – 20 or fewer people. A flipchart can be prepared prior to your presentation. You can also write or draw during your presentation – especially to record audience responses. Use bold colors, but avoid using ink that bleeds through the paper. Don’t look at your flipchart when speaking. If you must write on the flipchart, pause, then resume speaking when you’re done. Use small strips of masking tape to facilitate changing from one page to the next.

Computer-based visualsThe technology is rapidly changing. These days, using a laptop computer and presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint is the norm. Add a screen and other equipment, and you can produce and display dramatic visual aids, including animation and simulations. Computer-based visuals are becoming the standard for most technical, educational or business-related presentations. Useful for large and small audiences, they can convey simple as well as complex information. If you use a remote control, you can change the visuals while walking about the room

To accomplish this you’ll need a data projector, a device that accepts output from a computer and projects it onto a screen. Plan to create the visuals in advance, to ensure all of the electronic components work together and be sure to rehearse with them.

Keep your visual aids:•Visible •Simple •Colorful, but don't let them upstage you •Justified by the content -- not too many or too few slides For effective PowerPoint shows:•Don't read the slides to your audience! •Make your text large. •Choose colors that make the text easier to read. •Use bullet points instead of full sentences. •Don't let the text or graphics fly around too much. •Avoid charts and diagrams that are hard to see. Most Importantly - Remember, you control the presentation; don’t let it control you. PowerPoint should be a “visual aid” – not the entire show.

CLNAC granted permission to include Tips from Toastmasters; © 2011 Toastmasters International. All rights reserved.

Visual Aids & PowerPoint

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Launch DatesLaunch DatesJuly 14 5:30 pm 2012 T-L Division Annual Meeting Planning Meeting Saltgrass Steakhouse

July 18CLNAC Meeting Hilton Garden Inn – Banquet Room“Putting Magic into Your Presentation” by JSC Toastmasters: Jeannie Pullen, Louis Cioletti & James Mulberry

July 24 - 27Education Forum and Annual Meeting

August 1CLNAC Board Meeting Hilton Garden Inn – Austin BoardroomOpen to all members

August 15CLNAC Meeting Hilton Garden Inn – Banquet Room“Linked In.com Networking Tool” by Angela Carrizales, Workforce Solutions

August 26Clear Lake Connection newsletter submissions deadline for September/October 2011 issue.

Please visit our website for more information.

Michelle Spradley, Carla Flowers, Frances McAnear,Tina Wiggins, and Bonnie House.

President:Michelle Spradley, CPS/CAP - BioPresident Elect:Carla Flowers, CPS/CAP - BioVice President:Frances McAnear, CPS/CAP - BioSecretary: Tina Wiggins, CPS/CAPTreasurer:Bonnie House, CPS/CAP - Bio

Better Title, Bigger Paycheck? Not Necessarily

An impressive title doesn’t always come with a bigger paycheck. In a survey by OfficeTeam, 22 percent of human resources managers said it’s at least somewhat common for their companies to award promotions without salary increases. That’s perfectly acceptable for 55 percent of workers interviewed who said they would be willing to accept a promotion without a salary increase.

Most companies prefer to offer an employee a promotion and a raise at the same time. But some companies continue to operate with lean budgets and may not be able to pair the two.

If you are offered a promotion but no raise, carefully consider if you are willing to take on the additional responsibilities without increased pay. You may want to work with your boss to set a timeline for a future raise. For example, perhaps your manager will agree to give you a raise after six months if you meet certain performance objectives.

The following are alternative incentives you might request if your company is not able to offer a raise along with a promotion:

•More vacation time. Consider asking for a few extra days or weeks off each year. •A bigger bonus. It may be possible for your company to increase the percentage of

your annual bonus or give you a spot bonus. •Flexible schedules. The ability to work from home or commute during off-hours may

save you time and money. •Professional development. Pursuing training or continuing education can increase

your marketability, which could pay off in the long run. •An equity stake. In some cases, you may be able to negotiate restricted stock in the

company based on your performance in the new role.

Above all, have a candid conversation with your manager about the new job and responsibilities, how your performance will be measured, and options you can explore to ensure you are fairly compensated. That is the best way to guarantee your satisfaction in the position and make sure both you and your manager have a clear picture of your role and your future with the organization.

OfficeTeam is the world’s leading staffing service specializing in the placement of highly skilled administrative and office support professionals. The company has more than 315 locations worldwide, and offers online job search services at www.officeteam.com.

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GOT SKILLS?

How to Receive Feedback How to Receive Feedback By Peggy MorrowBy Peggy Morrow

How do you like getting feedback? It can be as wonderful as a compliment or as earth shattering as criticism. It can buoy your spirit or crush you if you let it.

A time when you usually get a lot of feedback is during performance appraisals. Oh, those nail biting times! But how you receive that feedback is important to consider. Here are a few

pointers that will help you weather one of the most hated times for any employee.

1. Always remember that feedback is a gift. It is a time to learn what you are doing right so that you can do more of the things that please your boss and your company. It can also be

a time to learn what you are doing wrong so you can do something about it before it destroys your chances to get ahead.

Remember that your manager is setting aside time to help you grow and improve and taking a risk in doing so. Look on it as a benefit, not something to be tolerated, or worse yet,

ignored. So thank the feedback giver for taking the time to help you improve yourself.

2. Remember that perception is reality. Even if you think the criticism is not true, if they perceive it to be true, then it is. For example, if she tells you that you are not dressing

professionally, yet you feel that you are. What your boss perceives or thinks is the reality. Ask some more specific questions in order to get more details on the issue.

3. Always adopt a "What can I learn from this?" It may not all be true, but probably some of it is. Check your understanding by paraphrasing back what you just heard and clarify

anything you are unsure about.

For example, if your boss tells you "You are not being a good team player," ask for some specific things that you do or don't do to make him feel that way. Maybe you don't offer to help when you see that others are overwhelmed. Isn't it better to know that than to wonder

why you aren't moving ahead?

4. Always assume the feedback giver has good intentions in mind. Believe that the giver values you and wants to improve your relationship, even if the feedback expresses

temporary dissatisfaction. Most managers do want to see you do your best and get ahead. If you take the feedback very personally, the giver may just stop doing it and you will be left

to wonder just what happened to your career.

And finally, keep in mind that the feedback you received relates to just one aspect of your behavior, not your worth as a person

Contact me when you need a speaker for keynotes, breakouts or training in customer service, team development or communication/interpersonal skills. peggy@peggymorrow.com 281-280-8190 1-800-375-1982. And check my website for more

information and lots of other free articles and a customer service quiz. www.peggymorrow.com

Birthdays

Tammy Walters Jul 7Celeste Halata Jul 12Sophia Pichoff Jul 14Elizabeth Vargas Jul 18Janice Eubanks Jul 20Lori Gordon Jul 25Terri Markle Jul 25Glenda Souliere Aug 3Sharon Vincent Aug 8Sharon Pribil Aug 17Estella Gillette Aug 23Delilah Hymas Aug 27Mary Jean Meier Aug 31

Anniversaries

Michelle Spradley Jul 2002 9 yearsCeleste Halata Jul 2005 6 yearsGina Ibanez Aug 2006 5 yearsAngela Dizazzo Jul 2008 3 yearsAndrea Freeman Jul 2009 2 yearsDiana Warren Jul 2010 1 yearTammy Walters Aug 2010 1 year

Something to think about…

Need - What you must doTalent - What you can doPassion - What you love to doPurpose - What you are meant to do

-Steve Pavlina

The Clear Lake Connection is published monthly by Irene Dillon, CPS/CAP and Carrol Cribbs, CPS.

Submissions may be sent via e-mail to i.simmons@sbcglobal.net and Carrol.Cribbs@leaguecity.com

Sept/Oct issue deadline: Friday, August 26Sept/Oct issue deadline: Friday, August 26

Websites: www.iaap-hq.orgIAAP Headquarterswww.iaap-txla.orgIAAP Texas-Louisiana Divisionwww.iaap-clnac.orgIAAP Clear Lake/NASA Area Chapter

Our Mission - To Promote Administrative Excellence byHonoringEncouragingLeadingPromoting

Prayer Request: Healing for Natasha Spradley, daughter-in-law of Michelle Spradley