The Eastsider

 

November 2004                                  The Information Management Professionals                               Volume 13, Number 3

In This Issue

·    President’s Message

·    Around the Sound

·    2004-2005 Board

·    Message from the GNW Region Manager

·    November Joint Meeting Info and Menu

·    The Editor’s Cube

·    Carol Cameron’s Excellent Adventure            

    RIM Links

 

 

Association of Records

Managers & Administrators

Bellevue/Eastside Chapter

 

The Bellevue/Eastside newsletter, The Eastsider, is published monthly from September through June.  We encourage all letters, comments and contributions from members.  Send to:

 

The Eastsider

ARMA International

Bellevue/Eastside Chapter

P.O. Box 40382

Bellevue, WA 98015-4382

 

Contributions or gifts to the Association of Records Managers and Administrators, Inc. are not deductible as charitable contributions for Federal Income Tax purposes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President’s Message

 

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope November finds you all healthy, happy and ready for the holidays.

 

At last month's board meeting, we discussed the idea of our chapter joining the "5-100 Club" of the ARMA Foundation. Our chapter would agree to contribute $100 for the next 5 years, which will help fund the Foundation, and allow it to continue to promote our profession. We ask all members to consider this approach, and to address any comments or concerns to me by December 1st. The chapter can then "vote" on this issue.

 

Attendance at our meetings was another issue we discussed, and we would like to ask the members for any comments or suggestions they may have regarding attendance, and what, if anything, we can do to help increase the numbers. The one question we asked was whether the use of e-mail meeting notification is sufficient. Is everyone getting, and reading the notices? Your input is important, and will be appreciated.

 

It's that time of year when my Rotary Club sponsors the "Rotary Embraces Kids" project, which provides a wonderful holiday experience for 55 to 60 very worthy children, who would otherwise not have any Christmas celebration. It will be held on Saturday, December 4th, at the Lake Washington School District Headquarters Building, located in Redmond Town Center. Those who volunteered last year had the experience of a lifetime, and received much more than they offered: that wonderful warm feeling of helping a young, needy child experience a few hours of pure happiness! If you are interested in helping, just let me know and I will get you all the details. I will also be asking the board to donate $125 again this year, which will sponsor one child.

 

As this holiday season approaches, please remember those that are less fortunate. Lend a hand to someone in need, and help to make our world a better place for everyone. Happy Holidays!

 

Best regards,

 

Tom Kirschner  

Home   

Around the Sound

November 2004 Chapter Meeting

Puget Sound Chapter of ARMA International

Wednesday, November 10, 2004

La Quinta Inn
Tacoma
, Washington

 

Registration: 6:00 - 6:30 pm

Dinner: 6:30 – 7:15 pm

Business Meeting: 7:15 – 7:30 pm

Program: 7:30 - 8:30 pm

 

Dinner $18.50 (reservation received by 11/05/04)

or $20.00 (reservation received after 11/05/04)

Dinner and workshop:  Add $5.00 to dinner fee

 

Dinner Menu

Honey Baked Ham

Tossed Green Salad with Ranch Dressing

Vegetables, Sweet Potatoes, Bread

Coffee, Water and Ice Tea Service

Dessert: Apple Crisp

Alternate Meal: Chef’s Salad

 

Identify Theft: It Could Happen To You

 

Program: Detective Dave Paul of the Tacoma Police Department will discuss the problem of Identity Theft.  This offense can have devastating effects on you both personally and professionally. Learn how this crime could affect our agency or business and what you can do to prevent others stealing credit card numbers and Social Security numbers along with other confidential information. Businesses guard their proprietary information from their competitors; this may be an issue for you also. This program will be well worth your time so you can share the information with your employer and your own family to educate them about Identity Theft.

 

Speaker:

Detective Dave Paul has worked for Tacoma Police Department for 27 years and serving as a Senior Detective in the Financial Crimes Unit for the last 12 years. Detective Paul’s investigative responsibilities include check and credit card fraud, identity theft, employee embezzlements and internal business fraud. He is a member of the Pacific Northwest License, Tax and Fraud Association.

 

Make your reservations in several ways: Call Chrissy Stroberger at: 253-926-5980, Fax: 866-560-0574, register on-line at pugetsoundarma.org, or e-mail Chrissy at cstroberger@rainierpac.com.

 

Information courtesy of Sue Lord

 

Home

 

The Editor’s Cube

 

I attended the Joint AIIM Northwest-Greater Seattle Chapter’s dinner meeting on October 20th at the Swedish Club in Seattle.  Attendees were treated to an informative and interactive program on the compliance challenges RIM professionals face in confronting the dreaded “S” word: SOX (aka Sarbanes-Oxley, Sarbox, S-OX; pick your acronym).

 

Allison Griffin of Computer Forensics, Inc., began the program with an overview of SOX and the challenges the RIM field have encountered in dealing with various interpretations of this far-reaching, yet sometimes vague, legislation when it comes to recordkeeping requirements.

 

Next up, Rick Boogaard, an auditor for Holland American Line, Inc., walked us through the meticulous and stringent testing of his organization’s policies and practices to ensure compliance with SOX in regards to financial reporting.

 

Nicole Smith of AT&T Wireless followed with her story of the “pitfalls” of implementing SOX compliance throughout her organization; all Records Managers could glean some valuable lessons from her experience.

 

This roundtable presentation was extremely effective as it presented a comprehensive look at SOX and records management from multiple perspectives.  I have to admit this was my first foray West of I-5 in quite some time; after an evening of networking with our Seattle colleagues (where we also kept track of the Red Sox-Yankees game), and listening to a terrific program, I am resolved to make many more meetings in Seattle!

 

And, as always, we look forward to you submitting articles, news and other RIM info to The Eastsider.  Email your submission to ramsdell5@comcast.net no later than the 15th of the month for inclusion into the following month’s publication, or bring a CD-R with your submission to the monthly meeting.  

 

Jerry Rugh, Chapter Webmaster, has added a “Puget Sound Blog” button to the Career Center on the BEC Website.  This means that we now have a central repository for BEC, Greater Seattle and Puget Sound Chapters to post RIM vacancies.  If you have a job to post, please send it to Jerry and he will post it.  Thanks!

 

 

Joe Ramsdell ,Newsletter Editor

From Paper to XML and Beyond - What an Adventure and I Never Left The Ground!!

(Except for My Airplane Ride)

By Carol Cameron

For those of you who have been to any conference as a first time attendee, it can be a good experience or one you don’t want to repeat.  I assure all of you, the ARMA International Conference held in Long Beach, California recently, was the best conference experience for me, ever.

 

The Exposition Hall had numerous booths available for conference attendees to review, research and question all the new technology available for desktop record keeping.  The technology that is available for maintaining archived records, vital records and for managing the destruction of documents no longer of value was overwhelming.  Even the technology for off-site storage is available whereby the outside company can access your closed folders and either fax, deliver to your office or discuss by phone the requested information.

 

The classes I attended ranged from how to be a good Treasurer at the local chapter position to the level of using of XML (extensible markup language) by Roger Winters; one of my instructors at the University.  I won’t pretend to know anything about this new technology, but Roger was so entertaining with how he presented the information, that I want to learn more and how it could apply to my work.

 

Randy Kahn, our keynote speaker, candidly stated how important it is for us to care about the information we handle on a daily basis.  The information may not mean much to us initially, but it is a part of the larger picture of our companies’ strength and survival.  Each one of us in our daily work environment needs to protect, promote, and ensure that every piece of information we handle is distributed timely; even when we feel over-stressed and don’t think we can manage one more thing.

 

Paperless?  I don’t know about this possibility; and there is the consensus that more paper has been generated since computers have become so much a part of our daily living.  However, from my office alone, I see how the use of the computer has helped to “gather all the missing” pieces of information contained in different folders.  This gathering of information has also identified the “naming” weaknesses of our labeling process.  If the computer can tie all the loose ends together to make a folder, then we can feel secure about the integrity of the information housed within its covers. For my office, looking in five or six places for details is now becoming an unnecessary step in our retrieval process; and for that less paper has been used.

 

Chicago, Illinois, is the locale for next year’s ARMA International Conference.  If you can plan ahead by requesting from your office the time, money and sponsorship to attend, you can experience a wonderful opportunity towards a more successful career as a records analyst, manager and/or CRM.  I wish you the best and thank you again to BEC Chapter of ARMA for your encouragement, support and this recent opportunity.  I also thank my office for granting me the time as well as the financial support.

 

Carol Cameron, Chapter Treasurer

November 9, 2004 Joint BEC/Greater Seattle Chapter Meeting

Electronic Records Imperative: RIM to the Rescue

Darlene Curtice, CRM

 

Organizations are facing increased legal and compliance pressures to take control over the exploding world of digital documents and data. RIM programs must partner with legal, IT, and desktop users to come to the rescue reducing risks and costly exposure.  Darlene Curtice, CRM, will share four key strategies and a framework to build in best practices with the electronic records information management (ERIM) initiative.  Her presentation is a real life case study describing her current approach to gain top-down sponsorship and collaborate with IT in addressing the e-records imperative.

 

Ms. Curtice will identify necessary ERIM components and standards that will support productivity improvements and cost efficiencies in tandem with deploying computer technologies and automated systems. As EDMS project manager and strategic team lead, she will provide valuable lessons learned in the initial EDMS pilot.

 

Ms. Curtice has over 25 years of RIM experience in many industries including banking, legal, transportation and utilities.  Her extensive experience includes records retention schedules, RIM policies and procedures, vital records protection, disaster recovery planning, central filing, record centers, micrographics, and several EDMS projects.  She is the records manager for Snohomish County Public Utility District in Everett, Washington.  A member of ARMA for over 23 years, she has served as President of the Bellevue / Eastside and Oregon ARMA chapters. She has a B.S. in Education.  Ms. Curtice is a popular regional speaker with ARMA and other professional groups. 

 

We hope to see you on November 9th for this informative and lively session!

 

 

 

 

 

Joint BEC/Greater Seattle Chapter Meeting Info

 

 

 

Date:  Tuesday, November 9, 2004

Place:  Coast Hotel

           625 116th Ave NE

           Bellevue, WA 425.455.9444

Time:   5:15-5:30 PM Registration

           5:30-5:45 Networking

           5:45-6:45 Dinner

           6:45-7:00 Business

           7:00-8:00 Program

Cost:    $25 for Program and Dinner – ARMA members

            $10 for Program Only – ARMA members

            $28 for Program and Dinner – Non-ARMA

            $13 for Program Only – Non-ARMA

            $15 for Program and Dinner - Students

 

Reservations:  Contact Sue Gunderson at 206.529.1234 or sgunderson@datasitenw.com, OR register online at http://www.armabellevue.org by 5 PM, Wednesday, November 3.  Because we must pay for all reserved dinners, “no shows” will be billed.

~ M E N U ~

Pasta and Caesar Salad Bar / Antipasto Tray

Sliced Fresh Fruit / Fresh Seasonal Vegetables

Rolls and Butter / Assorted Desserts

Coffee and Tea

 

Check this out!

 

Greater Seattle Chapter BLOG:

http://seattlearma.blogspot.com

 

This is a great communications forum to find out what’s up in the Greater Seattle Chapter and in the Great Northwest Region.  You can also post messages and job postings on the Blog – Contact Roger Winters for more information at 206.296.7838 or roger.winters@metrokc.gov.

 

Updated Email Address?  Let us know at http://www.armabellevue.org

        

2004-2005 BEC Board

President

Tom Kirschner

Past President

Fran Blaylock

Vice President

OPEN

Secretary

Renee’ Murry

Treasurer

Carol Cameron

Membership

Bobbie Pennington

Programs

Darlene Curtice, CRM

Programs

Fran Blaylock

Publicity

Jean McVay

Arrangements

Sue Gunderson

Webmaster

Jerry Rugh

Newsletter

Joe Ramsdell

Member-at-Large

Bernard Chester

 

Message from the Great Northwest Region Manager

By Sue Lord

 

Happy Autumn to you!  The Puget Sound geographical area just had a fabulous fall weekend with mostly sunny skies and mild temperatures.  To celebrate this weather, my husband and I raked and scooped over 2000 pounds of horse chestnuts off our lawn and hauled them to the municipal yard-waste station. Oh my aching back!

 

It wasn’t that long ago that some of us were in sunny California at the 49th Annual ARMA Conference and Expo.  What a terrific event!  I had the pleasure of arriving a couple days early in order to attend ARMA International’s Board of Director’s meeting and to participate in Region and Chapter Leadership training.  What a pleasant experience that was! On Friday, I was honored to be able to deliver an oral report on behalf of our GREAT NW Region to ARMA’s Board of Directors.  It was an opportunity to highlight the accomplishments of our chapters in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington states. I was also able to relay to the Board, in person, a few concerns that members of our Region expressed to me.  In addition, I was able to deliver positive messages about ARMA International from the Region.  If you ever get a chance, do consider sitting in on an International Board of Director’s meeting as it is quite interesting.

 

Saturday was absolutely non-stop as it involved many training sessions for Region leaders as well as chapter leaders.  I met many new people and continued to learn a great deal about ARMA.

 

For the first time, ARMA conducted a General Membership Meeting prior to the beginning of the conference on Sunday.  While modestly attended, I think it was very appreciated by those in the audience, including myself.  The meeting was led by President Dave McDermott.  He delivered a comprehensive presentation on the current state of and goals of ARMA.  One of those goals is called “Transparency” where the BOD is delivering to the Association information on what it is doing, including posting its agenda and “discernment” items on the International website. Mr. McDermott also discussed what the BOD believes to be the top twenty issues that have impact on our organization.  This list is called their “Radar Screen” of issues.  The top four issues are considered to be of the highest concern.  The “Radar Screen” should be posted at arma.org and the Board is asking for comments from the members.  After the formal presentation, the audience was invited to bring questions to the BOD.  To be sure, there were some lively discussions!

 

I also attended the “Candidate Forum” that morning.  This was a venue for those candidates running for ARMA International BOD positions in 2005.  Each candidate had an opportunity to give a brief “stump” speech then a Q & A period followed.  One of the candidates for a Board of Director seat is Bonnie Nadler from the Bellevue/Eastside Chapter.  Good luck Bonnie!

 

I have to admit I was pretty tired BEFORE the actual conference got started, however, I never, NOT ONCE, fell asleep during an educational session!  I believe the courses in Long Beach were really the best!  I don’t think it was luck, either.  I believe the Conference Program Committee really had its “finger on the pulse” of the membership and arranged for top-notch speakers with very pertinent subject matter.  Some of my favorite courses were:  “Access Rights to Business Data on Personally-Owned Computers” by John Montana; “Discovery, Spoliation, and Legal Holds: Issues Affecting Your RIM Policies” by John Isaza, Esq. (both of these topics were results of projects sponsored by ARMA International’s Educational Foundation); “Retention of Client Files in Law Firms-Ethics Opinions” by Beth Chiaese; and one of the most valuable courses, for me, was called “RIM 101-Technology Basics” by Rick Stirling.

 

Especially nice was a chance for the members of the Great NW Region to have lunch together on Monday of the conference.  I believe there were nearly 50 of us there!  It was so very nice to meet and greet the members of our Region.  We are a lively bunch and that lunch hour went by too fast, I believe!  I would like to extend my thanks to Great NW Region Coordinator Leslie Sturgeon for making all of the arrangements for the Region Luncheon.  Her efforts were appreciated by us all!

 

There were evening events, too!  I attended a “Welcome Party” aboard the Queen Mary.  What a beautiful ship!  I also attended the very nice Awards Banquet.  While there were no awards given to our Region’s chapters this year, many of us met after the dinner and “toasted” our Region and the GNW Chapter Members of the Year.  Sadly, I missed the Canadian Party, as prior to the event, I accidentally erased all of the Conference images I had taken on my digital camera.  I was so remorseful, I couldn’t bear to go to the party!

 

The Conference was great!  The educational sessions were outstanding!  I expect the same next year in Chicago.  If you have an opportunity, do plan to attend the 50th Annual ARMA International Conference and Expo in Chicago next September.

 

Very truly yours,

Sue Lord, Manager, Great NW Region  

 

Information on the Region Manager/Coordinator Program

Effective immediately, ARMA International is seeking applications for a Great Northwest region Coordinator to provide the localized, hands-on, day-to-day support of Great Northwest Region chapters and region.

An Opportunity for Improving Leadership Skills

As Great Northwest region coordinator, you will have the opportunity to gain additional leadership experience as you work with a wider network of people that will extend beyond the local chapter level and outside of the ARMA membership. Serving as a region coordinator will also provide valuable training for those who are interested in seeking a position on the ARMA International Board of Directors.

Duties of a Region Coordinator

1. Provide assistance and direction to chapters (and to those members who are not affiliated with a chapter) within the specified geographic region

2. Visit assigned chapters, as requested, with a minimum of one visit per year to each chapter.

3. Help organize and charter new chapters in their region

4. Assist the region manager with coordination and implementation of regional activities such as leadership conferences and special projects

5. Assist with regional initiatives such as the development of Web sites, newsletters, and budgets

6. Forward comments from chapters and unaffiliated members to the ARMA International Board of Directors or ARMA headquarters, as appropriate

7. Submit an activity report to their region manager 45 days prior to the spring and fall ARMA International board meetings

8. Provide a communications link with the Member Services Department at ARMA headquarters

9. Partner with Member Services to provide chapter operations training, as necessary

10.Participate in ARMA International leadership training meetings, as required

Eligibility Criteria

1. Must have been a member of ARMA International for a minimum of the three consecutive previous years

2. Must have prior chapter leadership experience, preferably as chapter president

3. Must have strong oral and written communication skills

4. Must be detail-oriented and self-directed

5. Must have the ability and willingness to travel to chapters in the region

6. Must have earned the recognition of members in the region

7. May not simultaneously serve as a chapter president or on any ARMA International committee or task force

Duties of a Region Manager

In addition to the coordinator duties, the Great Northwest region manager will

1. Manage two coordinators to provide chapter and region support within your region

2. Provide overall coordination of all region activities and initiatives

3. Work jointly with the region treasurer to administer the region fund for appropriate travel and related expenses

4. Compile activity reports submitted on behalf of your region coordinators and submit the consolidated report to the association’s Board of Directors

Length of Terms

Typically, region managers and coordinators serve two-year terms, but due to the circumstances at this time, ARMA is asking for the Great Northwest Region Coordinator to apply now through June 30 and then again for the July 1, 2005-June 30, 2007 term.

Training and Support

Training for Region Manager and Coordinator program participants will be given during the ARMA Leadership Conference during the Great Northwest Region leadership meeting the summer of 2005 and again at the ARMA International annual conference in Chicago, IL, September 17, 2005.

Managers and coordinators must have organizational support for the time commitment required for these positions.

Need More Information?

Those needing more information about the regional manager and coordinator program may contact Anita Willis, Director of Member Services at ARMA Headquarters, whose name can be found on ARMA’s Web site at www.arma.org.

Application Deadline

Apply to be a part of ARMA’s exciting and dynamic new direction by completing the application form which is available at http://www.armabellevue.org and returning it to ARMA headquarters no later than Monday, November 22, 2004.