12:30-5:30 pm Registration Stop here first for your name badge*, map, and onsite conference program. * All attendees are required to wear a name badge while attending conference functions.
1:00-5:00 pm A Guide to Affiliate Coordination
This informative session offers seasoned coordinators tools and ideas that go beyond the fundamentals taught in the introductory session. Experienced affiliate coordinators will be present to provide insight into what it takes to bring your affiliate to the next level. Led by Executive Trainer Sharla Hotchkiss, Midland.
1:00-5:00 pm Waste In Place The Waste In Place program utilizes more than 30 lesson plans in order to teach students about litter prevention, recycling, and smart ways to manage our trash. These fun and engaging activities will arm you with the necessary resources to help students develop responsible attitudes about managing waste and preventing litter.
1:00-4:30 pm Combating Crime in a MySpace Era Sergeant Dwight Waldo’s seminar will introduce participants to several social websites, focusing on MySpace. Learn how MySpace works and how to become a member to use it as a law enforcement tool in catching graffiti vandals. The program will explain the types of intelligence available through the site and the extensive process necessary to create and serve a MySpace search warrant. This program presents law enforcement-sensitive information and is restricted to law enforcement officers, prosecutors, city attorneys, and others with a legal need to know.
1:00-4:00 pm Celebrate What’s Right With The World!
“What’s right with the world?” This is a simple question that doesn’t get asked nearly enough. Discover how asking this question can help you and your teammates find the necessary vision and tools to jump-start your work and accomplish great things for your program. Led by Keep America Beautiful’s National Director of Education, Sue Smith, this interactive session will leave you both inspired and enthused! Open to KAB coordinators only.
1:00-3:00 pm Stipes Elementary School Tour (Green Campus) Complete with goat-hair wallboards, rubberized floors, sun-splashed rooms, and free-running horses, Irving ISD's spanking new Stipes Elementary School is as "green-as-can-be". Mrs. Margie Stipes herself and knowledgeable staff will be on hand to guide you through the campus and answer questions. This is NOT your average big city school! Transportation provided. Seating is limited.
3:30-4:30 pm Williams Tower Walking Tour (Green Workplace) Take just a few steps across the street from the convention hotel and you’ll be at the world's largest equestrian statuary and fountain, seven years in the making. From there, enjoy a top to bottom tour of one of Irving's most aggressive and successful green workplaces - The Towers at Williams Square. Explore this wonderful green space from roof to basement and learn its history and environmentally-friendly future!
6:30-7:30 pm Welcome Reception
Join us for this wonderful opportunity to re-connect with friends and colleagues and meet new people who are certain to share your interests to in a truly terrific setting. Cash bar.
8:30 am-5:30 pm Registration
Stop here first for your name badge*, map, and onsite conference program. * All attendees are required to wear a name badge while attending conference functions.
9:00-10:00 am Opening Session with Keynote Speaker
Following the opening of the 41st Annual Keep Texas Beautiful Conference, keynote speaker Mike Groman will share his experience as a part of Philadelphia Green, the nation’s most successful and comprehensive urban greening program. Part of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Philadelphia Green has supported the development and ongoing care of community gardens, neighborhood parks, and high-profile public green spaces. Groman will introduce you to the benefits that this initiative has had in Pennsylvania and outline how implementing similar programs in Texas can help create a higher quality of life. Come learn how Groman and other Philadelphia Green members educate and empower people to make their city a more attractive and livable place.
10:15-11:15 am Concurrent Education Sessions Just How Do I Get a Website, Anyway?
If you’ve always wanted your own organization’s website but weren’t sure how to get one, this is for you! Jim Smith will cover a cost-effective way to get a website and software that can be used to create it, explore ‘good practices’ for design, and explain how to find someone to help you with your site. You’ll witness the creation of a ‘live’ website, learn about online payments, and discover how you can get the word out about your site.
Progressive Code Enforcement - Getting the Results You Want
Are you eager to learn how to achieve successful code enforcement results? Teresa Adrian, Code Enforcement Officer for the City of Irving, will show you how to accomplish this through enhancing your problem-solving skills. Beginning with identifying the root cause, all the way to communicating and reviewing the outcome, this program will teach you how to get results that stand the test of time. (Approved by Texas Dept. of State Health Services for 1 code enforcement CEU.)
Seeing through the F.O.G. - Are Fats, Oils, and Grease Impacting Your Community?
Learn how F.O.G.s discharged into the sewer system from food service establishments, residences, and multi-family units can lead to adverse economic, environmental, and potential public health impacts in a community. Strategies, examples, and available resources of how to help minimize these impacts will be discussed in this informative session presented by David James, Technical Specialist for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Green Teams Work!
Does the idea of increasing campus recycling by up to 900% sound far-fetched to you? Come hear how the Irving ISD, the City of Irving, AbitibiBowater, and Keep Irving Beautiful have teamed up to make this happen over a period of just three years! Find out how your community and the environment can benefit when you become a part of a Green Team.
1:30-3:15 pm Awards Room
Come see this year’s GCAA and KTB Award entries and pick up tips and ideas from the best of the best!
1:45-2:45 pm Concurrent Education Sessions Digital Images for a Digital Age – Telling Your Story through Pictures
Come find out all there is to know about digital photography and how it can benefit you. Participants will learn everything from considerations when purchasing a digital camera, how to shoot captivating digital photos that tell a story, methods to share and scan photos, and the importance of photo resolution and different graphic formats. Jim Smith will help you walk away feeling like a professional photographer in just one hour!
Achieving a Clean Community: It’s up To You!
Curious about how you can help end land, water, and air pollution in your community? During this session, Dr. John Ockels with the Texas Illegal Dumping Resource Center will educate you on how to make this dream a reality. Come learn about the resources available to you, the tools the state has given local leaders, and the steps to take to ensure they are using the full range of their powers.
(Approved by Texas Dept. of State Health Services for 1 code enforcement CEU.)
Are You YardWise?
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s “YardWise” program is designed to educate and promote environmentally responsible lawn and landscape management practices in Texas. Join Alan Watts from TCEQ as he shares useful strategies for developing and promoting a community outreach program of waste reduction and pollution prevention through backyard composting, the “Don’t Bag It” plan, xeriscaping, and integrated pest management. You’ll leave ready to make your community YardWise in no time!
Six Principles of Successful Board and Executive Partnerships
As a leader, this session will help you to enhance your organizational culture by discovering the six principles that ensure winning partnerships. Participants will discover the simplest, but often overlooked, keys to strong Board-Executive relations, uncover strategic ways to empower all members of their board, and develop skills to set achievable goals and performance evaluations. Presented by Jonathan D. Schick, President of GOAL Consulting.
3:15-4:15 pm Concurrent Education Sessions Connecting Through New Media Marketing
In this digital age, traditional advertising and marketing methods are losing influence on consumers. Steve Lee from QuickSilver Interactive Group will show you how to best utilize new media, such as blogs, podcasts, rss feeds, texting, and message boards, to create meaningful dialogs with your volunteers, supporters, community, and more.
Beautifying Neighborhoods – We’re All in it Together!
Do you look around to see dilapidated buildings, un-kept landscapes, or graffiti-plagued structures throughout your community? Come learn how to make important aesthetic and environmental improvements through the “Pride in Your Neighborhood” program. This program focuses on enforcement, education, cleanups, and beautification projects and enlists the ongoing participation of local residents, businesses, and civic groups to keep neighborhoods clean and safe.
“Green” Your Community with Curbside Recycling
The City of Dallas takes its environmental responsibility seriously and encourages both the public and private sector to do its part. Listen as Sherlyn McAnally describes how the city’s curbside recycling program has become a key component in successfully building a greener community.
Not-So-Trivial Team Building Tools
The ability to work as a team is crucial in order for an organization to thrive. Join Sue Smith and Sharla Hotchkiss for this session as they will teach you practical tools and activities that can be easily incorporated into your organization, whether as a regular part of board meetings, during volunteer trainings or activities, or amongst staff and co-workers. Learn how you can help increase both morale and productivity in a fun and easy way!
4:30-5:30 pm Concurrent Education Sessions GCAA Winners Panel
Looking to take home GCAA gold? Then you don’t want to miss this! Take advantage of the opportunity to learn best practices and program ideas from the 2007/2008 Governor’s Community Achievement Award-winning communities and get the inside scoop on the application process. Moderated by KTB board member Stan Weik.
Funding Your Community Projects with Enforcement Settlement Funds
Millions of dollars are collected each year in administrative and judicial penalty settlements associated with environmental law violations. Gain insight into how you can access these Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) funds, the types of community projects, and how SEPs can also be a benefit to violators.
"Sap in the City" - The Critical Role Urban Trees Play in our Environment
We recognize the beauty of a tree canopy in our cities, but these trees provide many benefits beyond aesthetics. Margaret Hall Spencer, an ISA Board Certified Arborist, will speak about proven research by the U.S. Forest Service and top universities that quantifies the environmental, economic, and health benefits of trees to a city.
Practical Fundraising Ideas
Gain valuable knowledge on how to position your program for maximum resource development and retention. A diversified panel of supporters will discuss corporate funding, small to medium sized grants, local fundraising events, and more. Questions, best practices, and input are encouraged during this interactive session.
Evening Dinner on Your Own
See all that Irving and Las Colinas have to offer! An area map and coupons will be available at the KTB registration area.
Optional Dinner Hosted by Keep Irving Beautiful
Join conference host affiliate Keep Irving Beautiful for a mouth-watering BBQ dinner that’s sure to hit the spot. Enjoy dinner and entertainment as you experience the lake view, mustang sculptures, glorious sunset, and museum tour. With the location just a brief stroll from the conference hotel, there is no need for tips or taxis! Not included in conference registration packages.
8:30 am-6:00 pm Registration
Stop here first for your name badge*, map, and onsite conference program. * All attendees are required to wear a name badge while attending conference functions.
8:00- 9:00 am Governor’s Community Achievement Award Winners’ Breakfast
The Next Step - GCAA Winners join Barrie Cogburn from the Texas Department of Transportation to learn how to begin implementing their GCAA landscaping project. By Invitation Only
9:00-10:00 am General Session with Don’t Mess with Texas
There's no debating that litter on Texas roadways has got to go – or is there? Join the Don't Mess with Texas team for this animated presidential-style debate between the Litter Force superheroes and their nemeses, the Evil Trash, on the best ways to keep Texas beautiful. This is a Don't Mess don't-miss event!
10:45-11:45 am Awards Room
Come see this year’s GCAA and KTB Award entries and pick up tips and ideas from the best of the best!
11:15 am-12:15 pm Concurrent Education Sessions Consumer Conservation: Giving Back to Your Wallet AND the Environment Susan Roothaan with A Nurtured World, a non-profit dedicated to a global change in thinking that allows people to live prosperous lives and sustain the environment, will provide insight on the relative impacts of consumer versus industrial activities on the environment. She will review case studies for saving money, reducing your environmental footprint, and increasing overall personal satisfaction.
Creating Sustainable Community Gardens
If you have ever felt like you could be doing more with your gardening skills, Gardeners in Community Development (GICD) can show you how! GICD is dedicated to educating and training families in high production, intensive, organic community gardening. These gardens are located in diverse, low-income neighborhoods and provide fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Find out how you can contribute your passion and skills to help improve the lives of others!
Great Graffiti Enforcement and Abatement Training Officer Steven Lopez with the City of San Antonio will share the city’s new graffiti ordinance as well as review its efforts to battle graffiti. This new ordinance mandates property owners to wipe out graffiti and also establishes a method to assist those victimized by criminals. (Approved by Texas Dept. of State Health Services for 1 code enforcement CEU.)
Move From Chaos to Order with MS Office Tools
Life today can be hectic, but with a few simple tips you can learn how to utilize common computer programs to add more organization to your life and maximize time. Learn how easy it is to use Microsoft Office applications such as Excel and Word to organize and sort data, do simple math functions, create graphs, add images to documents, and even create contact databases and customized mailings.
12:30 - 2:00 pm Luncheon with Keynote Speaker
As a former leader at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for seven years, John Schuster knows green; he attended the first Earth Day and bought the second hybrid car sold in the state of Missouri. Listen as he explores the real opportunities we have to live in harmony with green principles as companies, citizens, communities, and family members. Learn how to take responsibility for your actions in order to promote green leadership, and why we need to be serious about the scope and the urgency of our decisions, without getting so green-serious that we lose our sense of humor and wage eco-war instead of cleaning up our own messes.
2:00-3:45 pm Awards Room
2:15-3:30 pm Governor’s Community Achievement Award Winner Displays
Don’t miss this opportunity to visit one-on-one with representatives from this year’s GCAA-winning communities.
3:45-4:45 pm Concurrent Education Sessions Talkin' Trash with TxDOT
"But it was only one small piece... it'll disintegrate," is what we all normally hear when someone is caught littering. Join Brenda Flores-Dollar and Doris Howdeshell from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for an insightful session to see who's littering and why? Does age matter? Find out what kids had to say and the results of the 2007 Litter Attitudes and Behavior research.
Construction and Demolition Recycling
Did you know that over 90 percent of debris created by construction and demolition is recyclable? With landfills reaching capacity and disposal rates rising, recycling this debris presents a perfect opportunity for “doing good and doing well.” Come hear what local industry professionals have to say about construction and demolition recycling in North Texas and find out how you can start a municipal program in your area to address the problem.
Code Rangers to the Rescue
Join two City of Fort Worth Code Compliance Officers as they describe their innovative volunteer-based code violation reporting system. The system educates and motivates residents and property owners to take an active part in beautifying their community and results in increased neighborhood pride, a greater sense of community, and lower crime rates. (Approved by Texas Dept. of State Health Services for 1 code enforcement CEU.)
Making Headlines: Getting Your News in the News Having trouble coming up with innovative and effective ways to promote your events and initiatives? Monica Egert Smith with The Dallas Morning News/WFAA-TV will let you in on all the tricks of the trade! Specifically designed for the nonprofits, Monica’s media access workshop will supply you with information on how to utilize various media outlets and how to create effective press releases, promote your services, and position your organization as a news resource.
6:30-10:00 pm Governor’s Community Achievement Awards Dinner with Entertainment
This gala dinner will feature the official recognition of the 2008 Governor’s Community Achievement Awards, Sustained Excellence, and Award of Excellence winners. This is a celebration not to be missed!
8:30 am-11:00 am Registration
Stop here first for your name badge*, map, and onsite conference program. * All attendees are required to wear a name badge while attending conference functions.
8:30-9:00 am Networking Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast with others who share your passion for keeping Texas beautiful! Swap stories, projects, and tips with other coordinators and city leaders while you catch up with friends old and new!
9:00-10:45 am Affiliate Recognition & Annual Meeting
The Affiliate Recognition & Annual Meeting will feature the election and installation of the Keep Texas Beautiful Board of Directors and officers, acknowledgment of Gold and Silver Star affiliates, the annual TxDOT report given by Travel Division Director, Doris Howdeshell, and recognition of the many volunteers that help make Keep Texas Beautiful a success.
11:00-11:30 am General Session with Keynote Speaker Finding Your Happy Place - Keys for Preventing Stress & Burnout
We’ve all felt them: time pressures, people pressures, bottom line pressures. All of these things can contribute to the level of stress that we encounter day to day and eventually lead to burnout. This program, led by Dr. Jerry Teplitz, focuses on giving you an understanding and increased ability to take charge of the stressful situations you encounter at home and work. Come discover techniques you will be able to use immediately to re-energize yourself as you get back to creating a “green” future!
