Conference Program DESIGN Advertisers CONSTRUCTION • Grand Traverse Resort
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CONFERENCE PROGRAM G G MTA’s 65th Annual Educational Conference & Expo April 23-26, 2018 | Grand Traverse Resort | Acme Township You Serve Others. We Serve You. Since 1966, Burnham & Flower Insurance Group has been specializing in the unique coverage needs of Michigan’s townships. We’ve learned what is important to public officials like yourself and have made it our ongoing commitment to provide you with unparalleled service and expertise. Burnham & Flower is your single source for Property & Liability, Group Health Benefits, and Group & Individual Retirement Planning. 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Contact us today to discuss Committed toTownships! how we can serve you! 315 South Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 800.748.0554 • www.bfgroup.com www.kalamazooflag.com [email protected] 1.855.525.3524 Welcome to MTA’s 65th Annual Educational INSIDE Conference & Expo On behalf of the entire MTA Board of Directors and staff, let me welcome you— General Information .........................2-4 and more than 1,100 of your township peers—back to Acme Township and the Where to Dine ....................................6 Grand Traverse Resort for our 65th Annual Educational Conference & Expo! Just by being here, you are showing your commitment to embrace a MTA Conference Committee, Officers “gReaTeR Township, gReaTeR Good.” This week will share innovative solutions, & Staff ..............................................8 processes and ideas to effect greatness in your community and your state. The Grand Traverse area offers so much more than just a stunning, picturesque MTA District Map, Officers & Board ..................................................10-11 landscape—the gReaTeR region is an inspiration for communities working together for the gReaTeR good of their corner of Michigan—helping to create a regional Educational Sessions at-a-Glance destination, with national recognition and a reputation for excellence. ..................................................14-15 The locale may be inspiring enough, but we’ve got so much more in store for Monday, April 23 Activities ................17 this week. At more than 60 educational workshops, the leading local government thought leaders and governance experts will share ideas, examples and suggestions Tuesday, April 24 Activities ...........18-23 on thinking “big picture” and the impact you can make on the gReaTeR good. And of course, the irreplaceable networking and connections you’ll make among Opening Session ...............................18 scores of local leaders simply cannot be replicated anywhere else. We’re also offering a special educational “gReaTeR” track with sessions designed to Educational Sessions ...................18-32 inspire ideas and share examples on thinking “big picture” about the impact you can make on your community, region and state. Wednesday, April 25 Activities ......25-33 So, over the next three days, we hope that you will find motivation General Session ................................25 and inspiration at every turn—from our Opening Session, which sets the stage for an incredible week, to Wednesday’s General Session, Business Solutions Sessions ..............27 where keynoter Brett Culp will share powerful stories showing Conference at-a-Glance ................30-31 how ordinary people can be super heroes, accomplishing extraordinary things. If that doesn’t describe township officials, I don’t know what does! MTA Banquet ...................................33 Thank you for being here—for being part of something gReaTeR Thursday, April 26 Activities ..............34 than yourself—and being part of MTA’s 2018 Annual Conference. We are delighted to spend this week of inspiration and affirmation with you. Caucus Rules ...................................35 Optional Activities ............................36 Best, Expo Floor Plan ................................38 Exhibitor List...............................39-44 Diane Randall, Conference Attendees ..................46-55 2017 MTA President Grand Traverse Resort Map ................60 1 general information Annual Meeting— All Conference attendees and elected Continuing Education Credits—Continuing officials from member townships are invited to attend the education credits can be earned at this year’s Conference: MTA Annual Meeting on Thursday, beginning at 9 a.m., in MTA Township Governance Academy (TGA) candidates the Governors’ Hall (Lower Level). NOTE: Only delegates can earn up to 16 credits through participation at Conference (elected officials from member townships) may vote on (eight elective credits) and by taking the Pre-Conference TGA Association business, including MTA’s policy platform. courses (up to eight credits) on Monday. Delegates must wear their Conference badge, with specific elected office ribbon, and sit in designated seating area to vote. Attendance at MTA’s Conference educational sessions and pre-Conference workshops can earn township clerks You could also walk away with a great prize! As you head in to Experience Points toward their Certified Municipal Clerk the Annual Meeting, drop your door prize ticket in the raffle designation awarded by the International Institute of boxes located inside the Governors’ Hall. Must be present to win. Municipal Clerks. For details, go to www.iimc.com. App—Download MTA’s 2018 Conference app for details Several educational sessions qualify for MSU Extension’s on all things Conference! See what classes are happening and Master Citizen Planner credit. Master Citizen Planners must where, create your own schedule with reminder alerts, easily find complete a credit request form and return it to the Citizen information on exhibitors, and share pictures and network with Planner program office (listed on form). Forms are available at other attendees! NEW this year: Go green with our electronic qualifying educational sessions or at MTA Headquarters. To document center, featuring handouts from many Conference learn more, visit www.citizenplanner.msu.edu. workshops that you can download to your mobile device! Educational Sessions—To attend educational sessions, you must be registered as a Conference attendee. Guests and To download the app, search for “Eventpedia” in your Google exhibitors may not attend sessions unless also registered as an Play or App Store. Find “MTA 2018 Annual Educational attendee. Conference & Expo” under “April 2018.” To see the Event Feed, post pictures or network with other attendees, log in via This year’s Conference features a “gReaTeR Good” track, and the “Event Feed” with your email address and the password includes sessions designed to inspire ideas and share examples mta2018. Having trouble? An “MTA Tech Desk” will be open in on thinking “big picture” about the impact you can make on your community, region and state. Those courses are denoted the Peninsula Room (Lower Level) from 2 to 3 p.m. on Monday G and 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. at the MTA Bookstore in the Expo on with an Tuesday. Extra copies of handouts from Tuesday and Wednesday’s educational sessions will be available on tables in the Governors’ Attire—Business casual dress is encouraged for all events, Hall Lobby (Lower Level) throughout the Conference. including educational sessions and evening events. Due to Handouts are also posted on MTA’s FREE 2018 Conference fluctuations in room temperature, please bring a sweater or suit app, and will be posted to MTA’s Community Connection social coat for your comfort. networking site for download by registered attendees following Badges and Admittance to Events—Registered Conference. Note: Your email address must be on record in the attendees and guests must wear a badge for admittance to MTA database to access Community Connection. all Conference events, and when visiting the exhibit hall. Evaluation Forms—An evaluation form is provided Attendees must wear a badge to be admitted to the workshops. in your delegate bag. Please deposit your completed form in Guests and exhibitors may not attend the educational sessions the evaluation drop-box at MTA Registration or outside unless they have registered as an attendee and paid the the Governors’ Hall by 10 a.m. on Thursday, mail appropriate registration fee. it to the MTA office or complete the online evaluation at Coat Racks—Unattended coat racks will be available in www.michigantownships.org. several locations throughout the Grand Traverse Resort from Evaluation forms will be distributed at each educational Monday through Thursday. MTA is not responsible for lost session. Please take a minute to complete an evaluation and or stolen items