Mountain climber and businesswoman Susan Ershler kicked off the Spring Risk Management Institute with the riveting story of how she realized her dream of climbing the Seven Summits—the highest mountains on each of the world's continents.
An audience of close to 500 heard Susan describe how proper preparation and attention to detail (especially when it comes to safety) can make the difference between success and failure. Susan encouraged attendees to "dream big" and to follow the Three P plan: Project, Prepare, and Persevere.
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Audience members attach a red string around their necks to symbolize the
traditional "Puja" ceremony on Mount Everest in which each climber is presented with a string that signifies a request for protection and bonds the team members. |
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Morning sessions and speakers included:
Establishing "Top of the World" Safety Both On and Off the Job, Larry Wilson, Electrolab Training Systems
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Being Green
is More than Cutting the Grass—Make
Your Agency Environmentally Greener Through Environmental Management, Ken Barnes, Illinois Department of Natural Resources
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Seven Stress Management Skills to Help You Reach Your Next Summit, Ingrid Markwort, Workplace Solutions; Ginger Hill, PDRMA
Afternoon sessions and speakers included:
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Leading Your Safety Committee to the Top, Roy Jensen, PDRMA; Jesse Kinsland, PDRMA; Tanya Brady, Waukegan Park District; Scott Runkle, Skokie Park District
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Using Training Technology to Help Your Staff Reach Their Peak Performance, Bill Hooker, Patty Maher, PDRMA
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Are You Smarter than a Grade School Student? (The Risk Management Edition), Kevin Hoffman, Steve Kleinman, PDRMA
Gift cards, complimentary books and other prizes were awarded to members throughout the day, culminating in the grand prize drawing for tickets to the Chicago Cubs vs. Chicago White Sox game on June 28, won by Mark Goode of Bloomingdale, Medinah, Addison, and Wood Dale Park Districts.
Sandy McIntosh of the Morton Grove Park District was a game show contestant in the "Are You Smarter than a Grade School Student?" session.
Hope to see you at the Drury Lane in Oak Brook for the Fall Risk Management Institute, which will be held on Friday, December 5, 2008! |
