IMSA NW SECTION
IMSA..... The Leading International Resource for Information, Education, and Certification for Public Safety.
Greeting,
It seems as if the Y2K concerns were just yesterday and here it is 2010. There has been much water under the bridge of technological advances in the traffic industry in these last several years and also much more in the way of financial distress. Agencies are faced with making difficult decisions in ways that some have never experienced before. It is critical that our decision makers recognize the value of well trained staff. Knowledge is essential in order to utilize the cost saving tools we have available today in our industry. Our transportation systems are a critical element to our economy.
The NW Section has always recognized the value of training and the sharing of information and today these key elements are, perhaps, more important than they ever have been. The days of life long certifications in any arena are gone. Throughout the world it is recognized that continuing education is vital. We have seen our own IMSA certifications evolve and have witnessed the enactment of the Technical Advancement Recognition Program, or TARP for short (there is a great summary on the TARP link of the home page). Even with all that said, training is always first on the chopping blocks of public agencies, most certainly shortsightedness on the part of our managers. None the less, your NW Section is committed to provide technical training opportunities at a minimal cost. Monthly meetings with technical training occur throughout the NW and are typically free of charge. If your agency is willing to host a monthly technical training event please let the 1st Vice President, Ray Krenik (rkrenik@greatfallsmt.net) know and he’ll get you any help you need. Your agency could benefit with the education opportunity and it can be held at their location!!! No travel!!!
Respectfully submitted,
Mark Jones, President
NW Section
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Presidents Letter
