By Julius Suchy
Virtual 2020 Summer Conference
The Professional Development Committee looks forward to holding future conferences in person, but is opting to provide some virtual training options during the time our regular summer conference would take place. The PDC is planning for two days of training on Wednesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 30. The sessions will take place from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. and will be approximately 50 minutes in length. Please save the date and time on your calendar. The PDC is still working on finalizing the agenda, but some of the session topics currently being discussed (subject to change depending on speaker availability) are:
- How to work from home in a productive and healthy way
- Post COVID-19 Personal Recovery – How managers should take time for themselves and what to look for in your staff during these uncertain times
- Racial Equity – What is it and what do managers need to know?
- The Michigan Bureau of Elections will talk about shifting the value of elections as an essential public service, the fluctuating need for additional staff ,and overall increasing costs of delivering election services to residents
- Small Town Roundtable – Talk about projects in your communities and what you have done to try and help your community be successful post lockdown
- Others still to be identified
MME Professional Coaching Program
Did you know that MME started a professional coaching program in 2018? The program was created because the PDC determined that there is a professional development gap that currently exists for our membership. Although there are numerous opportunities for mentoring, networking and learning about various topics at conferences, the MME believes that members would benefit from professional coaching services that extend beyond what is currently offered. This coaching could be utilized for a professional or personal issue that a member has struggled with, in a confidential manner outside of a conference or group gathering. If you are interested in learning more please check out the Professional Development page on the MME website.
Upcoming Scholarship Deadline
Although in-person professional development is currently on hold, please consider reviewing the scholarship guidelines and looking at opportunities in 2021 that you may be interested in attending. For more information, see the Scholarship Application Guidelines on the MME website.
Upcoming Conference Locations
- 2021 Winter Institute – Grand Rapids
- 2021 Summer Workshop – Rochester/Auburn Hills
- 2022 Winter Institute – Troy
- 2022 Summer Workshop – Holland
- 2023 Winter Conference – TBD
Julius Suchy
Chair, Professional Development Committee; Village Manager, Sparta
Julius Suchy was appointed as Sparta village manager in 2014. His other municipal experience includes serving as Dundee village manager, Vassar city manager, and Big Rapids zoning administrator.