Staff Conference Day 2 Sessions Focus on Outreach, Management Tools
Public perception of conservation work is generally positive, but sometimes navigating the gap between perceptions and reality can be frustrating. Staff Conference Day 2 on February 17 begins with a general session, presented by Eric Eckl of Water Words that Work, on The World Outside: What They Say About Why Your Work Matters. The presentation will explore what polls, surveys, focus groups, and other research tools used by social scientists and market researchers teach us — and how they mislead us — about the public’s attitudes toward conservation work.
Eric will focus specifically on agricultural outreach in an extended breakout workshop on Closing the Deal With Rural Landowners. This session will cover successful strategies and tactics for getting rural landowners to say yes to conservation practices. In addition, it will cover landowner decision-making, negotiations, the roles of persistence and cultivating your reputation, and how to provide good customer service while managing an ever-expanding workload.
Other Day 2 breakout sessions will focus on technology. Cybersecurity and internet safety best practices for work and home are especially important now that the boundaries between workplace and home have become more fluid. Grant Management Tools will build on the foundation of last year’s QuickBooks webinars with tips and tricks to ensure accuracy in tracking and reporting. Lastly, a facilitated panel/roundtable discussion on Outreach and the New Normal will provide an opportunity for staff to share and compare successful outreach strategies and tactics and to discuss new tools, technology, and best practices to help get the most out of virtual events.
Two days of learning and networking, two ways to participate – Visit Building for Tomorrow for more information and registration. The deadline for 2022 Hybrid Staff Conference registration is February 7.
Eric Eckl, Owner/Principal of Water Words That Work, has over 20 years of environmental outreach and communications expertise. Drawing from his experience in both the private and public sectors, Eric is a sought-after speaker, has appeared on CNN, and has been quoted in the New York Times.
Kevin Stouffer, CPA, has over 17 years of experience working with local governments. Kevin is an instructor for SEK’s in-house training programs on governmental accounting, serves as a member of the firm’s Accounting & Auditing Committee, and presents on grant guidance, fraud prevention, internal controls, and audits.
Financial and other support for the Building for Tomorrow Leadership Development Program is provided through a grant from the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission. Guidance for the Program is provided through the Pennsylvania Conservation Partnership’s Leadership Development Committee.