MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE ALBANY, Ga -- Almost 3,500 government employees flocked to the nation's capital to attend the 2004 Blacks In Government 26th Annual National Training Conference held Aug. 16-20.
The event was built around the theme "Promoting knowledge, growth and flexibility in a global government." According to Mr. Bill Robinson, president of MCLB Albany's area chapter, the event was a huge success. Ms. Sherrilyne Marshall, vice president, MCLB Albany chapter also was present at the event. "The participation of government employees from all over the world at this event was truly amazing and pleasantly overwhelming," she stated.
The conference provided a venue for the attendees to receive an excellent training opportunity through career development workshops, agency forums, and special emphasis programs. Among the conference's prominent featured speakers were: Bishop Vashti Murphy, first woman bishop in the AME church; James Amps, president/CEO of Amps Communicators and Gwendolyn Boyd, national president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
Each year, the Albany chapter solicits students from the local high schools to participate in an oratorical or information superhighway competition both sponsored by the organization. The winners of the local competitions are given the opportunity to advance to a regional event with subsequent follow-on of possible placement within the national forum. BIG's annual national oratorical scholarship contest was held at this training conference. Oratorical contestants prepared a four to six minute oration on the topic of "Strategies for Successful Youth Development." Having won first place in the regional contest held in Atlanta, Georgia on May 1, 2004, Timothy Hardwick of Albany, Georgia represented the BIG Albany area chapter here at the national competition. Timothy eloquently won over the hearts of the judges and brought the first place trophy home to Albany. Having graduated from Dougherty High School last May, Timothy will be attending Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia this fall.
BIG also hosted the Youth Educational Summit which was entitled "Empowering Youth to Meet Tomorrows Dreams." Phyllis Pratt, of Money Smart Solutions, presented a brief overview of basic financial skills. The 2005 conference will be held in Orlando, Florida. "We hope that more MCLB employees will be given the opportunity to attend," Robinson said.
The next two significant events for the Albany area chapter are its annual awards banquet Oct. 23 and professional day of training on Oct. 29.
The awards banquet will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the MCLB Officer Club.
The keynote speaker is State Representative Stan Watson. Banquet tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased from Bill Robinson, 639-7134, Melvin Hines, 639-6639 or Sherrilynne Marshall, 639-7058.