The U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration (DOLETA) has incorporated URISA's Geospatial Management Competency Model (GMCM) in its Competency Model Clearinghouse (http://www.careeronestop.org/competencymodel/). This endorsement follows a year-long effort to draft the GMCM by a task force of 18 contributors and a public review process that attracted 100 comments.

Of the 20 industries that have published competency models, the Geospatial industry is the first to have specified management competencies.  Dr. Jennifer Troke of DOLETA's Office of Workforce Investment called the GMCM "a groundbreaking accomplishment."

Competency models are used to guide individual professional development, to help people move up or over in an organization or industry, to help educators and trainers develop curricula that address workforce needs, to inform development of interview protocols, as requirements for professional certification, and as criteria for academic program accreditation and articulation.

Special thanks to URISA Board Member, David DiBiase, and all of the contributors, for moving this forward. What a great achievement!

Since 1980, URISA's ESIG Awards have recognized exceptional achievements in the application of information technology that have improved the delivery and quality of government services. Take some time to learn about the systems that are being honored this year.

2012 ESIG Winners:

• Orange County's Addressing and Land Development Information Network (ALADIN)
  Submitted by Louis Schoolkate, Orange County GIS Coordinator, Orlando, Florida
• PSMA Australia's PSMA System
  Submitted by: Kate Mann, Communications Manager, PSMA Australia, Griffith ACT Australia

2012 Distinguished System:

• Will County Master Address Point System
  Submitted by Tong Zhou, Director - GIS Department, County of Will, Joliet, Illinois 

Congratulations to the winners and to all of the participants! Thank you to the ESIG Review Committee, chaired by Corey Halford of the City of Airdrie, Alberta, for their time and expertise! To read the submissions and for more information, click here.