Week of May 27, 2014
Still Time to Register for "Future of Wisconsin Transportation II"  
Congressman Ribble Keynote Speaker

County officials are encouraged to attend The Future of Wisconsin Transportation II June 4th in Appleton. The event, put on by WisPolitics.com and WisBusiness.com, is sponsored by the Wisconsin Counties Association, the Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association and the Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin.

Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m., with the program running from noon until 1:15 p.m.

Congressman Reid Ribble will be the keynote speaker, followed by a panel discussion, Exporting Wisconsin: Transportation's Role in the Global Marketplace.

The price is $24 at the door and $18 if paid in advance. 

Profiles in Service: Wood County Board Chair Lance Pliml

WCA eNews is excited to announce a new feature, "Profiles in Service," that takes a personal look at Wisconsin county officials.  This week, we feature Lance Pliml, Wood County Board Chair and WCA Second Vice-President.

What is your background? I was born in California and raised in Downers Grove, IL. (western suburb of Chicago)
I have served 16+ years as a county board supervisor and am in my 5th term as chairman. 25 years as president/owner of the Lake Corporation of WI (retired). I have been a Wisconsin Licensed Real Estate Broker for almost 30 years and still work in that field.

What are you "known" for? In my youth I was always known for being the shortest person on the field, diamond, or court, and for the ability to lead (albeit not always in the right direction). I was actually listed on the high school football program as a 5' 90lb. defensive back. Most people thought it was a misprint and though I had to be 6' 190lbs. until they saw me.  (As a side note I earned eight varsity letters in sports and was once class president.)

What are you most proud of?  My wife (first and only), daughter and son. It's their accomplishments that bring me the most joy. My entire extended family, from my grandparents on down through several generations has always been a source of pride.

How do you relax?  Participating in about any outdoor activity. If I can throw it, hit it, ride it, drive it or hunt it, I'm relaxing.

What was your greatest adventure? Life in general. It's a new challenge each day. If that's too philosophical, I have also ridden a motorcycle coast to coast on the old Route 66. Hummed the song almost the whole way.
 
What would people be surprised to learn about you? I was once 6 feet tall and had brown hair until this job wore me down.  Oh and I still barefoot water ski at my advanced age.

Favorite meal? King Crab followed by anything not a vegetable.

Favorite historical figure?  Benjamin Franklin. He was an entrepreneur, inventor and politician which is a tough act to follow.

If I could start my life over I would: Keep it less complicated. I would live my entire life in a small idyllic mountain town surrounded by family and lifelong friends. I probably should have been born 50 years ago in Vail, CO.

Favorite saying? Nobody gets to start their life over, but everybody can change the ending.

Get Involved with WCA Today! Nominations Now Being Accepted for Various Positions 

Have you ever considered getting involved with the WCA? Now is your chance, as nominations are being accepted for several positions, including WCA Second Vice-President, Presidential Appointment slots to the WCA Board of Directors and to WCA Steering Committees.

 
Visit Our New WCA Annual Conference Web Page 
Room Block Open and Filling Fast! Register Today
 
The WCA Annual Conference is being held September 14-16, 2014 in Sauk County.  If you haven't already, be sure to register, as well as reserve your room within the WCA room block.

As a reminder, WCA has room blocks at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center and Wintergreen Resort & Conference Center in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. The hotel room blocks opened on May 1, 2014. All counties are responsible for booking their own hotel rooms at any of the WCA-selected hotels. (Rooms are booked on a first-come, first-served basis.)

Visit our new WCA Annual Conference page on the WCA website, which contains information on registration, rooms and all other things "conference." Also be sure to view the new and updated tentative agenda, including time changes for Sunday's event, by clicking here.

Learn More About WCA Associate Members

The role and relationship of government with the private sector has changed in recent years. The creation of the WCA Associate Member Program is one more way WCA is reaching out to bring together the public and private sectors.

The WCA Associate Member Program helps to foster the critical and growing relationship between government and business. We believe that helping to nurture a strong partnership with private businesses and organizations will prove to be beneficial to all of Wisconsin.

WCA Associate Members include:

 

AECOM
Discover Mediaworks
General Motors Corporation
Motorola Solutions, Inc.
Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc.

We encourage you to learn more about our WCA Associate Members by clicking here.  For more information about this program please contact WCA Marketing and Events Manager Cheryl Fleck at 866.404.2700.   

 
IN THIS ISSUE
Register for "Transportation Forum II"
Profiles in Service: Lance Pliml
Get Involved with WCA Today
Visit New WCA Annual Conference Web Page
WCA Associate Members
Join the NACo Webinar on Creating an Employee Wellness Program

NACo is hosting a webinar on June 12th, "Collaborating with County Partners to Create an Employee Wellness Program."

Waukesha County Board Chair Paul Decker is assisting in leading the webinar.

To register online, click here.

In the News: WCA Applauds Release of Mental Health Funds

Earlier this month, WCA sent out a media release commending Governor Walker and members of the Joint Committee on Finance for release of funds for Comprehensive Community Services (CCS). 

Counties will now be able to expand the CCS program through a significant state investment in mental health services provided at the county level. 

Read the full WCA media release here.
Reminder: June 20th Deadline for Innovations in American Government Awards

Applications are now being accepted for the $100,000 Innovations in American Government Awards.

Offered by Harvard Kennedy School's Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, the Innovations Award is the nation's premier award for the public sector. It recognizes programs that demonstrate creative and effective government at its best.

All units of government - federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial - from all policy areas are eligible to apply for recognition.  

Top finalists will also receive monetary grants.  Applications are due June 20, 2014.

Applications and additional information are available here.
SPONSOR OR EXHIBIT AT 2014 WCA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The WCA Annual Conference will be held September 14-16 in Sauk County.

To learn more about being an exhibitor or sponsor at the WCA Marketplace, held in conjunction with the conference, click here.