Leading The Way: AMGA E-Newsletter
Special Edition

June 2007
IN THIS ISSUE
AMGA Hires New ED
Make Your Voice Heard
Join Our Mailing List!
More News That's Fit To Print
 
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Dear AMGA Member,

WOW!! It seems like just yesterday when I emailed the last E-Newsletter.

Things are happening so fast these days that we decided to send out a Special Edition!!!

Hopefully you'll find the information useful.

Cheers!
AMGA BOD Hires Betsy Novak as the New Executive Director

The AMGA Board of Directors recently selected Betsy Novak (former AMGA Program Director) to serve as the next Executive Director (ED) for the American Mountain Guides Association.  In early March of this year the board announced that former ED Mike Alkaitis would be stepping down after almost seven years and began a national search for the appropriate individual to fill that unique and challenging role.  After two months of reviewing applications and interviewing candidates, the AMGA ED Search Committee presented their choice to the AMGA Board of Directors at the June Board Meeting.  Shortly thereafter the Board of Directors offered Betsy Novak the position of AMGA Executive Director.

B Novak Head ShotBetsy Novak served as the AMGA Program Director for just over one year and will continue to oversee AMGA Programs until a new Program Director is hired.  Betsy took over the Program Director position in a time of great transition and successfully oversaw the implementation of the new 2007 Course Structure. Furthermore, she was instrumental in creating all new course and exam material for AMGA programs.  The determination and enthusiasm that Betsy brought to work everyday as Program Director will serve her well as she takes on her new role as Executive Director.

The board would also like to thank Henry Beyer for all his help the last few months as he performed simultaneously the jobs of interim ED and Membership Director.

Please take a moment to congratulate Betsy and wish her the best of luck!

Good Luck Betsy! 

AMGA Board of Directors  

You can contact Betsy at betsy@amga.com
Alpine Course
The AMGA is Now Accepting Nominations for the Board of Directors

Boulder, CO - June 20, 2007 - The AMGA is calling on its membership to nominate qualified individuals for open spaces on the Board of Directors. The AMGA's mission is to represent the interests of its membership by providing support, education, and professional standards. Now is the opportunity for you to make your voice heard. If you know of someone who is passionate about the guiding community and has the desire to make a difference, nominate them for a position on the Board of Directors. To be successfully nominated, a candidate must receive the endorsement of six (6) voting members. Submit your nominations electronically to henry@amga.com or mail them to PO Box 1739, Boulder, CO 80306. All nominations must be received by July 13, 2007.

Thank you for your continued support of the AMGA.

High SierrasHigh SierrasAMGA Celebrates Ten Years as a Member of the IFMGA

Come Join us in Yosemite National Park this October for the AMGA Annual Meeting, made possible in part by Patagonia, and celebrate 10 years as a member of the IFMGA.

The Valley is a magical venue for any event, but having this one of a kind location coincide with this special anniversary makes this Annual Meeting one that is not to be missed.  So come one, come all and frolic in the meadows that are overshadowed by the iconic monoliths El Cap and Half Dome and that have been home to such climbing legends as
Warren Harding, Yvon Chouinard, Royal Robbins to name a few.

Schedule of Events:
  • Oct. 17-18: Leave No Trace Training Course
  • Oct. 18-19: TRSM/SPI Provider Training
  • Oct. 19: Board of Directors Climbing Day
  • Oct. 20: Technical Committee Meeting
  • Oct. 21: Board of Directors Meeting, Opening Night Event brought to you by Marmot
  • Oct. 22: Professional Development Clinics, Main Event
  • Oct. 23: Professional Development Clinics, Legendary Guides Olympics
  • Oct. 24-25: Instructor Pool Training
Be sure to book your campsite soon as the National Park Service is taking reservations at this time.  See you in the Valley!!


Get Your Job Here!

AMGA National Office Looking for New Program Director

With the hiring of Betsy Novak as the new Executive Director for the AMGA, the national office is looking for a qualified individual to fill the Program Director position. The Program Director position is an administrative based position for a highly motivated individual who is organized, energetic, friendly, and a good communicator. The position requires strong communication and organization skills. The following job description covers most of, but not all of the day to day work. Know your target audience. Who are your most important customers, clients or prospects, and why? Know what is important to them and address their needs in your newsletter each month. Include a photo to make your newsletter even more appealing. Add a "Find out more..." link to additional information on your website.More

Assistant Director/Ski Guide:
Telluride Helitrax seeks a professional ski guide with a business background motivated to guide and learn the business/operations side of our heliski and backcountry guiding service. Computer, communication skills, a passion for customer service, and risk aversion are all necessary. Explosive and CDL certifications are helpful Mid Dec thru mid April full time position. Send applications to John Humphries: powder2@helitrax.net
 
Ski Guide:
Telluride Helitrax seeks a professional ski guide to join its heliski and backcountry guide service. Applicants must be available full time January thru mid-April, possess a passion for customer service, risk aversion, and the natural ability to be a team player. Explosive and CDL certifications are helpful. Jan thru mid April position.
Send applications to John Humphries: powder2@helitrax.net
 

Well thats the down and dirty for now.  AMGA Office Out!
 
Sincerely,
 

Henry Beyer
American Mountain Guides Association