Message from the President
Every year a genuine high point for me is introducing the Training Catalog for the upcoming
year. It represents the culmination of a comprehensive process that takes place throughout the
preceding year. Course by course attendance is assessed, course critiques are reviewed for each
course offered, input is sought from NISH regions and AbilityOne Non-Profit Agencies (NPAs)
throughout the country, an analysis of business line requirements is conducted, and new issues
that have surfaced in our changing environment are analyzed. All of this information is evaluated
and, after assessing available resources, a draft training plan is developed; it is reviewed at
several levels (including a personal review I conduct) and the net result is what is outlined in this
2008 Training Catalog.
I take a personal interest in this process because I believe that training is no longer simply an option to fit in when time is available; rather it is a requirement in today’s ever-changing and increasingly competitive environment. For each of us a total focus on lifelong learning and a commitment to stay abreast of best practices is fundamental to ensuring the success of our organization.
All the courses outlined in this catalog are designed to build the capability and capacity of our NPA customers and provide the tools necessary to deliver consistently outstanding performance to our Federal customers. The catalog includes a wide array of courses with a special focus on:
- The pursuit of performance excellence through such courses as Malcolm Baldrige for Nonprofits and Foundations of Quality.
- Assisting NPAs in expanding employment opportunities through courses in assistive technology, customized employment and recruiting people with disabilities.
- Business line training.
- AbilityOne compliance related training.
- Building leadership bench strength.
- Customer service and support provided by the Academy.
Finally, I want to express my deep appreciation to everyone who participated in the 2007 Training Program. Your involvement has helped in further improving the program; likewise, we have had positive feedback highlighting enhanced individual performance, improved organizational effectiveness, and better bottom-line results. The 2008 Training Catalog includes a wide variety of training media including classroom, on-site, elearning, a leadership book club, and a lending library. I urge you to take advantage of these exceptional learning opportunities and support your staff in participating in these self-development activities.
Sincerely,
E. Robert Chamberlin
(571) 226-4660