2007 State Fall Leadership Conference
PBL - Where Stars are Made!
Recap
On November 2 and 3, students and advisors from 11 colleges across Iowa gathered at Des Moines Area Community College in Boone for two days of great keynotes, workshops, and socializing. The 2007 State Fall Leadership Conference started at 1 p.m. on Friday with the Iowa Leadership Education and Development session (ILEAD). During ILEAD, the State Officer Team presented information about the history of PBL, Parliamentary Procedure, community service, partnerships, and the new website. Games and mingling were also incorporated into the session to apply the information that was given. ILEAD was followed by registration, the general session, and keynote speaker Jim Lemoine. Jim, a former National President of PBL and current General Manager of Louisiana for the Schwan's Food Company, provided an entertaining, engaging, and informative presentation of what it takes to succeed and become an expert in any area. Following Jim's keynote address, PBL members attended the social at the Boone Country Club for several hours of dancing, conversation, and fun. There were snacks and drinks available while DJ Aaron Foster provided the music.
Saturday morning was full of workshops such as How to Make an Impression, Resume/Portfolio Development, Jim Lemoine's Tennis Ball workshop, Stress Management, and Successful Interviewing. The weekend concluded with a luncheon and keynote address by Erich Heneke. Erich, a former National President of PBL and Iowa's new State Advisor, discussed how PBL helped him become successful and inspired students to pursue their passions. The conference came to a close following the announcement that Marie Jean-Blanc was the new State Historian/Reporter.
Overall, the conference was a very fun and informative weekend that provided opportunities for students to meet other PBL members from across the state and prepare for the State Leadership Conference on March 7 and 8 in Cedar Falls.
Workshop Descriptions
Resumes/Portfolio Dev. - Presenter: Amber Jackson - PBL State Vice President
Want to improve your résumé? Looking for tips on how to stand out in the applicant crowd or just need help getting started? You can find it all at the Résumé Building workshop. Brought to you by your state officer team, this workshop will focus on refining your résumé for the real world and helping you highlight your assets. If you're struggling with layout or design issues, we'll have numerous sample résumés for you to look at for ideas. We will also be covering general information about résumés, so come with questions or bring your résumé to get personal advice. Learn how to use your résumé as your key to stardom!
The World-Famous Tennis Ball Workshop - Presenter: Jim Lemoine - Schwans
Taught to Jim by the CEO of Coca-Cola, who learned it from the Prime Minister of Japan, who we think first got it from the Dalai Lama. It's a fun and highly interactive seminar that will have you flexing your brain in ways it may not be used to. Is it a creative problem solving class? Maybe. Is it a case study in business team dynamics? Perhaps. But whatever it is, come prepared to be involved and active. Oh, and be ready to dodge - those tennis balls get slippery sometimes. Limited to the first 21 participants.
Successful Interviewing - Presenter: Kristen Minnehan - Principal Financial Group
This workshop will provide an inside look at the following: What do I need to do to land that ideal interview? How can I prepare for an interview? What can I expect in an interview from types of questions t do's and don'ts? What can I expect in terms of the interviewing process itself? And what can I expect in terms of follow up interview to landing that great offer!
How to Make an Impression - Presenter: Alisha Crawford - Hormel Foods Corp.
Want to represent yourself as "The one that gets the job done, is reliable and dependable?" Hormel will give you insight on what this Fortune 500 company looks for in new employees. Learn how to make a lasting impression on your boss, co-workers and the organization as a whole.
Calming the Storm.Destressing Your Life - Presenter: Tina Carpenter - DMACC Ankeny
Stress can hinder or help...you decide! This workshop will provide ways to discern how stress affects your life and understanding what you have to work with to minimize stress which can lead you to a strong foundation for a productive and happy life!
About the Speakers
Jim Lemoine - Schwan's Food Company (General Session)
A former National President of Phi Beta Lambda, Jim Lemoine is the General Manager of Louisiana for the Schwan's Food company, responsible for a $30 million division of the corporation. Last year he earned the highest set of sales awards given by Schwan's, and is currently running the fastest growing district in the company. Before he joined Schwan's, Jim worked as a marketing manager, sales consultant, and cell-phone commando. He has written over 50 syndicated columns on business and other topics, several of which can now be found on his website at www.nevertown.com. He holds an advanced degree in agribusiness and organizational psychology from Louisiana State University, and has finally sent in his MENSA dues.
Erich Heneke - Mayo Clinic (Luncheon)
A born and raised Iowa boy, Erich Heneke now resides in a small community South of Rochester, MN and is employed by Mayo Clinic. Similar to Mr. Lemoine, Erich is also an HBO (Has Been Officer) of PBL, holding offices of Iowa PBL State President (2 years), Iowa PBL Parliamentarian, National Treasurer, and National President. Erich has served on the Iowa PBL State Committee the past five years as State Officer Trainer/Adviser and will be taking over the new role of State Adviser this year. During his spare time, Erich enjoys the outdoors, reading, a myriad of sports, and spending time with his family.