1. Public Sector Creates Readiness Champs <br />It’s no secret that MSNA Readiness relies on the passion and persuasion of Readiness Leads to encourage learning and compliance. Now, those unsung heroes are coming out of their cubbies and into the light where they can be recognized for their contribution.<br />John Ortenberg, Field Readiness Manager for US Public Sector/Communication Sector grabbed an idea from Europe and brought it home when he launched the first North American Readiness Champs Recognition Event. John rewarded PS Readiness Champs at the Public Sector ISU in Lansdowne, VA, where he gave each of them a framed certificate of appreciation and a digital photo frame commemorating their contribution to readiness. Readiness Leads receiving recognition included Al Dadourian, Michael Allen, Rob Sternowski, Tyler Farmer, Barbara Neumann, Melissa Adamson, and Steve Gilmer.<br />While all these everyday heroes went the extra mile for readiness, John could not resist the temptation to single out one especially effective Readiness Champ, Al Dadourian, Director of Business Strategy and Operation for PS. John said, “It is obvious to anyone who works with Al that he views readiness as a core component of the business, something that needs to get done. He motivates his organization not only to get it done, but to do it well before the deadline so that the field has the knowledge they need to succeed.” <br />On behalf of all the SMSGReadiness Organization, John presented Al with the first Golden Paddle Award for extraordinary accomplishment in landing FRI compliance before the deadline. John chose a paddle as the symbol of the on-going joke that Al uses a hickory stick to push his organization into compliance. “This is an inside joke that we all enjoy, but the more serious truth is that Al really creates a sense of accountability in his organization. He is proactive about readiness, and as others see that passion, they become proactive themselves.”<br />The Readiness Champ concept was first launched in FY08 by SMSGR Marketing Communications Leads and FRMs in EMEA. Like many great ideas, it has now crossed the Atlantic to become part of SMSGR tradition in MSNA. FRMs wanting to reward their own Readiness Champs or create communication programs for them can contact Jan Lohmann or John Ortenberg.<br />