American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries (ASLCS) | 2014 Professional Development Seminar | Agenda

1-6 p.m.

Registration and Information Desk

University Room, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

Nominating Committee

King Room, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

Presiding: Karen O. Wadsworth, Clerk, New Hampshire House of Representatives

2013–2014 Executive Committee

Capitol Room, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

Presiding: Suzi Lowell, ASLCS President and Chief Clerk of the Alaska House of Representatives

“Tailgate” Party Welcome Reception

Pool Deck, Third Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

Show off your home state pride at our tailgate-themed party by the rooftop pool. Kick off your week in Baton Rouge with game day food and some Louisiana specialties. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite team’s colors, jerseys, hats, and whatever else they can pack.

Hospitality Suite

Heidelberg Ballroom, Tenth Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

Registration and Information Desk

University Room, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

Breakfast

Riverview Ballroom B, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

A full breakfast will be served.

Thank you to our sponsor, Thomson Reuters!

"Speak for Yourself—How to Really Get Your Message Across"

Riverview Ballroom A, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

In this high content, high entertainment, and high take-away program you’ll learn how to maximize your message, and build trust and rapport with your team, legislators and legislative colleagues. You will gain strategies to communicate with even more confidence. Come ready to listen, laugh and learn about how to:

• Establish credibility quickly
• Increase your fun as a communicator
• Know what you want to say and how to say it
• Feel confident and comfortable once you actually get a live person on the phone or at the table
• Incorporate the “trust formula” to increase your gravitas

Introduction: Liz Clark, Secretary, Alaska Senate

Speaker: Karen Cortell Reisman, Speak for Yourself, Texas

Lunch and Business Meeting

Riverview Ballroom B, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

Presiding: Suzi Lowell, ASLCS President and Chief Clerk of the Alaska House of Representatives

Thank you to our sponsor, International Roll-Call Corporation!

"Why Louisiana Ain't Mississippi"

Riverview Ballroom A, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

The cultural gumbo that makes Louisiana unique is not a delicacy recently created in a Creole kitchen. The recipe was developed and seasoned long before statehood and the Louisiana Purchase and has simmered for the past two centuries. This lively, funny and entertaining presentation provides a look at Louisiana’s geography, history, culture, characters, politics and economy and explains why Louisiana differs from every other state in America.       

Introduction: Yolanda Dixon, First Assistant Secretary, Louisiana Senate

Speaker: The Honorable Jay Dardenne, Lt. Governor of Louisiana

New Attendee Orientation

Governor Room, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

This session is to welcome and orient new attendees to the seminar. Learn about ASLCS, the Professional Development Seminar and meet other new attendees. This session will provide useful tips for new attendees and help them make the most of their time in Baton Rouge.

Sponsored by the ASLCS Membership and Communication Committee.

Board Buses to Louisiana’s Rural Life Museum

Evening Reception at Louisiana’s Rural Life Museum

4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge

Experience old Louisiana and witness how our forebears lived and worked at one of the “Top 10 Outdoor Museums in the World.” The LSU Rural Life Museum chronicles the history of everyday rural life in Louisiana through thousands of artifacts and the 19th century architecture of a typical working plantation. The museum sits on more than 400 acres of farmland in the center of Baton Rouge. This hidden gem is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the material culture, cultural landscapes and vernacular architecture of Louisiana and the Lower Mississippi River Valley.

Be sure to wander throughout the museum complex and gardens while you mingle and enjoy the music of Grammy winner and Louisiana Music Hall of Fame inductee Wayne Toups, dubbed “Le Boss” or the “Cajun Springsteen” for the rock ‘n’ roll attitude of his Cajun fusion band, as well as Americana and folk band, The Fugitive Poets.

Dress recommendation is casual with light layers and comfortable shoes for outdoor exhibits. Come partake of drinks, dancing and a hearty sampling of Louisiana’s rural fare.

Board Buses to Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

Hospitality Suite

Heidelberg Ballroom, Tenth Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

Registration and Information Desk

University Room, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

Breakfast

Riverview Ballroom B, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

Come early! Made to order omelets will be served.

Thank you to our sponsor, Ross Video!

Legislative Expo

Riverview Ballroom A, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

Show—and share—the way you do your job with your ASLCS colleagues! This session is a great way to see how different chambers handle similar administrative challenges.

Sponsored by the ASLCS Support Staff Committee.

Customs and Traditions in U.S. and International Legislative Bodies

Governor Room, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

Look at customs, traditions and special practices that are unique to U.S. and international legislative bodies, and a history of how and why they began.

Moderator: Jay Braxton, Assistant Clerk, Virginia House of Delegates

Panelists:
Peter McHugh, Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Parliament of Western Australia
Bernadette McNulty, Chief Assistant Secretary, California Senate
Rick Yarish, Deputy Clerk, Legislative Assembly of Manitoba

Paperless Chambers

Capitol Room, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

Some chambers have moved to a paperless operation while others are in the planning stages. Learn about the benefits and challenges of removing paper from legislative operations.

Moderator: Andrew Ketchings, Clerk, Mississippi House of Representatives

Panelists:
Maryann Horch, Senior Systems Analyst, Virginia Senate
Alan Whittington, Assistant Clerk, Tennessee Senate

Living Well at Work

Riverview Ballroom B, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

Balancing a healthy lifestyle at work is a common challenge. Listen, learn and become inspired by a former professional athlete that will share strategies and best practices for living well at work! 

Moderator: Stephanie Hall, Assistant Chief Clerk, Alaska House of Representatives

Speaker: Durand “Rudy” Macklin, former LSU and NBA basketball player and Director of the Louisiana Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports

Professionalism 101

Governor Room, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

With business becoming more “business casual,” how do you train your full-time and session-only employees to remain sharply professional in a less than professional world? Hear your colleagues answer this question.

Moderator: Jamie Kruse, Division Executive Assistant, Nebraska Legislature

Panelists:
Patsy Spaw, Secretary, Texas Senate
Susan Clarke Schaar, Clerk, Virginia Senate
David Byerman, Secretary, Nevada Senate

Working Smarter, Not Harder (While Using Technology)

Capitol Room, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

This session will showcase innovative and exciting (and potentially work-reducing) mobile and web applications that legislatures and legislative chambers have created.

Moderator: Dana Rademan Miller, Assistant Chief Clerk, Missouri House of Representatives

Panelists:
Bob Ward, Clerk, Florida House of Representatives

Nathan Hatfield, Assistant Clerk, Virginia Senate

Scott Caffey, Committee Coordinator, Texas Senate

Tim Rice, Executive Director, Illinois Legislative Information

Heidi Gosho, Programmer, Alaska Legislative Affairs Agency

How to Maintain Your Cool in the Heat (and Height) of Political Partisanship

Riverview Ballroom B, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

In this lively and engaging roundtable discussion, legislative colleagues share stories, tips and strategies for handling heightened partisan situations.

Moderator: Liz Clark, Secretary, Alaska Senate

Panelists:
Lee Cassis, Assistant Clerk, West Virginia Senate

Lindsey Grovom, Chief Clerk, Montana House of Representatives

Amy Leach, Minute Clerk, California Assembly

Crystaline Jones, Records Supervisor, Alaska House of Representatives

Susan Kannarr, Chief Clerk, Kansas House of Representatives

Bill MaGill, First Assistant Clerk, Vermont House

Jennifer Novak, Secretary, Idaho Senate

Jeffrey Renk, Chief Clerk, Wisconsin Senate

Ron Smith II, Assistant Clerk, Louisiana House of Representatives

Board Trolleys to the Louisiana State Museum

Corner of Florida Boulevard and Lafayette Street, Street Level, Hilton Baton Rouge Hotel Capitol Center

A Taste of Louisiana at the State Museum

660 North 4th Street, Baton Rouge

Hop on a trolley to the Capitol Park State Museum, where you can savor authentic cuisine from several distinct regions of Louisiana as you immerse yourself in the culture of our state. Exhibits at the largest museum in Baton Rouge cover such diverse topics as the Louisiana Purchase; Mardi Gras traditions; and the music of Louis Armstrong, Fats Domino, Aaron Neville and many more. The museum’s two permanent exhibits are titled “Grounds for Greatness: Louisiana and the Nation” and “Experiencing Louisiana: Discovering the Soul of America.”

While there, get down to the music of the multi-genre Michael Foster Project inspired by the funky grooves of brass jazz. Before the evening is through, join in a “second line” parade led by the Golden Sioux Mardi Gras Indians and Big Chief Irving “Honey” Banister.

Dress recommendation is casual with light layers. Explore the museum indoors; then dine alfresco. Dinner, drinks and room to dance will be provided.

Hospitality Suite

Heidelberg Ballroom, Tenth Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

Board Trolley to Louisiana State Capitol

Corner of Florida Boulevard and Lafayette Street, Street Level, Hilton Baton Rouge Hotel Capitol Center

Trolleys will make a continuous loop from the hotel to the Capitol until 10:30 a.m.

Staff Breakouts at the Capitol

Take your networking and problem-solving to the next level! Staff breakout sessions provide a forum where attendees can discuss specific parliamentary situations and administrative challenges. Talk to experienced colleagues, obtain helpful solutions and discuss shared experiences with your colleagues across the country. Note: These are closed-door sessions for legislative staff only.

Sponsored by the ASLCS Support Staff Committee.

Four break-out sessions for:

• Principal Clerks and Secretaries
  House Committee Room 2, Louisiana State Capitol

This session is designed for the chief clerk or secretary of the chamber. This session is for only currently serving principal clerks and secretaries.

Facilitator: Suzi Lowell, Chief Clerk, Alaska House of Representatives and ASLCS President

• Assistant/Deputy Clerks and Secretaries
  Senate Committee Room E, Louisiana State Capitol

This session is designed for the assistant or deputy chief clerk or secretary of the chamber.

Facilitator: Lisa M. Davis, Assistant Clerk, Mississippi House of Representatives

• Legislative Operations Staff
  House Committee Room 1, Louisiana State Capitol

This session is designed for staff whose work directly relates to the legislative process via the journal, calendars and agendas, engrossing and enrolling, bill index and status, and committee operations.
 

Facilitator: Janice A. Gadd, Journal Clerk, Utah House of Representatives and ASLCS Associative Vice President

• Administrative and Support Services Staff
  Senate Committee Room AB, Louisiana State Capitol

This session is designed for staff whose work supports the legislative process via fiscal administration, information technology, information and public relations, and support services, including: facilities management, purchasing, document handling, mail rooms, safety, and security.
 

Facilitator: Jay Pearson, Information and Communications Services Director, Virginia House of Delegates

Lunch at Louisiana State Capitol

At the Pentagon across fromt he Louisiana State Capitol

Optional Tours: Plantation Tour or Swamp Tour

For an additional fee, attendees may participate in one of two optional tours. Space is limited and available to those attendees and guests that confirm their attendance on a first come, first served basis. The deadline to sign up for a tour is Monday, October 6 at 5 p.m. Payment for these tours will only be accepted onsite at registration check-in.

Visit Nottoway and Houmas House Plantations

Tour Fee: $35/person plus dutch-treat dinner
Tour Capacity: 100

Tour two of Louisiana’s premier antebellum homes and gardens. A 35-minute bus ride from downtown Baton Rouge will take you through Louisiana’s rural byways overlooking sugar cane fields along the Mississippi River.

• The Houmas House Plantation and Gardens have been restored to reflect the best parts of its rich history as “Crown Jewel of Louisiana’s River Road.” The original French Provincial House built in the 1700s is located directly behind the grand mansion, completed in 1828. The mansion and grounds have appeared in numerous films and television shows, and even boast of having several ghosts in residence. Your guided tour gives you access to rooms lavishly furnished with period pieces, artwork and antiques, 38 acres of gardens and the gift shop and art gallery.
• The Nottoway Plantation and Resort, completed in 1859, now stands as the largest restored antebellum mansion in the South. Included is a 45-minute guided tour of the mansion, full of original owner furnishings, artifacts and period architecture; the museum and mini-theater; expansive gardens; and quaint gift shop.

Dutch-treat dinner will be at Mike Anderson’s Seafood. Visit mikeandersons.com.

Visit McGee’s Landing and Atchafalaya Swamp Tour

Tour Fee: $18/person plus dutch-treat dinner.
Tour Capacity: 100

Tour Louisiana’s Atchafalaya Swamp. Glide on a flatboat through moss-draped trees and cypress knees on the bayous, along the wetlands for which Louisiana is famous. Get a glimpse of alligators, egrets, herons and other plentiful wildlife, all while hearing the area’s history mingled with myth, opinion and practical lore. You won’t want to miss the scenic beauty and Cajun hospitality you’ll find on this 1.5-hour guided tour.

Dutch-treat dinner will be at at Pat’s Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant. Visit patsfishermanswharf.com.

2020 Mason's Manual Commission

House Members’ Lounge, Basement Level, Louisiana State Capitol

Presiding: Alfred “Butch” Speer, Chair of the 2020 Mason’s Manual Commission and Chief Clerk of the Louisiana House of Representatives

Hospitality Suite

Heidelberg Ballroom, Tenth Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

Come and experience a taste of North Carolina and as we share some of the finest products our great state has to offer. We’ll have special sweets, salty snacks and our finest North Carolina craft beverages to taste. Enjoy a preview of what we have to offer for the 2015 ASLCS Conference, September 20–25, in Raleigh, North Carolina!

Information Desk

University Room, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

Breakfast

Riverview Ballroom A, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

A full breakfast will be served.

Thank you to our sponsor, Propylon!

"All's Fair: Love, War and Politics"

A Conversation with James Carville and Mary Matalin

Riverview Ballroom B, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

One of America’s best-loved political couples—James Carville and Mary Matalin—give an enlightening and entertaining look at today’s most important political issues as well as a behind-the-scenes look at politics and how today’s headlines are playing out around the country. In this moderated session, Matalin and Carville combine their unique experience to provide a stimulating, candid and provocative conversation from both sides of the political aisle.

Moderator: Alfred “Butch” Speer, Clerk, Louisiana House of Representatives

*If you would like to attend only this special presentation, fax this printable day rate registration form to 303-364-7811. Breakfast and keynote session are $65.

Book Signing with James Carville and Mary Matalin

Paramount Room, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

New Attendee Wrap-Up

King Room, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

Presiding: Ruby Johnson, Journal Clerk, Louisiana House of Representatives

Committee Chair Transition

Governor Room, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

“A” Committees (4)

• Bylaws and Standing Orders
  Governor Room, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center
• Inside the Legislative Process
  Louisiana Room, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center
• Site Selection
  Capitol Room, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center
• Technology
  King Room, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

“B” Committees (4)

• International Communication and Development
  Capitol Room, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center
• Legislative Administrator
  Governor Room, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center
• Membership and Communication
  King Room, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center
• Support Staff
  Louisiana Room, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

"C” Committees (4)

• Canadian-American Relations
  Capitol Room, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center
• Professional Journal
  Governor Room, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center
• Program Development
  King Room, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center
• Roster
  Louisiana Room, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

President’s Reception

Riverview Ballroom A, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

Thank you to our sponsor, LexisNexis!

State Dinner and Dancing

Riverview Ballroom A, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

Presiding: Suzi Lowell, ASLCS President and Chief Clerk of the Alaska House of Representatives

Hospitality Suite

Heidelberg Ballroom, Tenth Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

Breakfast and Business Meeting

Riverview Ballroom A, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center

Presiding: Russell A. Humphrey, ASLCS President and Chief Clerk of the Tennessee Senate

Thank you to our sponsor, Sliq Media Technologies!

2014–2015 Executive Committee

Governor Room, First Floor, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center