It's been a challenging year for the Education Foundation, since many of the projects planned for 2003 were dependent upon anticipated earnings of the Endowment Fund in 2002. Although the Fund is closely managed by a number of astute industry volunteers, even its conservative investments did not provide for the returns that we would have liked to see. However, through the effective and professional leadership of the Foundation's Executive Vice President, Paul Martin, 2003 did indeed turn out to be a year of accomplishment for the organization.
To help ASA members begin using Essentials, the Foundation conducted pilot workshops featuring Dr. Kathryne Newton of Purdue University, in Indianapolis; Indian Wells, CA; Boston; Chicago and Las Vegas. The workshops attracted more than 200 principals, executives, branch managers, trainers and new employees. Participants received a full day's instruction, the Essentials course book, a course exam and certificate. Additional workshops are planned for Orlando, FL; Charlotte, NC, and Nashville, TN this fall. A "Leader's Guide" containing the workshop's PowerPoint presentation and other learning aids is now available.