County Commission outreach (December 2014)
Each year, CCAWV holds eight regional roundtable meetings across the state. These meetings are a crucial component of CCAWV’s three-pronged mission. REC (representation, education and communication). They provide our members and their legislators with an opportunity to discuss issues they are facing regionally.
Additionally, it is a chance for members to review and discuss the Association’s legislative priorities for the coming legislative session. Each of the meetings brings to light the issues and challenges commissioners from different parts of the state are facing.
Many times, the issues align (Regional Jail costs, for example), but it is important for CCAWV to learn about problems that are specific to counties or regions. This enables us to better advocate for all commissioners at the Capitol.
If you haven’t registered for your roundtable, please do so today.
Encourage your legislators to attend as well!
CCAWV’s New Office Space at 2007 Quarrier Street is Almost Complete!
CCAWV’s new Quarrier Street office is on track for completion this month! We hope to be moved in by the New Year. The floors have been stained and the kitchen is nearly finished. The kitchen upgrade included a new sink, painted cabinets, and an updated backsplash. As soon as the floors are installed, it will be all done. Bathrooms are also looking good! We have started packing boxes as the Washington street office.
It won’t be long now!
Another Successful Basic Training!
CCAWV’s Basic Training for Veteran and Newly Elected Commissioners was held November 19-21 in Bridgeport, WV. The three day event provides comprehensive training for newly elected Commissioners and serves a a “refresher” course for those who have been in office for some time. In addition, it offers an opportunity for Commissioners from across the state to connect and exchange ideas. With well over sixty attendees, the conference was quite a success! Attendees received a copy of CCAWV’s Commissioners’ Handbook, which is a valuable resource for Commissioners veteran and new! The program coved a wide range of topics.
Ron Watson of the Harrison County Commission was on hand to welcome everyone to Harrison County. Greg Bailey of Bowles Rice LLP covered ethics and the Sunshine Law. Former Commissioner John Sorrenti led a session on how to conduct an effective meeting. Commissioners were introduced to NACo by former CCAWV President and NACo Board Member, Tim McCormick.
Legislative Committee & Board Meet to Discuss Legislative Priorities
Members of CCAWV’s Board and Legislative Committee met in beautiful Greenbrier County to discuss legislative priorities for the upcoming session. Karen Lobban, Greenbrier Commission President, welcomed members before they began working on a full agenda. Chris Carey, of WVCoRP, gave an update on the Risk Pool, and Duane Ruggier, II Esq. gave a presentation about handicap accessibility in WV Courthouses. The legislative committee discussed issues that will be facing commissioners and county officials in the coming Legislative Session and determined a legislative agenda, which was presented to the board for approval. In addition, the schedule was set for CCAWV’s upcoming regional roundtable discussion It was a very productive meeting, and we look forward to seeing everyone at the upcoming roundtables!
Another Successful Community Leadership Academy
The second annual Community Leadership Academy took place at Lakeview Resort in Morgantown from October 1- 3, 2014. It was another great program and we were happy to see a good number of CCAWV members in attendance. CCAWV board member Agnes Queen was honored with the first annual CLA Champion Award for her work in promoting the program.
This year's theme was "Preparing for Performance". In addition to a number of Plenary Intensives, led by dynamic and inspiring speakers, there were four tracks in which participants could focus: Collaboration, Local Government, Leadership, and Community Economic Strategy. In addition to all of the wonderful educational seminars, attendees were treated to speeches by WVU President, E. Gordon Gee, and Oliver Luck, WVU Director of Athletics. The fantastic culinary tour was available again this year, and once again was one of the many highlights of the conference.
Our hats are off to Kelly Nix, Robin Frost, and the rest of the WVU Extension team for putting together another truly excellent program! CCAWV is proud to be a sponsor!
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