December 2012: Making More with Less through Business Assistance Networking
Welcome
Dear RMDZ Workshop Attendee: We are pleased to invite you to CalRecycle's Holiday Inn Sacramento "Zone Works" Training Workshop on December 5-6, 2012. Zone Works offers the unique opportunity for Zone Administrators, CalRecycle Zone Liaisons and Loan staff, and valued program partners to regularly convene and discuss current issues and to coordinate business assistance program activities. The theme of this Zone Works is "Making More with Less through Business Assistance Networking". The workshop sessions focus on a reviewing existing and exploring new program partners through which to leverage the collective local, state and federal resources to recruit and retain business in California, specifically recycling manufacturers. As we continue to develop the final agenda, the following offers a snapshot of what we have planned.
We will start with opening remarks by Caroll Mortensen, CalRecycle Director. The first workshop session will focus on finance, highlighting various funding sources that support existing and new recycling manufacturers in addition to the RMDZ program. Similarly, afterwards, we will learn about a number of state programs with which the RMDZ program aligns and offers opportunities to collaborate and to expand the scope of assistance we can offer California businesses in the growing green economy. In each session, there will also be ample time for discussion and questions and answers. We will outline streamlining efforts, based in large part on ZA feedback, related to Zone renewals and expansions. Attendees are able to further discuss coordination and partnership opportunities during the network reception the first evening.
It would not be an authentic Zone Works with out the ever-popular and interactive Peer Share session during which current RMDZ issues and topics are discussed as a team. More information about this session will come shortly so that we can all be prepared to participate. Last, but certainly not least, we will also be providing laptops so that we can review and discuss recent updates to the Zone Information Reporting System (ZIRS) and continue brainstorming how to use this information to most effectively plan and use Zone Incentive Fund (ZIF) monies.
We are excited to provide another interactive and educational RMDZ Zone Works training workshop for you! The draft agenda is now available for planning purposes and the final agenda will be provided prior to the workshop via e-mail as well as on the Zone Works registration web site here.
Arrangements for registration, travel, and one night’s hotel can be made by CSUS using the online registration process, by phone, or by mail. The cost for each of these will be automatically paid via each ZA’s CalRecycle Zone Incentive Funds (ZIF). You will not have to get pre-approval or submit a reimbursement for airfare, lodging, or registration. However, other expenses like mileage or airport parking will require submitting a reimbursement form, which will be provided at the workshop. Please also be aware, if more than one night’s lodging is required, you will need pre-approval from Marshalle Graham prior to registering. Also, if you are a ZA and would like to use your ZIF monies to pay for a guest from your Zone to attend the workshop, prior approval must be obtained from Marshalle Graham. More instructions are forthcoming.
We look forward to a successful event and hope to see you in Sacramento on December 5-6, 2012. If you have any questions about Zone Works, please contact Marshalle Graham at marshalle.graham@calrecycle.ca.gov or 916-341-6270.
Sincerely,
Cara Morgan, Branch Chief
Local Assistance and Market Development