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Good Day Stakeholder,
Public Affairs hosted several photo training sessions with the final lesson being a photo contest at the Oct. 31 Farmers Market. We are pleased to announce the contest winners were NOP's Valerie Schmale and LPS' Alex Guo.
Congratulations, Valerie! Your photo was selected as a winner in our 2016 Fall Harvest Festival photo contest. Your entry was selected as the “Best Event Storyteller Photo."
Congratulations, Alex! Your
photo was selected as a winner in our 2016 Fall Harvest Festival photo
contest. Your entry was selected as the “Most Engaging Photo.”
Event- AMS’ First Virtual Town Hall
Where: Online. Please see future Voice issues for details.
Date: Friday, Nov. 18
When: 2 – 3 pm EST
What: You asked and we answered! Our survey after the Annual Town Hall showed that many Team AMS employees want to ask their leadership
questions about the future of AMS and other timely issues, and felt an
additional town hall is the best venue for this.
So, please join Administrator Starmer, and new
Associate Administrator Bruce Summers, along with a select panel of Deputy Administrators, as
we tackle these questions together.
There will be a 30-minute LIVE Q&A session, so you can log in and get answers to your questions in real time!
We will also talk about our AMS transition plan, top priorities in FY 17, and employee engagement efforts.
Space is limited, so we ask you to host
viewing parties where possible and log in early.
For those who will not be able to attend, we still want to
hear from you! Please send your questions to EmployeeQs@ams.usda.gov, to
start our conversation. Don’t delay, send your questions today!
The AMS Strategic Internal Communications Plan is now available for viewing here. The plan details how AMS leadership continues to engage its employees and foster team spirit and open communication.
 Daniel Johnson has worked for AMS as a
Dairy Market Reporter, in the Dairy Market News field office, in Madison, WI, for
the past 3 years.
Daniel handles the development of several designated pages and shares duties with other reporters creating economic graphs and desktop publishing. The large report is due out by noon central standard time each week.
Keeping up with publishing deadlines is a critical part of the job, says Daniel, “The published reports are a very important resource, which supports the making of industry-wide buying and selling decisions. As a result, my ability to meet deadlines, and deliver on industry service expectations is an integral part of the job.”
Occasionally, Daniel travels to meet with industry contacts at their places of business or attends dairy industry conferences. These trips serve as a great opportunity to strengthen connections with contacts and enhance dairy knowledge. Often his travels include tours of dairy processing plants and/or warehouses.
When asked about his favorite aspect of being a reporter Daniel says, “Dairy is a dynamic industry, my job consists of engaging a dynamic network of individuals from many segments of the industry. Consequently, what I find most inspiring and rewarding as a dairy market reporter is the continuous growth in dairy expertise and individual proficiencies necessary to achieve the finished product that serves the industry.”
Daniel's story is the latest installment of the Field Employee Engagement Advisory Committee’s (FEEAC) Day in the Life of Series.
The FEEAC exists to advise AMS Management on how to strengthen relationships with field staff. Each month, we will highlight an AMS field employee to show the diversity of skills and people that AMS employs. If you are field employee and are interested in having your job profiled for this initiative, please email amsvoice@ams.usda.gov. Please put Day in the Life Series in your subject line.
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There’s a new way to find training offerings on the CTOD SharePoint site!
Try the new drop-down menu on Competencies Addressed to sort for specific trainings!
Trainings with Competencies
Webinar
Nov 14 Shifting
Perspectives Changes Everything 2 – 3:30 pm Registration closes 11-7-2016
Nov 15 Rethinking
Stress 2:30 – 4 pm Registration closes
11-8-2016
Nov 16 Creating
Meaningful Individual Development Plans (IDPs) 3 – 4:30 pm Registration
closes 11-9-2016
Nov 30 Interviewing
Skills for the Interviewee 11 am – 1 pm Registration closes 11-16-2016
Nov 30, Dec 7 & 14 Project
Management Essentials Webinar Series 2 – 4 pm Registration closes 11-23-2016
Nov 30 Interviewing
Skills for the Interviewee 2 – 4 pm Registration closes 11-16-2016
Dec 6 Requests,
Offers & Promises: Communication that Builds Trust 2 –
3:30 pm Registration closes 11-29-2016
Jan 10 Making
Powerful Declarations 2 – 3:30 pm Registration
closes 1-3-2017
Jan 11, 18 & 25 5
Choices to Extraordinary Productivity Webinar Series Webinar Series 2 –
4 pm Registration closes 12-26-2016
Jan 24 Staffing
Essentials for Supervisors 2 – 3:30 pm Registration
closes 1-17-2017
Classroom
Jan 24-26 Leading
Creatively 8:30 am – 5 pm ET,
Riverdale, MD Registration closes 1-13-2017
AMS Employees, the
Alternate Resolution Program is available to help you resolve non-EEO related workplace and program disputes between the
agency, customers, supervisors, staff and co-workers. AMS ensures
fairness, neutrality, and confidentiality in the administration
of the AR program. For more information on the program, visit the website at: http://agnis/AR/SitePages/Home.aspx. To
schedule a mediation, call the AR hotline numbers: 202 690-3017 (DC
Metro Area) or 1-866-227-0328 (Toll Free) or use the
AR mailbox address: AR@ams.usda.gov. For EEO related matters
contact the AMS Civil Rights Office at 202-720-0583.
There are
several AMS employees who have been out of the office for an extended period of
time due to a serious medical condition who have exhausted all their available
leave. If you would like to donate annual leave, or restored annual
leave, to employees approved to receive leave donations, go to the Leave Donor Program webpage.
There you will find links to the current leave recipient list, and the
Leave Transfer Program Donor Application (AD-1043). Form Ad-1043 can be
found on the web at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/library/forms/pdf/ad1043.pdf
Mr. Spencer Woodhull, a Physical Science Technician with Science and Technology Program, in Gastonia, NC, has been approved as a recipient under the Leave Transfer Program. Spencer will be out of the office for an extended period of time with a serious medical condition. Spencer has exhausted all of his available leave. Donations of annual leave or restored annual leave would be appreciated.
Anyone wishing to donate leave to Spencer may submit a Form AD-1043 by fax, (612) 336-3544, mail, or e-mail to: Deborah.K.Thilgen@aphis.usda.gov
The Office of Personnel Management announced the implementation of
the Emergency Leave Transfer Program (ELTP) for those employees adversely
affected by the flooding in Louisiana last month. The program provides
employees who have been directly affected by the flooding with donated leave so
they can take time off from work without having to use their own paid
leave. The ELTP is also a resource for employees who need to take
leave to help family members impacted by the flooding.
All
leave donations will directly benefit affected employees from the Agricultural
Marketing Service; Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; and Grain
Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration under the Marketing and
Regulatory Programs (MRP) mission area.
If you would like to donate either annual
or restored annual leave to the ELTP, please complete OPM form 1638 and either fax it
or mail it (not both) to:
Please
complete the application and submit it (via fax or mail) to:
Fax:
(612) 336-3544
Mail: USDA APHIS MRPBS
HRD
Attn: LCT
Butler Square 5th Floor
100 North 6th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Reminders: Only
whole hours can be donated. Donations with fractional hours cannot be
accepted. Donors must include the name of the recipient in block 12 on
the Donor Application (AD-1043). Donations without a name can't be
accepted.
OPM Telework Training for Supervisors, Managers
& Executives
OPM is
hosting a no-cost, virtual two-part series on telework specifically for
supervisors, managers, and executives. The series is part of OPM’s
celebration of National Work and Family month.
Telework
& Performance Management Part 2: The second part of the
series will demonstrate how effective performance management can lead to
organizational success in a virtual environment.
WHEN: Thursday,
Nov. 3, 2 - 3:30 pm EST
LINK TO LIVE WEBINAR (NO
REGISTRATION REQUIRED): http://web.2.c3.audiovideoweb.com/ca25web26002/7c3flslive1573.html
LINK TO
LIVE CAPTIONING: https://recapd.com/w-87472e
If you have
any questions, please contact worklife@opm.gov.
A
Thursday, Nov. 17, 1 – 2 pm
Test Link - http://www.adobe.com/go/meeting_test for
participants to test their computers before the webinar begins
Webinar Link - https://ams.adobeconnect.com/travelwebinar/
Conference call number: 888-844-9904
Access Code: 7880945
Travel
webinar will cover the Top 10 Travel Problems as they relate to Concur.
We will also cover Travel Dos and Don'ts.
In
addition to OPM’s telework training, we have access on AgLearn to:
o
Telework Fundamentals – Employee Training
o
Telework Fundamentals – Manager Training
Voting Notice
MRP
encourages all employees to vote. If necessary, supervisors may permit an
employee to report for work up to 3 hours after the polls open or to leave work
up to 3 hours before the polls close in order to vote.
In either
case, supervisors are to exercise the option which results in the lesser amount
of administrative leave. The amount of administrative leave (TC 66) granted
will vary depending on the employee's voting location and official duty
hours/tour of duty. Employees may use telework, if an approved
participant, to facilitate time to vote.
They may
also use tour scheduling options, e.g., gliding, and changing a day off, to
allow for additional flexibility for voting purposes.
Additional
MRP-specific “Voting” guidance is located on the web at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/business-services/forms_publications/hr_desk_guide/hrdg_4630/4630_sec_d_sub_e.
http://www.eac.gov/voter_resources/become_a_poll_worker.aspx.
Are you aware of the Microsoft Home Use
Program (HUP)?
Microsoft has a
program for federal and military families called the Home Use Program (HUP)
where you can purchase MS Office Suite for $9.95. To access the software, go to
http://www.microsofthup.com/hupus/home.aspx enter your government e-mail address,
the USDA Program Code of 0002561E67 and
click submit. You can then purchase and
download the program.
Why do I need Software Patches?
Similar to the way fabric patches are used
to repair holes in clothing, software patches repair holes in software
programs. Patches are updates that fix a particular problem or vulnerability
within an application or system. Cybercriminals constantly look for ways to attack systems through flaws in browsers,
operating systems, or other software. Automatic Updates are pushed to your
government furnished equipment through Windows Updates and BigFix. A restart of
your machine is required for the patch to take effect and best practice
requires a restart of your machine a minimum of once per week.
For further information, please contact the Help
Desk at 202-720-1111 (option 1
Back to the Table of Contents
 The
AMS Dairy Program will sponsor their 10th Annual Breakfast Taco CFC event on
Wednesday, Nov. 9, from 7:30 to 9:30 am or until the tacos sell out!
The event will take place in the lobby of Wing 2 of the South Building,
Independence Avenue side.
Dairy has simplified their menu options this year. Three kinds of tacos will be available: steak, egg, and
cheese; bacon, egg, and cheese; and veggies, egg and cheese. Come
and get your breakfast and greet Milkshake the Cow! Suggested donation is one
taco for $4, two tacos for $7, or three tacos for $10.
All proceeds
benefit the Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area and
participation is 100% voluntary. Show Some Love! Eat Some Tacos.
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 Come join the CFC celebration on Tuesday, Nov. 15, between 7:30 – 9:30 am, at the 2nd Wing, 1st floor, South Building (front corridor). We’re asking that you please support CFC by enjoying coffee and muffins (min donation $1.00 – max donation $5.00)
Join the
USDA People's Garden Team at the 15th Annual Thanksgiving Day Trot
for Hunger.
You’re invited to run or walk 3.1 miles with USDA’s People’s Garden team on Thanksgiving,
Thursday, Nov. 24, at 9 am, in downtown Washington, DC. For the seventh year, we’re coming together to
help the homeless and hungry in our local community by participating in
SOME's (So Others Might Eat) 15th Annual Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger in
Washington, DC. Please invite your family and friends to participate. Don’t
forget to bring your pets too! Once registered, you’ll receive an email with
more details. Please contact Annie Ceccarini
at annie.ceccarini@dm.usda.gov
with any questions.
HOW
TO REGISTER
Go
to: http://support.some.org/site/TR?fr_id=1180&pg=entry
Click
on ‘Register’ and then 'Join A Team'
Enter
team name 'USDA People's Garden' in the search field and click “Join” on the
right.
To
donate to the team go to: http://support.some.org/goto/peoplesgardenteam
WHEN
Thanksgiving
Day - Thursday, Nov. 24th at 9 am.
WHERE
The
starting point is at Freedom Plaza on the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue, NW and
13th Street, NW.
WHO
You,
your family, your friends, your pets. This is a very family friendly event and
all are welcome to participate. Please feel free to share this invitation.
GO USDA!
Team members will be given a People's Garden ‘Share Your Harvest’ shirt to wear
on race day.
Did you know?
All food grown in a People’s Garden at a USDA owned, or leased-, facility is
donated to local food pantries, food banks, food rescue programs, kitchens, and
shelters. Partners growing food at other locations are encouraged to
participate in the initiative’s Share Your Harvest effort
by donating a portion of what’s grown to help those in need. Thanks to the
efforts of USDA employees and over 1,300 partner organizations more than 4.6 million
pounds of fresh food has been donated to those in need since 2009.
 Wed., Nov. 16, Room 0720-S
9 to 11 am, or until sold out
Suggested Donation: $5 for a waffle and four wingettes
Pure maple syrup, butter, and powdered sugar available!
*Pre-orders suggested and accepted Oct. 24 to Nov. 4. Contact: Dana N. White, 202-720-9906, Dana.White@ams.usda.gov, to place Pre-orders. All proceeds will benefit the CFC
General Fund.
This is a
CFC event made possible by Specialty Crops Program, Specialty Crops Inspection Division.
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Each week we will highlight how we have been working to "Tell the AMS Story." Here are the recent blogs and press releases. Check them out so you can help tell our story!
Press Release:
11/01 Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces American Lamb Board Appointments
Notices to Trade:
10/26 New Pecan Council Members Selected
Weather
Announcement/Telework Webinars:
The Human Resources Division, Policy and Workplace Resolutions and
Wellness Branches are inviting MRP Employees to participate in one of three
scheduled Weather Announcement/Telework Webinar “refresher” training sessions.
Please join us for an informative 1 hour webinar as we provide an overview of
MRP’s Emergency Dismissal and Closure Procedures and the specifics related to
Teleworking. All three sessions are the same so please only register for
one. We look forward to your participation in these events!
Wednesday, November 16 from 10 - 11 am, EST
Register
for the webinar through AgLearn at:
https://aglearn.usda.gov/learning/user/deeplink_redirect.jsp?linkId=SCHEDULED_OFFERING_DETAILS&scheduleID=49185
Wednesday, November 30 from 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm, EST
Register
for the webinar through AgLearn at:
https://aglearn.usda.gov/learning/user/deeplink_redirect.jsp?linkId=SCHEDULED_OFFERING_DETAILS&scheduleID=49186
Wednesday, December 14 from 12:30 – 1:30 pm, EST
Register
for the webinar through AgLearn at:
https://aglearn.usda.gov/learning/user/deeplink_redirect.jsp?linkId=SCHEDULED_OFFERING_DETAILS&scheduleID=49187
Look for a confirmation email indicating whether you are registered for the course or placed on the waitlist.
On the day of the webinar use the instructions to login on the web and dial in by phone.
Below is the link to the USAJOBS webpage that lists the current AMS job openings. Each week with a simple click you can see what opportunities are open to you.
Explore the possibilities: All AMS Jobs!
Do you have employee related questions about AMS? Send them to employeeqs@ams.usda.gov and check back here bi-weekly for your answers.
Do you have changes you need to make to your program's page? Please click here and follow the instructions.
The Employee Resource Page is now live on the AMS website! The new page contains an abundance of resources for new and current employees including the new Employee Handbook.
Find out what's cooking in the cafeterias. Please see click here to view the menus.
Go to Ask AgLearn Now for the easiest and fastest way to find answers. This site allows you to browse an extensive knowledgebase, view the most commonly asked questions, submit your inquiries, and more.
For additional general questions regarding training and the use of AgLearn, please contact your designated training officer or point of contact listed below.
Kidane Mawsha or Charvaise Butler
Phone: 202-720-1111
The AMS Voice comes out once a week, typically on
Wednesdays. If you have news or an announcement you would like to share,
then please submit it for inclusion in the Voice. Field staff are
particularly encouraged to submit entries.
All entries
must be submitted through a designated program representative for review and
clearance. Below is the list of program representatives:
Livestock,
Poultry and Seed – Alexandria Smith
Specialty
Crops - Pamela Stanziani
Dairy - Becky Unkenholz
Cotton and
Tobacco - Monica Alexander
National
Organic Program - Jennifer Tucker
Science and
Technology - Dawn Fay
Transportation
and Marketing - Becky Unkenholz
Information
Technology - Summer Butler
Legislative
and Regulatory Review – Bill Allen
Compliance
and Analysis - Natasha Griffin-Hayes
Administrator's
Office (Civil Rights, APHIS/HR, etc) - Dana Stewart
Hints and
requirements for submitting your story are provided in The Voice Guidelines.
The
deadline for program representatives to submit stories is MONDAY AT
NOON! If Monday or Tuesday is a holiday, then submissions are due on the
previous Friday at noon. So be sure to submit your entries early.
If you
have any questions, comments or suggestions, please email AMSVoice@ams.usda.gov.
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