Presidents Voice February 2009 I hope everyone’s school year is going well.  It’s hard to believe that we are already a month into 2009 and less than 6months from our next conference.  As usual, a lot is happening within the WDOA.   Many of you know that Mad City Promotions and their fundraising efforts were approved through DARE America on a national level.  I believe the board did everything in their power to try and work with Mad City.  In October, many issues that plagued Mad City came to a head including myself and the board telling them if they wanted to operate in Wisconsin, they had to follow our expectations.   Two days later they closed their Wisconsin office.  If anyone sees a DARE table set up and selling items at a store, please contact a board member immediately. Abbott Labs provided assistance to DARE America in producing the Prescription Drug curriculum.  Myself and Mark Rasumssen met with Abbott’s Wisconsin liaison in September.  Abbott is exploring how they can help DARE at a local level including providing materials and information for Officers who are doing community based events.    They are providing DR. Sean Hinton as a speaker for our 2009 conference as part of their efforts to help State DARE programs.                       Speaking of the 2009 Conference………….WDOA 2009   JULY 13TH -15TH - RADISSON MILWAUKEE NORTHSHORE   WE HAVE AN AWESOME SUMMER CONFERNCE PLANNED…….   I have to give a big thanks to conference chair Joel Dhein for putting together a great agenda.  We have three nationally known speakers at this conference plus great breakouts and Officer Activities.   HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE Doctor Sean Hinton – Prescription Drug Abuse Best Buy Geek Squad - What DARE Officers need to know about the internet to protect their kids…..THESE GUYS BREAK IT DOWN IN TERMS THAT EVERYONE CAN UNDERSTAND - THEY ARE A GREAT RESOURCE. Dare America’s New Internet Safety Lesson – Mandatory for all attendees Labarbera Media Group – Former Fox TV Correspondent talks about Media Relations and how to promote your DARE Program New Middle School Curriculum – Certification Leonard Peace. – FBI Director of Communication   We are negotiating a Pizza and Cosmic bowling dinner with IPIC at Bay shore Town Center with shuttle service available. Registration and Hotel information will be sent out via the group email, post card and on DAREWISCONSIN.ORG very soon.   FOR HOTEL INFORMATION OR TO BOOK ROOMS VIA THE INERNET, CLICK:  http://www.radisson.com/DAREConference Please contact your area representative or a board member if you have any questions or comments.  I hope to see everyone in July! John Siegel

The Presidents Voice

July 22, 2008 As we wrap up another conference, I would like to thank everyone who attended for helping to make it a success.  For those who could not attend because of commitments or budgets, we hope to see you in 2009!   The board received a lot of positive feedback about the quality of the speakers and sessions that were offered.  All of the evaluations from 2008 will be compiled and reviewed to help plan 2009. Anyone who has suggestions for future conferences, please let us know.  Your input is important to maintaining quality training.   The board will continue to work with Quantum and Mad City Event Marketing as they fundraise for DARE America.  This has been a bumpy road, but I think we are making progress.  A change in Coordinators at Mad City will take place in August.  This should help many of the communication issues.  All of the over 1,000 donated items brought to the conference by Mad City were gone in less than a day.  Hopefully these items will help offset incentive costs for some of you.   For those who did not attend the conference:  The topic of Conference costs came up several times.  As attendees dip below 100 and food, hotel, and speaker fees raise, it is becoming more and more difficult to maintain a 3 day training at the level everyone has come to expect.  We are lucky that many speakers take significant discounts or come for free for us.   In the coming months, the board will have to look at where cuts could be made ie: eliminate breakfast or a dinner, No national speakers, No snack breaks, limit printed material etc…  My hope is to find a sponsor for the conference or to have the agreement with Mad City bring enough income to cover all of the expenses so that is not necessary.  If you have a strong feeling about any of those issues, please contact a board member.  All emails are available at www.darewisconsin.org   I would like to have your input now, rather than a complaint at the conference.   Anyone who did not get their dues in: It is not too late to keep your membership current, the conference account is still open.  You can send a check for $20 to WDOA 2008 att: Rick Jeske, 333 Vine ST La Crosse WI 54601   The 2009 WDOA conference will be held July 13th – 15th at the Radisson in Glendale.  Joel Dhein has agreed to chair the conference and already has several great speakers lined up.  Watch for a post card reminding you to register at www.darewisconsin.org.  I will continue to send updates about the conference as they are appropriate.   Finally: (yes finally!)  If your program has an issue, you need a letter of support, or any other question, please do not hesitate to call me.  I will be happy to help you or find resources for you if I am able.  Email and Cell are the two best ways to get a hold of me.    I hope everyone’s summer   Deputy John Siegel La Crosse County Sheriff's Department siegel.johh@co.la-crosse.wi.us Office:  608 -785-6188 Cell: 608-769-6048 "Uncommon Quality From People Who Care"