I had a great Thanksgiving holiday, very relaxing, but now it is time to get back to work! Top of the list this week is finishing up the STC Southwest Regional Publications, Art, and Online Competitions. At this point it is a matter of coordination – we have to get the evaluation forms back from the judges and sort them to return to the various submitters. Almost 100 entries x 3 evaluations each adds up quick! Plus print and distribute the award certificates and plaques.

Really it is an excellent example of virtual project management – judges in 3 states, entries from 4 – and we’re learning new tools along the way. My favorite is Quickbase from Intuit. We couldn’t have managed without it! My second favorite is the 7-pocket expanding file holder (with rubber bands to hold them closed) that have been invaluable organizational tools. It is amazing how quickly mounds of paper can get out of control.

The best news of all, though, is that the Kachina-New Mexico chapter is going to take a turn at managing this competition next year, giving our local teams a well-deserved break.