`Energize your career, personal goals'.

Some of the best advice provided at a national training conference came from a former Military Traffic Management Command employee.

George L. Jones, a retired Senior Executive Service member who once worked at MTMC as Civilian Personnel Director, challenged attendees at the 2001 Blacks In Government Training Conference in Los Angeles, Calif.

"Move out on your plan ... go the extra mile," said Jones, in the conference's keynote speech.

Jones spoke on the importance of change. He categorized the government labor force as a type of "Jurassic Park," which was evolving to survive.

Because of the changing work environment, seek out mentors and become a "roadrunner," suggested Jones, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Leadership Enterprises Associates, Inc., located in Alexandria, Va.

"Passion," said Jones, "not pedigree, will win in the end.

Government employees should "recognize, review, react and `rev it up'" to achieve change, said Jones.

Teresa Knox, Cecilia Smith and I were among more than 4,000 federal, state, and city government personnel who attended the conference Aug. 26-Sept. 5. A record number of Afro-American, other minority, and non-minority government employees participated.

We found the conference to be extremely rewarding, and hope to put many of the ideas to work within MTMC.

This year's theme, "Retooling for the 21st century," was well communicated through the forums and workshops.

"This year's BIG event was one of the most enlightening conferences I've ever attended," said Knox, a contact specialist.

Attendees were able to select from the workshops that met their personal and career objectives, she said.

"I wish MTMC would send some more of its people," said Knox.

"Employees gain some of the best training and knowledge, and that can be used throughout their entire government career."

Smith agreed.

"This type of training is so important," said Smith, a program analyst.

"I really do hope more MTMC employees attend future BIG conferences!"

The conference offered a wide array of information sources.

Judge Greg Mathis, whose court-room show is nationally syndicated on Warner Brothers Television, called for continued support of minority communities.

Each individual, said Mathis, should have an unrelenting push for personal success.

"It was truly an inspirational speech," said Eugene Diggs, an information management specialist with the National Institutes of Health.

Author and talk show host Jewel Diamond Taylor summed up the conference at the closing session.

With some video outtakes of McFadden and Whitfield's hit song, "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now" playing in the background, Taylor encouraged participants to continue pursuing their goals at home and in the workplace.

Psychologist Cheri Moore provided advice on anxiety and stress.

"I really love to talk to people," said Moore, who participated in the conference without a fee.

Other topics, addressed in nearly 100 workshops, included career transition, career mistakes and strategies, leadership, teamwork and cultural diversity.

As if that was not enough, a portion of the conference included a two-mile fitness walk, and a workshop on health issues, featuring segments on Medicare, retirement and substance abuse.