European PDI 2000.

For the third consecutive year, the Heidelberg and Rheinland Pfalz Chapters jointly sponsored the European Professional Development Institute. This year's Professional Development Institute (PDI) was held at the Sauerland Stem Hotel in scenic Willingen, Germany, during the week of October 23rd. The PDI coincided with the Heidelberg Chapter's 24th anniversary on October 27, 2000.

Over 300 participants and speakers attended this year's event. Attendees represented the Army, Air Force and Defense Finance and Accounting Service, traveling from locations throughout Europe. The theme of this year's European PDI was "Up, Up and Away into the New Millennium...Managing Change." In keeping with the theme, the PDI provided workshops focusing on professional and personal growth opportunities to "master change" in the new millennium. Ms. Kathe Herhusky, European PDI Chairperson, Heidelberg Chapter, developed the theme and worked diligently with Ms. Theresa Sorenson, Co-Chairperson, Rheinland-Pfalz, and Ms. Patsy Provines, Programs Chairperson, Heidelberg Chairperson, to design a program tailored to the theme.

Mr. Frank Arcari, ASMC Associate Director for Certification, convened the PDI. The program mirrored the National PDI with Service Day being held the first day. General workshops were held on Wednesday and Thursday, with a Gala Banquet culminating the program on Thursday evening.

This year's program was varied and informative, providing something for everyone. Professional Development topics included the Certified Defense Financial Manager, Activity and Service Based Costing, Manpower Management, Electronic Commerce, and various Resource management topics. Several individuals received their certification while others passed either one or two modules. Those form U.S. Army Europe who received their certification included Ms. Pamela Baumgartner, Mr. Halstead Green, Ms. Cynthia Jones, Ms. Beverly Martin and Mr. Joseph McDermott. Ms. Theresa Sorenson, U.S. Air Forces Europe, also received her certification. A special thanks goes out to Frank Arcari and ASMC National Headquarters for making this opportunity available.

Personal development workshops included effective communication, personal investing, career issues, and customer service. The latest in the uses of automation technology was presented such as web-enabled resource management tools and automated travel.

Thanks to the Heidelberg Chapter's Webmaster, Mr. Steve Enstrom, attendees could obtain hotel information, workshop descriptions, speaker bios, lodging, and transportation arrangements. The website also provided on-line registration for the PDI, automating the registration process and providing database reports to assist in workshop scheduling. Briefings and photos from the PDI can be found on the website at www.odcsrm.hqusareur.army.mil/ASMC/PDI2000/PDI.htm. Photo credits belong to Mr. Steve Enstrom and Mr. Mike Kroger, both of HQ U.S. Army Europe.

This year's PDI would not have been the success it was were it not for the hard work and dedication of our volunteers and the generosity of our sponsors.

Ms. Provines is a Management Analyst assigned to the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Resource Management, U.S. Army Europe. Ms. Provines is currently on the Heidelberg Chapter's Executive Board serving as VP, Programs.