Comprehensive Combo

Evaluations

Hosted by the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services

Fort Myers, Florida

May 3-7, 2009

WAS THE AGENDA FOR THIS COURSE ADEQUATE AND DID IT MEET YOUR EXPECTATIONS?

bullet As always, the course exceeded my expectations! The program was well organized, the faculty appropriate, and the participants were engaged. PREP continues to be a valuable experience both on a professional/programmatic and personal level.
bullet I didn’t have expectations other than to learn and meet colleagues. I enjoyed the various topics and most especially the field trips.
bullet Yes - primarily because the topics were so timely. Good group of participants - experienced and two field trips broke up a week of just classroom. Continue interactive groups. Food Safety discussion was a good topic to continue and have multi-agency participation to discuss roles. I know time is always limited, but maybe include info on AAPCO/ASPCRO/SFIREG roles and committees.
bullet The soil fumigation and NPDES were quite good. The Food Safety discussion was weak with the exception of Mary Frances. Father Miles is a treasure. Thank you for sharing him with us at another Combo.
bullet This was my first PREP course - and it exceeded all my expectations.
bullet Exceeded.
bullet Beyond expectations!
bullet Yes, beyond my expectations.
bullet Yes, more than expected.
bullet Yes. It exceeded my expectations. It was presented in an understandable manner spaced well/lots of variety.
bullet Yes, it did. I was and am looking for ways to better manage our state program. This course provided both good technical info and leadership ideas. I appreciate the great opportunity to attend this course and what I earned will defiantly help Alaska.
bullet Yes - especially the info on NPDES, soil fumigation, and food safety.
bullet Yes, although the discussions with the rest of the class were especially important. Day 1 - very useful, Day 2 - a little tougher only because not done, Day 3 - very good, Day 4 - very useful, Day 5 - great, both field trips - great.
bullet The agenda was timely with NPDES and fumigant label changes on the horizon. The field trips were especially helpful.
bullet Better than I expected - course content was probably the best of any PREP I have attended (>5). The PREP program is a fabulous program that fosters improved communications between the states and EPA!
bullet Great agenda. Could have used more NPDES.
bullet Yes, this was a very informative, helpful course. Things talked about were current and what I was most interested in.
bullet Yes - very good. Lots of good friends made, reduces the barriers.
bullet Exceeded my expectations.
bullet Yes, it was great! Loved the field trips, etc.
bullet Yes. All program topics were appropriate for most participants. Good range of topics and off-site presentations were fantastic and beneficial.
bullet Yes, wonderfully relevant agenda.
bullet Yes! We learned from EPA HQ the history of and working models of NPDES and soil fumigation.
bullet More than met expectations. As we know one subject for too long will lose people’s interests. Most of the covered subjects are currently high on most states’ agendas and will definitely help in agenda planning.
bullet I thought the agenda was good, but perhaps it might have included too many topics. Partnership building was too much to include with other major issues.
bullet The course met my expectations.

 

WHAT COULD THE PREP PLANNERS HAVE DONE TO MAKE THIS COURSE MORE USEFUL TO YOU?

bullet As is often the case, there were a number of sessions/topics that seemed limited timewise, for example, food safety. Would rather have fewer topics and ample time. That being said, all the topics were timely and relevant. The Planning Committee did a great job selecting the “hot” topics!
bullet Nothing. Perhaps consider “role play” where we have to be applicators or states get to be EPA and vice versa - if not this one then maybe another PREP type.
bullet I enjoyed hearing from my peers about activities in their state. The fumigation field trip was very helpful to me to see what we are dealing with in the implementation of the new risk mitigation measures.
bullet Include more scenarios and thought exercises based on actual events.
bullet Not much.
bullet Planning was well done! A little more information about roundtables. If we had more information about direction of open discussion, could possibly gather better input from the states.
bullet Maybe invite someone from Washington DC to speak on the EPA.
bullet Minor request - more comfortable chairs. Better A/V (microphone capability/lighting).
bullet Being relatively new to pesticides, there are a number of subjects that I’ve never had training for. I’m sure I’ll have future opportunities for PREPs that will hit some of these topics. I’d be interested in more leadership training opportunities.
bullet Maybe eliminate the topic on collaboration and shrink the course to 4 days.
bullet I think a field exercise setting up the fumigation from start to finish would bring the point home to us about what we are asking of our applicators.
bullet 1) Compress the course into four days. 2) Better define expected outcomes. The discussions were interesting and put lots of ideas on the table, but didn’t result in many take-homes.
bullet I think it would be better to skip the graduation dinner and make Friday a travel day for most.
bullet I thought it was a great overall course. The topics were great for the course.
bullet With my workload all these things were relevant topics and very informative.
bullet Focus the state presentations to the areas of the course.
bullet Absolutely nothing! It was great.
bullet Not much, many thanks!
bullet Florida officials and Suzanne did a fantastic job with the planning and keeping the environment and energy moving in the right direction for a beneficial meeting.
bullet I have only one suggestion: I find it valuable to allow discussions to play out and appreciate the ideas that longer discussions present. The only possible thing that could have made the course more useful would have been more time for Food Safety, NPDES, fumigation, and discussions.
bullet Partnership building segment was almost forced. Cooperation was difficult in discussion section with interaction almost forced.
bullet Would suggest more time for the collaborative approach session.

 

IF THIS COURSE WAS TO BE HELD AGAIN IN THE FUTURE, CAN YOU SUGGEST FACULTY WHO COULD SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVE THE AGENDA?

bullet I am not aware of any faculty that could improve the agenda - the faculty selected was good. I think the participation of EPA HQ and Region is especially beneficial for states. All presenters were topic appropriate, open to questions and answers and all comments.
bullet As always, Father Miles is the best!
bullet Public perspective and how to deal with it.
bullet Maybe someone with more information on endangered species protection and the way it relates to our jobs.
bullet Some professional applicators, bed bugs, soil fumigation.
bullet Dr. Andrew McRae with University of Florida, soil fumigation.
bullet I think Dirk Helder would do better on the soil fumigation presentation. He has been in the field working on it.
bullet No offense to Cathryn or Susan, but I felt that someone at a higher level would’ve been more appropriate.
bullet I honestly think the agenda was right on!
bullet No, but keep Mary Francis and B. Epstein - wonderfully brilliant speakers.
bullet Get Miles back!
bullet If you discuss NPDES someone from the water section needs to attend.

 

ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS?

bullet Regarding future PREP courses, there should be a full week soil fumigation training for program managers. At the least, it should have been offered in 2010 in concert with PIRT for inspectors. Training should start from top down. At this time you have inspectors but not program managers/supervisors having access to same info. Presentations at AAPCO, SFIREG, etc. are not the same. Other future courses should include: 1) senior executive management as well as 2) cooperative grant guidance, work plan and budget development, and reporting. The latter would be an excellent opportunity to produce a work product (i.e. revised 5700 form) which has been discussed extensively. In summary, this course was great! The field trips (both of them) were certainly highlights and germane to pesticide programs. Really enjoyed having the 2 half-day trips, too. The soiree room (and hosts) and after hours were also an important part of the course providing opportunities for networking. Having so much participation from both faculty and attendees helps make this (and all) courses great! Florida DACS staff was great and made all feel welcome! While I enjoyed Florida (even the weather) as a venue, the facility itself was marginal. The location was isolated despite the mall area (as opposed to, for example, Davis, CA) with limited choices for restaurants or other activities. Also, the food was fair, in particular the lunches. While not the reason for attending (facility, location, or food), it does affect the overall experience of the participant. It was nice to have John Ward on the agenda - good to see him - gives us hope for after retirement! Father Riley was wonderful as always - I remember him from the first PREP I ever attended…the combo course, have carried his message with me all this time. Know it has helped get me to where I am both professionally and personally. Thanks to all - looking forward to next time!
bullet Ensure participation from CNMI at Combo PREP at least every 2 years - coordinate via Region 9. Have the state/tribe presenters host the soiree; it’s another way for groups to network; in the pre-registration ask participants their top concerns and have a free discussion/ session (i.e. unfacilitated) for those to just “talk” (30 min). Different icebreakers (3-5 min) per day before the morning break (stretch, hokey-pokey, etc.). I love the chocolates and afternoon snacks!
bullet I know PREPs are for states, but would like to see more participation from HQ and especially Region. It’s good there are some, but more should hear the presentations and interact in this atmosphere with state folks. As always, thanks for all the hard work of Suzanne, Jennifer, Dea, and the planning committee.
bullet Thank you to Florida for their hospitality. Bruce, Mike and Craig were great. Thank you to Dea, Suzanne, and Jennifer for hosting such a diverse group! This location was very isolated from things the group could do together - especially knowing the beach is somewhat near. The hotel was very average. The food was the worst of any PREP I have attended. I would not use this place again. Hopefully the rate was good. The participants were a great cross-section of people and that is much appreciated. I enjoy talking and networking and the soiree room was nice. Good selection process, course steering committee. Alabama is willing to host PREP in 2011 or 2012. I think Mobile, Gulf Shores, Montgomery or Birmingham which is the easiest to fly into. I would be willing to serve on an appropriate planning group (Tony Cofer).
bullet Wonderful course, excellent organization. Thank you for all your hard work and planning.
bullet Field trip was great.
bullet From a personal note: Thank you for the invitation to participate in the planning process - it was a rich and wonderful experience to be involved “soup to nuts.”
bullet Overall, great PREP session. It was good to get the states to give presentations to see their challenges. It was a great idea to take us to the tomato farm. Concerning the new fumigation rules, I would have liked to see coverage of fumigation through irrigation water.
bullet NPDES and leadership were particularly the most valuable sessions for me.
bullet I had a great time - hope to attend a future PREP.
bullet We can achieve a lot more with good communication skills, collaborative work will come with better communication. I’d spend more time with communications people.
bullet Kudos to the Florida folks, they were great hosts and had obviously done a lot of good work on the front-end.
bullet Bruce Nicely did a fabulous job hosting this conference. I don’t know how Suzanne can continue to make these things run so smoothly, but she is absolutely the greatest. Dea is super. My head is spinning.
bullet Excellent course.
bullet This was great, I am thankful for getting the opportunity to participate. It is great to network and learn what issues other states and agencies are trying to do.
bullet Miles was great - a great way to end the course. Prep meister (John Ward) – it was great to see him! Very topical.
bullet This PREP was fantastic!
bullet It has been a wonderful experience for me. Thank you! Ask for higher donations for hospitality room.
bullet Good balance of traditional presentations and interactive sessions (roundtables). As always, the state reports are beneficial and the wide range of topics. The breaks and other “down time” were equally valuable time to network with colleagues.
bullet Just a great course, great speakers, great topics. Thanks Bruce and Florida.
bullet Please utilize both John Ward and Father Miles for future courses - and not just necessarily the Combo course. Facility and field trips were perfect! Lady with FDA had too dry and unprepared presentation.
bullet Course was one day too long. A four day course is about as long as a PREP course should be.