Event:

How do libraries make a difference for their community, and how do they communicate and align that value with the work of funders and community/government leaders? This session explores how to create value. One of the signs of creating value is the support of policy makers and funders. Tracy will be joined by three local government officials who will share what they are trying to achieve in their community. Attendees will then practice what they learned by crafting messages that align with the vision of government officials. Attendees will receive feedback from the three local government officials about their efforts with explaining the library's value.

TracyCook provides consulting assistance on a variety of topics and oversees the consulting, continuing education, and lifelong learning programs within the State Library.  Tracy’s areas of expertise include library law, board development, personnel, local government relations, and advocacy.  Tracy enjoys hiking, canoeing, citizen scientist work, and golf.  She also volunteers for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks and the National Park Service whenever she can.

County Commissioner Joe Briggs is a native of Cascade County and has served as a County Commissioner since January of 2005.  Prior to his election he had a varied professional management career that included positions such as Assistant Fleet Maintenance Supervisor for a multinational Trucking Company, Director of Information services for a company that operated a range of business including vehicle dealerships, alcohol and food distribution, travel agencies and trucking companies.  Joe and his wife Kathy have two grown children both living in North Central Montana. Jessica, the eldest, works for a local nonprofit and is an aspiring writer and her brother James is a High School English Teacher in Conrad.

Greg Doyon serves as the City Manager for the City of Great Falls, Montana. He oversees the daily operations of the City and enforces the policies adopted by the Mayor and four City Commissioners. His duties include supervising all City departments, preparing an annual budget, and appointing employees.

Jim Olson is the Mayor of Belt. He oversees city services and has managed several large projects during his tenure as mayor. He currently serves ex-officio on the Belt Library Board and worked with board members, the town of Belt, and Cascade County when the library moved from being overseen by the county to being overseen by the town of Belt.

Register for the 2023 MSL Fall Workshop - use this link if you haven't already registered to attend.