Volunteers of the Month: Lisa Huff, Gary Wise, and Mickey Woodham

The Productivity Enhancement Program is very excited to introduce a trio of amazing Local and Business Coordinators as our Volunteers of the Month. Volunteer coordinators are responsible for overseeing the project in the host community and last fall PEP was blessed with many such remarkable local leaders. Three, however, stand out due to their magnificent spirit, commitment, and ingenuity. Representing in turn Kiwanis, Rotary and the Memphis Advertising Federation, we are very pleased to introduce you to Lisa and Jay Huff, Gary Wise and Micky Woodham.

Lisa & Jay Huff, Towson, Maryland: Kiwanis Club of Towson Timonium

First-time PEP volunteer Lisa Huff was originally nominated as the business training coordinator, but as their Private Education delegation approached, she and her husband Jay became so much more. Lisa enlisted the aid of many, including local PEP supporter Neil Young, to organize an extensive training program, working with over 80 business trainers. Displaying their enthusiasm and commitment, the Huffs tailored the program perfectly to their delegates' interests and personally attended all of the training sessions. When additional home hosts were needed Lisa and Jay took three delegates into their home for the first week, then four in the second week, and a total of five in the last week! Jay provided much of the transportation and meals - personally making lunches for the delegates when they were not provided by local schools. In the end, Lisa and Jay hosted the farewell party at their home and, together with the all of the hosts, they made an incredible, personal connection with their Russian visitors. CCI would like to thank Lisa, Jay and the Towson-Baltimore hosts for their extraordinary efforts, which clearly illustrated the spirit of Kiwanis and the power of volunteerism.

"I would like to express my gratitude [...] for their hospitality, kindness and care. Thanks to these bright and active community members, I have finally become convinced of the possibility of building a civil society in Russia." -- Vyacheslav Kokorev, delegate from St. Petersburg

Gary Wise, Bartlesville, Oklahoma: Bartlesville Daybreak Rotary Club

"It's fun, not work!" exclaimed Gary Wise, when he was thanked for all of the excellent work he provided for his Casual Dining delegation last fall. Gary's energy and enthusiasm were obvious, helping the delegates to feel comfortable and at home. Gary and his team put together one of the most comprehensive training programs PEP has seen and his zeal brought together the entire community for the project. When driving into town the delegates saw a large billboard welcoming them to Bartlesville that Gary had a local business donate.

"Everything exceeded my expectations. I never imagined I'd be treated with so much warmth!" -- Olga Fetisova, delegate from Volgograd

In addition, Gary put his computer and design expertise to good use by developing a website dedicated to the delegation. The website was stuffed with information for hosts, including schedules, photos and credits to the many sponsors they found to support the delegation. (See the website) Since the delegation's departure, Gary updated the site with useful "inside" information to help other clubs prepare for a delegation. Gary has even offered a Rotary-PEP domain if clubs want to create their own online presence. CCI would like to thank Gary for his creativity and support and all of the Bartlesville hosts for putting together a fantastic delegation!

"It was a pleasure. I feel both Bartlesville and the delegation are the better for their visit. I really believe this project to be worthy of much effort." -- Gary Wise

Mickey Woodham, Memphis, Tennessee: Memphis Advertising Federation

Mickey was PEP's saving grace in Memphis and has become one of the program's most enthusiastic supporters. Early on, Mickey rallied support within her Memphis Advertising Federation and the Memphis Rotary Club to sponsor their group of Russian advertising professionals. She and her co-business host coordinator, Ricky Boyce, turned their industry contacts into a stellar training program for the delegates. She met with all of the business hosts before the group arrived to make sure everyone was on track and that all the delegates' interests were covered. Once on the ground, Mickey met with the delegates every morning and filled in as van driver on occasion. The program Mickey and the hosts put together was wildly successful and very full, including social visits to the theater, sporting events and a tour of Graceland. Throughout all, Mickey's infectious energy and spirit helped drive the program to success.

"I have met many interesting people in my life, but I've never met such a person as Mickey. I was amazed by her kindness, sincerity and love towards life and us. I will always remember her." -- Yuliya Voronina, delegate from Volgograd

What's more, Mickey claims she has caught the "Russian fever" and is helping to spread the word about PEP. Thanks to her enthusiasm, other advertising federations in the region and potential club sponsors are learning more about the benefits of bringing PEP to their community. CCI is extremely grateful to all of the Memphis hosts, and to Mickey in particular, for her continued passion and support!

"It was truly an incredible and rewarding experience - not only for me personally, but also for the Memphis Ad Federation and for the city of Memphis." -- Mickey Woodham

PEP and CCI would like to deeply thank Lisa and Jay, Gary and Mickey for their amazing contributions, energy, commitment and volunteer spirit. They are phenomenal representatives of their organizations and excellent citizen ambassadors! Thank You!