Extension Updates

To assure that all of you are kept up to date on a regular basis, the three regional directors and the state Extension Administration Office provides bi-weekly Extension Updates. This forum is for all Extension announcements, so if you have something to distribute, please forward it to Lori Bates with FOR EXTENSION UPDATE noted.

April 23, 2013

On Behalf of CJ Mucklow:


Regional Meetings

I hope all of you enjoyed time with your coworkers at your regional meetings last week and this week. I view these meetings as an excellent opportunity to learn about programing ideas from co-workers, enjoy some camaraderie to build morale and an opportunity for an administrative update.

Regional Director Evaluations

All three of the regional directors received their agent input evaluations this week. On behalf of Bill, JoAnn and myself I want to thank you for taking the time to evaluate each of us. No one is perfect and some honest constructive criticism with ideas for improvement are good for everyone and so is a little positive feedback!

Western Region Vacancies

  • Tri River Area Horticulture Agent - Nick Meyer accepted this position and will start the first part of May. Nick has had a varied career in Extension, private business, grew up on a potato farm in New York and has traveled extensively across the globe. Please welcome Nick to Colorado Extension.
  • Archuleta County Director/Agriculture Agent - Roberta Tolan formerly from Larimer County has accepted the position with an estimated start date of June 1. Some of you may know Roberta as she was the Horticulture Agent for several years in Larimer County in the mid 1990’s. Please welcome Roberta back to Colorado Extension when you see her.
  • Eagle County Horticulture Agent - The position is just being announced and will close May 17. Pitkin County is currently deciding if they would like to pay for and share a portion of this position. If they do, it will be the first time Extension has been with Pitkin County since the early 1990’s.

Roles and Responsibility Form

Please click here to see the memo from Judy Barth. Every CSU funded Extension administrative professional must complete the form. This is the old “Conflict of Interest” form. It is not an issue to have conflict; it is an issue if we don’t report it. Please fill out the form and turn it into your regional director.

Budget Update – Wes Scharf

Due to the federal sequester we were bracing for a significant reduction to our Smith Lever dollars. Worst case scenario was over $200K and more than 7%. Fortunately we were somewhat spared and only had our Smith Lever dollars reduced by $62K or 2%. Our EFNEP funds weren't as fortunate and were reduced by $45K or 6.9%. So, even though it appears that our state funding from CSU will not be reduced, we still have to account for a reduction of $107K to our overall funding sources. Our CSU or state budget still has not been determined. As soon as I hear something I will send a message to the system.

Updated