FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 10, 2010

Cormier Receives Kudos For Outstanding Service

VERONA--Lorraine Cormier of the Shenandoah RC&D Office is living proof that nice “gals” can finish first.  Named Outstanding Program Assistant by the National Association of RC&D Councils, Cormier received the prestigious award at the Leadership Forum this month in Washington, D.C.

Cormier started with the Council shortly after it received its official designation in 2004 and has been a leader in developing solutions and processes to benefit both the organization and the community at large.  Though she had no prior knowledge of RC&D programs, Cormier quickly got to work designing a website and offering suggestions to streamline operations.

She has been instrumental in suggesting financial policies and procedures to track grants and expenditures.  Cormier has also taken charge of information and application collection as well as reporting Earth Team hours to NRCS for Shenandoah RC&D volunteers.  In fact, she was instrumental in the Council being named “Outstanding RC&D” in 2008.

Cormier loves to learn and is not afraid to try new things.  From mastering new software to participating in Council workshops, she readily demonstrates her commitment to developing leadership skills and increasing her conservation knowledge.  She serves as the Council’s official photographer, posting project and event photos for a variety of audiences.  Cormier is actively involved in outreach as well, offering support to the Waynesboro Farmers Market project last year and suggestions to enhance the Buy Fresh, Buy Local food guide.

 “Lorraine is an exemplary program assistant because she is so involved in the local community,” says Kathy Holm, Shenandoah RC&D Coordinator.  “She is always willing to lend a hand on Council projects or administrative activities and never really claims credit for herself.”

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