A journey of thousand miles begins with a single step ... and PPQ's Safeguarding Review Initiative is no exception. But what was the first step? It all began in October 1998, when PPQ requested assistance from the National Plant Board (NPB). The first face-to-face meeting of the safeguarding issue group leaders was in July 1999, but the kickoff meeting was held in December 1999. Attending this meeting were: the PPQ Executive Team, the Safeguarding Steering Committee, the Safeguarding Review Panel, and the Issue group leaders. During this meeting the organizational structure, evaluation criteria, and templates for action plans were created and are currently being used to develop action plans for implementing the 300+ recommendations.

While meeting to develop the process and tools, there was a concurrent request for volunteers to assist with the implementation. The response to this request was overwhelming. Once again, this demonstrates that PPQ is an organization filled with dedicated and committed people who seek to improve the organization and enrich their work environment. The above-mentioned recommendations were then divided among 17 Issue Safeguarding Implementation Groups. Subsequently, there was a consolidated meeting on March 28-30, 2000 between members of the 17 Safeguarding Issue Groups, the PPQ Safeguarding Steering Committee, the Safeguarding Review Group, and the PPQ Executive Team. This inaugural meeting was held at the American Management Association's Conference Center in Washington, D.C.. Photographs from this meeting have captured what is now characterized as "March Madness." To view a photo essay of this meeting, please click here.

Among the distinguished guests were Dr. Richard Dunkle, PPQ's Deputy Administrator, Dr. Craig Reed, APHIS's Administrator, and Mr. Michael Dunn, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. Speakers from the Safeguarding Review Panel Leadership included Mr. Ted Batkin with the Citrus Research Board, Mr. Craig Regelbrugge with American Nursery and Landscape Association and Mr. Bob Balaam, current President of the NPB.

Using the action plan templates mentioned above, members from the 17 Issue Safeguarding Implementation Issue Groups began the enormous task of formulating action plans for their respective set of recommendations. An action plan is designed to be a complete decision document. It contains a number of elements, including the background of the issues; the findings of the issue group about the recommendation; an evaluation of various impacts from costs, to working environment, to impacts on the public and industry; and a list of the specific tasks to be performed if the action plan is to be implemented. The plans will also identify who is accountable for implementation and what the timeframes are. In addition to formulating the many action plans, members from each of the above mentioned groups had the fortuitous opportunity to interact and share vital thoughts towards accomplishing the same goal.