July 12, 2011
Now Accepting Handshake Partnership 2012 applications - Suspense 14 October 2011
Chief Operations, Mike Ensch, signed the attached memorandum announcing the Handshake Partnership Program for 2012. This program provides an incentive to Corps projects to utilize partnering initiatives to their fullest potential. The program is in its ninth year and offers an additional funding source (i.e., seed money) to Corps installations for worthwhile partnership projects. This funding can be used for both recreation and environmental stewardship partnerships. New to the program this year is the ability to request handshake funds for an SCA Intern/Crew to accomplish a specific project at a Corps facility utilizing the existing cooperative agreement (contract) between the US Army and the Student Conservation Association (SCA).

Electronic applications with district and MSC coordination must be received by Michael Hosey, SAD representative on the Partnership Advisory Committee, NLT 14 October 2011. The memo and application are forwarded by e-mail and posted to the NRM Gateway to expedite distribution. Examples of applications and agreements are also posted on the site. https://corpslakes.erdc.dren.mil/employees/challenge/handshake.cfm

This program is very important to our current and future partnership programs. Over the last nine years, handshake partnerships have leveraged millions of dollars for outstanding projects to benefit Corps visitors and our natural resources. In addition, these handshake projects have built strong, positive relationships in communities and with stakeholders. They have demonstrated our commitments to public service and environmental stewardship.

Please support and encourage participation in this program. We encourage a diversity of applications that represent a broad range of projects. As we all know, we have to grow our partnerships to better leverage our limited resources and this is an excellent way to do that.

To assist in outreach to potential partners, the Partnership Advisory Committee has developed the attached information sheet to provide examples, facts, and success stories from the Handshake program. Please feel free to use the pdf version as is, or modify the Power Point document with photos of your own local partnerships or past Handshake projects to share with potential partners.

The point of contact for this effort is Mr. Michael Hosey, SAD Partnership Advisory Committee member, 919-542-4501 x26.

Thank you,
Heather Burkee

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