Recognizing Excellence with Skill Point Certificates
This year, as part of the Work Force Ready System, SkillsUSA will award Skill Point Certificates in 60 contest areas to recognize outstanding talent of contestants in addition to those who earn gold, silver and bronze medallions in the SkillsUSA Championships. The same industry leaders who defined the competencies for the Championships determined a "cut score" that indicates excellence for students entering technical fields. Most cut scores range between 70 and 80 percent. Each certificate lists the competency areas tested in the contest and carries the logos of organizations and companies that planned and managed this year's competitions. Students can use their certificates to document achievement and to show potential employers as indicators of proficiency.

Going Green
SkillsUSA is "going green" all week by adding recycling bins around the convention center. Help recycle the extra glass, aluminum and paper our conference brings to Kansas City. Also, help cut down on the disposal of plastic containers by purchasing a reusable water bottle from SkillsUSA's alumni association. These souvenir bottles are available for $2.50 each at TECHSPO Booth #222.

Alumni 5K Champions Run at Conference
SkillsUSA will be holding a new twilight 5K Champions Run to benefit the Alumni. Sponsored by the U.S. Army and managed by the Kansas City Track Club, the run takes place on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 6 p.m. at Liberty Memorial Park, across from Union Station and the Westin Hotel. Registration is $10 per person before June 1 or $15 after June 1 and includes a unique t-shirt and a medallion for all finishers. Awards will be presented to the top 3 males and females in each category: partners, professionals (any adult), students and alumni. Runners, joggers, walkers or groups are all welcome. No headphones, strollers, animals, skates or skateboards will be allowed on the racecourse. Any school groups or instructors running with their students are encouraged. To download a race registration form, go to: http://www.skillsusa.org/events/nlsc08.shtml, or register at the Alumni Booth #222 on Monday-Wednesday until noon.

SkillsUSA TECHSPO and Career Fair
Champions Plaza will return to the SkillsUSA conference for the fourth year. Champions Plaza-featuring interactive stations, giveaways and contests-will take place outdoors on 13th and Central streets between Wyandotte Street and Broadway Boulevard.

Also returning to the conference this year is the SkillsUSA TECHSPO and Career Fair, featuring more than 76,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibit space. TECHSPO and Career Fair will showcase a variety of exhibits including college opportunities, career-training materials, career recruiting services, curriculum materials, fundraising information and new information technology.

Indoor exhibitors are located in Lobby 2200, Lobby 2300 and Lobby 2500, including the New Grand Ballroom Plaza. These exhibits will be open to the public, Tuesday, June 24, through Thursday, June 26, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Please Note: The following roads will be blocked off during the convention due to Champions Plaza:

• 13th Street between Wyandotte Street and Broadway Boulevard, from 12:01 a.m. June 22 to midnight June 26.
• Central Street between 12th and 14th streets from 12:01 a.m. June 22 to midnight June 27.
  
• Several lanes around Bartle Hall will be closed for shuttle buses and the loading and unloading of supplies.

For More Information:
Thomas W. Holdsworth, Director
Communications/Government Relations
703-737-0607 • FAX: 703-777-8999

Jane A. DeShong Short, Program Manager
Communications/Government Relations
703-737-0612 • FAX: 703-777-8999