In an earlier post I mentioned the UC ANR Brand Promise, something I first heard of when the communications group met to develop a strategic communications plan. After ‘Googling' the term, I found a Powerpoint file about the UC ANR Brand Promise that appears to have been used at the 2015 Joint Strategic Initiatives Conference. The elements of the UC ANR Brand Promise are as follows:
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UC ANR is a network connecting the people of California and their University
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Practical, non-biased research that people trust
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Part of the community
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Participatory model
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Serve in a leadership role
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We serve where private industry can't/won't
These elements certainly describe what I think of when I consider what makes UC ANR different from any other game. But while I recognize the elements, I have to wonder how often I overlook one or more of them when I describe who we are, what we do and the value that comes from partnering with UC ANR. I think I will post the bullet points somewhere so that I see them often. Recently I saw someone had the bullets ‘positive' and ‘empowered' posted as a way of providing themselves with a constant reminder. The fact that I have already forgotten what the third word was suggests I need the post-it with the promise elements more than I care to admit.
Another busy week is ahead but with primarily ‘local' travel. I'm hoping this gives me a chance to review a student's manuscript and get that off my desktop. I managed to get through part of a manuscript plus a M.S. thesis this weekend. My students at MSU are quickly winding down their programs and moving onto their careers. The annual review process continues this week as well; it does seem to be a long process at UC but I think it's the rigor associated with the process that contributes to the caliber of programs and people.
Welcome to Gerardo Spinelli! Gerardo starts on Monday and is the Area CE Vegetable Production and Irrigation Advisor, located in Modesto, CA with programmatic responsibilities in Stanislaus, San Joaquin and Merced Counties. Please reach out to Gerardo and welcome him to UC ANR.
