Nominate Your Deserving TBR

The July 1, 2008, deadline is approaching to nominate an outstanding Technician Branch Representative (TBR) for the AALAS TBR Recognition Award. The award consists of a complimentary AALAS National Meeting registration, a complimentary hotel room, plus an additional $150 in travel funds and reimbursement of airfare up to $500. Nominations are accepted from any AALAS branch member, a member of the AALAS branch’s board of directors, or the district’s CTAD representative.

If you have a TBR in your branch who you feel has exhibited exemplary job performance, please nominate him or her online at http://www.aalas.org/resources/tbr_award_nomination_form.aspx.

To be eligible, TBRs must:

• Be actively involved in local AALAS branch activities (attend branch meetings, place articles in branch newsletter, etc.)
• Participate in the TBR network (maintain regular contact with other TBRs and with district CTAD rep)
• Participate in CTAD activities at all levels (promote Tech Week within their branch, volunteer at CTAD booth at National Meeting, participate in CTAD events at National Meeting, etc.)
• Submit letters of recommendation
• Demonstrate financial need

Technician Branch Representatives (TBRs) are a vital part of the Committee on Technician Awareness and Development (CTAD). TBRs share technicians’ activities, ideas, and suggestions; help technicians promote biomedical research on a local and regional basis; provide technicians with professional opportunities and strategies; encourage them to participate in AALAS at a local and national level; and request technicians’ articles for AALAS publications.

In short, they provide a valuable connection between national AALAS and technicians in the field. For additional information about this award program, please send email to Lisa Evans at lisa.evans@aalas.org or contact the AALAS national office at (901) 754-8620.