What does the SMA
Accreditation mean to your
team and your community?
Scott Altenhoff: For our team, SMA Accreditation
is a testament to the fact that we have a strong
organizational commitment to excellence and to
following best management practices. We have
worked very hard over the last decade to make
strategic improvements in our program and to
win the support and confidence of our commu-
nity. SMA Accreditation helps to confirm that these
improvements are real and meaningful. Not unlike
professional certifications for individuals, accredita-
tion has helped to boost our team's self-image and
improve our esprit de corps. It also seems to have
elevated our workgroup's status in the eyes of the
community and larger organization. Although our
SMA Accreditation is still fairly new, we've already
heard many great things from our City leaders about
how much they appreciate/value this achievement.
What publicity did you receive
from the local press?
SA: We've received nice coverage of our accredi-
tation recently, both in print and on social media.
I've been amazed at how many people from vari-
ous quarters have reached out to congratulate our
team on this achievement. It's been a great way
to highlight the importance/relevance of our work
in the community. It shows everyone that we are
working hard to stay on the leading edge of things.
A recent climbing expedition up one of Eugene's largest planted
trees, a giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), with Eugene
City Manager Jon Ruiz (lower left), Green Infrastructure Maintenance
Manager Carrie Peterson (right), and Lead Arborist Eric DeBord
(center). The short video shows drone footage of the climb.
30 CityTREES
