• Michelle O'Neill Named Outstanding Woman of The Year In Trade

• View Your Leave and Earnings Statements Online

• Visit Authorizations

• Federal Express to UPS Transition

• ITA's Annual Honor Awards Ceremony

• ITA Comings and Goings

• OFM Summer Interns

• OMO Summer Interns

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Michelle O'Neill Named Outstanding Woman Of The Year In Trade

On June 3, 2010, Deputy Under Secretary (DUS) for International Trade, Michelle O’Neill, received the “Outstanding Woman of the Year in International Trade” award presented by the Association of Women in International Trade (WIIT). Ms. O’Neill was honored at WIIT’s Annual Dinner where she joined the ranks of past honorees, including former U.S. Trade Representative Ambassadors Susan Schwab and Charlene Barshefsky, Senator Blanche Lincoln, former Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn, and former Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman. 

During the award ceremony the Deputy Under Secretary was noted as saying, “I am delighted and honored to be recognized by Women in International Trade.  It has been rewarding over the course of my professional career to advance U.S. commercial interests so that U.S. companies can remain globally competitive."

The Deputy Under Secretary has a long list of outstanding achievements throughout her accomplished 20+years at the U.S. Department of Commerce, culminating in her current capacity as the International Trade Administration’s (ITA) highest ranking civil service member. As Deputy Under Secretary for International Trade, she oversees ITA’s daily operations, which has an annual budget of $447 million and more than 2,400 employees worldwide, and works with Under Secretary for International Trade, Francisco Sánchez, to develop U.S. trade policy.

“ITA is fortunate to have Michelle guiding key issues affecting international trade. She brings endless energy and professionalism to our organization,” said Francisco Sánchez and he added,  “Her contribution to trade policy has helped American firms achieve global success and remain competitive.”

During her distinguished career, Ms. O’Neill has also played a critical role in high-profile issues such as the APEC Privacy Framework and China market access barrier issues, and has been recognized for her work in developing www.export.gov.  Export.gov brings together resources from across the U.S. Government to assist American business in planning their international sales strategies to succeed in today's global marketplace.

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View Your Leave and Earnings Statements Online

With Employee Personal Page (EPP) you can view your leave and earnings statement, health insurance, life insurance, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), savings bond, and other personal information.  You also can read news from the  National Finance Center (NFC).

The EPP self-service option is available for all employees’ use.  You can change your residence address, federal and state tax withholdings, financial allotments, TSP election, and Direct Deposit.  In addition, you are able to view and retrieve your Statement of Earnings and Leave (SEL) as well as your W-2 Form.

All non-bargaining unit employees are no longer receiving paper copies mailed to their home address.  Employees are able to view and print their SEL electronically via the EPP.  To access EPP, you must request a temporary password through NFC; a temporary password will be mailed to you.

To sign up for the EPP:

• Access the National Finance Center homepage at https://www.nfc.usda.gov/
• Click on the “MY EPP” icon within the Application Launchpad box
• Click on the “I Agree” button
• Click on the “Sign Up” button under the New User category
• Select “Department of Commerce” from the list and select “Continue”
• Enter your social security number without the dashes (this will serve as your temporary User ID)
• Click on the “Sign Up for Both”

If you forget your User ID or Password you must select the Forgot Your User ID or Forgot Your Password button from the EPP Home Page to obtain a new user ID or password.

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Compensation and Benefits, Terrine Flythe at 202-482-1869 or email at TFlythe@doc.gov.

Visit Authorizations

Did you know that when visiting another federal agency or an embassy abroad, your Federal identification may not be enough to gain you entry into the facility or to a meeting?

When attending a meeting at another federal agency or traveling to an embassy abroad, you may need your security clearance and special access verified before you can enter a facility and/or attend a classified meeting.  This process is called “Passing Clearances.” 

Secret and Top Secret clearances are passed by the Office of Security’s Client Services Division on form CD-414, Visit Authorization and Security Clearance Certification Request, and embassy visit security clearances are passed by ITA Security on a State Department form memorandum.

Please contact Starlene Hilton in the Office of Security’s Information Security (INFOSEC) Division at osy_infosec@doc.gov., for passing special access clearances, to include Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) for Top Secret clearance holders and for visits/meetings at the Department of Energy.

Prior to your engagement, you should verify entry and security clearance requirements.  All requests should be submitted ten days in advance for agency visits and 14 days in advance for embassy visits abroad.  Please be aware that passing security clearances and special access does not substitute for the State Department’s Electronic Country Clearance (ECC) requirement for international travel.

Select the link http://www.trade.gov/omo/security/index.asp for a step-by-step guide on the Visit Authorizations process.  You may contact ITA Security by email at ITASecurity@trade.gov or call Dana Ervin at 202-482-1205 or Monica Hill at 202-482-3349 with any questions you may have.

Federal Express to UPS Transition

Did you know that using UPS will save your office 7 percent on your shipping costs?  ITA has transitioned from Federal Express to the United Parcel Service (UPS) under GSA’s Domestic Delivery Service 2 (DDS2) contract, effective June 21, 2010. Federal Express should no longer be used for shipments.  If you choose to continue to use Federal Express for a shipment, you can expect your rate to be three times the old rate since they no longer have a contract with the federal government.

How does this affect me?  Each office should have already received log-in information from UPS to access the CampusShip online shipping tool located at https://www.campusship.ups.com/login/doc-os.  Training on CampusShip will continue to be provided to administrative personnel to ensure that all users know how to operate the system. 

What types of packages can I use UPS for?  UPS should be used for both domestic and international shipments where an express service is desired.

How will I ship a package out?  The UPS CampusShip online shipping tool must be used for shipments. If you do not have a log-in for CampusShip, please contact your UPS Administrator listed below. Please do NOT use paper waybills when using UPS for shipments.   If your office received paper waybills from UPS, please send them to Kelli Walters, Suite A300, or to the HCHB mailroom.

How will UPS charges be billed?  While Federal Express was billed directly to the user’s purchase card, UPS charges will be billed directly to NIST.  Within the CampusShip System, there are three required “reference” fields that must be populated with your office’s accounting code information. The first field is the Project-Task Code, the second field is the Bureau-Organization Code, and the third field is the “Requisition Reference” field, which is a noted field that must be populated.  Paper waybills should NOT be used because your account will not be billed correctly.  UPS may also charge address correction fees for poor handwriting if paper waybills are used.

What is the UPS Administrator’s role?

Contact your UPS Administrator if you have forgotten your CampusShip User ID or need your password reset.  The Administrator will also be responsible for working with NIST to resolve billing discrepancies. The Administrator can create and delete CampusShip log-in information as well.

Who is my UPS Administrator?

If you have any questions regarding the UPS conversion, please contact Kelli Walters at 202-482-3265 or kelli.walters@trade.gov.

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"Other News"

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ITA's Annual Honor Awards Ceremony

A SPECIAL CELEBRATION - SAVE THE DATE

The ITA Annual Honor Awards Ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, October 20, 2010, at 10 AM in the HCHB Auditorium Followed by a reception with light refreshments.  Under Secretary Sanchez along with the Assistant Secretaries will present the Bronze Medals and Memorial Awards to this years' winners.  The recipients of these awards have demonstrated excellence in individual or group achievement in furtherance of ITA goals and represent the very best in public service to America.

Please mark your calendars to join us in this special celebration and to congratulate your colleagues on their personal achievements.

ITA Comings and Goings

Arrivals - WELCOME!

CIO:  Kevin Chuang; Ada Huang; CFO/ADMIN:  Peggy Fouts; Sanford Booth II; Sierra Hadley; Dominique Magee; Renela Rucker; Olive Sanu; IA:  Lingjun Wang; Jamie Blair-Walker; Erin Kearney; Sandra Stewart; MAC:  Jennifer Carton; USFCS:  Hector Maldonado; Philippa Olsen; Lauren Gandillot; Robert Maxim II; Jason Brown; MAS:  Peter Perez.

Departures

OUS:  Rodney Emery; MAC:  Teresa Howes; MAS:  Marjorie Pavliscak; Elizabeth Teague; Vanessa Bachman; USFCS:  June Posey.

OFM Summer Interns

Name: Renela Rucker

Position: National Academy of Finance Intern

School: Morgan State University

Hometown: Seat Pleasant, MD

Interests: Dance, Music, Sports, Family and Friends

Favorite Quote: “You have to remember where you’ve been, to know where you’re going”

Goals for ITA: To gain valuable skills and experience in the business world as well as life in general.

 

About Me: I am the middle child of seven children. I am the youngest of three boys and the oldest of three girls. My family is an essential factor in my life. I wouldn’t trade them for the world.  I am a 2010 graduate of Fairmont Heights High School. During high school I have participated in softball, volleyball, indoor track, and outdoor track. At the end of my senior year, I was awarded Most Value Player for volleyball and female athlete of the year. During my senior year, I also received the first 4.0 Grade Point Average of my entire high school career. I completed and graduated from the Academy of Finance in May of this year. I graduated with a final grade of A in all my courses. The Academy of Finance has not only prepared me with the knowledge for college, but it has made me realize how important it is to do well in school. I will be attending Morgan State University in the Fall. My major will be in  Accounting. My goal is to earn a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and become a successful Certified Public Accountant.

 

What have I learned so far at ITA ? I have learned how to communicate better with different types of people. I have learned how important it is to be able to work with others, be punctual, and produce good quality work. I also have learned that work isn’t just work. Everything you do is a learning experience. Lastly, I’ve learned to appreciate my youth!

 

 

Name: Sanford S. Booth II

Position: National Academy of Finance Intern

School: Bladensburg High School, Bladensburg, MD

Hometown: Cheverly, Maryland

Interest: Playing the snare drum and drum set, golf, baseball, traveling outside of the country, Boy Scouts, community services, and producing videos/slideshows

Favorite Color: Silver

Favorite Quote: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.”

Favorite Movie: Drumline

Goals for ITA: This will be an excellent opportunity for me to understand how the United States trades throughout the world as well as give me the opportunity to work in a government environment and establish contacts that will be influential for years to come.

About Me: I am a 17 year-old, 12th grade honor roll student with a 3.50 GPA in the Biomedical and Academy of Finance Program at Bladensburg High School. I am a percussionist in my school marching and concert bands. I am the captain of the X-Factor drum line and the varsity golf team. I won 1^st place in the Professional Golfers' Association Tours/USA Network Skills Tournament in Kentland, MD. I am the 3^rd basemen for Bladensburg High School junior varsity baseball team. I am a Boy Scout with Troop 524 of Shiloh Baptist Church, Washington D.C., where I have earned the rank of Life Scout. I am in the process of becoming the youngest Eagle Scout (the highest rank) in Troop 524 history. I have worked over 400 community services hours during my attendance at high school. I was named the Youth of the Year by the Maine Avenue Ministries and a nominee for the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine. I have started three small businesses: Get-It-Right Productions Audio/Video Slide Presentations; Clean & Green Lawn Services; and San Man’s Ice/Snow Removal. I was a delegate at the Baptist World Alliance Youth Conference in Leipzig and Berlin, Germany. I have also traveled to London, England and Paris, France.

What have I learned so far at ITA? I’ve learned that going to college and achieving an upper level degree is very important in searching for a government job, and also this will give you an advantage over others that will be competing for the same position. I also have learned that time management is very important. If you are given several projects or tasks at the same time, managing what is worked on is very important. Having projects completed by their due dates leaves a good impression with your boss and fellow co-workers.

This article was contributed by Tammy Labrosse, OFM.  Tammy can be reached at 202-482-5603.

OMO Summer Interns

Name: Dominique Magee

Position: National Academy of Finance Intern

School: Charles Herbert Flowers High School

Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin

Interests: Basketball, Music, Movies, Exercise, Video Games

Favorite Color: Black

Favorite Quote: “Every man, no matter how strong he is, lies to himself about something.”

Favorite Movie: Friday Night Lights

Goals for ITA: To understand the dynamics of an office environment and how the chain of command interacts with each other.

What skills have proven to be most valuable at ITA?

The most valuable skills at ITA that have proven to be most beneficial are hard work and project management. While being a hard worker tends to translate into more work, its benefits far outweigh any negative actions. By being a hard worker your superiors see you as someone who is able to handle any task assigned, which hopefully in the future will translate into pay raises and promotions. Being able to manage all of the tasks assigned is invaluable because it allows you to analyze which tasks are most important and how much attention each task assigned receives.

What have I learned so far at ITA?

So far at ITA, I have learned that government work is not as easy as everyone says it is. My mom works in the government, so I figured that while there would be times of hard work, you would still have a lot of down time. Contrary to popular belief, I found out that government work is just as hard as working in the private sector; however, it does have one benefit (at least for me): none of my work comes home with me. A valuable skill I have learned is how to interact with different people around the office and when delivering paperwork. Although this may be a small skill, you never know if those people will move up and have an open position for you.

Name: Olive Sanu

Position: Intern

School: Morgan State University

Hometown: Greensboro, North Carolina

Interest: Singing (even though I can’t), SOFTBALL, poetry, and music                                                       

Favorite Color: Green

Favorite Quote: “Obsessed with Success”

Favorite Movie: “The Notebook”

Goals for ITA: To help expand a background in finance/management, and achieve a foundation in today’s industry/business.

What skills have proven to be most valuable at ITA?  Entering my second summer here at OMO has been by far the best year. The projects that I have been assigned gave me the opportunity to reapply what I learned last year, as well as picking up skills that employees utilize here at ITA/OMO.  The skill that has proven to be most valuable here at ITA would have to be the attention to detail, and structure. I quickly understood the importance of satisfying people who may not comprehend the concept you try to clarify, something as simple as a bolded word will immediately show the importance of the topic that is being discussed.

About Me: Let me start off by saying I’m a proud Alumni from Largo High School class of 2010! I will be entering Morgan State University (Go Bears!) this fall, studying Business/Finance, as well as playing softball next spring.  I’ve decided to study finance with hopes of being the head of a finance department, or even marketing for major league baseball teams (I’m sort of changing my mind). Whatever I decide to do, I’ll be taking one thought that Jim Donahue wants us interns to remember while in college: “Going to college isn’t the prime factor that makes one stand out in America; COMPLETING College is what makes you stand out from more than seventy percent of this society."

What have I learned so far at ITA? So far at ITA I’ve learned the importance of keeping a professional structure, including dressing appropriately, and finishing work in a timely manner. These two structures give a better appeal to one’s character.

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