• Members will write notes to each other at camp called “Happy Grams”, so bring paper or stationary.  If you would like to bring an appropriate picture printed out (no larger than 4"X 6") to place on your folder, go for it!  ***PLEASE NOTE*** HG's are meant to be positive only.  Inappropriate references or other items WILL not be tolerated and will cause HG's to be removed from current or future conferences. 

Happy Gram Writing Workshop

• Happy Gram writing started many years ago (Dr. David Frazier, TSU retired professor, was instrumental in this) in the FFA Organization as a way for members to communicate with those they knew and met at camp.  It is also a way to provide an important method of communication – the written word.  

  www.referenceforbusiness.com

  
  Each of you will have a Happy Gram envelope. At the appropriate time, you will write your first and last name in big, bold letters.  Also include your district and FFA chapter. Feel free to bring a small printed picture (appropriate) of yourself to place on these to help new (and old) friends locate your envelope!  These envelopes are posted by district and chapter in the Bairfield Activity Center.  There will be a few opportunities set aside for you to write Happy-Grams.  Take advantage of any time you have to write to others.  A hand-written note, no matter how long or short, will be a welcome surprise for many FFA members on the drive home.  Consider even giving a Happy-Gram to your advisor or workshop presenter.  Place these notes to other members during the conference.  Your teacher will collect the envelopes and have them for you to read on the ride home from ALC.  If you do not have paper to write on, it can be provided for you.  Here is a list of all the conference attendees so you can get started as soon as possible!

• “Written communication is very common in business situations, so it is important for small business owners and managers to develop effective written communication skills. Some of the various forms of written communication that are used internally for business operations include memos, reports, bulletins, job descriptions, employee manuals, and electronic mail. Examples of written communication avenues typically pursued with clients, vendors, and other members of the business community, meanwhile, include electronic mail, Internet Web sites, letters, proposals, telegrams, faxes, postcards, contracts, advertisements, brochures, and news releases.”

•  “Ironically, the importance of good writing skills in the business world has become more evident even as companies rely increasingly on computers and other new technologies to meet their obligations. Indeed, business experts warn that any business's positive qualities—from dedication to customer service to high-tech expertise—will be blunted to some degree if they are unable to transfer that dedication and knowledge to the printed page."