Forecasting Sunny Days at the National Weather Association

Ruth Aiken, a meteorologist with 35 years of experience at the National Weather Service and seven with the National Weather Association, knows a thing or two about forecasting and we’re not just talking about the weather.

While getting her feet wet at the NWA, Ruth quickly realized that the non-profit, member-based organization had a lot of paperwork to manage. This included the application process and awarding of six scholarships, two grants, 18 recognition awards, and one written exam. With so many important documents changing hands, she forecasted that they would be dealing with a massive storm of papers in the not-so-distant future.

Wanting to streamline the process, reduce the amount of paper handled, and make everyone’s life easier, Ruth started searching for a solution to bring the paper trail online.

She found it in SmarterSelect.

The partnership began in 2010 with the SmarterSelect team assisting in transitioning the scholarship process onto the web. Following the success of the first project, SmarterSelect moved forward with what Ruth considers her biggest triumph: the launch of the Online Broadcast Exam.

“It’s like night and day the difference,” says Ruth of the Exam process. With the centralized online exam, test-takers, evaluators and the organization are able to access the information in one place without the hassle of mailing, printing or faxing.

SmarterSelect has provided the National Weather Association with invaluable tools and services, but that’s not the only reason Ruth continues to partner with the company.

“Some companies have good products or services, but not good staff. SmarterSelect has great products, great service and an awesome staff.” In fact, “little things I’ve requested are fixed in no time flat and often with suggestions on how I can do something more effectively.”

As the National Weather Association continues to grow, SmarterSelect will be there to help make the little things and the big things work smarter online.

“I’m forecasting sunny days ahead.”