The training needs assessment effort focused on in this study was part of a larger program development process for planning, developing, and implementing a comprehensive management training program in Idaho. In Governor Kempthorne's first State of the State address, he outlined "improved training opportunities for all employees"28 as a general state policy. After completing the TNA and presenting a plan for training state managers, the Governor issued Executive Order 2000-18 establishing the Certified Public Manager program as "a preferred management development program for the State of Idaho."29