Welcome to spring!!
First, I’d like to start off by wishing all of our members a great Administrative Professionals Week and Administrative Professionals Day!
 
Did you know that the National Secretaries Association, founded in 1942 and later became IAAP, was formed to recognize the contributions of administrative personnel to the economy, support their personal development, and to help attract workers to the administrative field? And in 1952, the first celebration of Administrative Professionals Week was proclaimed by the U.S. Secretary of the Department of Commerce. To this day, Administrative Professionals Week and Day are registered trademarks held by IAAP.
 
The season of spring always signifies fresh starts and new beginnings! That’s no different with IAAP… The association has been changing to maintain relevancy over the past couple of years and we are starting to see some of the fruits of that labor. However, please don’t get me wrong—we still have a lot of work ahead of us!
 
We are listening to our members and Association Influencers by now providing more products and services than we have ever before. HOWEVER….we need members! It’s no surprise that we have lost a significant number of members who didn’t embrace or understand the need for change – even though they all agreed that we, as an association, needed to maintain relevancy in a world of constant change in business and our roles and responsibilities. We understand that not everyone likes change. It can be scary and it would be so much easier if we all had a crystal ball to look at to see what the future would hold. We don’t have that ability, but what I can say is that our future is in your hands and each of us have the ability to shape the look, feel, and direction of our association.
 
So, you may be asking… “How do I do that?” Well, an easy way to start is to recruit a new member or two! So now you may be saying… “But I’m not a sales person?” HQ has made that an easy fix by providing us the tools and talking points to help sell IAAP. Plus, if you truly believe in yourself, this profession and our association, it shouldn’t be that difficult to talk to your fellow colleagues at work, your friends in our profession, your social media avenues, or other outside groups you may belong to about IAAP and what it has done for you.
 
I opened up with a little history about Administrative Professionals Week and Administrative Professionals Day for a reason. We have been in existence since 1942 and would like to be for another 70+ years. BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP if we are going to continue to move our association forward. What I am asking of each member is to recruit! I, personally, would like to challenge each member this spring to recruit one (1) new member by July 1. For every member who recruits five (5) or more new members between May 1 and July 1, I will put their name into a drawing and one (1) lucky person’s name will be drawn for a chance to win $250 (personally paid by me) and if you are attending Summit, you will be recognized during the opening general session. This challenge and reward is separate from the recruitment recognition you receive from IAAP when you recruit a new member. So… what’s holding you back now? Let’s start sharing the fact that IAAP is the premier association for administrative professionals!
 
During this Administrative Professionals Week, treat yourself and register for IAAP Summit 2016. This year’s conference will be held July 23-26, in Hollywood, Florida. The Diplomat Resort & Spa is a gorgeous venue that has the convention center attached via a sky walk. Close by is the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, that welcomes some of the best views and beaches in Florida. IAAP’s Summit offers key tools, resources, and inspiration you need to succeed professionally and grow personally. IAAP Summit 2016 will inspire, challenge, and educate you, leaving you prepared to take on that next project at your desk. Why not join us for this exciting and educational event this July? Oh and by the way—this conference is not just for current members, so spread the news. Ask someone who is not a member to join you in July and, who knows, you might be able to recruit a new member or two!
 
I can’t express enough how great IAAP is and what it can do for one’s career. Whether you are on this administrative path for 5 years, 10 years, or you want to make it your whole career, IAAP is here to help you along that journey.
Enjoy the springtime and I wish you a great Administrative Professionals Day/Week!
 
Wendy Melby
IAAP Chair
 
 
출처 : IAAP
링크 : http://www.iaap-hq.org/news/286252/Chairs-Spring-IAAP-Message.htm