REVIEW OF 2009-10 AND CHAPTER GOALS FOR 2010-11
2009-10 was not the year I expected it to be - it was even bettter. Through many challenges and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, our chapter flourished in many ways.
We achieved our Chapter of Excellence status for the second year which was accomplished simply by following our strategic plan and the guidelines set by the Pathways to Excellence program.
The Spring Seminar with Rosita Hall was absolutely fantastic with the remarkable attendance and the first time vendor tables. The feedback from participants and vendors alike was so positive, with many saying that they'll be back next year. The annual spring seminar name will change to the Annual Administrative Professionals' Week Seminar & Vendor Showcase; the APW Event Committee will work diligently to provide another extremely successful seminar and I encourage everyone to participate in some way for this event.
The Membership Night back in November was well-attended with two new members signing up that night. Even though the chapter experienced a loss of 7 members by October, our membership has recovered almost 100%. I have observed that many members are now actively discussing the benefits of joining IAAP with renewed enthusiasm.
Publicity of the chapter came alive with many successful articles and TV promos, proving that the more the public knows about us, the greater the benefit to the chapter.
What has made us this successful - I believe it comes from every member embracing the core values of IAAP - communication, commitment, integrity, respect and adaptability. I also believe that the core values each of us has in our personal and professional lives mesh with those of IAAP. That's why we are able to reach our goals with professionalism and pride.
In 2010-2011, the chapter will be challenged to keep its programming professional and educational by selecting relevant and informative topics from the annual survery results and receiving the certification points needed to qualify for Chapter of Excellence in year three of the program. All members are encouraged to enrol in the Member of Excellence program and strive to attain the criteria; it's simple if you actively participate in the chapter committees and attend meetings.
Ongoing member recruitment and retention is vital to the chapter's success. Our annual Membership Night will take place again in November and everyone is encouraged to promote Lethbridge Chapter IAAP to others. Our goals for 80% retention and 12% recruitment are part of the Chapter of Excellence and easily attainable.
The biggest and most challenging project that our chapter will undertake in the coming year is the development of the 2013 CDC Bid which will be presented in Moncton, NB in May 2011. The Bid Committee has already received the guidelines that were used this year by the Grand River chapter. This proposal will be developed while the chapter continues with its monthly meetings and working towards the annual goals. Once the priorities are established for the proposal, the Bid Committee will be requesting assistance from all members. Everyone has a skill that can be utilized in preparing the best and most professional bid package to date. Stay tuned for more details in September.
Lastly, the chapter will continue its efforts to "go green" with reduced paper and more electronic communication. Providing each member with a CD containing vital documents and even Chapter Orientation is a project of mine during the summer break.
As your president, I will continue to offer my encouragement, support and open-door policy to YOU. My hope for 2010-11 is that you will have an opportunity to grow as a member and especially as an administrative professional. My wish for 2010-11 is to still have fun with you as we make every effort to have a successful year. My dream says "the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams".
