Great job submitting information to local paper by IAAP Tuscora Chapter member Chrissy Blackwell.

Direct link: http://www.timesreporter.com/left.php?ID=28959

Article text:

Becoming Ambassadors of Excellence in their field

In today’s workplace, with more businesses entering an uncertain future and mixed forecasts, it is essential for administrative professionals in the field to keep their skills sharp and ever-evolving.

Where it was once the responsibility of an administrative assistant to take phone calls, relay messages and to type letters, many job roles now require advanced computer skills and higher levels of management training.

This is the objective and purpose of the International Assn. of Administrative Professionals. In the Tuscarawas Valley, a chapter of this association is here to serve as a resource and guide to administrative professionals, regardless of job title, to achieve and become an “Ambassador of Excellence.”

Celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year, the Tuscora Chapter of Professional Secretaries International began to guide its 36 regular and provisional members on the journey to achieve and obtain the skills and standards needed in the workplace. The international organization changed its name in 1998 to the International Assn. of Administrative Professionals to reflect the evolution of the profession, and the chapter members have never stopped promoting and obtaining the skills needed.

IAAP also sponsors Administrative Professionals Week and Day. Formerly known as Professional Secretaries Week and Day, this event gives administrative professionals worldwide acknowledgement for their contributions and dedication. This year’s theme is “Ambassadors of Excellence in Today’s Workplace.” Employers are also encouraged to host educational seminars or provide training to their administrative staff during the week. The 2004 Administrative Professionals Week observance continues through Saturday and Administrative Professionals Day is today.

During Administrative Professionals Week, the Tuscora Chapter hosts an Executive Night and Scholarship Dinner to give recognition to the members’ executives and employers and to award a $500 scholarship to an area high school student to pursue the administrative professional or business profession in college.

Membership is open to currently employed administrative professionals (or employed within the last two years) and students or teachers of business education. Businesses, organizations, educational institutions or individuals who support the mission and objectives of IAAP can apply for associate membership status.

Leadership and continuing education are also another important part of becoming a member of IAAP. Opportunities abound for members to become involved in committees on local, state, and international levels.

The Certified Professional Secretary and Certified Administrative Professional certifications are for those wishing to learn more about office operations and test their skills.

Tuscora Chapter business and dinner meetings with educational programs are held the fourth Tuesday of each month, September through June. Guests are welcome. The 2003-2004 officers and their respective employers are Melody Niblick, president, Tuscarawas Regional Labor Management Council; Chrissy Blackwell, president-elect, Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitors Bureau; Cathy Houglan CPS, secretary, Zimmer Orthopaedic Surgical Products; and Bonnie Blackwell, treasurer, Retired from Zimmer Orthopaedic Surgical Products.

For more information, call Niblick at (740) 492-1118, Membership Chairwoman Judy Stull CPS at (330) 339-8376, or visit the Tuscora Chapter’s Web site at http://www.tuscoraiaap.org.

This article was submitted by Chrissy Blackwell CPS, president-elect of the Tuscora Chapter of IAAP.

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