Lafayette

Lafayette, LA Daily Advertiser

Circ. 42,571

April 21, 2004

Employers recognize excellence

Administrative Professionals Week a boon for restaurants, flower shops.

Trevis R. Badeaux
tbadeaux@theadvertiser.com

April 21, 2004

LAFAYETTE — Appreciation is the name of the game, and that’s what Administrative Professionals Week is all about.

Observed annually during last full week in April, the week has held several names since its first commemoration, organized in 1952 as National Secretaries Week by the National Secretaries Association. The worldwide event recognizes secretarial contributions in the work place and is meant to encourage others to the profession, according to the association, now called the International Association of Administrative Professionals.

Lunch, flowers, plaques and candy are common gifts given to administrative professionals. Bosses are also encouraged to provide opportunities for administrative professionals to further their education through seminars, continuing education or self-study materials.

“They take the brunt of the work when the boss is out and find my stuff when I can’t,” said Buddy Webb, a vice president with First Louisiana National Bank. “Most bosses want to do all the work themselves. That’s not possible. We’re only as good as the people we have around us. It’s only fitting that they have a day to call their own.”

The theme for the 2004 commemoration is: “Ambassadors of Excellence.” It signifies that the 4.1 million administrative professionals in the nation are “key front-line” representatives for the company, profession and association, according to the group’s official Web site. It also reinforces the responsibility of administrative professionals to be effective communicators, mentors for entry-level administrative support staff and students, the Web site suggests.

The week means big business for flower shops and restaurants throughout the Hub City, including Bailey’s Seafood & Grill. The Johnston Street fine dining restaurant annually rolls out the red carpet for Lafayette’s administrative professionals.

Owner Ema Haq prepares special dishes, which are added to the menu for the week. This year, Haq offers a lightly crusted Arctic Seabass, a 6-ounce filet mignon with grilled shrimp and a special dessert that features white and dark chocolate mousses, crème broulée and fresh berries.

“Most administrators count on them so much during the year. I know I do,” Haq said. “They need to be appreciated. Besides, everyone likes to get a little pat on the back.”

Sandra “Twig” Gaddy, an assistant branch manager with First Louisiana National Bank who doubles as Webb’s administrative assistant, said it’s nice to be recognized.

“Bosses depend on us for a lot of things, and we’re always there,” Gaddy said. “The recognition makes you feel like everything you did all year long was worth it.”

April 21, 2004