Good use of IAAP press materials, including quotes from International President Shelia Brownfield CPS/CAP (unfortunate, however, that reporter focused on fashion show event hosted by local chamber of commerce):

The Stamford Advocate, Stamford, Conn.

April 16, 2004

Administrative Assistants Take on Greater Responsibilities in Modern Workplace

BYLINE: By Richard Lee

They are the unsung heroines (or heroes) of business, solving unsolvable problems, stroking egos and protecting their bosses from irate customers.

While technology has changed how administrative professionals do their jobs, they still have the age-old responsibility of making sure the office runs smoothly and the company makes the best impression it can.

"Skills such as planning and organization and interpersonal communications are more important than ever. Administrative professionals are ambassadors of excellence to their organizations," said Shelia D. Brownfield of Huntington, W.Va., international president of the International Association of Administrative Professionals.

Realizing the contributions of administrative professionals at area businesses, The Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Administrative Professionals Appreciation Day Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday at the Shore & Country Club on Gregory Boulevard in East Norwalk.

More than 150 administrative professionals and their bosses are expected at the event, sponsored by Occupational Health Services of Norwalk Hospital. The highlight of the day will be a fashion show presented by Dress Barn.

"It's a very popular event," said Edward Musante, chamber president and chief executive officer. "People use this venue to take their administrative professionals out to lunch."

The audience also will get some ideas about the newest styles of business attire as administrative professionals at area companies model outfits for their peers. The models are free to choose what they wear, Musante said. The event is a way for area businesses and Occupational Health Services to show their appreciation for their administrative professionals, said Linda Morgan, OHS administrative director.

"It's an honor. We're helping sponsor it because we've expanded in the area," said Morgan, referring to OHS's facility on West Avenue in Norwalk.

The responsibilities of administrative professionals have changed dramatically since National Secretaries Week was established in 1952, said Gail DeAngelis, a member of the committee that organized the local event and executive secretary to David Osborne, chairman and chief executive officer at Norwalk Hospital.

"When I went to school, I learned typing, shorthand and how to file. Training has become a lot more technical," said DeAngelis, who graduated from Katharine Gibbs School in Norwalk in 1974. "It's constantly changing. Now you really need to know the computer, Excel, PowerPoint and desktop publishing."

"Now, there's a lot more independent work. There's the anticipation of what your boss wants before he needs it," she said.

DeAngelis is part of one of the largest segments of the office workforce. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, in 2002 there were more than 4.1 million administrative professionals and secretaries. The Labor Department predicted that 184,000 such positions will be added through 2012.

The department also reported that the median annual earnings of U.S. executive secretaries and administrative assistants were $ 33,410 in 2002. A 2002 survey of International Association of Administrative Professionals revealed that 74 percent of its members earn more than $ 30,000 per year, compared to 40 percent in 1997.

"Administrative professionals bring a strong mix of professional, technical and interpersonal skills to the office workplace," Brownfield said. "Today's administrative professionals display strong business skills while also being masters of office technology."

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