Message From International President Barb Horton CAP
 

Let’s talk!  About Minneapolis – site of the 2009 Convention and Education Forum.  FAB-U-LOUS.  One of the best convention sites I’ve seen in years and I think you are going to love it too.  Check it out at http://www.iaap-hq.org/Convention_09/index.htm.

The Board of Directors, Executive Director and Headquarters Managers spent October 31 & November 1 taking care of IAAP business.  I’m happy to report we’ve made significant advances on the Project Plan to turn IAAP into a remarkable association, brainstormed how to improve convention to better meet member’s needs, created new policies to improve clarity, discussed potential by-law proposals, reviewed reports on ongoing initiatives and a host of other subjects.   Once completed, the Action>Direction will itemize decisions and actions in detail but in the meantime here’s a few highlights:

  • Mission Statement Survey.  All members will receive a survey to vote – finally – on IAAP’s mission statement on Monday, November 10.   We need the results to move forward on other efforts – so vote because you get one chance and one week.  We need your input.
  • Convention Survey.  This survey is targeted for mid-November and will go to all members. The results will validate proposed changes and provide direction for future adjustments to the Convention agenda.  You’ll see some positive changes in 2009.
  • Baseline Membership Survey.  This action team’s work has been reviewed by a consultant to ensure that the survey will stand the test of time and we’ll continue to get the results we need.  This survey is targeted for the end of November and will go to a randomly selected group of members.
  • Core Value Statements.   The approved value statements are:

What are IAAP’s core values?

          Integrity:  We demonstrate this cornerstone of our profession through honesty, accountability and high ethical standards.
           
Respect:  We create respect within our profession and association through listening, understanding and acknowledging member feedback.
            Adaptability
:  We ensure the success of our association by embracing positive change and by nurturing diversity, creativity and visionary thinking.
            Communication
:  We cultivate and maintain excellence by remaining approachable at all levels, communicating openly and building strong relationships.
            Commitment:
  We are steadfast in our goals to develop learning opportunities for career-minded administrative professionals and to strengthen efficiency and effectiveness

And in case you missed them:

  • The Call for Nominations has been released.  If you would like to serve in an elected position at the international level then check here for the call for nominations and here for the appropriate forms.
  • The 2007-2008 Audited Financial Statements are now available at http://www.iaapnet.org/Default.aspx?pid=2290.

Mario Andretti said “Desire is the key to motivation.  But it’s the determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of our goal – a commitment to excellence – that will enable us to attain the success we seek.”

The pumpkins are fading, the first quarter of the IAAP year is done and we’re heading into what can be the busiest season of the year.  Our unrelenting pursuit of excellence in action will enable us to attain the success we seek.  Thank you for all you do to make this association great.

Barb Horton CAP
2008-2009 International President
International Association of Administrative Professionals
Excellence in Action