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President's Message
Just when I think time may slow down so I can catch up, it seems to speed ahead even faster. One minute, we’re enjoying all the wonderful things summer has to offer, next we are smack dab into the holiday season. As I was scraping my windshield this morning, braving the subzero windchill and dreaming of sandy beaches and warm sun (I understand that I must accept that it is winter in Michigan), it also occurred to me how it is already half way through the IAAP year. How can this be?
The holidays are a chance to reflect on what I am thankful for and what’s really important. It can get overwhelming hearing the bad news that is broadcast at 6:00 pm every evening (24 hours on cable) and the uncertainty of the near future. Now is a great opportunity to step back from the noise and look into your heart. I am so thankful to have a supportive family. I am even more thankful to have a happy, healthy daughter who teaches me new things everyday and inspires me to be someone worth looking up to. I am thankful to still have my job. It has been a very long year and next year looks even more uncertain, but today, I am here and am blessed to be able to continue to learn and grow. Last, but definitely not least, I am thankful for the opportunity to serve you, the members of the Michigan Division. IAAP has changed my life for the better in so many ways. It has made me stronger and given me the confidence that I can overcome my fears. I continue to learn new things and be able to apply them to my job and life. To have the ability to watch other members grow with their membership is an amazing thing. The friendships that I have gained these past ten years are what I am most thankful for by being a member.
I know times are tight and there are so many other places that you could focus your energy on. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your commitment to our association.
I wish you and yours a very happy holiday season!
Best Wishes! - Heather
Heather Thomas CAP
Michigan Division President
Michigan Division Updates
Michigan Division 2009-2010 Awards
The Michigan Division awards for 2009-2010 are now posted on the Members Only page of our website. For more information, click here.
Michigan Division Annual Meeting 2010
Keep watching the Michigan Division website for more information regarding MDAM 2010 at the Doubletree Hotel in Bay City on May 21 and 22, 2010. Volunteer opportunities are now posted here. Be sure to mark your calendars now and join us. Our special guest will be our International President, Susan Shamali CPS/CAP.
Michigan Division Education Workshop
It's also never too early to plan to attend MDEW 2010 on September 18, 2010 at the Inn at St. Johns in Plymouth.
Pathways to Excellence
The Pathways to Excellence program is going strong.
Now's a great time to start on your road to excellence. Below are some things that you as a member can be doing now to achieve this rating:
Sign your Member of Excellence Commitment Agreement for 2009-10. To download the form, click here.
Participate in the Web Community.
Ask questions in the e-groups, write a blog, start an e-group of your own.
Pay your membership dues on time (or early)
Invite a co-worker or friend to become a member of IAAP.
Get involved in a leadership role in your Chapter/Division or International.
Your chapter leaders can also be working now to becoming chapters of excellence. Some things that should be already accomplished (and/or should be done soon) include:
Your chapter president should sign your chapter's commitment agreement for 2009.
Conduct an Audit for 2008/2009 Financials. Be sure to send your audit statement to the Division treasurer ASAP.
The deadline to send your chapter's strategic plan is December 31.
Hosting a membership drive during the IAAP year.
Participating in the Member of Excellence program can be rewarding on the division level as all members who submit their MoE application to headquarters (and let the MD President-Elect know) prior to April 31 will be entered into a drawing at MDAM.
Committee News
Nominations
Are you interested in becoming a member of the Michigan Division Board? Nominations are now open. Information on how to submit your nomination and forms are available here (note: you will need to be logged into the website to access this information). For questions, please contact Jean Weaver CPS/CAP at jhweaver@midcogen.com
Bylaws and Standing Rules
Amendment proposals to the Michigan Division Bylaws and Standing Rules are now being accepted. A letter with further information has been sent to all MD chapter leaders and DMALs. For more information, please contact Karen Charnawskas CPS at klccps@sbcglobal.net.
Chapter News from Around the Division
Midland Chapter
The Midland Chapter held their membership recruitment drive on Thursday, October 22, 2009. Our speaker for the event was Jan Gaulin CPS/CAP, who gave a very informative and engaging talk on “The Power of Networking”. We had one new member join and are currently in the process of recruiting some more members that were unable to attend the October event.
Effective October 30, 2009, Denise Haselhuhn CPS resigned her position as president of the Midland Chapter. Mary Richnak, the former vice president, has assumed the position of chapter president for the remaining 2009-2010 year. The Board of Directors thanks Denise for her leadership and dedication to our chapter while she was president.
News From International
IAAP Now Has a Facebook Fan Page
Are you on Facebook? IAAP just launched their fan page. Check it out here. While you are in Facebook, check out the Michigan Division Group page here.
2010 EFAM Early Bird Hotel/Registration Package
Headquarters is offering a great package deal with a prepay deadline of December 15, 2009. This is a great incentive that will save you money, so take a serious look at the package. If you plan on being a delegate or just KNOW that you can't miss EFAM, this is your opportunity to save on both hotel and registration fees. This deal is for all members!
For more information, go to: http://www.iaap-hq.org/events/convention/hotel_reg_package.html
Call for Nominations to International Office or Retirement Trust Foundation Trustee
Nominations are open for 2010-11 International Officers and RTF Trustees. Information on qualifications and a candidate application are available here.
The deadline for nominations to be received is January 15, 2010.
Call for Applications to Serve on International Committee
Applications to serve for one-year appointments to the 2010-2011 International Bylaws and Standing Rules Committee, Committee on Nominations or Retirement Trust Foundation Committee are now available. These positions become effective at the close of International Education Forum and Annual Meeting in Boston, July 2010. Information on qualifications and a candidate application are available here.
The deadline for nominations to be received is February 1, 2010.
Award of Excellence Nominations Deadline is TODAY (Dec 10)
Do you know of a company that goes above and beyond to recognize the work of their support staff? Here is your chance to nominate these companies with the Award of Excellence. For more information, click here.
Avery Great Results Chapter Achievement Program Now Open
Avery Dennison and IAAP are excited to announce the call for entries in the 2010 Avery Great Results Chapter and Division Achievement Awards Program. Great prizes and international recognition for this program will be awarded to chapters and a division that display excellence in specific areas of operations such as outstanding educational programs, promotion of professional certifications, and membership recruitment and retention. If your chapter and division exhibit excellence in these areas, then your chapter and division should apply. The Chapter application is located here.
The deadline for nominations to be received is February 2, 2010.
Registration for IAAP's Spring Conference Now Open
Registration for IAAP's Spring Conference, titled "Online, On Site, On Target, is now open. This conference will be held on March 8-10, 2010 at the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino in Reno, Nevada. Information on this conference is located here.
High Speed Connections
If you would like to submit an article from your Chapter, Team Leader or Board Members please submit to me by the 1st Friday of the month to commsecretary@iaapmichigan.org.
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