About IAAP-Athens, GA Chapter
Athens Chapter IAAP meets the third Tuesday of each month for a Program and Chapter Meeting, with the exception of October and December.  On October 16 the Chapter Hosts an Executive Appreciation Breakfast for National Boss Day, and in December we hold a casual holiday social in lieu of a meeting.  For our 2009-2010 year we will hold our Chapter meetings at the Bob M. Snipes Water Resources Center, 780 Barber Street, Athens, GA 30601 (based on availability). 

Pathways to Excellence
Our chapter is currently following the IAAP Pathways to Excellence Recognition Program, which is designed to raise each member's value as a career-minded administrative professional by becoming a Member of Excellence. Athens Chapter is working toward becoming a Chapter of Excellence and Georgia Division a Division of Excellence, as each level builds upon the other.

Athens Chapter is Proud to announce that both Gay Jones CPS/CAP and LaVonne Goldschmidt CPS/CAP qualified as members of excellence for 2008-2009.  We anticipate many more members qualifying for this distinction in the coming year.

Community Service Projects: Keep Athens Beautiful/Chase Street Ramps Clean-up (Quarterly) Canned Food Drive (Monthly) Project Safe/Donation of Necessities (Annually) Homeless Shelter Dinner Delivery (Twice Yearly)  Prevent Child Abuse Athens Walk (Annually) Department of Labor - Professional Clothes Drive (Twice Yearly)

Chapter History

Athens Chapter was chartered by Fairways Chapter on April 29, 1962, with 18 members. Mrs. Pat Van Cleef served as the first President. The Chapter has hosted the Division Annual Meeting three times: 1966, 1972 and 1993.

Several Athens Chapter members have served on the Georgia Division Board of Directors beginning with Ms. Thelma Culver, who served as Treasurer from 1968 – 1969; Vice President from 1972 – 74; President from 1974 – 1975; and Director from 1975 – 1976. Ms. Juanita Smith CPS served as Vice President from 1981 – 1982; President from 1983 – 1984; and Director from 1984 – 1985. Ms. June Cooke served as Secretary from 1992 – 1993; and Vice President from 1993 – 1994.

Cora Mae Wright currently serves as Athens Chapter President and is in her second term.  She also serves at the Georgia Division level as a member of the Bylaws and Standing Rules Committee. We have a diverse membership from Athens Clark County, Athens Technical College, Georgia Power Company, and the University of Georgia, to name a few. 

The Chapter meets the third Tuesday each month for a program and business meeting, with the exception of October and December.  See the program tab for topics and speakers scheduled through June 2009.  Visitors are always welcome at our Chapter Meeting and special programs, as well as Division and International events.  Come visit with us.  We’d love to meet you!

Benefits of Membership

• Certification
• Commitment
• Communication
• Education and Trainingg
• Fiscal Responsibility
• Leadership Development and Roles
• Marketing, Research, and Community Outreach
• Programs and Participation
• Recruitment and Retention
• Strategic Planning

IAAP Association Information

• The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) is a not-for-profit professional association with approximately 40,000 members and affiliates and nearly 600 chapters worldwide.
• IAAP works in partnership with employers to promote professional excellence.
• IAAP Mission, Objectives, Purpose, Vision and Core Values
• The IAAP mission is to be the acknowledged, recognized leader of administrative professionals and to enhance their individual and collective value, image, competence, and influence.
• IAAP's purpose is to provide information, education, and training and to set standards of excellence recognized by the business community on a global perspective.
• IAAP's objectives are to elevate the standards of all administrative professionals and to promote their working relationships with management through continuing education, authorized programs, and publications.
• IAAP's vision is to inspire and equip all administrative professionals to attain excellence.

Definition of Administrative Professional:

IAAP defines administrative professionals as "individuals who are responsible for administrative tasks and coordination of information in support of an office related environment and who are dedicated to furthering their personal and professional growth in their chosen profession."

Association History

• Founded in 1942 as the National Secretaries Association (NSA) to provide a professional network and educational resources for secretarial staff. The association's name was changed in 1998 to the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) to encompass the large number of varied administrative job titles and recognize the advancing role of administrative support staff in business and government.
• IAAP established the Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) program in 1951 to set recognized standards of excellence in the profession. IAAP introduced an additional advanced certification, the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) program, in 2001.

Association Structure

• A total of 40,000+ members and affiliates; nearly 600 chapters; 36 regional divisions in six districts.
• International in scope, members and chapters in 66 countries.
• IAAP has members in most Fortune 500 companies, hundreds of mid- to small-sized businesses, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and federal, state, and local government agencies.
• IAAP is a non-profit organization classified by the IRS as a 501(c) 6 association.
• Governed by a 12-member International Board of Directors, elected annually by member delegates at the IAAP International Convention and Education Forum.
• IAAP owns and operates its headquarters building located in Kansas City, Missouri.
• IAAP is not a union organization; we work in partnership with employers to promote excellence and lifelong learning.

IAAP Core Values

IAAP's core values, defined as a set of guiding principles or tenets that define what the organization stands for, include:

• Integrity: Trust for each other in all relationships, including those with other members, staff, employers, vendors, leaders, mentors and sponsors.
• Encouragement: Offer inspiration for administrative professionals to fulfill their potential and advance their careers.
• Leadership: Members serve as positive ambassadors and role models for both the profession and association; leadership development is a key purpose of IAAP.
• Loyalty: Loyalty to the profession, to employers, and to IAAP is a characteristic of true professionals and is highly valued in business.
• Professionalism: A commitment to excellence, both individually and collectively, is a hallmark of IAAP.
• Relevance: To assure that IAAP continues to offer worthwhile programs and servicesand meet members evolving needs.
• Pride: Pride in our chosen career field and membership in IAAP.
• Connection: IAAP offers invaluable opportunities to develop long-term friend-ships, to share information and build camaraderie among professionals.
• Individual Importance: Each member is an important individual contributor and asset to the organization.

More on membership benefits - for admins and their employers

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