Administrative professionals celebrated

Administrative professionals and secretaries on Kaua‘i will join a nationwide observance to celebrate Administrative Professionals Week next week, they said.

International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) leaders define administrative professionals as executive assistants who possess mastery of office skills, reads the mayoral proclamation declaring the appreciation of these individuals.

Officials of the Hawaii Division of IAAP will honor all administrative professionals during this week that will be highlighted by a special day of programming on Wednesday.

“Creating Excellence” is the theme for the observance that takes place annually during the last full week in April.

This annual event was originally organized in 1952 as “National Secretaries Week” by the National Secretaries Association, which is currently known as the IAAP.

According to information from the IAAP Web site, the event was started in conjunction with public-relations executive Harry Klemfuss and a group of office-product manufacturers.

Their goal was to recognize secretaries for their contributions in the workplace, as well as to attract people to secretarial and administrative careers.

In 2000, IAAP leaders announced a name change to keep pace with changing job titles and expanding responsibilities of the contemporary administrative workforce.

The observance has grown to become one of the largest workplace observances, and is celebrated worldwide, bringing together millions of people for community events, educational seminars, and individual corporate activities recognizing support staff.

According to U.S. Department of Labor statistics, there are more than 4.1 million secretaries and administrative assistants working in the United States, and another 8.9-million people working in various administrative support roles.

The report goes on to add that more than 475,000 administrative professionals are employed in Canada, with millions more in offices around the world.

Next week, members of the IAAP will focus attention on the vital role of administrative support staff in today’s business environment and the importance of continuing education and training during the 54th annual observance of Administrative Professionals Week.

“Administrative professionals have always been valuable assets to their employers,” said Kay Enlow CPS/CAP, 2005-06 IAAP president, in a press release.

“In today’s high-tech, fast-paced workplaces, they perform vital roles as communications hubs, office organizers, problem solvers, and contributors on project teams,” she added.

“They are ‘creating excellence’ every day by taking pride in doing quality work, and in their efforts to upgrade their knowledge and skills through continuing education and training. Administrative Professionals Week is an opportunity for employers to recognize the workplace contributions of administrative staff and support their professional development.” Members of the Aloha Kauai Chapter host complimentary educational meetings several times a year. Membership with the Aloha Kauai Chapter of IAAP enhances leadership skills, advances careers, and builds valuable professional networks and friendships, members said.

Call Joanne Schergen at 826-2280 or Lorene Sit at 240-6403 for membership information or more details.

“Inspirational Achievers” is the theme for the 25th IAAP – Hawaii Division Annual Educational Conference that will be held on May 19 to 21 at the Radisson Waikiki Prince Kuhio Hotel on O‘ahu.

Leslie Wilcox, executive producer and co-anchor of the Channel 2 news, will be one of the inspirational presenters.

“IAAP-Hawaii Division offers office professionals exceptional networking and so much more,” says Julie Pavao, 2005-06 Hawaii division president.

For more information on the 25th IAAP – Hawaii Division Annual Educational Conference, please contact Georgette Ching, CPS, at 1-808-540-3738, or Miu Lan Oman at 1-808-534-3979.