PUHI — The recession has hit everyone in the office, according to the International Association of Administrative Professionals. Downsizing has forced all of us to pull together and work harder, not just the administrative professionals in the workplace. IAAP recognizes
PUHI — The recession has hit everyone in the office, according to the International Association of Administrative Professionals.
Downsizing has forced all of us to pull together and work harder, not just the administrative professionals in the workplace. IAAP recognizes the hard work and sacrifice from everyone and suggested the 2011 theme for Administrative Professionals Day is to celebrate all office professionals.
Carol Texeira of the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce said about 350 professionals from around the island registered to participate in the 25th Annual Administrative Professionals Day Friday at Kilohana’s Lu‘au Pavilion.
Co-sponsored by the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce, the KQNG Radio Group, Wala‘au with Dickie Chang and The Garden Island newspaper, guests took time out of work to visit vendors exhibiting the latest offerings in workplace efficiency and comfort and enjoy lunch prepared by 22 North.
Highlighting the day filled with contests, prize giveaways and the entertainment lineup featuring Las Vegas Comic Hypnotist Tina Marie and Hawai‘i’s Kings of Comedy Frank Delima and Augie T., guests were also treated to a ride aboard the Kilohana Railway and many other specials packed in the goodie bag at the door.
Administrative Professionals Week has grown to become one of the largest workplace observances outside of employee birthdays and major holidays, states the IAAP website.
Started in 1952, the name of the celebration was changed from Professional Secretaries Week and Professional Secretaries Day to Administrative Professionals Week to keep pace with changing job titles and expanding responsibilities of the contemporary administrative workforce.
There are more than 4.1 million secretaries and administrative assistants working in the United States, according to U.S. Department of Labor statistics. Additionally, there are 8.9 million people working in various administrative support roles.
An administrative professional is defined by IAAP 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.
IAAP states many workers around the world still hold the “secretary” job title, but many alternative job titles such as administrative assistant, office coordinator, administrative specialist, executive assistant and office manager have become popular.
Administrative Professionals Week is celebrated April 24 to 30 with Administrative Professionals Day observed April 27.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
