Professionally Speaking
Professionally Speaking July/August 2013
President’s Message Hello and Welcome to a new IAAP year! The Leadership Workshop was hosted in Brantford in June with over 60 members in attendance. Presentations made by Board members will be posted on our website. The afternoon session was a “mock” board meeting. Truly, it offered an opportunity for members to engage and ask questions. Thanks to everyone who participated! My next stop was EFAM in Anaheim, California. I never once considered that I would travel to California (and visit Disney!) IAAP has provided me with many opportunities to learn, travel and meet new friends. This is a year of change. An EFAM app helped keep registered members informed, included information on presentations, presenters (including our own Gini Henderson!), handouts, surveys and allowed us to sign in when we attended sessions, comment on speakers and let others know what session we were in! It was indeed a privilege to be part of the business session that honoured chapters and divisions for their success in achieving their P2E status. Past President Melanie Lambert accepted the award for Central Canada Division of Excellence. In our District Caucus, Past International President Karlena Rannals and CEO Jay Donahue acknowledged Canada District Director, Lina Veglia for her accomplishments during her term. At our Canada District dinner, we had 74 people who had dinner together! We were thrilled to have our American friends, Judie Yannarelli, CAP-OM, International President along with Barb Horton, CAP-OM, Past I-P, Sandy Chandler, CAP, Past I-P, Jean Bohinski, CAP-OM, Foundation Trustee and her husband Bob, Judy and Esther Bair (friends) and our own Nancy Knight, CAP! Read more about EFAM from Melanie Lambert (pages 6-7)! You may be wondering why our new logo is not adorning this newsletter, the logo will be available the end of August and we were asked not to take it from the website for media purposes. There are mixed feelings about the logo, as with any change. I am excited about the changes happening in my presidential year. I am encouraged by the overwhelming response to the dues increase, IAAP is an association I am proud to belong to and I want this association to continue and to thrive. With the addition of 6 new members in July, it is a good start to our year! Looking forward to an outstanding year!
Bonnie He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery. Harold Wilson
We’re Here For You! Congratulations to all of you who have taken on leadership roles in your chapters! You will find that getting involved in your chapter will give you greater insight into the workings of IAAP. You will gain so much more knowledge, skills, networks and … friends! Reach out … get others involved … so that next year, they will take on leadership roles and this association will become even better than it already is! And to help you … here is your 2013-2014 Board!
Colin & Amelia July 17, 2010 President Bonnie McKay, CAP-OM
President-Elect Adèle Conn, CAP
Secretary Peggy Bérubé
Treasurer Teresa Doucet, CAP-OM
www.iaap-centralcanada.org [email protected]
Vice President Kim Picard
Immediate Past President Melanie Lambert
Who Does What?
Colin & Amelia July 17, 2010
Introducing ...
Hi! For those that don’t know me, I’m Kim Picard. My home chapter is Ottawa, which is not as far east as where I live, which is in a little town called Embrun. Heard of the Calypso Waterpark? That’s not far from me! Currently the VP of the IAAP CCD, I have had a very active 11 years in IAAP, having done almost every role except Treasurer, Certification and Bylaws. 2006 was a great year when I co-coordinated CDC! My first role with IAAP was Newsletter Editor for my chapter … now, I am your Division newsletter editor! Outside of my IAAP involvement, I am Executive Assistant to the President, Chair, CFO, VP Land Development and back-up support to the brokerage, consulting & valuation, commercial & capital developments divisions. And eQ Homes! My husband of 21 years and I enjoy travelling, going to the gym, and playing with our two dogs. Our daughter has finished college while our son is just starting university! And in my spare time (!!!), I enjoy scrapbooking and card making. One day, I want to drive a race car a few laps!
Congratulations! The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), the leading association for office professionals, is pleased to announce that the following have earned the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) certification on May 4, 2013. This prestigious professional certification requires the individual to satisfy education and/or experience requirements and pass a comprehensive examination.
Chapter Toronto Quintus Merle Law Toronto Ottawa Burl Oak Bay Scarborough Toronto Ottawa Ottawa
Certified Member! Jacqueline Biase, CAP Charlene Charles, CAP Cory Dowdell, CAP Linda Fedryk, CAP-OM Karen Lamarre, CAP Irene Lester, CAP Deanne Martin, CAP-OM Jenny Miller, CAP Linda Price, CAP Chrisann Risser, CAP
Colin & Amelia July 17, 2010
The international examinations are administered twice yearly at more than 125 centers in the United States, Canada, Japan, Puerto Rico and various other locations. Currently, nearly 31,000 individuals hold CAP certification. IAAP’s certification program is for career-minded individuals who want to professionally demonstrate to themselves and their employers that they are committed to the profession and earned the certification to warrant being recognized as the best in the administrative profession.
Pathways to Excellence … Have you downloaded your 2013-2014 Member of Excellence and Chapter of Excellence forms? These are helpful when planning your program/events for the upcoming season. If you have any questions, or to submit information, contact CCD P2E Chair ,Sylvie Paul-Hus, CAP-OM at [email protected]. http://pathways.iaap-hq.org/Pathways/Home/ And don’t forget … Aug. 15
Application deadline for November 2013 CAP and OM exams
Nov. 2
CAP and OM exams
Meeting Etiquette Throughout your IAAP season(s), there will be plenty of meetings and events you will be attending and chairing. Here are suggestions for having more effective, distraction-free, enjoyable meetings:
If you require your laptop or smartphone in the meeting, announce that you'll be taking notes on it so people around the table don't think you're doing something else. And take the “clicking” off of your device so as not to annoy others.
If you're using your phone or laptop, do not open instant message or check e-mail. People will [and do] notice that you're not paying attention.
If your phone rings or buzzes, don't take it unless it's an emergency. If you have to take it, step out of the meeting room. It is preferable that you put your phone on “silent” for the duration of the meeting, and only check it during breaks.
Avoid side conversations while the meeting is going on. It's distracting. Take it offline. Even worse? Never put up your hand to cover your mouth while talking to your neighbor. Rudest move ever. In fact, don’t talk while the speaker is talking … you came to listen to Colin & Amelia what they have to say. Unless you are “invited” to comment … don’t!
July Don't 17, get 2010 ready for your part of the meeting
in the meeting. It means you didn't have enough respect for the person holding the meeting to complete your updates. Even worse, you’re not listening to what's being said since you’re too busy writing your part of the presentation.
Don't repeat what someone else in the meeting has already said and take credit for it: a) it's a time-waster, and b) everyone in the room knows what you're doing.
Don't escalate your voice to talk over a colleague. If you have to use volume to get your point across, it makes one question how confident you really are in the point you're trying to make. And there's usually enough time in a meeting to get a quick thought or idea out without raising your voice. Not to mention it's just rude.
Don't take your shoes off. I once had a colleague who removed his shoes so his socks were in the wild, and then he'd lift his body yoga-style into his chair. It was rude and completely distracting.
For your next meeting, make sure your attention, and everyone else's, is laser-focused on the topic at hand and what you need to accomplish. Don't let distractions get in the way, whether you're running the meeting or attending one.
Source:
Janine Popick; Basement to Boardroom; April 2012
EFAM 2013 Submitted by: Melanie Lambert EFAM 2013 – Anaheim California – July 27 – 31, 2013 IAAP has held their Education Forum and Annual Meeting all over the United States and Canada for many years. The attendance at this event always seemed overwhelming to me and the cost something too great to approach my employer with, despite the fabulous learning & networking opportunities. My very first EFAM was two years ago in Montreal, Quebec. This I could “sell” to my boss and it was close to home. The idea was to attend once, show my boss my new and updated skills, with the possibility of attending the next year and for years after that. It worked. I attended EFAM in Grapevine Texas as the Division Delegate, but also as an NRC admin employee. I benefitted from the education and I was able to connect with my fellow Division Presidents for that year. July 2013 brought the amazing opportunity to visit Anaheim California, to reconnect with my peers, to learn something new, to listen to the bylaw amendment discussions, to see our new District Director get installed, to experience the format changes, and to see the unveiling of the “new” IAAP. Wow! From my arrival to Friday afternoon to the departure the next Friday morning, it was more than I had imagined. IAAP is the BEST organization to belong to, but I suspect I’m preaching to the already converted. The Marriott Anaheim is a beautiful hotel, very spacious, nice rooms and great meeting spaces.
Colin & Amelia July 17, 2010
As soon as you entered the meeting rooms section of the hotel – you were greeted with the “IAAP HUB”. A space where you could buy books, merchandise, ask some questions or use as a rendezvous place when meeting to network. The HQ staff did an outstanding job the whole week, always friendly and always helpful. This year the format for the conference was different. We didn’t have to pre-register for our sessions and many members (me included) were worried that the one they wanted would be full and they would miss out. That was far from the case. Each room had enough space to accommodate anyone and everyone. The afternoon of Saturday July 27 was the official start of EFAM with the first timer’s orientation, the town hall meeting, the district caucus meeting and the evening of welcome. At the Canada District Caucus meeting certificates were given to all the chapters and divisions of excellence. We had some discussion on the bylaw amendments pertaining to the due increases, and a short “state of the nation” from Lina Veglia our District Director. All day Sunday was the business session, the candidate forum and the voting. Everything was done in one day and not split into two, which was fantastic. As a delegate or alternate you knew that that day was devoted to IAAP business. IAAP did run some sessions for the attendees who were there for the professional development, but some of those ran again during the regular development days for those that couldn’t attend on Sunday. Monday was Marketplace (which used to be the vendor expo) day and you signed up to attend in the morning or afternoon. The other half the day you could attend development sessions. Tuesday and Wednesday were packed full of professional development. Seminars from time management, partnering with your boss, outlook, PowerPoint, public speaking, social media, meeting/event planning, Prezi, coaching, mentoring, communication….the list went on and on. Sometimes it was hard to pick just one, but like I mentioned earlier there was plenty of space for everyone in each session and so my “second choices” were not even needed. Each day started out with a general session and keynote speaker. There were, as always, a few announcements from the host committee chairs. The development days were long, but the rooms were all within three minutes of each other in the same section of the hotel, which made walking so much easier. … cont’d
Tuesday was the Canadian attendees dinner and with over 80 Canadian registrants at EFAM we thought the group would be large….and it was. Over 70 of us put on our red Canada shirts (donated by Cheryl Gathercole’s boss at Marks Work Warehouse) and headed down the street to the Buca de Beppo Italian restaurant. What a great group and we enjoyed ourselves a lot. Incoming International President Judie Yannarelli CAP-OM even joined us! The dinner was fantastic and served family style. With bowls of salad, pasta dishes and chicken to help yourself to. The finale was a cannoli for dessert. There were a number of changes this year to the format of EFAM. With the business done all in one day, we could then focus on the professional development. Two and a half days of learning……anything you needed. With the Marketplace registration needed and ticketed, it gave us and the vendors a better opportunity to talk to people and to still have take-a-ways available for the afternoon visitors. The closing banquet was a more relaxed and fun event. There were a few presentations and some announcements, like the “The Amazing Walk” fundraiser winners. As well, the EFAM Silent Auction this year rose over $22,000 for The Foundation! I would be amiss if I didn’t mention The Foundation and their contribution to the conference. This year they were able to sponsor 40 attendees at EFAM. Next year they hope to be able to double that amount! The Foundation is not all about retirement any more, it’s about supporting and helping admins during the many stages of their career and life. The weather in Anaheim California is beautiful, no humidity like we have in Ottawa. The sun shines most days and with the breeze you weren’t even getting hot. The mornings are grey and full of fog from the water, but by late morning it is all clear. A word of warning, if you go out and plan to stay out into the evening, take a sweater. When the sun goes down the temperature drops and it does get a little cool. Personally, I like the new format of the conference. And I especially like where this association is going in the future. With a new logo, new staff, new ideas and a new strategic plan we will be a viable wonderful organization for many years to come. Milwaukee isn’t that far…….
Colin & Amelia July 17, 2010
Save the Date
Upcoming Events
http://www.iaap-hq.org/webinars
Colin & Amelia July 17, 2010
http://www.iaap-hq.org/tec
100 Traps and Trip-Ups 100 Traps and Trip-Ups: Gallery of Language Pitfalls Prepared by Ulla de Stricker Readers are invited to quote from the document with attribution to www.destricker.com www.destricker.com
Gallery of Language Pitfalls: Professionals want to avoid making English language usage errors regardless how commonly such errors may be made even in the media. In the gallery, Ulla de Stricker offers simple tips and solutions for common errors. Questions and suggestions are welcome: [email protected] 1. Just because … doesn't mean. This mangling is so common most people think it's correct! WRONG: Just because you're retired doesn’t mean you should stop being active in your field. CORRECT: The fact that you are retired doesn't mean you should stop being active. Your status as a retired person should not imply that you stop being active. SOLUTION IF YOU'RE NOT SURE: You are retired. That (fact) should not mean … Tip: Never begin a sentence with "just because". It is ok to have the phrase at the end of a sentence: Why would I stop being active just because I'm retired? 2. Comprised of. There is no such expression! WRONG: Canada is comprised of provinces and territories. CORRECT: Canada is composed of … Canada is made up of … Canada comprises … SOLUTION: In Canada, there are … Canada contains …
Colin & Amelia July 17, 2010
3. You and I - You and me Why are you afraid of me? WRONG: Peter gave Susan and I a gift / Peter told Susan and I that … CORRECT: Peter gave Susan and me a gift / Peter told Susan and me that … IF STILL IN DOUBT: Insert also: Peter gave Susan and also gave me … Peter told Susan and also told me … SOLUTION: Susan and I received a gift from Peter. Susan and I heard from Peter that … 4. Its vs. It's ... It's time to put the apostrophe in its proper place - and only there! WRONG: Look at this report - its amazing how good the photo on it's front page looks. CORRECT: It's (it is) amazing how good the photo on its front page looks. MEMORY AID: "It is" has 4 letters so "it's" has 4 characters. "Its" is a possessive similar to "his" - 3 characters. 5. Try and. No, please don't. Please try to. WRONG: I'll try and finish the report by 3pm. [Technically means I will try something unrelated and I will absolutely finish the report by 3pm.] CORRECT: I'll try to finish the report by 3pm. SOLUTION: I'll attempt to finish the report by 3 pm. I will make every effort to finish … 6. The more that … Fight the invasion of the "that"! WRONG: The more that we promote recycling, the more that staff pay attention. CORRECT: The more we promote recycling, the more attention staff are paying. SOLUTION: With increasing promotion of recycling, staff are paying more attention. 7. Pickup, pick-up, or pick up? A simple trick to remember! WRONG: I'll pickup the document later today. Could you pick-up the newspaper on your way? CORRECT: I'll pick up the document. It is available for pickup (or pick-up) after 3 pm. MEMORY TRICK: If you can separate the words - I'll pick the document up - they stay separate!
100 Traps and Trip-Ups (cont’d) 8. Myriad. Period! WRONG: The calendar shows a myriad of meetings this month. CORRECT: The calendar shows myriad meetings this month. SOLUTION: Myriad = many, so just use "many": The calendar shows many meetings. 9a. Complement or compliment? Complement = match; Compliment = praise … with an "i". Therefore: The staff complimented the designers on the paint job, saying how well the new colors complemented each other. (The colors don't praise each other.) 9b. Complementary or complimentary? Complementary = matched; Complimentary = gratis, a gift … with an "i". Therefore: The two strategies are seen as complementary. The new policy is a complement to the existing safety regulations. The loot bags are compliments of the sponsor. In business class, headphones are complimentary. 10. The rationale for being rational is well understood. WRONG: The rational for the policy is not well understood. CORRECT: The rationale for the change was well explained. A rational attitude is helpful. MEMORY TRICK: The stress on the last syllable elongates the word, so there's an e.
Colin & Amelia July 17, 2010
11. Who vs. Whom: "Whom" may sound sophisticated - but think twice. WRONG: Anna spoke about Bob, whom she thought had been very kind. CORRECT: Anna spoke about Bob, who had been very kind. (who - she thought - had …) CORRECT: Anna spoke about Bob, whom she greatly admired. Following "to", "for", "from", "with" etc, whom is correct: "We will excuse those for whom the early hour is inconvenient". SOLUTION IF YOU'RE NOT SURE: You could study the formal rules till you are blue in the face and still end up confused. Just rephrase: Anna spoke about Bob, saying he had been very kind. Anna said she admired Bob. 12. And since we're on the subject of who ... Economy of words please! WRONG: There are many people that say … CORRECT: Technically: There are many people who say … but why use unnecessary words? "Many people say … " is so much more elegant. SOLUTION IF YOU'RE NOT SURE: It is commonly believed … 13. Reticent vs. hesitant … He who hesitates [waits] is lost. The reticent one just won't speak. WRONG: We asked John to join us, but he was reticent. CORRECT:We asked John to join us, but he was hesitant. Reticent means "saying little, keeping silent". Memory trick: Reticent persons are not offering their "2 cents". SOLUTION IF YOU'RE NOT SURE: John seemed reluctant - it was a few minutes before he joined us. Peter was quiet he did not comment on the matter.
TO BE CONTINUED …
Sponsors
Colin & Amelia July 17, 2010
If you would like to advertise in the IAAP Professional Speaking newsletter, please email the Central Canada Division at: [email protected] Advertising is as low as $35/month for a business card size ad, and the distribution is well over 1500, across Ontario … and beyond!
President’s Message Hello and Welcome to a new IAAP year! The Leadership Workshop was hosted in Brantford in June with over 60 members in attendance. Presentations made by Board members will be posted on our website. The afternoon session was a “mock” board meeting. Truly, it offered an opportunity for members to engage and ask questions. Thanks to everyone who participated! My next stop was EFAM in Anaheim, California. I never once considered that I would travel to California (and visit Disney!) IAAP has provided me with many opportunities to learn, travel and meet new friends. This is a year of change. An EFAM app helped keep registered members informed, included information on presentations, presenters (including our own Gini Henderson!), handouts, surveys and allowed us to sign in when we attended sessions, comment on speakers and let others know what session we were in! It was indeed a privilege to be part of the business session that honoured chapters and divisions for their success in achieving their P2E status. Past President Melanie Lambert accepted the award for Central Canada Division of Excellence. In our District Caucus, Past International President Karlena Rannals and CEO Jay Donahue acknowledged Canada District Director, Lina Veglia for her accomplishments during her term. At our Canada District dinner, we had 74 people who had dinner together! We were thrilled to have our American friends, Judie Yannarelli, CAP-OM, International President along with Barb Horton, CAP-OM, Past I-P, Sandy Chandler, CAP, Past I-P, Jean Bohinski, CAP-OM, Foundation Trustee and her husband Bob, Judy and Esther Bair (friends) and our own Nancy Knight, CAP! Read more about EFAM from Melanie Lambert (pages 6-7)! You may be wondering why our new logo is not adorning this newsletter, the logo will be available the end of August and we were asked not to take it from the website for media purposes. There are mixed feelings about the logo, as with any change. I am excited about the changes happening in my presidential year. I am encouraged by the overwhelming response to the dues increase, IAAP is an association I am proud to belong to and I want this association to continue and to thrive. With the addition of 6 new members in July, it is a good start to our year! Looking forward to an outstanding year!
Bonnie He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery. Harold Wilson
We’re Here For You! Congratulations to all of you who have taken on leadership roles in your chapters! You will find that getting involved in your chapter will give you greater insight into the workings of IAAP. You will gain so much more knowledge, skills, networks and … friends! Reach out … get others involved … so that next year, they will take on leadership roles and this association will become even better than it already is! And to help you … here is your 2013-2014 Board!
Colin & Amelia July 17, 2010 President Bonnie McKay, CAP-OM
President-Elect Adèle Conn, CAP
Secretary Peggy Bérubé
Treasurer Teresa Doucet, CAP-OM
www.iaap-centralcanada.org [email protected]
Vice President Kim Picard
Immediate Past President Melanie Lambert
Who Does What?
Colin & Amelia July 17, 2010
Introducing ...
Hi! For those that don’t know me, I’m Kim Picard. My home chapter is Ottawa, which is not as far east as where I live, which is in a little town called Embrun. Heard of the Calypso Waterpark? That’s not far from me! Currently the VP of the IAAP CCD, I have had a very active 11 years in IAAP, having done almost every role except Treasurer, Certification and Bylaws. 2006 was a great year when I co-coordinated CDC! My first role with IAAP was Newsletter Editor for my chapter … now, I am your Division newsletter editor! Outside of my IAAP involvement, I am Executive Assistant to the President, Chair, CFO, VP Land Development and back-up support to the brokerage, consulting & valuation, commercial & capital developments divisions. And eQ Homes! My husband of 21 years and I enjoy travelling, going to the gym, and playing with our two dogs. Our daughter has finished college while our son is just starting university! And in my spare time (!!!), I enjoy scrapbooking and card making. One day, I want to drive a race car a few laps!
Congratulations! The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), the leading association for office professionals, is pleased to announce that the following have earned the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) certification on May 4, 2013. This prestigious professional certification requires the individual to satisfy education and/or experience requirements and pass a comprehensive examination.
Chapter Toronto Quintus Merle Law Toronto Ottawa Burl Oak Bay Scarborough Toronto Ottawa Ottawa
Certified Member! Jacqueline Biase, CAP Charlene Charles, CAP Cory Dowdell, CAP Linda Fedryk, CAP-OM Karen Lamarre, CAP Irene Lester, CAP Deanne Martin, CAP-OM Jenny Miller, CAP Linda Price, CAP Chrisann Risser, CAP
Colin & Amelia July 17, 2010
The international examinations are administered twice yearly at more than 125 centers in the United States, Canada, Japan, Puerto Rico and various other locations. Currently, nearly 31,000 individuals hold CAP certification. IAAP’s certification program is for career-minded individuals who want to professionally demonstrate to themselves and their employers that they are committed to the profession and earned the certification to warrant being recognized as the best in the administrative profession.
Pathways to Excellence … Have you downloaded your 2013-2014 Member of Excellence and Chapter of Excellence forms? These are helpful when planning your program/events for the upcoming season. If you have any questions, or to submit information, contact CCD P2E Chair ,Sylvie Paul-Hus, CAP-OM at [email protected]. http://pathways.iaap-hq.org/Pathways/Home/ And don’t forget … Aug. 15
Application deadline for November 2013 CAP and OM exams
Nov. 2
CAP and OM exams
Meeting Etiquette Throughout your IAAP season(s), there will be plenty of meetings and events you will be attending and chairing. Here are suggestions for having more effective, distraction-free, enjoyable meetings:
If you require your laptop or smartphone in the meeting, announce that you'll be taking notes on it so people around the table don't think you're doing something else. And take the “clicking” off of your device so as not to annoy others.
If you're using your phone or laptop, do not open instant message or check e-mail. People will [and do] notice that you're not paying attention.
If your phone rings or buzzes, don't take it unless it's an emergency. If you have to take it, step out of the meeting room. It is preferable that you put your phone on “silent” for the duration of the meeting, and only check it during breaks.
Avoid side conversations while the meeting is going on. It's distracting. Take it offline. Even worse? Never put up your hand to cover your mouth while talking to your neighbor. Rudest move ever. In fact, don’t talk while the speaker is talking … you came to listen to Colin & Amelia what they have to say. Unless you are “invited” to comment … don’t!
July Don't 17, get 2010 ready for your part of the meeting
in the meeting. It means you didn't have enough respect for the person holding the meeting to complete your updates. Even worse, you’re not listening to what's being said since you’re too busy writing your part of the presentation.
Don't repeat what someone else in the meeting has already said and take credit for it: a) it's a time-waster, and b) everyone in the room knows what you're doing.
Don't escalate your voice to talk over a colleague. If you have to use volume to get your point across, it makes one question how confident you really are in the point you're trying to make. And there's usually enough time in a meeting to get a quick thought or idea out without raising your voice. Not to mention it's just rude.
Don't take your shoes off. I once had a colleague who removed his shoes so his socks were in the wild, and then he'd lift his body yoga-style into his chair. It was rude and completely distracting.
For your next meeting, make sure your attention, and everyone else's, is laser-focused on the topic at hand and what you need to accomplish. Don't let distractions get in the way, whether you're running the meeting or attending one.
Source:
Janine Popick; Basement to Boardroom; April 2012
EFAM 2013 Submitted by: Melanie Lambert EFAM 2013 – Anaheim California – July 27 – 31, 2013 IAAP has held their Education Forum and Annual Meeting all over the United States and Canada for many years. The attendance at this event always seemed overwhelming to me and the cost something too great to approach my employer with, despite the fabulous learning & networking opportunities. My very first EFAM was two years ago in Montreal, Quebec. This I could “sell” to my boss and it was close to home. The idea was to attend once, show my boss my new and updated skills, with the possibility of attending the next year and for years after that. It worked. I attended EFAM in Grapevine Texas as the Division Delegate, but also as an NRC admin employee. I benefitted from the education and I was able to connect with my fellow Division Presidents for that year. July 2013 brought the amazing opportunity to visit Anaheim California, to reconnect with my peers, to learn something new, to listen to the bylaw amendment discussions, to see our new District Director get installed, to experience the format changes, and to see the unveiling of the “new” IAAP. Wow! From my arrival to Friday afternoon to the departure the next Friday morning, it was more than I had imagined. IAAP is the BEST organization to belong to, but I suspect I’m preaching to the already converted. The Marriott Anaheim is a beautiful hotel, very spacious, nice rooms and great meeting spaces.
Colin & Amelia July 17, 2010
As soon as you entered the meeting rooms section of the hotel – you were greeted with the “IAAP HUB”. A space where you could buy books, merchandise, ask some questions or use as a rendezvous place when meeting to network. The HQ staff did an outstanding job the whole week, always friendly and always helpful. This year the format for the conference was different. We didn’t have to pre-register for our sessions and many members (me included) were worried that the one they wanted would be full and they would miss out. That was far from the case. Each room had enough space to accommodate anyone and everyone. The afternoon of Saturday July 27 was the official start of EFAM with the first timer’s orientation, the town hall meeting, the district caucus meeting and the evening of welcome. At the Canada District Caucus meeting certificates were given to all the chapters and divisions of excellence. We had some discussion on the bylaw amendments pertaining to the due increases, and a short “state of the nation” from Lina Veglia our District Director. All day Sunday was the business session, the candidate forum and the voting. Everything was done in one day and not split into two, which was fantastic. As a delegate or alternate you knew that that day was devoted to IAAP business. IAAP did run some sessions for the attendees who were there for the professional development, but some of those ran again during the regular development days for those that couldn’t attend on Sunday. Monday was Marketplace (which used to be the vendor expo) day and you signed up to attend in the morning or afternoon. The other half the day you could attend development sessions. Tuesday and Wednesday were packed full of professional development. Seminars from time management, partnering with your boss, outlook, PowerPoint, public speaking, social media, meeting/event planning, Prezi, coaching, mentoring, communication….the list went on and on. Sometimes it was hard to pick just one, but like I mentioned earlier there was plenty of space for everyone in each session and so my “second choices” were not even needed. Each day started out with a general session and keynote speaker. There were, as always, a few announcements from the host committee chairs. The development days were long, but the rooms were all within three minutes of each other in the same section of the hotel, which made walking so much easier. … cont’d
Tuesday was the Canadian attendees dinner and with over 80 Canadian registrants at EFAM we thought the group would be large….and it was. Over 70 of us put on our red Canada shirts (donated by Cheryl Gathercole’s boss at Marks Work Warehouse) and headed down the street to the Buca de Beppo Italian restaurant. What a great group and we enjoyed ourselves a lot. Incoming International President Judie Yannarelli CAP-OM even joined us! The dinner was fantastic and served family style. With bowls of salad, pasta dishes and chicken to help yourself to. The finale was a cannoli for dessert. There were a number of changes this year to the format of EFAM. With the business done all in one day, we could then focus on the professional development. Two and a half days of learning……anything you needed. With the Marketplace registration needed and ticketed, it gave us and the vendors a better opportunity to talk to people and to still have take-a-ways available for the afternoon visitors. The closing banquet was a more relaxed and fun event. There were a few presentations and some announcements, like the “The Amazing Walk” fundraiser winners. As well, the EFAM Silent Auction this year rose over $22,000 for The Foundation! I would be amiss if I didn’t mention The Foundation and their contribution to the conference. This year they were able to sponsor 40 attendees at EFAM. Next year they hope to be able to double that amount! The Foundation is not all about retirement any more, it’s about supporting and helping admins during the many stages of their career and life. The weather in Anaheim California is beautiful, no humidity like we have in Ottawa. The sun shines most days and with the breeze you weren’t even getting hot. The mornings are grey and full of fog from the water, but by late morning it is all clear. A word of warning, if you go out and plan to stay out into the evening, take a sweater. When the sun goes down the temperature drops and it does get a little cool. Personally, I like the new format of the conference. And I especially like where this association is going in the future. With a new logo, new staff, new ideas and a new strategic plan we will be a viable wonderful organization for many years to come. Milwaukee isn’t that far…….
Colin & Amelia July 17, 2010
Save the Date
Upcoming Events
http://www.iaap-hq.org/webinars
Colin & Amelia July 17, 2010
http://www.iaap-hq.org/tec
100 Traps and Trip-Ups 100 Traps and Trip-Ups: Gallery of Language Pitfalls Prepared by Ulla de Stricker Readers are invited to quote from the document with attribution to www.destricker.com www.destricker.com
Gallery of Language Pitfalls: Professionals want to avoid making English language usage errors regardless how commonly such errors may be made even in the media. In the gallery, Ulla de Stricker offers simple tips and solutions for common errors. Questions and suggestions are welcome: [email protected] 1. Just because … doesn't mean. This mangling is so common most people think it's correct! WRONG: Just because you're retired doesn’t mean you should stop being active in your field. CORRECT: The fact that you are retired doesn't mean you should stop being active. Your status as a retired person should not imply that you stop being active. SOLUTION IF YOU'RE NOT SURE: You are retired. That (fact) should not mean … Tip: Never begin a sentence with "just because". It is ok to have the phrase at the end of a sentence: Why would I stop being active just because I'm retired? 2. Comprised of. There is no such expression! WRONG: Canada is comprised of provinces and territories. CORRECT: Canada is composed of … Canada is made up of … Canada comprises … SOLUTION: In Canada, there are … Canada contains …
Colin & Amelia July 17, 2010
3. You and I - You and me Why are you afraid of me? WRONG: Peter gave Susan and I a gift / Peter told Susan and I that … CORRECT: Peter gave Susan and me a gift / Peter told Susan and me that … IF STILL IN DOUBT: Insert also: Peter gave Susan and also gave me … Peter told Susan and also told me … SOLUTION: Susan and I received a gift from Peter. Susan and I heard from Peter that … 4. Its vs. It's ... It's time to put the apostrophe in its proper place - and only there! WRONG: Look at this report - its amazing how good the photo on it's front page looks. CORRECT: It's (it is) amazing how good the photo on its front page looks. MEMORY AID: "It is" has 4 letters so "it's" has 4 characters. "Its" is a possessive similar to "his" - 3 characters. 5. Try and. No, please don't. Please try to. WRONG: I'll try and finish the report by 3pm. [Technically means I will try something unrelated and I will absolutely finish the report by 3pm.] CORRECT: I'll try to finish the report by 3pm. SOLUTION: I'll attempt to finish the report by 3 pm. I will make every effort to finish … 6. The more that … Fight the invasion of the "that"! WRONG: The more that we promote recycling, the more that staff pay attention. CORRECT: The more we promote recycling, the more attention staff are paying. SOLUTION: With increasing promotion of recycling, staff are paying more attention. 7. Pickup, pick-up, or pick up? A simple trick to remember! WRONG: I'll pickup the document later today. Could you pick-up the newspaper on your way? CORRECT: I'll pick up the document. It is available for pickup (or pick-up) after 3 pm. MEMORY TRICK: If you can separate the words - I'll pick the document up - they stay separate!
100 Traps and Trip-Ups (cont’d) 8. Myriad. Period! WRONG: The calendar shows a myriad of meetings this month. CORRECT: The calendar shows myriad meetings this month. SOLUTION: Myriad = many, so just use "many": The calendar shows many meetings. 9a. Complement or compliment? Complement = match; Compliment = praise … with an "i". Therefore: The staff complimented the designers on the paint job, saying how well the new colors complemented each other. (The colors don't praise each other.) 9b. Complementary or complimentary? Complementary = matched; Complimentary = gratis, a gift … with an "i". Therefore: The two strategies are seen as complementary. The new policy is a complement to the existing safety regulations. The loot bags are compliments of the sponsor. In business class, headphones are complimentary. 10. The rationale for being rational is well understood. WRONG: The rational for the policy is not well understood. CORRECT: The rationale for the change was well explained. A rational attitude is helpful. MEMORY TRICK: The stress on the last syllable elongates the word, so there's an e.
Colin & Amelia July 17, 2010
11. Who vs. Whom: "Whom" may sound sophisticated - but think twice. WRONG: Anna spoke about Bob, whom she thought had been very kind. CORRECT: Anna spoke about Bob, who had been very kind. (who - she thought - had …) CORRECT: Anna spoke about Bob, whom she greatly admired. Following "to", "for", "from", "with" etc, whom is correct: "We will excuse those for whom the early hour is inconvenient". SOLUTION IF YOU'RE NOT SURE: You could study the formal rules till you are blue in the face and still end up confused. Just rephrase: Anna spoke about Bob, saying he had been very kind. Anna said she admired Bob. 12. And since we're on the subject of who ... Economy of words please! WRONG: There are many people that say … CORRECT: Technically: There are many people who say … but why use unnecessary words? "Many people say … " is so much more elegant. SOLUTION IF YOU'RE NOT SURE: It is commonly believed … 13. Reticent vs. hesitant … He who hesitates [waits] is lost. The reticent one just won't speak. WRONG: We asked John to join us, but he was reticent. CORRECT:We asked John to join us, but he was hesitant. Reticent means "saying little, keeping silent". Memory trick: Reticent persons are not offering their "2 cents". SOLUTION IF YOU'RE NOT SURE: John seemed reluctant - it was a few minutes before he joined us. Peter was quiet he did not comment on the matter.
TO BE CONTINUED …
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Colin & Amelia July 17, 2010
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