Inside This Issue

6 QAA Update

10 Toronto Branch Update

14 Hamilton Branch Update

17 Edmonton Branch Update

18 Members-At-Large Update

Features

9 What Do You Think Is the Top Characteristic/Trait/Skill To Be An Assistant in 2016? 11 Spring Cleaning Your Online Presence

12 22 Office Efficiency Tips

13 A Mass Email Is No Way To Say Goodbye

15 Losing Someone Close To You

www.aaa.ca April 2016

Communique

Happy Spring everyone!

I love this time of year, with the trees in blossom and a promise of longer, warmer days to come.

I feel as though I should also be wishing you Happy Administrative Professionals Day, but I have mixed feelings about that.

On the one hand, I wholeheartedly feel that administrative staff deserve far more recognition than they sometimes get.

But on the other hand, I don’t see why they shouldn’t get that recognition all year round, not just on one day. I was very lucky in that I worked for an executive who constantly expressed his appreciation for what I did, but I know one of my colleagues was viewed as “just a secretary” and certainly didn’t get any special treatment on any day. So I hope that your superior appreciates all you do, and regularly demonstrates that appreciation, and I also hope that you get a special something extra this week.

Continues on page 2

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S PEN...

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By now, most – if not all – of the Branches will have held their annual general meetings. In some cases the EB members have remained in their positions, in others they have moved on.

Thank you to all those EB members for your time, expertise and involvement.

The national annual general meeting is rapidly approaching and once again we are asking members to consider board service at the national level.

It’s a great way to expand your horizons, it’s fun, challenging, and it looks good on a resume! If you are interested but unsure of the nomination process, contact Wendy Neelin at memberofaaa@gmail.com and remember that nominations must be received by May 4.

The annual general meeting will be held on June 4, at the Metropolitan Hotel in Vancouver. At the same location, the Association is sponsoring the Professional Day Workshop on June 2, with speakers Dawn Carson and Alan Mallory.

Dawn is an expert on creating a positive mindset, and Alan brings insights gained on climbing Mount Everest with the rest of his family. Following the AGM, we will be honoring the 2016 QAA graduates, we have 14 this year. If possible, do join us as we recognise their efforts and this very worthwhile achievement.

Did you know our Association is 65 years old this year?

For many, reaching age 65 is a time to wind down and retire, I hope for us it’s just the beginning of many more years to come.

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S PEN...continued

NATIONAL BOARD2015-2016

PRESIDENTJackie Pontin

VICE-PRESIDENT/MEMBER-AT-LARGELIAiSONArlene Stone, QAA

SECRETARYPamela Armstrong

TREASURERKatherine Vaillancourt

REGISTRARGale Belcourt, QAA

BRANCH PRESIDENTS

BARRIE/SIMCOE COUNTYChantalle Freeborough, QAA

CALGARYEvelyn Serbout

EDMONTONChrisy Burton, QAA

FORT MCMURRAYBridget Cochrane

HAMILTONCharlene Hands-Lourie, QAA

TORONTOErika Giesl, QAA

VANCOUVERArlene Stone, QAA

COMMUNIQUE EDITOR

Christina Walters

Jackie PontinNational Director - President

Our MOttOProfessionalism Through Education

Our VisiOnThe Association envisages itself being widely recognized, both by its professional peers and by the broader business

community. Its members will demonstrate, through consistently excellent performance in the work place, the

value of the professional designation Qualified Administrative Assistant. This designation will become important criteria in

the hiring and promotion of key personnel.

Our MissiOnThe Association’s mission is to assist

members in the continuing development of administrative skills, underlying knowledge and professional growth, thus enhancing

employment opportunities and contributions to both workplace and community.

Happy Administrative Professionals

Week!April 24 - 30, 2016

LESS THAN 40 DAYS AWAY!

2016 Annual General Meeting and Professional Development Workshop

JUNE 1-4, 2016 | METROPOLITAN HOTEL | VANCOUVER, BC

JUNE 2 - ANNUAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY

Dawn Carson is an author and positive mindset coach. Her insightful seminar on “The Positivity Principle: How to effectively deal with negativity in the workplace” will provide an interactive session where participants will learn how to approach stressful situations confidently.

Alan Mallory is an international speaker, author and professional development trainer who is passionate about “Taking Leadership to New Heights” and living life to the absolute fullest! He specializes in developing great leaders by establishing and reinforcing the professional development skills and mindsets that are essential for success.

JUNE 3 & JUNE 4 - NATIONAL BOARD & ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, QAA GRADUATION

More details are available at www.aaa.ca(Click on the AGM icon on the left)

When I was younger, I would tell people when I grow up I’m going to be a lawyer, a year later I wanted to be a comedian, and as the years progressed, the more my career choice evolved. Today, I am an Administrative Professional. My mother was a Secretary.

Imagine your workplace without a receptionist, office manager, executive assistant, or an administrative assistant, to name a few. It is unimaginable.

Administrative professionals work diligently to ensure a sense of order and organization in the workplace. They are committed to getting the job done, most times without recognition or praise. Admin professionals today possess a greater variety of capabilities than ever in the past. Admins are now seen as leaders, mentors, project managers, innovators, strategic partners, and change agents.

We pulsate through our workplaces in ways that are sometimes indescribable and unexplainable. We are multi-talented, multi-facted and possess skills, traits and characteristics too long to list.

I raise my glass and toast to the ‘Secretaries’ before me, the ‘Administrative Professionals’ of today and of the future. We are the heartbeat that keeps the workplace flowing.

Happy Administrative Professionals Week.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Christina Walters, CAP-OM, MOSCommunique Editor

A LITTLE HISTORY...ABOUT ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS DAYSecretary’s Day, also referred to as Administrative Professionals Day or Professional Secretaries Day, is celebrated in the United States and Canada in appreciation of professional assistants in the workplace. Traditionally, a secretary or administrative assistant receives a small bonus, flowers, candy, or a card, and occasionally, extra time off.

The official period of appreciation/celebration was first proclaimed by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Charles Sawyer as “National Secretaries Week,” which was held June 1-7 in 1952, with Wednesday, June 4, 1952 designated National Secretaries Day.

In 1955, the date of celebration was changed to the last full week of April, with Wednesday of that week being designated National Secretaries day. This change was made by the National Secretaries Association. In 1981, the National Secretaries Association became Professional Secretaries International (PSI) and the period of celebration was renamed “Professional Secretaries Week.”

In 1998, PSI changed its name to the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), and announced in 2000 that “Professional Secretaries Day” would be changed to “Administrative Professionals Day”.

(re-run from April 2006 The Connection, TCB)

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NOTICE OF NOMINATIONS 2016-2017 NATIONAL BOARD DIRECTORS

Notice of nominations for Directors of National Board 2016-2017 were distributed.

Please review the application carefully and submit to: memberofaaa@gmail.com.

Submissions due May 2, 2016.

This being the time to recognize our roles as administrative professionals, it is interesting to note that in 1942 when the National Secretaries Association was founded in the U.S., their purpose was much the same as ours is today…to recognize the contributions of administrative personnel, support their personal development, and to help attract workers to the administrative field.

I can think of no better way to be recognized as a professional than through our QAA program. It is verification that you have the skills and abilities and the dedication to your chosen profession. It is a message to others that you take your work seriously and are proud of what you do.

Spread the word throughout your network of colleagues and to your HR departments that this program exists. We do have a promotional flyer on our website specifically designed with HR departments in mind so feel free to print it off and give it to them or pin it up on your bulletin board. Let’s spread the word that this certification is valuable to you as an administrative professional and to your employer. While you’re online doing that feel free to download the QAA enrollment form and once you’ve completed it send it to registrar@aaa.ca

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QAA UPDATE

Gale Belcourt. QAARegistrar

ARE YOU CERTIFIED?The Qualified Administrative Assistant (QAA) Program, sponsored by the Association, is one of the vehicles available to those interested in advancing their professional development. This program is available through distance, correspondence, and lecture courses from Universities and Colleges across Canada.

WHAT IS THE QAA CERTIFICATION?

Certification is a statement of the skills you have and take with you from role to role. The credentialing process reinforces the value of the courses you’ve taken, the administrative excellence and core workcompetencies you have demonstrated, and your commitment to life-long learning.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

• Employers recognize the value of hiring an employee with a professional designation. They also recognize individuals who have worked to complete a personal goal and fully support those who constantly upgrade their skills.

• This accreditation, recognized in the professional environment, can lead to greater challenges, opportunities, and financial remuneration to those who have achieved the Qualified Administrative Assistant (QAA) designation.

For more information on how to become certified, please visit http://www.aaa.ca/qaa_enrollment_e.php.

Photo credit: www.i3institute.ca

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PAMELA’S TOP 5 SUPER FANTASTIC ADMINISTRATIVE MAGIC TRICKS

BRANCH MEETINGS 2016CALGARY EDMONTON HAMILTON TORONTOApril 29, 2016 - PDD May 5, 2016 - PDD May 19, 2016 May 4, 2016May 16, 2016 June 9, 2016 June 16, 2016 - Social June 15, 2016June 20, 2016

PDD = Professional Development Day by ParonAs an Association member, you can attend meetings at any branch. For more information about branch meetings, please visit www.aaa.ca.

Thursday, April 28 @ 12:00pm EST

Top 10 Microsoft Productivity Tips for Assistants

Monday, May 2 @ 7:00pm EST

Timesaving Productivity Tips Using Microsoft Office

F R E E A P W W E B I N A R S

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As a member of the Association of Administrative Assistants, you have access to preferred group rates on home, auto, leisure and travel insurance products through TW Insurance Brokers (TW).

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to renew your current insurance policy, take a moment to call TW to ensure you have the right coverage in place. TW will:

assess your insurance needs, and provide unbiased professional advice; help you compare coverage against different insurers;help maximize the discounts entitled to you; andbe your advocate in the event that you need to make a claim, and guide you through every step of the way.

Call TW today at 1-866-894-6191 or visitwww.twinsurance.ca/AAA for more information and a free no-obligation quote.

Happy Administrative Professionals Week!

“I believe that the top

characteristic/trait/skill to be an assistant in 2016 is to

be clear and diplomatic in your communication,

regardless of the written/social media avenue you

chose. Responses to unclear messages can be

misconstrued and go down an unintended pathway.”

- Erika G.

“The top characteristic that I would look for in an assistant in 2016 is a the

ability to pick up a skill, task, or procedure quickly. Also,

someone that is adaptable and tenacious. I see

these as huge assets in the administrative world.”

- Pamela A.

“Adaptability, Ethics and

Compliance,Communication skills,

Teamwork,Software knowhow,

Continuous learning.”

- Christina L.

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Judgement is a huge trait in my office environment. At times I work without direction and need to make sound

decisions without supervision in an instant. I need to anticipate problems and either solve the

immediate crisis or refer to the right person for resolution.

Technology wizardry. I have to know every conceivable piece of office equipment that adorns this office space, from computers to the new software, photocopiers, fax machine, webex, and even at times how to regulate the fridge/freezer controls. Since most of technology is constantly changing I have to be comfortable in adapting to anything new coming into this office and learning to troubleshoot all issues.- Carole M.

“When looking or being assessed by employers, what I think is required is the following:Proficiency in a particular function is no longer at the top of the employer’s list, the 2016 assistant must be able to adapt to any organization. You must have the right personality “the right fit”, being hardworking “not your traditional 9 – 5” being flexible, organized, detailed oriented and dependable. The right attitude goes a long ways. As for the software skills those can be learned very easily.”- Marie-Josée A.

“I think the top characteristic/trait/skill required to be an assistant in 2016 is

the ability to stay focused while multitasking. In today’s highly technical working environment, expectations from top

executives are that we are able to perform almost instantly and with great SPEED

and ACCURACY! If focus is not top notch then it all falls apart.”

- Robin C.

Consider yourself a professional as valuable as any other. If you don’t take

yourself seriously and known your own value, no one else

will. Be professional. Keep yourself educated

and up to date. Develop a working partnership with the

executives you support.- Carrie M.

“Versatility The ability to be flexible; always learning new skills to ensure you keep yourself relevant in these ever-changing, unpredictable

environments. An assistant who is versatile can contribute to an array of projects and carries a basic knowledge of all the business; not

only how to use these applications, but also knowing who to go to if they need

assistance. Moving freely in more than one direction.”

- Lisa T.

“Superior interpersonal and communication skills requiring high level of tact, diplomacy and discretion. Excellent organizational

skills and ability to prioritize tasks and projects. Possesses a high standard of integrity, ethics and discretion, with meticulous attention to

detail. Post-secondary degree or diploma, and or equivalent experience in Office Administration Experience with Peoplesoft; Proficient in

software programs a such as excel, Word, PowerPoint, Lotus Notes etc.”

- Carol S.

As we know, there are so many characteristics/skills that require to be an effective Administrative

Assistant, such as team player, communication skills, computer skills, etc. However, the one trait that

really stands out to me as being an effective and efficient Administrative Assistant is one that comes into work and is a

"Self-Starter".

An outstanding administrative assistant has the ability to prioritize, complete tasks, initiate and sustain the motivation within the allotted time frames. An administrative assistant must independently complete projects, require little to no supervision and identify and pursue business opportunities without outside direction. One would like to have an administrative assistant that can be relied on to be effective and efficient as every day we are seeing more and more cutbacks and left to do more with less. - Mary M.

“Adaptability Today, with ever changing

technology and greater access to information, it

is important for Assistants to stay current through continuing education or reading up on currents

events and trends in your organization’s industry.”

- Veronica A.

“You must be flexible, more

so now in Calgary than in any other

time in your career.”

- Dana R.

WE ASKED...

YOU ANSWERED!

What do you think is the top characteristic/trait/skill to be an assistant in

2016?I think the top

characteristic/trait/skill to be an assistant in 2016 is to be organized, do your job well, and provide

assistance with anything you can.

- Janeen S.

I believe that the top 2 traits for Assistants in

2016 are:-tech saviness, and

the willingness to be progressive in learning new technologies

-communication in all forms – electronic, verbal, written…

- Nancy H.

In today's market, you have to be a confident

assistant with great communication

and organizational skills so you can

work effectively with everyone and be able

handle any task at anytime.

- Teresa S.

I believe strong communications

skills rank among the highest in order to be an effective admin in 2016.

This touches upon clients as well as within the

organization both laterally and horizontally. - Terry Lynn J.

SPRING CLEANING YOUR ONLINE PRESENCEPublished by Refresh Leadership on April 22, 2016

In today’s digital age, it’s more important than ever to pay attention to your online reputation.

What kind of surprises? An article in Adweek explains how your identity can be mistakenly confused with someone who has committed a crime, which can make it difficult or even impossible to find a job.

Most likely, you’ll find outdated descriptions of your skills and work, which can make you sound out of touch and ill-equipped for today’s workplace. There also may be some old photos from your younger days that don’t support the image you want to project as a serious job candidate.

A Spring Cleaning ChecklistUnlike cleaning your garage or attic, cleaning your digital presence is simple if you follow these steps:

1) Use Google Incognito to see what other people see of your identity online. If you search for your name using a normal Google search, it’s more likely to bring back results based on the sites you frequently visit. Incognito shows you a more objective, unfiltered view when you search your name.

2) Be sure to search for your name in conjunction with all commonly used social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and especially LinkedIn. If you run a business, include Yelp, YP, and popular review sites for your industry.

3) If you see any negatives, the best way to approach them depends on the platform. For example, you can:

• Untag your name from unflattering or silly photos or posts on Facebook.• Request that a friend remove content from Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.• Make sure your job description and level of experience are up to date on LinkedIn.• Counter negative information on Google with new, positive information, such as blogs, with your byline.

Don’t Wait for Spring to Roll AroundWhile you don’t need to do your spring cleaning every day, there are certain daily steps you can take to stay on top of your online presence:

• Set up Google Alerts so you will know if anything shows up on the internet with your name on it.• Check your Facebook privacy settings so your personal family moments won’t be shared publicly.• Set up notifications for Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, so you will know if someone comments

on your posts, mentions your username, endorses you, or recommends you online.

Your online footprint and reputation play an increasingly important role in determining your personal and professional success. Don’t take them for granted and find out today what’s being said about you or your business.

Refresh Leadership is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals. Source: http://www.refreshleadership.com/index. [Article truncacted]

“Your online footprint and reputation play

an increasingly important

role...”

The Toronto Charter Branch celebrates it’s 65th Anniversary this next season!

Everyone who has contributed to the National Association by volunteering their time and talent over the many years, is to be congratulated on the many successes. Our QAA program has over 750 graduates since our first graduating class in 1960; we continue to grow in our number of learning institutions across Canada; we continue to grow our networks and share ideas with fellow colleagues within our profession; and, we continue to make new friendships across Canada, while continuously learning each step of the way! What more can we ask for - a win-win! Be a participant and enjoy all that is offered within each Branch and surrounding area (as a Member at Large), across this great country.

You make it what it is today. Congratulations! Erika Giesl President - Toronto Branch

TORONTO BRANCH UPDATE

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22 OFFICE EFFICIENCY TIPSPublished on January 19, 2016

1. Technology is a great tool and there are a never-ending array of new methods to improve efficiency. For example, video conferencing tools such as Skype can reduce meeting times as there is no need to travel.2. Emails can decrease your efficiency therefore check and respond to them for set amounts of time hroughout the day.3. Separate your inboxes. If you have regular contact with certain people, then create an inbox for each.4. Sort your mail. It is easy to read an email and then forget about it. Sort it as soon as you receive it – to act, to read, to file or to delegate.5. Create a workflow for tasks. Once a task arises, ensure you follow a set procedure.6. Store reference materials online for future use. This will make it easier for not only yourself, but for colleagues to access any online reports or research.7. Have regular breaks – this will improve focus and efficiency.8. Walk around the office every so-often. This will the promote blood flow around your body.

Continues on page 18

NATIONAL BOARD OPENINGDIRECTOR, TREASURER

The National Board has an opening for Director, Treasurer and encourages all interested members to submit a nomination.

A summary of the Treasurer’s responsibilities includes: maintaining the Association’s general ledger and preparing financial reports; receipt of all monies – be it for membership, job postings, sponsorship, etc. and payment of invoices, branch rebates, expenses, etc.; updating and maintaining the membership roster; and coordinating the membership renewal process. A full list of the duties can be found at https://www.aaa.ca/members/pdf/guidelines/7d.pdf

As there is no doubt the position is time consuming, it does pay an honorarium. Contact Katherine Vaillancourt at treasurer@aaa.ca if you’d like more information regarding the time commitment. Serving on the National Board can be a very rewarding experience, won’t you join us?

A MASS EMAIL IS NO WAY TO SAY GOOODBYERhonda Scharf

The best of times, the worst of times. Hirings and firings. People coming and people going.

Should you send a goodbye email to your coworkers on your last day at work?

That is a good question. You don’t want to seem rude and just disappear, and you don’t want to seem insincere, either.

If your colleagues really are also your friends, then you’ve told them already that you’re leaving, retiring or going to a new job elsewhere. A final email seems redundant.

If there is someone you want to remain in contact with, you’ve probably already taken them out to coffee or lunch, celebrated with them, or expressed an interest to keep in touch and exchanged contact information. If a colleague is a personal friend, your farewell has been personal; a mass email to everyone is far from personal.

So, is the final good bye via mass email really necessary?

No, it isn’t. In fact, it could be a very bad idea.

When someone sends a mass email saying they are leaving, they often haven’t thought things through. They are probably having an emotional reaction to what is likely a very emotional situation.

Continues on page 16

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The Hamilton Branch has had a great year. We welcomed 15 new members to our Branch:

Amanda Brodnicki Julie Campolongo Robin ColleyPatricia Durocher Brittany Greenhill Tonika HarnestTami Harvey Linda Hayward Mary McEwenRochelle Morrison Adam Opper Rosanna SantamariaShammarukh Shahnaj Lise-Anne Weaver Tiffany Wolsey

It is wonderful to see so many new faces attending our meetings.

In March, the Hamilton Branch hosted their Professional Development Workshop. The workshop was a great success, with a sold out event of 80 attendees.

Our volunteers did an outstanding job organizing a very “Professional Day”. Our speakers, Anne Bermingham, presented “How to Motivate the Tech-Savvy Multi-Tasking Millennial” and Val Harrison presented “Leadership - The Practical Approach”. These presentations provided excellent information on how we can continue to be great leaders in our workplace.

On April 21st, we held our 2016 AGM. The new Hamilton Branch Executive was announced as follows:

President Charlene Hands-LouriePast President Janet YoungVice President Lisa LowSecretary Lucy CarusoTreasurer Robin ColleyMembership Chair Heather GronekMonthly Meeting Chair Michelle McAlpineCommunications Julie McKeonNewsletter Coordinator Brigida DimitriouWeb Liaison Christina Walters

I would like to thank Rosanna Melatti and Sheila Davidson for all their hard work and dedication they provided over the last year as part of our Executive.

Happy Administrative Assistants Day on Wednesday, April 27th to all members. Your roles in your organizations are the most important. The work and dedication you provide each day is what keeps your operation running.

Moving forward, I look forward to what the next year brings. Seeing our association evolve has been a great experience and I’m proud to be part of it.

Happy Spring Everybody!!

HAMILTON BRANCH UPDATE

Charlene Hands-Lourie, QAAPresident - Hamilton Branch

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LOSING SOMEONE CLOSE TO YOUPamela Armstrong, National Director - Secretary

In recognition of mental health week I wanted to write to share about a recent loss I had and how it affected me.

A close friend and co-worker of mine became sick and within 6 months recently died of pancreatic cancer. The loss of a loved one in our personal or professional lives, family, friends or colleagues, can be difficult and devastating. The journey of mourning is hard, and the road looks different to each one of us. Others may or may not understand the extent of your suffering, grief or your relationship with the person who has passed. As soon as you can, make getting back on your feet a priority.

Take small steps towards recovery; time, reflection, sharing and caring, and gradually resuming your regular activities are just some of the ways that can help. Reach out for help and support when you need it. Don’t be shy to say to someone you’re struggling, and don’t be shy to give someone you know may be struggling a word of encouragement.

May 2-8 is Mental Health Week in Canada. Visit www.mentalhealthweek.ca for more information.

“We all have mental health, just as we all have physical health. Mental health is more than the absence of mental illness. It’s a state of well-being.”

- Canadian Mental Health Association

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SAY GOODBYE...continuedHaven’t we all (sadly) been in the situation where there was a large downsizing, and many notices were sent out, complete with packing boxes and one-hour’s notice?

In that situation, you don’t have time for a farewell lunch, or even to exchange contact information with anyone. To be sure, that kind of situation also tends to be highly emotional and likely quite tense, as well. It’s certainly not the time to send out an email that displays your bitterness or anger. A final angry email is a guaranteed way to burn a bridge that should not be burned—a bridge that you may need, later.

On the other hand, a flowery email praising the company, the boss and your coworkers will seem insincere. If the organization was so wonderful, why are you leaving? It will look very calculated, as if you’re leaving your options open in case the new job doesn’t work out. And, if you thank a few key people in your email, how will those you don’t mention feel?

Even if you’re able to write a final email that comes from a sincere place and is well intended, it doesn’t mean you should send it.

Sometimes not everyone is aware that you are leaving, and your email will come as a surprise. Where there is surprise, there is gossip. And gossip is not your friend. Ever.

If you are sending a mass email, people may not even know who you are, and therefore your email will have no relevance to them, short of being a minor irritant. Everyone hates getting mass emails, and if even one person uses “Reply All” to say they will miss you, you’ve annoyed every single person on that list, which is not the response you were going for.

If you really want to say goodbye, make it more personal. Send a select number of handwritten notes to people, thanking them for being great to work with. Or, tell them face-to-face. Sending out a mass email is not the way to seem sincere or genuine and it could burn bridges that you’d rather keep intact.

Rhonda Scharf is a well-recognized Professional Speaker, Trainer, and author based in Ottawa, ON. She has earned the highest speaking designation in the world, the “Certified Speaking Professional” designation (CSP). http://www.on-the-right-track.com/

Photo credit: http://www.quotewerks.com/images/FeatureImages/MassEmail.png

“If you really want to say goodbye, make

it more personal.”

As of March 24, 2016, the branch membership for the 2015-16 term has reached 76.

Our election for 2016-17 Executive Committee Officers was held during the branch’s Annual General Meeting on April 4, 2016. The following is our 2016-17 Executive Committee:

President Annette Gerdes, QAAPast President Chrisy Burton, QAAVice President Lisa BarrettSecretary Alice Tieszen (incumbent)Treasurer Laura Tidwell (incumbent)Meeting/Workshop Registrar Mary Ann Hamernyk, QAA (incumbent)Membership Coordinator Carman Christie, QAAProgram Co-Coordinators Roshila Singh (incumbent) and Nicole BlanchettePublic Relations Coordinator Carrie Mittelstadt, QAA (incumbent)

Our 2016 full day Annual Professional Development Workshop will be held on Thursday, May 5, 2016 at the Chateau Louis Hotel and Conference Centre. Our facilitators will be Daryl Johnson and Sandra Kordyback from Johnson and Associates with the theme of “Navigating the Waters of Change.”

Our June wind-up event will be a Paint Nite held on Thursday, June 9, 2016. As a thank you to our members, the Edmonton branch will be subsidizing this event. The Edmonton branch will be represented significantly at the June National AGM in Vancouver and we look forward to meeting with our colleagues in the association.

Thank you to the members, Edmonton branch Executive Committee, and National Board for your support during my time as President. I am looking forward to serving as Past President for the Edmonton branch for the 2016-17 term and continuing to work with an amazing Executive Committee with Annette Gerdes as our leader.

Chrisy Burton, QAA President - Edmonton Branch

EDMONTON BRANCH UPDATE

HEALTH SERVICESADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL DIVISION

The National Board approved a pilot project to form a division of the Association for Health Services admininistrative professionals. This is intended to be a virtual branch for members with a Medical or -- as we tend to call it now -- Health Services Administrative background.

Once we get some members indicating interest in this new division – and hopefully some new college student members, we can start to develop a mandate for the group; how it will tie in with the

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Association as a whole and what kind of services the division wants. Currently under the leadership of the National Vice President, members who are interested in learning more about this group should send a note to Arlene at: arleneinbarrie@gmail.com One intent is to promote a mentorship from our current members in the health care stream to the graduating students.

Eventually those living near a branch can piggy-back on branch PD day events, whereby the new division could attend morning sessions that are appropriate for all office professionals and perhaps bring in role-specific topics/speakers for the afternoon. The possibilities are endless.

Belonging to our professional association means our members have access to a multitude of resources, services, discounts and information!

Our sponsorship program is a cost effective way to give you maximum exposure to administrative professionals both locally and across the country. The various levels of sponsorship represent excellent opportunities to promote your business to appropriate contacts in industries and businesses. Your company will stand out as a supporter of life-long learning and professional development among office professionals.

As a not-for-profit Association, our National Board of Directors is comprised of volunteers who donate time and expertise to maintain current, professional services and activities for our members. By partnering with our Sponsors, we can offer a higher level of speakers at national events and meetings, as well as increased services and promotions to our members.

For more information, please visit http://www.aaa.ca/sponsorship_e.php

BECOME A SPONSOR

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PARTNERS9. Boost morale by sharing team objectives and goals.10. Use common terminology. This will help to create a shared culture within your team.11. Act on your phone messages promptly. Smaller tasks can mount quickly, decreasing your efficiency for the rest of the day.12. Organise your tasks each day, starting with the higher priority tasks.13. Keep to the schedule of your meetings. Once a meeting over-runs, it can impact on the rest of your colleagues’ and your own day.14. De-clutter your office – if you don’t use something regularly then you are unlikely to need it.15. Put all items back where they belong.16. Organise your own desk. You will feel more productive.17. At the end of each day, organise your desk again, ready for the start of the next day.18. Before you leave the office, write a to-do list for the next day whilst all your tasks are still at the forefront or your mind. You will also find it easier to relax when you get home.19. Establish “work zones” for different types of activities.20. Create a meeting folder, separating “items to be discussed”, reports that are due and items that need to be handed out.21. Create a “waiting on response” folder for items that cannot be completed until someone else responds or acts. Check every this few days for anything that needs to be followed-up.22. Create a “reading folder” for reports and research you want to read but are not urgent.

Source: http://www.smart-pa.com/blog/22-office-efficiency-tips/

It’s been a great winter for getting new MALs on board! There has been a lot of interest and I want to take this opportunity to welcome each of the following new members. If existing members live near one of our new members, contact me if you want to arrange a time to meet up! For our new BC members, I hope we have the pleasure of meeting you in Vancouver in June – and perhaps other new members can fly out for the annual events too!

Melanie from Fredericton, NB; Delphine from Rosthern, SK; Belkis from Vaughn, ON; Julie from Dieppe, NB; Colette from Victoria, BC; Marilee from Eastern Passage, NS; Vanessa from Upper Hammonds Plains, NS; Gala from Surrey, BC; Cristina from Victoria, BC; Melissa from Prince George, BC; Stacey from Pince Albert, SK; Kelly from Corner Brook, NL; Maria from Richmond Hill, ON – and - Daynor from St. John’s, Antigua (hmmm, wouldn’t we ALL love to drop in and meet Daynor!!)

Welcome new members! And again if any of you want to meet up – send me an email and I’ll get you in touch with each other at arleneinbarrie@gmail.com.

Arlene Stone. QAAVice President - Vancouver Branch

Member-At-Large Liaison

MEMBERS-AT-LARGEUPDATE

www.aaa.ca Communique Newsletter | 18