Administrative Professionals Week 2008

By Ginger Cairnes

2008 Commemorative Lapel Pin

All too often in the workplace we tend to overlook some very important employees who help to make it all happen. Who helps get those travel orders out, provides supplies, fields phone calls, organizes a calendar, and most importantly assures that you will get paid?

Some of the group climbed aboard N47, the Bombardier, one of the “Flying Laboratories” aircraft to pose for pictures.

With the demands of World War II the government put out calls for secretaries and clerks to staff offices and assist in other “war efforts.” In 1942 the National Secretaries Association was organized as a network for secretarial staff. This organization later became the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP).

There was a time when a secretary was labeled as an employee who took notes, handled correspondence, kept records and performed other clerical duties and if the individual was a woman, was expected to make coffee. Not only have the roles of women changed through the years, but the responsibilities of a secretary have also grown.

The group pauses in front of the High Performance Research Vehicle (HPRV) – a big hit of the day.

Organizations such as the IAAP have been a support force encouraging “secretaries” to enhance their skills so they can become more effective contributors to their employers. The IAAP also encourages employers to provide training for their administrative staff through seminars, continuing education or self-study materials. They also encourage managers to delegate responsibilities that better utilize the skills of administrative staff.

“National Secretaries Week” originated in 1952 was sponsored by the IAAP. Through the years it has undergone several name changes. In 2000 it became Administrative Professionals Week/Day. This name now better suits the growing responsibilities and job titles of today’s administrative workforce. Administrative Professionals Week is celebrated worldwide and more appropriately honors the contributions of administrative support staff and helps promote their professional excellence. It is known to be one of the largest workplace observances.

ACT-1 Administrative staff takes turns doing hand-offs on the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) displays

Administrative Professionals Week is traditionally observed the last FULL week in April. The theme this year is “FORWARD MOVING” to help “denote how career-minded administrative professionals are positioning themselves for success in today's ever-changing business environment by mastering advanced office technology, continually honing their communication skills, forging collaborative relationships with managers and coworkers, and taking charge of their own career development.”

At the Technical Center, a tour of the facility kicked off the week’s activities for Administrative Professionals. Sites visited included: the Human Factors Lab; National Pavement Test Facility; High Performance Research Vehicle (HPRV); K-9 Facility; Emergency Operations Facility (EOF); Metal Shop; Advanced Imaging; Air Traffic Control Labs: Automated Terminal Radar System Displays (ARTS), Enhanced Traffic Management System (ETMS), Advanced Technologies & Oceanic Procedures (ATOP), Weather Labs and the Target Generator Facility (TGF). The group was also given the opportunity to try their hand at playing Air Traffic Controller while sitting down at the Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) radar displays, and also going in the mock tower from which they could view a vast expanse of the Tech Center property.

Because the weather was so nice the Administrative Professionals got out of the bus at the reservoir – part of the windshield tour.

A “windshield tour” around the property was also provided. The ladies were given the opportunity to see the locations of and learn about the following: Tower/TRACON Modeling and Simulation Building; Area D treatment Plant; Crashworthiness Tower and build-up yard; Transportation Security Lab area; Coast Guard; Federal Air Marshals; and the hangar.

A special thanks goes to: Wayne Marks, Earl Stein, Al Macias, Paul Scrofani, Rick Whedbee, Paul Chubb, Satish Agrawal, Frank Pecht, Keith Bagot, Ed Gaguski; Sheila Franklin-Smallwood, Mike Greco, Tri Nguyen, Scott Doucett, Pat Mabis, Dave Maslanka, Maria Lemmetti-Fane, Fred Karl, Bobby Nichols, Art Grala, Mary Lalasis, Jim Vena, Walt Vernon, Gayle Martin-Taylor, Shilon Carter, and all who helped make this tour such a success.

The next day, a Team Building Session, followed by lunch at Carèmes gourmet restaurant located at Atlantic Cape Community College rounded out the week’s celebration.

These professionals are “proud of their growing roles and expect to continue their training skills in the years ahead.”

“No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude.” ~Author Unknown