Contrary to what you might think, APD was not created by a greeting card company. It was launched by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) in 1952 as National Secretaries Week. The founders had two objectives in mind: to recognize the “secretary, upon whose skills, loyalty, and efficiency the functions of business and government offices depend,” and to call attention “through favorable publicity, to the tremendous potential of the secretarial career.”

Sixty years later, the role of an administrative professional has changed dramatically—adding new tools, techniques and responsibilities, while maintaining the traditional role of gatekeeper and confidante. Admins have remained steady throughout, ensuring that jobs get done right, on time and under budget. Quite simply, admins are the pulse of the office.

APD events bring together millions of people worldwide for community events, educational seminars and individual corporate activities recognizing support staff.  The Vancouver Chapter will host its annual APD Breakfast Event on Wednesday, April 25^th, 2012 at the beautiful Vancouver Convention Centre West.  Our keynote speaker is Michelle Ray, CSP of Lead Yourself First Institute (www.michelleray.com).  Michelle will deliver  “The Power of Personal Leadership: Take Charge of Yourself, Your Career, Your Life.” Expect a delicious breakfast, a fun and inspiring presentation, and incredible door prizes. You won’t want to miss it! For more information and an on-line registration form, visit this link.

Green ‘n Green is proud to be a Gold Sponsor of APD. To show our support, we are providing one of these beautiful purse hooks for each guest at APD. Register soon to claim your gift!

Or, if you can’t make the April 25th APD event, check us out the 2^nd Wednesday of each month from September through June at the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel.  Join us at 5:30 pm for networking, followed by a delicious dinner and a top notch guest presenter on topics relevant to administrative professionals, as well as fabulous door prizes.

Administrative Professionals Week (April 25 – 29) is now the most widely observed workplace recognition event. The International Association of Administrative Professionals organized the first Secretaries’ Week in 1952 to recognize secretaries for their contribution in the workplace.

Where would we be without our administrative professionals? On April 25^th to 29^th remember to honor and acknowledge all those people at work who help make our lives easier – our personal assistants, office managers, secretaries and clerical supervisors, free up our time, leaving us to do what we do best.

Often, we take them and what they do for granted and forget to recognize the fact that our success is often dependant on their being there for us. But how do you maintain a professional relationship with your assistant, and still show your appreciation for their work?

Why not show how much you appreciate them this time of the year. Here are 5 helpful tips, based on the experience of some of our clients:

1. Hand write a thank-you note. Sending an email or texting is of course a lot faster but a handwritten note is a much more personal and warm gesture.  Your assistant will appreciate it.

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2. Recognize them publicly.

If you are thanking your assistant on behalf of the department or group, then by all means use email. Make sure you copy the relevant members of the department or group on the email. This will show public recognition of your assistant’s contribution and hard work.

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3. Be specific. Spell out exactly what your assistant is being thanked for.  For example, you can thank her for being proactive; for taking the initiative in doing something without being told; for working long hours under stressful conditions; or simply for just being an invaluable member of the team.

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4. Consider sending a small gift, especially if your assistant has performed very well. Your assistant will appreciate it if you consider his/her personal interests when choosing a gift. This will show your thoughtfulness. Homemade food, flowers, gift baskets, a spa visit or gift certificates to your assistant’s favorite restaurant will make great `emotionally neutral’ gifts.

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5. Avoid gifts that are too utilitarian. Nobody wants a gift that is directly job related, even if they are state-of-the-art pencil sharpeners or computer monitor screens! Not only are such gifts considered big letdowns, it will imply that you have not bothered getting to know your assistant enough to know their personal interests. If your assistant has always been putting your needs and requirements ahead of his or her own, you can do the same this upcoming appreciation week.

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Be creative, and take this opportunity to say `Thank you’ to the people who matter.

Whether you celebrate Easter or not, it was nice to enjoy the first long
weekend of the year. This was an unusually early Easter, and it will be
another 277 years before we get another Easter this early in March.

This Easter, my family went on our usual skiing trip. I was busy brushing up
on my skiing skills. I am pleased to say that I am beginning to move
onto the blue runs, though screaming all the way down.

Back home in Singapore, my family associates skiing with fractures and other
serious injuries. Needless to say, they think that I should not be
skiing and worry incessantly over me. Because I started skiing at an
older age, I find the sport especially challenging. Often, I too worry
about the possibility of injuries. But life is to be lived, and I
believe it is all about being open to new experiences.

With April upon us now, it means Spring is in full force. I look forward to
experiencing the rebirth of nature and spending more time outdoors.
This month, don’t forget to show your appreciation for your secretary,
assistant, or other administrative colleagues during Administrative
Professionals Week (April 21 – 25). Below we have some suggestions as
to how you can mark this Week in a special way.

As always, give us a call if we can help you in any way with gifting
suggestions. Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or
simply to show you care. We have wonderful gift ideas and special
packages that we know you’ll love. Just visit our website at www.greenNgreen.com, or call us at Tel: 604-689-5027. We’d love to hear from you!

Sincerely,

Mono Bowl $75.00 A beautiful and versatile bowl. Perfect for any home.

Celebrating Administrative Professionals Week

Administrative Professionals Week (April 21 – 25) is now the most widely observed
workplace recognition event. The International Association of
Administrative Professionals organized the first Secretaries’ Week in
1952 to recognize secretaries for their contribution in the workplace.

Where
would we be without our administrative professionals? Personal
assistants, office managers, secretaries and clerical supervisors, free
up our time, leaving us to do what we do best. Why not show how much
you appreciate them this time of the year.

Here are some suggestions as to how you can show your appreciation:

1. How about a bottle of your assistant’s favorite wine, or a food hamper that he or she can enjoy with family or friends? Nothing is easier to give than the gift of food.

2. Is your assistant a big sports fan? Perhaps he or she loves watching concerts and musicals? Give him or her two tickets to the next game, concert or musical. Just make sure you check on the team or group that he or she is supporting.

3. Is budget a problem for you? Then how about giving your assistant a surprise day off? While it may cost you nothing except for some inconvenience that day, it will mean a whole lot to him or her.

4. Another way to show your appreciation is to provide opportunities for learning and growth. Support your assistant in his or her application to attend college classes, membership towards professional organizations, or online training programs. Or what about helping to pay towards the registration fees for appropriate conferences, seminars or workshops?

5. Be creative. Personalize a gift item that your assistant would be happy to receive, like monogrammed  soaps, picture frames, paperweights or beautiful writing accessories. If he or she appreciates art, consider getting a piece of local sculpture or artwork.  There are many types of gifts that you can get for your assistant. But do be mindful and careful of company policies on gifting and rewarding. Your gift should be appropriate and based on the number of years of  employment and the professional relationship you have with your assistant. Whatever you finally decide to do, just keep in mind that your gift should show your thoughtfulness and gratitude towards an indispensable member of your team.

Camille $66.00 Escape with this beautiful gift of self-indulgence and pampering experience. Bath beads Bath flower Luxurious Bath Soap Pumice Towel Bath & shower gel Body lotion

Lunch in Style with Accessories $39.99 Whether you are lunching in the office or out, enjoy lunch in style. Roomy insulated cooler with flatware & other accessories neatly stored at each side. Adjustable shoulder strap.