Join us at AHAP's 2007 conference June 13 - 16 in San Diego!

Go to the conference page for the latest information on the conference and take a look at the program at a glance so you can plan your stay in the Golden State!

AHAP members can look forward to great sessions such as: Succession Planning, Board Governance, Effective Public Relations Communications, Strengthening Relationships, Improving Results and more! The complete conference brochure will be online in February.

Register before February 23 and you will receive the lowest rate of $425 as well as two pre-conferences free of charge (a $150 value!). After February 23, the rate will increase to $500 and each pre-conference session will be $75.
Register Today!

Update on Conference Hotel: AHAP secured a remarkably low rate of $195 from June 11-16, 2007 at the Wyndham. Please be aware that the number of rooms at this preferred rate is limited. In fact, Saturday night, June 16, is close to sold-out already, so be sure to book your reservation today!

Conference Headquarters:
Wyndham Emerald Plaza
400 West Broadway
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 239-4500 or (800) 996-3426
http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/SANEP/main.wnt

The Fifth Annual Scholarship Fundraising Committee (formerly named Silent Auction) of the Association of Healthcare Administrative Professionals is being held in conjunction with the 2007 annual conference.

You can support this event by:
- Donating items for the scholarship raffle
- Soliciting donations from merchants, artists, manufacturers... even your hospital's gift shop
- Purchasing items at the scholarship raffle

While there is no obligation for any member to donate an item, the more participation, the more fun it will be and the more financial support we can give to AHAP. The revenue from this event is the sole funding for the AHAP Scholarship Program which helps your deserving colleagues and fellow members of AHAP attend conference.

Click here for more details and a donation form.

AHAP is proud to launch the Certified Healthcare Administrative Professional (cHAP) certification. Please download the cHAP application for information and requirements.

cHAP status provides both internal and external rewards. cHAP designees enjoy the pride of recognition for being among the elite in the critical and demanding field of healthcare. cHAP is a premier credential based on in-depth assessment of substantive skills.

Be the first in your facility to earn the cHAP designation - wear it with pride!  More details on the application process, exam and fees can be found on the AHAP website.

If you have any questions about the cHAP exam, please contact the AHAP offices at (312) 422-3700 or ahap@aha.org.

AHAP is proud to offer customized salary profiles as seen in this sample report. AHAP staff generates comprehensive reports of administrative professionals' market value, as compared to peers working in like facilities and geographical areas, with similar titles and responsibilities.

AHAP creates salary reports based on administrative professionals selecting variables in the order form, such as education level, region, direct reports, budget management, organizations and more.

AHAP leadership and staff actively seek additional benefits to aid in the advancement of our members and the profession. Given the feedback staff has received, these reports are proving to be very successful for administrative professionals attaining appropriate monetary recognition for the value they bring to their organizations.

Staff urges all members with any questions to please contact Mark Tomezak at mtomezak@aha.org or (312)422-3907.

AHAP is offering its members the chance to be listed in the Peer Directory, a must-have desk reference for AHAP Members Only! This directory will not only give you a hard copy of AHAP members' contact information, but also will index individuals' administrative specialties. This tool will be a great benefit to you, giving you easy access to the collective knowledge and resources of all AHAP members. To be listed in the AHAP directory, please complete the attached electronic questionnaire below so your most up-to-date contact information and administrative specialties are reflected correctly in the directory. AHAP Peer Directory Questionnaire We are delighted to be able to create this much requested benefit for you. Of course, if you have questions about this project or other member benefits, please contact the AHAP offices at (312) 422-3700 or ahap@aha.org. Thank you!

(Associations Now (11/06) Vol. 2, No. 12, P. 15; Frels, Mark)

The success of any membership association relies on its staff's ability to motivate volunteers to put their skills to use in efficient and effective ways. Volunteer leaders are involved because they genuinely care for the association and its objectives, and wish to lend their talent and effort toward achieving those objectives. Staff must be well aware of what abilities individual volunteers possess so they can be best utilized.

The following six techniques can be used by staff to make sure volunteers are positively engaged in the association: Talk to volunteers directly about involvement, specifically why they have joined and what they hope to accomplish; target the strengths of individual volunteers, so each is involved, productive, and fulfilled; once volunteers become active, it is very important to keep up communications and offer support; make yourself approachable for any concerns volunteers may have, and offer to speak with them confidentially; always stay organized so you can offer to do what is needed to ensure the volunteers' success; and show enthusiasm in congratulating your volunteers for their achievements. Motivated volunteers enjoy their work and are willing to help out when needed in the future. By following these steps, staff can create a trustworthy network of volunteer leaders.