By Ted Flickinger, Managing Editor The IPRA's Facility Management Section has produced this issue's impressive selection of options, trends and trade secrets in agency management. You'll find the following articles insightful, written by Illinois field professionals:

* Concession operations are a very lucrative investment when managed wisely. Author Barb Manselle, Facility Manager for the Peoria Park District, provides some proven methods to generate additional revenue for your agency.

* Do job title inconsistencies contribute to our profession's public identity crisis? Arnie Biondo, Superintendent of Leisure Services for the Wheeling Park District and Connie Skibbe, Director for the Park District of Highland Park, present a thought provoking Point/Counterpoint discussion of using "traditional" job titles.

* Has your park district ever considered offering multi-facility memberships? Author David Bryden, Superintendent of Revenue Facilities for the Bolingbrook Park District suggests adopting "joint memberships" and offers several considerations for setting the price.

* Reclaiming sanitary landfills for recreational purposes? Author Terry G. Schwartz, Superintendent of Revenue Facilities for the Arlington Heights Park District explains why, over the next decade, careful planning and changing attitudes will be necessary to avert a garbage and open space crisis.

* Mark McKinnon, Manager of the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District Racquet and Fitness Club, delineates the intrinsic value of incorporating a positive "service attitude" throughout your facility.

* What was originally a barrow pit for highway construction is now a multi-purpose, all season facility. Salt Creek Park District's Director Allen Baker and Superintendent of Recreation, Heather Krupke, document their district's rejuvenation of the Twin Lakes Recreation Area.

* Sharon L. Anderson, Manager of Recreational Facilities for the Elk Grove Park District, challenges facility management professionals to take responsibility for the quality of service extended to customers — to make a commitment to excellence in every endeavor.

The 1989 IPR Agency Showcase deadline for entries swiftly approaches. Showcase coordinator Tracy Alden, Director of Recreation for the Western Springs Recreation Department, encourages agencies to submit their best printed, audio/visual and VIDEO entries in this year's competition.

IAPD General Counsel Peter M. Murphy celebrates Governor Thompson's historic approval of OSLAD funding and illuminates other significant legislation passed by the 86th General Assembly. He also reports on highlights of the Joint Legislative Golf Outing at Bensenville Park District's White Pines Golf Course.

Last, but certainly not least, let me remind you our state conference dates are approaching — January 18 thru 21, 1990 at the Peoria Convention Center in Peoria, IL. I encourage you to send any conference-related information for possible inclusion in the Nov./Dec. issue of IPR.

I know you'll enjoy reading this information-packed edition and welcome your comments.

On The Cover Scenic photographer Kim Harris captures the recreational side of tranquillty in our cover photo of canoeists on the lower Cache River in Pulaski County. Harris notes, "The lower Cache is on the U.S. Department of the Interior's roster of Natural National Landmarks, which attests to the area's significance as an alluvial swamp, supporting groves of ancient bald cypress and tupelo trees. It is one of the few remnants of the once-vast cypress swamps that covered southern Illinois."