EYE ON THE PROFESSION
A CLOSER LOOK AT TRENDS AND ISSUES IN THE PARK AND RECREATION PROFESSION

William J. M. Wald IPRA Chief Executive Officer

Hasn't this year really flown by? It seems like just yesterday we were wrapping up another great conference in Chicago. But here we are, in September, getting ready for yet another conference - check that -an even better conference. It's amazing to me how the association and its members have grown over the past year.

Last year at this time I was telling you about the remarkable improvements being made to the IPRA Web site and how the new site was going to revolutionize your membership experience. The IPRA staff has worked diligently to make great strides in providing the best customer service and membership resources available to you. In doing so, we had to watch the bottom line and look for alternative means of conducting association business.

I have high hopes for the future of IPRA, its members and parks and recreation here in Illinois.

Looking back, the almost year-old Web site seemed to have been a catalyst for several other advancements the association has brought to its members. Believe me, we're not done. With technology driving everything we do, I have high hopes for the future of IPRA, its members and parks and recreation here in Illinois. I am very thankful to have a staff and board of directors that embrace change.

Change. Not just change — improvements and forward thinking for the betterment of the members. We wouldn't be satisfied, and neither would you, if we maintained the status quo year after year. This past year has been marked with several changes beneficial to you, beneficial to your membership and beneficial to the association.

ILipra.org - Efficient, Practical and Resourceful

As I mentioned, the IRPA Web site is coming up on its one-year anniversary. Over the course of the year, ILipra.org has received some rather nice "birthday presents." The site has received rave reviews by other associations throughout the country and agencies here at home. The pure number of hits to the site and the diversity of groups accessing its resources have far exceeded our expectations. A comprehensive survey was done a couple months ago to evaluate the site's effectiveness and ease of use. Based on your comments, we are already working to further enhance the Web site while improving upon its user-friendly format. I truly believe that IRPA's Web site will be the future of the association.

Cooperative Purchase Program -Online, On Time and Under Budget

The Cooperative Purchase Program, used by an abundant number of thrifty agencies, has made extraordinary advancements this year. Not only can your agency save a great deal of money by ordering in bulk with other agencies, you can now register your agency, order supplies, make adjustments to your order and track your order all from the comfort of your own computer. If you have not taken advantage of the program, I urge you to consider it next year. The time and money you will save when purchasing bulk products through the Cooperative Purchase Program is a great benefit of being an IPRA member.

_______________________________________

We wouldn't be satisfied, and neither would you, if we maintained the status quo year after year.

8 Illinois Parks and Recreation www.ILipra.org

eNewsletters - Your Monthly Must Have Guide

Back in March, IPRA introduced an electronic version of a newsletter to publicize upcoming events and meetings, as well as to share insights beneficial to you as a member. A communication survey we conducted a couple years ago revealed that the membership was exhausted by the numerous e-mail blasts IPRA sent each week. Not only were we sending out e-mail blasts on a regular basis, we were also sending out bulk mailings full of photocopied flyers. Consolidating both of these into a monthly eNewsletter has significantly reduced the costs associated with communicating with our members. We have effectively been able to coordinate with IPRA sections and committees to get information distributed in a timely, cost-effective manner.

Another great benefit of becoming an IPRA member, one that is fulfilled by the eNewsletter, is receiving resources that will help you and your agency succeed. For IPRA, the ability to track the number of hits received in the eNewsletter has allowed us to communicate better with you on topics we know you are interested in. If you have not subscribed to the free eNewsletter, you can do so easily with a visit to the IRPA Web site.

The Blog Spot - Everything Relevant to You

In July, IPRA again expanded upon the ever-emerging technology frontier and created a new blog, or Web log, at http://IPRA.blogspot.com. As you all probably know by now, a blog is a Web site "journal" where topics of interest can be written and users like you can interact and share feedback. IPRA is the first park and recreation association anywhere to provide a blog for its members. The feedback and opportunity for learning has been outstanding. The Blog Spot is yet another way IPRA will communicate with members — sharing information and trends relevant to park and recreation professionals. Make The Blog Spot a daily part of your media reading.

What's on the Horizon?

IPRA is in the process of developing a brand new resume Web site where members can confidentially post their resumes when looking for new jobs. In turn, agencies will have the ability to purchase the rights to view candidates' resumes when looking for specific positions. In combination with the hugely popular job opportunities section of the IPRA Web site, members will have every angle covered when job hunting.

Did I mention yet that IPRA moved? After a long process, IPRA has moved to a new office suite in Oakbrook Terrace. Our new address is:

The new IPRA headquarters is more centrally located within the suburbs of Chicago, making member interaction easier. We hope you all get a chance to visit us soon.

Wow! Quite a year we've had! But we are not done. IPRA continues to move forward, providing the best resources, educational and networking opportunities and certification programs. IPRA is your key to advancement in the field of parks and recreation. We hope you are on board with us as we venture into 2006. Thank you for your support, and we'll see you at conference.

www.ilparks.org September/October 2005 9