March 2007
ERAPPA Mid Year Meeting
Times are a-changing! Before I got to sit on the DVAPPA board I assumed that DVAPPA was an independent entity that sort of had a relationship with APPA and at least once a year got together
with our peers at a major event sponsored by a volunteer Chapter under the auspices of ERAPPA.
Well, I was wrong... sort of...
We are an independent Chapter, but it is clear that to maintain the credibility of the APPA organization (and for that matter our own Chapter) the independent Chapters have to become less like a herd of cats and more like a a corporate body with distinct business structures and practices.
Thankfully all of the former President's of DVAPPA were prescient in their development of our own constitution and by-laws. The ERAPPA board has been working with APPA for a few years to develop a letter of understanding which will lay out the expected corporate structure for each of the Chapters that make up the Eastern Region of APPA. We are a 501(c)6 non-profit, but some of the Chapters of the Eastern Region are either not incorporated or not incorporated as non-profit entities. Plus we have Canadian Chapters with entirely different legal structures. This raises a whole host of issues about taxes, reporting requirements, liability, etc. By coming to a common understanding and agreeing to the business guidelines we will become part of a much stronger organization. We have been very fortunate to have our past presidents (Glenn Smith and Fred Long) in a position as President of ERAPPA and ERAPPA VP of Chapter Affairs respectively, to influence the dialogue during the development of this important step. I'm looking forward to signing on when the letter is presented on May 1, 2007.
A second major initiative from APPA is the development of a certification program for Facilities Management professionals. Virtually all professions have certification programs that will bring distinction to those who pass the tests. Engineers have their PE. Accountants have the CPA.
Facilities Management professionals who are called upon to make major planning decisions in educational facilities on a routine basis should be recognized for the broad scope of knowledge that the role requires. APPA plans to roll out the initial program in the fall in Phoenix. This will not be a ho-hum "take the course and get a certificate". This program will be proctored tests with questions developed by professionals in the business. 'Sounds like an exciting development.
Don't forget the 19th Annual Skytop in April. Sign up soon.
Cordially,
Ralph Thayer, President DVAPPA
p.s. - A special plea to institutional members: We need to build up our membership so that we can remove the barrier that prevents patient and deserving business partners from joining our organization. We all know at least one school, college or university that may not be aware of the benefits of DVAPPA... for that matter may not even know we exist! I am throwing out a challenge for every Institution to bring just one new member into the fold this year. Please contact Bob Morrow with the name of a contact in an interested institution or plan on bringing a prospective member to one of the upcoming events.
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