MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Congratulations to the 2014-2015 ProConnect participants! Our inaugural class of ProConnect mentoring teams had their culmination event yesterday, March 4, at Salt Creek Golf Course in Wood Dale. ProConnect participants were presented a certificate of completion from IPRA and our partner, the University of St. Francis in Joliet. We had 74 complete the program. We will be opening applications for the next round of ProConnect later this spring or early summer, with the first event being this fall. This program had rave reviews, and we hope to have another great class of participants next year.
The ProConnect program is a mentoring program in teams of three with a person from each level of experience- early career, mid-level, and advanced professional. Each team has a liaison with the committee to help them with logistical questions along the way. The teams meet once a month in October, November, December, February and March at a mix of educational and networking events, all around the goal of creating a solid foundation in a mentoring relationship that we hope will continue long after this program ends. Many thanks to the extremely hard working Mentoring Task Force who created, designed, and implemented this amazing program: Chair Matthew Ellmann, April Armer, Brian Meyer, Cheryl Deom, Diane Stanke, Joe Modrich, Laura Milkie, LoriKay Paden, Ron Oestreich, University of St. Francis rep Mike Selep, IPRA 2014 Chair Jan Hincapie, and speaker Dennis Ulrey.
Our evaluation at the mid-point of the program in November, 98 percent of respondents said they would recommend this program to a friend or colleague.
Since then, participants have shared these other positive thoughts:
1. "ProConnect is an outstanding program for professionals in any stage of their career or supervisory level. The experience was invaluable. I personally came away with new ideas, some great resources, more wonderful contacts (or friends in field as I like to call them) and a fresh outlook on my job and the opportunities it holds."
2. "What can I say.....both of my teammates are amazing women whom I have thoroughly enjoyed working with and learning from. Our experience together provided motivation, self- awareness and creativity both professionally and personally. I know that our relationship created through ProConnect will last for years to come."
3. "The ProConnect program has really helped with expanding my professional network in more ways than I ever thought possible. I have now created new relationships that I will carry with my throughout the rest of my career."
4. "The ProConnect Mentoring program was a great way to meet someone who has an advanced and intelligent perspective of the parks and recreation career. My mentor is knowledgeable, friendly and very helpful; I feel much more confident about my career now that I have gotten to know her."
5. "The ProConnect Mentoring program provided an opportunity for me to connect with young professional that was energetic and enthusiastic to learn more about the field of Parks & Recreation; the energy motivated me and reminded me why I love working in this field. The activities and educational portion of the program were fun and provided opportunities for personal growth. It was a great experience, and I would consider participating again as a Mentee."
Congratulations again to those who completed the program in our inaugural class. Watch for applications to roll out in the next few months. We can only accept 75 people in the program, so we hope to have you in our next class!
Debbie Trueblood, CAE
Executive Director
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MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD
In our recent membership survey, the top reason people join IPRA is to develop professional contacts and meet others in the field. The second reason is continuing education through workshops and seminars.
Our tagline is "Learn. Connect. Inspire". That's What it is. So what? Why is that important?
I have been a member of IPRA since 1986. I have served on the Facility Management Section Board, Recreation Section Board, various committees, presented at conference, and most recently assisted with the development of the Leadership Academy, was elected to the Board of Directors, and participated in the new ProConnect Mentoring Programs. I have had the privilege and honor to work with hundreds of people that have helped shape who I am today. None of that would have been possible without IPRA.
I am firm believer that all of us are more effective than any one of us. So I ask you...Why IPRA? How can you connect and engage with our association to ensure we are continuously improving and adding value for our members? Our association is not perfect, and we have a great deal of work ahead of us. We can streamline the association to more effectively empower volunteers and staff. We are planning the launch of our Community Campaign "UnPlug Illinois." Year two of ProConnect and possibly a ProConnect South for our members in Southern Illinois. We can more effectively align our educational programs and sessions to ensure quality and minimize redundancy. Never underestimate the power and potential of making connections and building relationships in this industry because you never know what the future holds.
A quick story:
When I was finishing my internship as a 22-year-old with the Schaumburg Park District back in 1986 I saw a job announcement through IPRA for an Athletic Supervisor Position with the Homewood Flossmoor Park District. I sent in my resume, interviewed with Chuck Balling, and fortunately Chuck took a chance on a young college graduate from Southern Illinois University. About nine weeks later, I received a call from Schaumburg offering me a position to come back to the Schaumburg Park District. I was terrified, not knowing what to do. A colleague encouraged me to be honest and talk to Chuck. Chuck's response was straight forward but incredibly powerful. He simply said I would hate to lose you this quickly, but you have to trust your heart . My heart told me to take the chance and go back to Schaumburg.
Chuck Balling is retiring this spring, and to me Chuck epitomizes what makes our industry and association so special. While I only worked for him for nine weeks, he has always been a significant part of my professional life. I have learned from him, made connections through him, and yes he has inspired me to strive to be the best, serving and leading others. Chuck has served our association in so many ways it would be hard to list them all. In 2008 when I applied for the Executive Director position in Northbrook, Chuck provided me tremendous insight, and little did I know he was asked to be part of the interview team. One extremely powerful connection that started in 1986 evolved into a personal and professional friendship and a mentor that I will always cherish. Thank you, Chuck. You are an amazing person and professional, and we will all miss you.
Rick Hanetho
Executive Director, Northbrook Park District
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