IPRA Has a Long History of National Leadership...

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Our goal is to continue to expand our leadership position by developing the next generation of leaders. To do so, we must note that times have changed and have the courage to change the way we do business at our agencies and in our association. Simply, it is time for us to have the courage to change.

Chuck Balling, executive director of Glenview Park District, has demonstrated amazing leadership by overseeing a group of 23 highly-motivated, hard-working professionals from throughout the state. I am extremely proud of the work Chuck and this group - our Strategic Planning Advisory Council (SPAC) - have done over the past several months. In a short time, they have collected and synthesized a tremendous amount of information and thoroughly explored six keys areas of interest while developing recommendations based on all of their findings. 

I am encouraging all members to become involved in this process as well. The SPAC makes its formal recommendations to the board of directors at 10 a.m. on July 15 at the Wheeling Park District's Chevy Chase Golf Course. All members are invited to attend to hear the presentations first hand. Information will be made available to the membership. Please review and comment through the IPRA website to help us move our association forward. 

The IPRA Board of Directors will review and discuss the recommendations along with your feedback during August and will move forward on recommendations to set strategic direction for the association in September. To continue our position as a national leader, we must make decisions that will impact the next generation of park and recreation professionals and have the courage to change.

-Carrie Haupert, Chairman of the Board