Moving Toward Excellence

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On July 15, Chuck Balling, Glenview Park District, and his team of 23 hard-working members from across the state presented recommendations for IPRA’s new strategic direction. The information was well-prepared and carefully thought out. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to look at the strategic plan to gain a full understanding of our direction and plans. Our next step is for the board of directors to approve the recommendations and for our staff to create a plan with associated timelines, goals and tasks to charge forward. This will take place at 10 a.m. on Aug. 18 at the Bloomingdale Park District.

Election for Board of Directors/Chair-Elect

The election process is in full swing! This term we have six positions up for re-election; Recreation, Facility Management, Ethnic Minority, Communication and Marketing, Central and Northern Regions. We have had a great response from professionals looking to get involved and help us to take IPRA to the next level. The slate will be presented to the board on Oct. 7.  We are accepting nominations of incumbent board members for the chair-elect position and will interview and select that individual on Oct. 7 as well. Please watch your e-mail and be ready to cast your vote online during the week of Nov. 1-8. 

It’s Official – IPRA has a Temporary New Home

The staff has officially moved the IPRA office to the Lombard Park District. On July 29, the team made a seamless transition. By Friday at noon, the phones, computers and staff were in working condition. Make sure you change your contact information - P.O. Box 697, Lombard, IL 60148, Phone: (630) 376-1911, Fax: (630) 376-1919. We are appreciative of the Lombard Park District’s generosity and flexibility. We will continue to research the best option for the IPRA home office for 2011 and beyond.

On the Road to Continued Financial Stability

Overall, IPRA is doing well and our financial stability continues to improve. The finance committee, staff and board continue to work toward rebuilding the bottom line. Additional programs, continued monitoring, smart spending and section training have helped us accomplish the following:

• Cash and equivalents have improved by more than $100K from 2009 to 2010
• Based on conference revenues, we expect to have an additional $300K in net cash position from 2009 to 2010
• Overall expenses have decreased by $230K from 2009 to 2010
• Membership has remained stable – support for the association continues to be strong thanks to our dedicated members

Get You and Your Team Moving!

While we are working hard to provide excellent opportunities for our community, remember it is important to refuel yourself and your staff. NRPA 2010 is right here in the Midwest, a great opportunity for your team to learn, grow and refresh itself. I challenge all of you, your colleagues and elected officials to participate in the 5K fun run in Minneapolis in October. Let’s show that Illinois not only provides the top recreation services in the nation, but we are an active and fit group as well. For the last two years, the Bloomingdale Park District staff and board have participated as a team. It is a fun team-building exercise for all. Anyone can participate, you just have to choose to do it – and starting now is a great idea! We would like to identify a coordinator from each region to encourage agencies to get involved and get active in the NRPA 5K. If you are interested in helping, please contact Lori Kay Paden at lkpaden@illinois.edu. Check out http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml for training tips on how to go from being a couch potato to doing your first 5K!

It’s All about YOU

We need you to continue to support, be involved, give us your opinion and be willing to serve. It is your organization and we are dedicated to making it the best it can be to assist you in being the best you can be!

- Carrie Haupert, CPRP, Chairman of the IPRA Board of Directors