IPRA...We Mean Business!

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...[1] Businesses are predominant in capitalist economies, where most of them are privately owned and administered to earn profit to increase the wealth of their owners. Businesses may also be not-for-profit or state-owned. A business owned by multiple individuals may be referred to as a company, although that term also has a more precise meaning.

Private businesses and governmental agencies greatly differ in their approach and service methods. While it is not uncommon to see a governmental unit embrace some private business practices, there are still some very distinct differences.

IPRA is very much a business in the entrepreneurial sense. The association is not an extension of the agencies we serve, rather it provides direct services to the professionals that serve the park and recreation needs of the numerous communities of Illinois.

Our members are our shareholders, they comprise our board of directors, our sections/committees and they are the individuals that directly benefit from the association’s existence. We don’t utilize fund accounting, sell or rollover bonds or levy taxes.

Our key and most central products that we produce are our educational opportunities that help you, as a professional, learn and grow. The board of directors and staff are keenly focused on this product. As stated in the Wikipedia definition above: we are increasing your wealth through knowledge and education, networking and resources. We have reached out to you via focus groups and surveys to gather information on the types of education you need to be successful. A committee has been formed that is actively working to create new, trend-conscious opportunities for your professional growth (and wealth)!

With that being said, I want to assure you that the IPRA board and staff are diligently working to create and offer the types of services you need and want. We are employing our business-sense and best practices to bring you the best IPRA possible!

As always, if you would like to get more involved or like to talk please feel free to contact me: 217.244.2695 or lkpaden@illinois.edu.

LoriKay Paden
Academic Advisor - Recreation Sport Tourism, University of Illinois