The deadline to apply for ProConnect is tomorrow by 5:00 PM Friday, August 7.

As I look back at those who participated last year, we accepted 74 participants, of whom 12 were already executive directors. Of the remaining people, 24% have a new title at work since they applied a year ago, and almost all of those people were promoted at the same agency they were with last year. This is a great testimony to the way this program supports both the professional’s personal growth and the development of a great team of leaders for the supporting agency. Survey results show that 96% of respondents were satisfied or extremely satisfied with the program, 96% would recommend this program to a friend or colleague, and 93% intended to continue their mentoring relationships.

Recently I watched a television program Chicago Tonight. One of the segments focused on the state's task force to consolidate and dissolve local governments. As many of you know Illinois leads the country with the most units of government.

IPRA and the Foundation would like to recognize South Suburban Parks and Recreation Professional Association in their support for our colleagues in Coal City following recent storms. As a statewide community, we appreciate and recognize when we can help each other through challenging times. 

Registration for the 2015 Professional Development School is open!

Corporate partnership has changed dramatically over the past decade. The dynamic economy has impacted corporate giving, marketing and partnerships.

Most of us are terrific at taking care of our bosses, our families, our co-workers, our friends, our neighbors, or anyone else who needs nurturing. But when it comes to taking care of ourselves, we just don't seem to have any time or energy left, right?

Unlock the secrets behind exceeding customer expectations serving an increasingly diverse audience base from different backgrounds, ethnicities, languages, and even nationalities.

Gain essential skills for understanding, relating and working productively with all types of people...even the most resistant.

This lively session will cover conflict resolution from the two sides of the spectrum we usually face in the work place: between co-workers and with customers.

• Park & Natural Resource Management Section Meeting & Discussion: 2015 Summer Sports Field Workshop - 8/13/15
• Communications & Marketing Section Meeting - 8/26/15
• Diversity Section Meeting - 8/26/15
• Facility Management Section Meeting - 8/26/15
• Recreation Section Meeting - 8/26/15
• Therapeutic Recreation Section Meeting and Workshop - 8/26/15
• PSC's Joint Section Education Workshop: Strategies to Prevent Burnout - 8/26/15
  

Visit the IPRA Event Calendar for details!

IPRAConnect is the Illinois Park & Recreation Association's new, members-only online community. It is your connection to an invaluable resource - each other! We know you value networking, professional development sharing resources...to build on that, we are excited to introduce you to the next level of member collaboration.

IPRAConnect is an environment where members can connect, engage and share information, resources and best practices with their colleagues in real time. Members can join communities and start participating in the discussions right away!

Start by logging in at connect.ilipra.org, using your IPRA login & password.