President's Message
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Fall Summit and Annual business meeting
Thank you to all who attended the Fall Summit in Richmond on November 9th. It was a great turnout of members, student members and exhibitors. The VPTA offered three great courses to help us to meet our mission of assisting members with education that will advance their careers. I am pleased to report that at the annual members business meeting, the members voted to create an early professional special interest group. Adding this special interest group has been part of our strategic plan, and with your help this will now come to fruition. Special thanks to Eric Lineberry for spearheading this initiative. I believe having an early professional special interest group will create a fantastic community for those early in their career who are transitioning into a full-time clinical environment and want/need to learn about how being part of the APTA and VPTA provides value that is not accessible elsewhere.
Keep an eye out!
In January 2020, there are a few really big things happening in the organization. First, we will be unveiling a new website to better serve our members. In today’s digital world, we know that you need information at your fingertips, and having this new service is just one of the ways that we are working to provide value to our members in the most efficient way possible.
Second, following the lead of APTA and on the direction of our Board of Directors, the VPTA will be rebranding our organization to “APTA Virginia.” Virginia has always been a component of the APTA, so there is nothing new in this regard. The rebranding process is simply a step for Virginia members to utilize the power and name recognition of the APTA. You will see a steady transition of other chapters throughout the country following this process as well over the next couple of years. Making this transition is in line with our strategy to determine and implement best practices of associations to foster the growth, stability and success of our association. You will first see this improved branding approach on our website.
Finally, our yearly legislative event (Lobby Day) will be on January 22nd. Keep an eye out for more information to come from Geoff Gunther, our state legislative chair. Creating organization around Lobby Day is critical since the General Assembly building remains under construction. Please consider signing up for Lobby Day. No experience is necessary. We will guide you through the process every step of the way. This is how people, legislators in particular, learn what the true value of physical therapy is and our impact on the health of society. A large PT/PTA/Student presence is noticed by the General Assembly, so participating is important to elevate our strategic initiatives. Hot topics this year include fair co-pay legislation, unfettered direct access, PT involvement in determining the need for handicap placards as well as working with the VATA on their practice act. I hope to see you there.
All and only the best,
Josh Bailey, PT, DPT
VPTA President
