IPRA Executive Director
Dear Colleague:
The year, 2008, was a year which focused on improving upon IPRA programs
which were already in place and continuing to implement the strategic
initiatives included in the Association’s Business and Strategic Plans.
It was a year of continued growth. It was, also, a year where IPRA staff
evaluated their work to make sure what was being done accomplished the
initiatives outlined in the Strategic Plan.
Some of the more significant accomplishments during the year included
the following:
1. Professional Development Program –
Initiatives included within the Strategic Plan called for increasing the
daily workshop program offerings of the Association. They, also, called
for the addition of a contract staff person to incorporate these. Both
occurred during the year. In July, members of the Board of Directors
approved a staff request to contract with an individual to oversee the
Professional Development program. John Lester, a long time IPRA
volunteer and Past President, agreed to accept this challenge. The
results were immediate with the addition of two fall workshops in
community programming and aquatics. IPRA staff will add additional
workshop programs in 2009 based upon member needs.
2. “The Profile” – With the approval of
members of the IPRA Board of Directors, a third issue (Summer) of “The
Profile,” the Association’s magazine publication, was published. The
success of “The Profile” was tremendous in 2008 thanks, primarily, to
the efforts of its Editor, Will Lacey. His enthusiasm and ideas on how
to improve upon the publication paid dividends.
3. Strategic Plan – Aside from
implementing and completing initiatives included in the Plan, IPRA staff
members composed a business plan outlining the resources needed to
successfully implement it. With the addition of the business plan, IPRA
staff are now using the Plan to sell the benefits of IPRA membership to
potential corporate customers. As a result, corporate membership and
participation in IPRA activities has increased as measured by the number
of exhibit booths sold for the 2009 Conference and the increased number
of ads sold for “The Profile” magazine in 2008.
4. Audit: The first audit of IPRA finances
in several years was completed in 2008. Audit results verified the
stated financial balances of the Association and reviewed its financial
procedures against daily practice. There were no significant suggestions
for improvements in Association financial practices made as a result of
the audit. By action of the members of the Association Board of
Directors, an audit of Association activities will be conducted in even
numbered years in the future.
5. IPRA Foundation: The IPRA Foundation, a
much needed addition to the scope of services provided by the
Association, was started in 2008. Papers were filed with the IRS
requesting a 501-C-3 classification for the Foundation. Initial Board
members of the Foundation include: Eric Myers (President), Clark Ketchum
(Member), Al Patterson (Member), Steve Slauson (Member), and Chris Stice
(Member). The Foundation will be the major fund raising arm of the
Association.
I anticipate that the pattern of growth and refinement of Association
programs will continue in 2009. Two key programs to be finalized in 2009
will be the completion of the current Strategic Plan and the completion
of a Strategic Plan for the years 2010 through 2012.
On behalf of the members of the IPRA staff and myself, it has been our
pleasure to serve you in 2008; and we look forward to our continued
relationships.
Respectfully Submitted,
Steve Waltz
Executive Director
Steve Waltz, Executive Director
Indiana Park & Recreation Association
P.O. Box 888
Cicero, Indiana, 46034
execdir@inpra.org
Office Local# (317) 984-4500
Fax# (317) 984-4511
