Quality Matters

The Bahamas Chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) has been named the Grand Prize Winner of the 2002 “Avery Great Results Chapter Achievement Awards”. This award programme recognises IAAP chapters that promote excellence in areas such as certification, member education and programmes, and community service. Five Chapters received awards, but the Bahamas Chapter took the top Grand Prize award, winning $3,000 and the opportunity to be honoured at IAAP’s International Convention in Nashville, TN in July.

Diane Page, Avery Dennison’s Manager of Consumer Development, said *”The Bahamas Chapter clearly demonstrated excellence in many areas. Not only do they have an active chapter with outstanding programmes, but they are also very involved in their local community.”*

The announcement was made today on the occasion of the IAAP Bahamas Chapter’s Education Seminar, part of the annual IAAP Week in The Bahamas. Held under the same theme as IAAP Week, “50 Years of Recognising Excellence”, the Seminar Luncheon was cosponsored by the Bahamas Financial Services Board as the third in its series of “Quality Service” luncheon programmes.

Keynote Luncheon Speaker was Mrs. Cora Ferguson, CPS, Administrative Assistant to Mr. Ian A. Jennings, Chief Financial Officer at Commonwealth Bank. The primary message in Mrs. Ferguson’s presentation was “Quality Matters”, and the IAAP member encouraged her peers to always strive for excellence. Noting that there is an increased awareness of quality on the part of clients industry wide, Mrs Ferguson called on Administrative Professionals to always *”think at a higher level”*, project a professional image and, most importantly, maintain not only a positive attitude, but a “QUALITY” attitude.

Wendy C. Warren, CEO & Executive Director of BFSB, has said that as the industry continues to operate in the highly competitive environment of the global economy, The Bahamas will continue to be a leader in financial services only through the provision of superior service. *”In our industry, we are selling the intangible — financial services — supported by human relationships, knowledge, promptness and consistency,”* she continued.

With its Quality Service programme, BFSB has undertaken a domestic outreach to promote education, or expertise development, and quality service. It firmly believes that concomitant with the development of world-class expertise, industry must also be dedicated to providing excellent service.

For more information on the IAAP Bahamas Chapter, visit their web site.