Connecting our Members-at-LargeForMAL Focus, Q2 2018 Page 1 Editor’s Message New Members CCAP Graduates Finally SUMMER is here! So much has happened since the release of the 1st

ForMAL Focus, Q2 2018 Page 1

Editor’s Message New Members CCAP Graduates

Finally SUMMER is here!

So much has happened since the release of the 1st edi on….but before anything, let me first say, “I

hope you are having a WARM‐derful me”!

This edi on is very different from the last……..there’s so much to share but so li le of space to put them

all. You will be so proud to see what our MAL members have accomplished.

But first, allow me to say, “I’m honored to serve as your MAL Liaison again this year. Thank you for the

trust and believe you bestowed upon me. I am very humbled to serve you and our Associa on”.

The recently concluded Na onal Conference and AGM was a hit! Thank you to the Calgary Branch crew

who worked relessly in making sure everything went smooth. The 80’s theme was well a ended and

Oh my, you should have seen the wonderful costumes everyone came up with. It was an awesome

gathering! For more photos from the Na onal AGM, please go to our Facebook page. I wish more of

you were there to witness it. You will read some comments from couple of MALs, who a ended, what

their experiences were. I hope you will endeavor to a end the next one.

I want to emphasize in this edi on to please pay a en on to your membership “Renewal Date”. I

know we will all get busy during summer. If I may suggest, before you get busy, mark September 1st in

your calendar as the “date to remember”!

Special “Thank You” goes to MALs who responded very quickly to my call on contribu on towards our

newsle er!

I hope you will enjoy reading this newsle er and find its contents of high value. Our volunteer, Amy, is

always working very hard to provide you with informa on that is informa ve, related and balance. It

would be lovely to hear your comments and feedback a er each edi on. I also highly encourage you

to get involved by sending us ar cles or informa on that you think may be beneficial to other MAL

members.

Un l next me ForMAL Focus!

Take care,

Evelyn

Connecting our Members-at-Large


Edited by: Amy Norman, QAA

Kitchener, ON

Message from your ForMAL Focus Editor

Hi All! Hope you are enjoying the summer so far!

This summer has been very busy and very hot. Whatever happened to the me

when there was a “slow down” during the summer…no longer!! I do hope you

are all enjoying me with family & friends and ge ng out and enjoying the

beau ful country we live in – Canada!!

This ar cle is packed with lots of informa on for you from this year CCAP

graduates, details on the rebranding of AAP and CCAP, Microso ps & tricks and

highlights from the recent AGM. A huge thank you to our contributors for this

issue, many thanks!

Don’t forget this is YOUR newsle er and Evelyn & I welcome your input! Feel free to send any ar cles or dbits to me at [email protected]

Amy

Membership Renewal

A reminder, membership renewals are

due September 1, 2018!!


Welcome to our New Members!!! Aki Hung Markham, ON

Amanda Ho Burnaby, BC

Angela Danielisz New Westminster, BC

Anny Chen Vancouver, BC

Brenda Chambers‐Ivey Kenora, ON

Creole Carmichael Victoria, BC

Daniele Auclair Kingston, ON

Eleonor Ren (Yi Jing) Vancouver, BC

Eugenia Odarouk Vancouver, BC

Evelyn Dore O awa, ON

Ezeani Agatha Chioma Gbagda, Lagos

Francesca Forde Kanata, ON

Janet Granda Morden, MB

Jiselle Belliveau Saint John, NB

Josee Larivieri Ga neau, QC

Julia Walker Windsor, ON

Laurey Stolk Consecon, ON

Lindsay Demchuk Regina, SK

Lisa MacDonald Elora, ON

Luisa Pinto Bradford, ON

Maryam Garrecht Surrey, BC

Paula Verbrugghe London, ON

Rhonda Pinkney Vancouver, BC

Shanee Philip Vancouver, BC

Stacey Medley Kitchener, ON

Suzanne Rowell Vancouver, BC

Timothy Wakfer Fall River, NS


CCAP Focus

Name and current job Vicky Fox, CCAP I have spent 30 years in an administrative role in my career but have been with Canadian Mental Health Association for 8 years in the role of Executive Assistant. I am pursuing my QAA designation in order to remain current within the industry and continue on a path of educating myself. At Canadian Mental Health we have an annual event called “Ride Don’t Hide” to reduce stigma for those affected by mental health issues, I have volunteered as well as participated in this event for 3 years. I would like to thank my husband for supporting me through this journey.

Melissa Hotvedt, CCAP

With 20 years professional experience in the finance industry, I have been fortunate to have held multiple roles including; Member Services, HR Administration and Executive Assistant. I decided to pursue my QAA designation in 2015 to expand my experience and skill set with professional training. After researching many options, I am very grateful to have found the QAA program, and hope to use my new qualification to enhance my career path. As a Secretary of a local Community Association, and a member of my daughter’s school PAC, I know this designation will also assist me with my volunteer activities. I’m so grateful to have the loving support of my family. To my Mom, I know she is looking over me from above, my Dad, sister and brother, thank you for always answering my many emails/texts/calls with support and faith in my schooling. Finally, to my husband and daughters; Jacelynn and Khloe – I love you all. Thank you for your patience and support while I took time away from us to pursue this import adventure.

Lori Lloyd, CCAP – NO PHOTO

I have worked in the Administrative Professional field for approximately 35 years and wanted to obtain my QAA desig‐nation in order to update and enhance my skill set.

Sarah Smiley, CCAP

I have been working as an adminis‐trative assistant for 8 years. My current role is an Accounts Payable Administrator. I decided to pursue the QAA designation to fur‐ther my education and to enhance my career. I would like to thank my husband and parents for suppor ng and encouraging me during my QAA journey.

Lori Munroe, CCAP

I am an Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Academic & Research. My current role offers a variety of tasks including tracking budgets, coordinating meetings, working with external organizations and calendar for VP’s calendar. I decided to pursue my QAA designation to continue my education and I believe it was an important step in my professional development. I volunteer my time with many of the student activities that take place within the community. I would like to thank my employer, University College of the North, for allowing me the opportunity to pursue my designa on.

Congratulations to all MALs on achieving your CCAP professional designation!!


Rebranding Focus

Our Rebrand Story

The story of our visual iden ty refresh started with the name change. Member demand and public

percep on called for an update to the name with something less limi ng than “administra ve assistants”.

The Qualified Administra ve Assistant cer ficate and designa on needed a revitalized name as well. It was

hindering our ability to reach poten al new enrollees, and the use of the word “qualified” was fairly

subjec ve. So, in 2016, the name of our organiza on was changed to the Associa on of Administra ve

Professionals, and the designa on evolved to become the Canadian Cer fied Administra ve Professional.

These new names reflect our desire to welcome members from all levels of the administra on profession,

from student up to skilled professional, and it reflects our purpose to assist members in expanding their

educa on by providing growth opportuni es.

With the guidance of Crea ve Solu ons (Newmarket, Ontario firm who specializes in crea ve business

strategies and marke ng solu ons) and a marke ng commi ee comprised of volunteers from across our

branches, we began the process of designing new brandmarks for the AAP and CCAP and refreshing our

visual iden ty.

It all began with a moodboard, a collec on of logos that caught our eye, and a conversa on about what it

was that we liked about the logos we each chose and what it was we wanted the AAP to represent.

Themes such as educa on, growth, support, knowledge sharing and collabora on arose. A colour pale e

also began to emerge. Bright, fresh colours that conveyed vitality, freshness, excitement and fun

caught the eye of most commi ee members.

We also looked at our compe tors. What was it about their brands that a racted us or what was it that

turned us off? Through that discussion, direc ons such as relevant, modern, bold and inclusive emerged.

We wanted something that would be recognizable and invi ng to all.

That’s when the design brainstorming and refinement processes took over! Crea ve Solu ons took

elements from the logos we preferred and applied our name and acronym to them. They presented us

with a large sampling of op ons to evaluate and discuss, which we narrowed down to a handful. Then

stage by stage over me… layout, icon, font, colour… we designed our new iden ty.

When we had the AAP design nearly set, Crea ve Solu ons launched the CCAP brandmark design process.

They took elements of the AAP logo and from other ideas to provide us again with a menu of op ons.

Again, over me, we reduced and enhanced the op ons down un l one stood out from the crowd.

The new AAP and CCAP brandmarks are vibrant, modern and inclusive. Using colours such as so plum,

so blue, so lime green and so cherry, they a ract a en on and invite administra ve professionals of

all ages and skill levels to check out the associa on and our cer ficate program.


Rebranding Focus

You’ve heard us talking about it… now you’ve seen it… so any questions?

We hope that you are as excited as we are about the fresh new look. We recognize that along with change comes questions and to that end we’ve tried to anticipate some of the questions you might have regarding what has been happening to get to this point, what’s going on now, and what comes next. If after this riveting read you come up with something we didn’t just reach out to us and we would be more than happy to answer it for you.

Q: Was it really necessary to have a fresh look?

Yes…Yes…Yes! Our members, industry contacts and public perception told us that we were outdated. Well, maybe they didn’t use the word ‘outdated’ but we know that’s what they meant. The direction was for something that would appeal to all ages but primarily the younger group, something that would be bright and uplifting while still maintaining the level of professionalism that is expected of us, and something that is all-inclusive and forward-looking. We are the only Canadian association for those in administrative roles and part of ensuring that we are seen as leading the way for our members and for them to feel that we keep up with the times in the services we offer and in the value that comes with membership, is to keep fresh looking. It’s kind of like keeping your work wardrobe professional and current.

Q: What will be accomplished by rebranding?

We will be noticed! It is our goal that anyone seeing our new logo and look will be enticed to learn more about us if they don’t already know us, and those that have heard of us but have been sitting on the fence about joining because they felt we were dated will reconsider. We know that having a dated look can discourage people from joining because a dated look can mean dated information. Administrative professionals are usually those on the front lines. They are the ones having to anticipate needs, troubleshoot, manage change, and lead the way; and to do that they need to feel confident that we, as their Association, are right there with them offering them what they need to succeed and supporting them as we can. Our younger members are our future and we want them to feel that we are forward-looking and forward-moving and not still behind the times with their grandmothers… not that there is anything wrong with grandmothers by any means! The rebrand is also meant to show our educational partners, our sponsors, and the employers that come to us with employment opportunities, that we are a vibrant organization that is current and modern yet still professional. and modern yet still professional.

Q: How did the Association arrive at this new visual identity?

Who participated in the process? At the request of the National Board, six member-volunteers formed a marketing committee to spearhead this and other marketing initiatives for the Association. The committee developed a request for proposal document and invited marketing brand


Rebranding Focus

specialists from across Canada to participate. The chosen specialist, a company called Creative Solutions, then led the committee through a branding process which took us from a blank canvas to the creation of new logos for both the Association and our certification program. Once that was completed then the process of implementing this fresh look began. We developed a rebrand story which provides an interesting look into this process and will be distributed to all members.

Q: Has the Association changed its name? Why?

As of February 2017, the Association of Administrative Assistants changed its name to Association of Administrative Professionals. Considering the great diversity within our membership and within the administrative profession, we felt that the word assistant was too limiting for today’s business world.

Q: What does the new logo represent?

We are so excited and proud to have such strong and wonderful values represented in our new logo. The circles emit feelings of all-encompassing inclusiveness and a sense of unity and support. The cut-out swoosh represents openness as we know how important it is to keep an open mind and to be open to new opportunities. The modern colors we have chosen show us as the vibrant and diverse group we are.

Q: When can we start using the new logo?

As of June 2, 2018, the new logos will be in use.

Q: Can we still use the quill and book logo?

While the Association still holds the trademark on the book and quill logo, it should not be used after June 2, 2018.

Q: Are we still using the blue that was part of the old visual brand?

We now have logos that incorporate three and four colors that provide a fresh look. While we know some individuals may still be attached to the AAA blue, that color is not part of the new palate and should not be used.

Q: Can I create a version of the logo for my branch to use? No. We understand that branches and individuals will have different ideas and will want to be creative and show off our fresh look… that’s understandable given how awesome it is, but to maintain the consistent look and intention of the new brand there are strict guidelines in place for how it is to be used. In some cases, a review and/or approval by the Marketing Committee will be required before use. An AAP brand guide document will be provided to each branch executive, as well as be available on our shared drive for reference.


Rebranding Focus

Q: Is our font still Times New Roman? No. In addition to updating our colors and style, we have also taken this opportunity to update our font. It took a lot of consideration to decide on this new choice, but we feel that it goes well with the new modern look and direction we are going in.

Q: What are the official colors of the Association?

The new vibrant colors of the Association are referred to as Soft Plum, Soft Blue, and Soft Lime Green. For the CCAP logo, we added a Soft Cherry to those three.

Q: Will the Association be changing its web and email addresses?

Email addresses for the Executive and various committee members have already been changed to reflect the AAP name. There will be a significant amount of work on our website to have it reflect the new look, but once done it will look amazing. We will be prioritizing areas of the website to be updated first.

Q: How much was spent on the rebranding?

The National Board of Directors approved a $10,000 limit for the rebrand campaign. The main expenditure was the hiring of the branding specialist, Creative Solutions, to walk us through the process. Once that was complete, there was still a little left in our budget, which we have been using to retain Creative Solutions to consult with us on an as-needed basis regarding the rollout of the new brand.

Q: Does anything with my membership change with the rebranding?

Your incredible membership remains the same with the same privileges and perks that you have come to enjoy. However, as we continue to move forward we are always looking for new ways to add value to our memberships, so any suggestions you may have are welcome and greatly appreciated. Suggestions may be sent to [email protected].

Q: Do any existing non-disclosur e or confidentiality agreements have to be updated or replaced?

If you already have a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) or confidentiality agreement in place with a sponsor or other contact, you do not have to have them complete a new one under our new name. We are legally the same organization therefore anything done under the previous name carries over to our new name. If you are entering into a first time NDA/confidentiality agreement, then it must be created under our new name.

Q: Is there a disclaimer that should be used on external communications?

In correspondence to external contacts such as letters, notes, flyers, etc., the following disclaimer or footnote should be used: “The Association of Administrative Assistants is


Rebranding Focus

now Association of Administrative Professionals.” This disclaimer can be used for the next 12 months as the general public becomes more accustomed to our new brand. You also have the option of referencing the previous name in the body of text in the following way if you choose to do so: “Association of Administrative Professionals (formerly Association of Administrative Assistants)”.

Q: If someone outside the Association has any questions about our changes that I can’t answer, is there anyone that I can refer t hem to?

While we are making every attempt to notify existing contacts, partners, sponsors, and the general public, there may still be instances where someone will ask a question that you may not feel comfortable answering. That’s okay, it’s understandable. In those cases, you can refer them to [email protected] and we will be happy to respond to them.

Q: Is the Association’s mission and/or vision changing too? Yes. Every few years organizations/companies review their strategic plan to make sure they are on track as to where they are and where they want to go, and this involves reviewing mission and vision statements. We thought this would be an ideal time to look at ours. The heart of our mission and vision statements remains the same, but we believed the verbiage needed updating to include new goals that a) reflect the ever-changing communities we are part of; b) are in line with our current and future ideology; and c) reflect what we as a group believe in and what we want others to see in us.

Q: Why am I still seeing and hearing references to AAA and QAA?

All good things take time. Rebranding can be a lengthy process, and we want to do it the best we can. We are trying to get everything done as quickly and painlessly as possible, because we know you are just as excited to see it all and use it as we are to show it to you, but it is a lot of work. We hope you understand and can be patient with us for just a little longer… it will be worth it, we promise. In the meantime, we feel we have prioritized tasks in a way so that the most needed or requested items will be ready first. To that end, we have created some great new templates (just wait ‘til you see them!). Some, for the most used documents, will be ready for use June 2; others will follow as finalized.

Q: How does this affect the QAA designation and program?

We continuously work hard to make sure our certification program maintains or exceeds industry standards. At the risk of “tooting our own horn”… we think we do an excellent job at it… so nothing other than the program and designation names will change. Having said that, however, we know nothing is ever perfect (unless it involves chocolate of course), so we are always available to listen to ideas and suggestions for improvement to our program.


Rebranding Focus

Q: Has the QAA certification name changed too? Can I use the ne w designation now?

The name Canadian Certified Administrative Professional (CCAP) has replaced the name Qualified Administrative Assistant (QAA). A lot of discussion took place over the past several years about updating the certification name to something that better represents the current and future role of anyone in an administration. The roles of administrative personnel have changed immensely over the years and the variety of job titles is vast. Changing the word assistant to professional was a way of showing employers and others that we take our roles and professional development just as seriously as those with a P.Eng. or MD do. We feel that the new name is more encompassing to all those that attain the designation. As of June 2, you can use the CCAP designation name instead of the QAA. There will be a process for those that attained their designation prior to the name change. This process will be coordinated through our CCAP National Registrar, so if you have your QAA designation you will be hearing directly from her if you haven’t already.

Q: Is the rebrand complete? If not, when will it be done?

There is still plenty to do. We will be finalizing the remaining templates, sending out notices to external parties, updating the website, etc. It takes time to change old habits and after 60+ years there are a “few” old habits to break. We don’t expect things to happen overnight and, as admins and everyone knows, one thing always leads to another… and to another… but we hope to realistically have the rebrand launched and celebrated by the end of the year.

Q: What do we do if we have any stationary with the old logo?

There is not likely to be any preprinted stationary on hand as most groups print as needed, but if there is, it should not be used. If, for some reason, there is an inventory of stationary with the old logo, in consideration of the environment we recommend using it as scrap or donating it to daycare centers for kids to use.

Q: Other than the AGM, will there be any other brand launch activities planned?

Now that’s a secret we aren’t ready to share yet… not completely anyway. Each branch is encouraged to do something special to launch the new brand in their community, but you will need to watch for their plans to be announced by them.


Microso Produc vity Hacks

Part 1 of our Microso Produc vity Hacks as presented by Katherine Vaillancourt


Microso Produc vity Hacks


Na onal AGM Focus

Our members are so proud to be part of AAP!! See below some of the great comments coming out of our Na onal AGM...

I am a brand new (O awa) member who joined the organiza on in April (why did I wait so long to join?)! To tell you the truth, un l the events in Kelowna, I did not realize the impact AAP could have on my career and personal life. My conference highlights are:

the network of strong women that I am developing across the country;

the panel discussion….I know that I am not alone in any situa on that I might be facing at work; and

the extraordinary mo vator/speaker, Linda Edgecombe—my favorite photo is the happy flow chart from her presenta on, we should all adhere to that

Well, I am so energized that I have shared informa on with my network in O awa—hoping to get interest to start a chapter. I have registered for the QAA designa on and am aiming to complete it within two years. Let’s not forget to congratulate the organizing commi ee for the wonderful event and social ac vi‐

es….like we say in my team “you rock”!! -Jos e Larivi re

Na onal Conference and AGM's is always one of the best way and me for us to meet. I am s ll so pumped from all the learning and awesome ac vi es we had. I can't wait for next year at the Niagara on the Lake. I have never been there so I will start saving from now.

-Evelyn Serbout

I have a ached one of my favourite pictures from the conference. It was taken during the panel discussion. I especially liked that these woman shared their experiences with their peers. I am from BC and this was my first AGM/ Conference. I feel like I have received a perpetual hug. The community of women of the AAP are suppor ve, friendly and empowering. The AGM and conference were orchestrated very well, which made it a posi ve safe environment to allowed me to embrace the event. My take away from the week of Innovate, Integrate and Mo vate was a surprise to me…it made me look inside myself and acknowledge the importance of my posi on. I have to admit, when asked what I do for work, I would say “ I am an Execu ve Assistant” the voice in my head was saying “just an Execu ve Assistant”. I now feel empowered and energized in my role. I now respond to that ques on “I am an Execu ve Assistant” and I don’t hear the voice anymore. One of the reasons that li le voice was saying “just” was that I didn’t set out to be an Execu ve Assistant. In fact I never really have ever answered that ques on “what do I want to be when I grow up.” A) maybe I haven’t grown up yet! B) I have always just followed opportuni es that have opened up to me, I now think that this opportunity was opened to me for a reason…. I learned that everyone gets to their place in different ways, it doesn’t have to be the final stop but it is a great place to be with the support and encouragement of this group. - Suzanne Rowell


Na onal AGM Focus

Na onal I joined the AAP in March 2018 and what a thrill it is to belong to such a dis nguished group of individuals. I am currently a member at large (MAL) from the awesome city of New Westminster. I recently a ended my first AAP conference in Kelowna. Unfortunately I was unable to stay for the AGM but the conference was a fantas c networking opportunity with two of the most engaging speakers I have had the privilege of coming across. I would have to say Linda Edgecombe’s take on “Breaking Busy” was a real eye opener and made me sit up and take no ce of how I have injected chaos into my own life. I will definitely focus on what ma ers and try not to sweat the small stuff as they say. One of my favourite parts of the conference was mee ng a bunch of fantas c and diverse individuals that each told a different story. Above is just one of the photos of the wonderful women I met on the evening dinner cruise around Okanagan Lake (I’m on the right). -Angela Danielisz

The 2018 Na onal Administra ve Professional Conference held in Kelowna was an amazing introduc on to the AAP. As a newcomer, I did not know what to expect. What I found was group of fun, interes ng and intelligent women inci ng ‘life’ into our Profession. The AAP Calgary Branch could not have picked a be er loca on and I was proud they choose Kelowna being so close to my very own city of Vancouver. The sunny day only helped to emphasize the beauty of Bri sh Columbia. The highlight of the conference for me, was the opportunity to hear from other Administra ve Professionals in the Panel discussion and listening to the Guest Speakers. The panel discussion consisted of speakers ranging in age and experience. The sharing of opinions and experiences on a variety of subjects was insigh ul. The guest speakers (Linda Edgecombe and Beth Hanishewski) were entertaining while delivering tools on how to live ‘Alive’ and overcome obstacles at work and home. Although the topics may have been serious, the Associa on and Speakers were able to provide lots of wisdom and ac ons to try if and when you find yourself in difficult situa ons. Lastly, the opportunity to socialize with others of your profession is always a plus. What a wonderful way to meet other then to head out on the lake on a boat. Hear elt thanks to all the volunteers, organizers and others involved in the making of this Conference. -Helena Santos, MAL Vancouver BC


Na onal AGM Focus


Recipe Corner

Submi ed by: Gore Fernandes, Montreal, QC

ChocolatePeanutButterCupCookies

Total:25min Yield:24cookies

IngredientsOne16.5‐ouncepackagerefrigeratedpeanutbutter(orsugar)cookiedough

1bagof24miniaturechocolate‐peanutbuttercups

DirectionsSpecialequipment:minimuf inpan

Preheattheovento350degreesF.

Slicethecookiedoughinto1‐inch‐thickslices,thenintoquarters.Placeonequarterintoeachcupofaminimuf inpan.Bakefor9to11minutes.

Whilethedoughisstillwarm,pushapeanutbuttercupintoeachmuf incupandletcoolinthepan.Whenthecookiesarecool,useaspoontoremovethem.

All, this is YOUR newsletter, please send me your news articles, book reviews, tech tips, office tips, etc to be included in future issues!!

The Pioneer Woman


The Back Page

Associa on of Administra ve Professionals Member‐at‐Large Liaison— Evelyn Serbout Email: : aap.na [email protected] Website: h p://www.aaa.ca For all MAL Link News, Tidbits, Book Reviews, etc, As the editor of the ForMAL Focus Newsle er, please send them directly to myself, Amy Norman Email: [email protected] QAA / CCAP Program The QAA/CCAP Program is a cer ficate program for office professionals. Email: aap.na [email protected] Applica on form: h p://h p://aaa.ca/uploads/2016/08/QAA‐Program‐Enrollment‐Form.pdf QAA / CCAP Cer fica on Renewal h p://h p://aaa.ca/qaa‐designa on/re‐cer fica on/

Happy Days

One morning as I awoke I saw

The sun peak through the window.

There I thought just another day

What would make this day different.

Same old rou ne just a new day.

Then came the whistling of a canary

Bird and a brief unexpected morning,

Shower, then I saw a brilliant sun

Right in the distant sky and thought

Today might be different, I choose

To make today special because

Today is not yesterday or

The day before, so let’s all,

Work on living, more happy days.

Original Poem by Saron Singh, MAL

Documents

Connecting our Members-at-LargeForMAL Focus, Q2 2018 Page 1 Editor’s Message New Members CCAP Graduates Finally SUMMER is here! So much has happened since the release of the 1st