The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) and Hawaii Community College Business Technology program jointly offered a professional development seminar at the Hawaii Community College campus.

IAAP (International Association of Administrative Professionals) is a 501 (c)(6) registered not-for-profit professional association for administrative professionals. IAAP strives to ensure individuals working in office and administrative professions have the opportunity to connect, learn, lead, and excel and is dedicated to helping office and administrative professionals advance their career in a demanding and ever-changing business environment.

From specialized online and offline training programs, to valuable networking and industry leading events, IAAP provides the knowledge, skills, and insights that build toward job advancement, success, and recognition. The purpose of IAAP is to enhance the value that office and administrative professionals bring to the table, develop leaders  and to advocate for the profession as it evolves to encompass the role of business partner.

In Hawaii, our members represent a variety of industries and can be found in companies such as Bank of Hawaii, Booz Allen, BYU Hawaii, First Hawaiian Bank, Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaii Community College, Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, Kamehameha Schools, Leeward Community College, Outrigger Hotels, Polynesian Cultural Center, Y. Hata & Co., University of Hawaii, Queen Lili’uokalani Trust, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, and the US Army.

At this seminar, the IAAP members invited business education students from Hawaii Community College to join in the Business Communication and Social Media Refresher Seminar.  Assistant Professor of Business Technology, Anne Chung, reviewed business communication topics including formatting of business documents, English usage and grammar tips, and useful social media and collaboration tools and tips for businesses.

There were 23  seminar attendees from Oahu, Kauai, Maui as well as the Big Island.

Feedback from Hawaii Community College students include:

• Colleen Ogimoto–As a student who was given an opportunity to take part in the IAAP Business Communication Refresher Seminar, I was pleasantly surprised that there is an organization with a strong sense of fellowship and networking in which businesses of the community should support their Administrative Staff in being a member of this organization. They provide leadership skills, a wealth of educational tidbits and tools, besides an invaluable networking system that is not only nationally but internationally!
• Christopher Babila–I attended the IAAP Seminar and I really enjoyed it. I have been out of school for 16 years and I am still learning a lot new things. I am very glad I was able to attend the seminar, and I am looking forward to attending future seminars.
• Michelle Morris–The IAAP seminar was a great way to spend a Friday morning, connecting with important business people from Hawaii.  Anne Chung, the main speaker, was very personable and a joy to listen to as she shared her knowledge of some practical and important business techniques.  I will definitely go again!

If you are interested in hearing more about IAAP please contact Healani Waiau at hewaiau@ksbe.edu or Nora Onishi at nora.onishi@iaap-hq.org.

If you are interested in learning more about Business Education at Hawaii Community College, please contact Anne Chung at archung@hawaii.edu.