For the third year in a row, the Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center is hosting a day to recognize the value of administrative assistants in education, business or industry.
Administrative Assistant Appreciation Day is open to anyone in an administrative assistant position (also known as secretaries in some places of business) and will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 24. Director of Education Cheryl Cronbaugh said the day started as a Mid-Ohio ESC team idea as they tried to think of ways to honor their administrative assistants and give them the tools they need to perform their jobs.
“In many places, the first person a person sees or talks to on the phone is the administrative assistant,” said Cronbaugh in an email. “This role is critical to a successful business or school as they really represent the front line in communication. At the same time we wanted it to be fun for them. We also wanted an opportunity closer to home so they weren’t driving to Cleveland or Columbus for a professional learning experience.”
Administrative Assistant Appreciation Day begins with a catered lunch at 11:30 a.m. followed by a special presentation featuring communications expert and television host Leslie Unger. Unger’s presentation “Develop the Diva: Weapons for Women” teaches all leaders how to communicate with clarity, confidence and conviction.
After Unger’s presentation, attendees have the opportunity to attend three out of five breakout sessions. The proposed sessions include the following presenters:
• Mid Ohio ESC’s “tech guy” Derick Mahon, teaching the basics of Windows 8 for those in a place of employment getting ready to move to the new operating system.
• Mary Beth Harper of Harper & Co Communications, sharing communication tips for school secretaries.
• Workforce Partnerships consultant Trisha Hughes, exploring the ways in which teamwork can build camaraderie, solve problems and bring cohesiveness to an organization.
• School Resource Officer Adam Gongwer, sharing tips and strategies on staying alert and alive while shopping, driving or traveling to another city.
• Keith Rittenhouse, Tech Coordinator for Shelby City Schools, teaching the basics of the social networking site Twitter.
Participants also have the opportunity to explore the Gallery of Vendors during one of the three breakout sessions. Vendors include: AVON, Bag Lady Designs, Nostalgia’s Cottage, Premier Jeweler, Scentsy, Simple Essentials LTD, Tastefully Simple, Simple Pleasures Bath, Crossroads Designs, Essential Oils, Thirty-One, Pampered Chef, Silpada Jewelry, and Eatmor Bundt and Twisted Fig Tea
The day will conclude with a drawing for door prizes. Cronbaugh said 52 administrative assistants attended the first year of the event, with 49 attendees this past year.
Costs for attending the lunch and program for Mid-Ohio ESC client district employees is $50; all others $60. The registration deadline is April 21. Register online at www.moesc.net by clicking the event on the event calendar.
