Executive Housekeeping Today - December 2008 - (Page 16)

New Year, New BOD, New IEHA Landscape: IEHA’s “New Nine” Share Their Thoughts on the Implementation of the New IEHA Landscape a As we are all aware, IEHA leaped into a new era during our 42nd annual Conference and Convention in September, with the implementation of the new IEHA landscape—which included the elimination of the District layer of our Association. As a wrap-up for 2008 and a reflection of the first quarter of IEHA’s new era, we asked the new Board of Directors their thoughts on the following questions: 1. In the few short months that you have been working in the new IEHA organizational structure, how would you rate the success of the change? 2. Are you finding that the Chapter Presidents are receptive towards the personal communication they have received? 3. What are you finding to be the primary issues of the Chapter Presidents? and 4. As a BOD, how do you plan to resolve these issues? Based on the “New Nine’s” answers, it seems the new organizational structure has been an overall success, and many are benefiting from the open lines of communication between the BOD and the Chapter level of our Association. In addition, the majority of Board members agree that Chapter meeting participation and member recruitment and retention appear to be the primary issues of the Chapter Presidents; and all are committed to resolving by Laura M. DiGiulio, Editor these issues by utilizing personal communication. All in all, the new BOD believes this new organizational structure will make our Association stronger than ever. Below are each of the “New Nine’s” specific thoughts on each of the questions: Marvin Ellsworth, REH, IEHA President “We are in the early, infancy stage of developing and evaluating the new IEHA organizational structure. The structure that we’re creating today may ultimately look much different two to four years from now. It is exciting to be a part of a Board of Directors team that’s working together to create the new IEHA landscape. From my vantage point, I see many positive things happening and believe that we are heading in the right direction. I see new relationships being built between the BOD and the Chapters. I see the lines of communication opening wide, and I think that we’re off to a great start. From the reports coming in from the Directors and the Chapter Presidents, there seems to be an air of excitement about the new IEHA structure. There also appears to be a genuine attitude of gratefulness for the assistance being offered to the Chapter Presidents. The primary issue expressed by the Chapter Presidents seems to be the lack of member participation or low attendance at Chapter meetings. From discussing with different Chapters, I have found that the best way to encourage attendance at meetings is by offering a good educational program on a current topic and offering peer networking opportunities. As the President of IEHA, I have pledged to create an environment and a structure that will provide the Chapter leaders with the tools they need to succeed in maintaining their current members and for recruiting new members, by providing quality educational programs at their Chapter meetings. In addition to the opportunities being offered at the Chapter meetings, IEHA members also have virtual access to additional educational and networking opportunities, and we will continue to enhance these opportunities, such as offering our Self Study program online in the near future. The sky is the limit, and I am thrilled to be a part of the IEHA family.” Eric Bates, REH, President-Elect “I believe that the new organizational structure has been a success and will continue to bring the Board of Directors closer to 6 Executive Housekeeping Today/December 2008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Executive Housekeeping Today - December 2008

Executive Housekeeping Today - December 2008 Contents Executive Corner Microfiber May Impede an Infectious Disease Outbreak Controlling MRSA Outbreaks in Educational Facilities Frugal Housekeeper Restroom Hygiene IEHA Hosts Progressive Integrated Cleaning and Measurement (ICM)™ Symposium Feature Article The Green Scene 2006-2008 EHT Article Index USGBC Tip Product Highlights New Members Joint IEHA/ISSA Members REH/CEH Members Advertisers' Index Calendar of Events Inside IEHA What IEHA Has Done For Me

Executive Housekeeping Today - December 2008

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