| The future belongs to people who see possibilities before they become obvious.
On Saturday, 3rd July, 2004 four industrious, eager and energetic administrative professionals
met to discuss the prospects of starting a new IAAP Chapter in The Bahamas. The sole purpose of this
chapter would be to explore different strategies of pursuing the mission and revitalizing the vision of IAAP.
Numerous breakfast and dinner meetings with much prayer were held as strategies and plans were reviewed to lay the
foundation.
Names for the Chapter were pooled and after much deliberation the Sponsoring Unit chose the “SUNNY ISLES CHAPTER” (SIC).
Many attempts were made to hinder this new chapter from being established but with God’s strength we persevered and never gave up
on our journey to success. During August 2004 the first promotional meeting was held at the Buena Vista Restaurant. This meeting proved
to be a huge success and paved the way for a second promotional meeting where we saw the membership increase from 6 to 20, and finally we
knew that the end of the rainbow and our goal was in sight. We met and surpassed International requirement of 15 new members. Marian Sturrup,
Janiece Henfield, Patricia Minus and Holley Wilkinson shared the good news over dinner with Nan Grover, Florida Division President and Patricia
Grover (her mother) of being ready to complete the final stages of the “New Chapter Builder Forms”. Our Honorary Member, Patricia Grover was the
first to hear the good news. We had our funds, we met with the prospective charter members and we were not turning back.
Not wanting to waste any time, Janiece flew to Florida with our precious bundle in tow, purchased a money order to send to the IAAP International
Headquarters in Kansas City, MI. We could not contain ourselves when an email from Donna Walter, Membership Supervisor, advised that our precious
bundle was safely received. Shortly thereafter on Thursday, 28th of October, at 10:24 a.m., we heard from Nan Grover with congratulations confirming
our official status. No longer did we have to tip toe around the infamous word “prospective”. Our IAAP Florida Division family was informed by Nan Grover
of the good news of the formation of the “SUNNY ISLES CHAPTER” in Nassau, The Bahamas!
The Charter Installation Ceremony was held on the 4th December, 2004 under the distinguish patronage of Her Excellency Dame Ivy Dumont.
SIC chartered 25 members. To date SIC membership continues to flourish with Administrative Professionals from government, banking, and private
sectors. We are also privileged to have members from Grand Bahama, Andros, Abaco and Exuma. Bosses’ Day is observed internationally on 16th October,
and SIC hosts the Bosses and Administrative Professionals to a luncheon. During the luncheon the Executive of the Year (EOTY) is announced.Our
community service efforts continue with our partnership with the Cancer Society of The Bahamas and the children housed at the Bilney Lane Children’s
Home. Training education and professional development is the mission of SIC. Annually an Educational Conference is held during March.
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