Greetings fellow IAQA members. It’s already been an exciting three months in office serving you and the association.

On October 1, we announced that IAQA has hired Association Headquarters (AH) to manage the association. For 40 years, AH has been providing organizations with a robust, cost-effective headquarters, including a staff that works with volunteer leaders to achieve their mission and advance their organizations. AH provides a community for associations and nonprofits that offers innovation, inspiration, a wealth of experience, and the solutions needed to drive organizations toward success. “AH is committed to helping IAQA achieve their goals through the delivery of programs and initiatives that benefit existing, new and potential members, creating a positive member experience,” said AH President and CEO Bob Waller, Jr., CAE.

The Board of Directors is very excited about this change. Your board has pledged to dedicate and commit our time, energy and efforts to make IAQA an association of growth, quality information and, most importantly, member-focused. This change in management will bring great value to our membership by developing our education programs, strengthening relationships with like-minded associations, leveraging our local chapters, processing our standards, and developing a great member-benefit package. With this in mind, we are confident that our members will enjoy a substantial return on their investment.

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I would also like to recognize those members of our community in the Southeastern U.S. who have suffered significant losses due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Florence and most recently Hurricane Michael. This has directly impacted our industry, our members and their families. We at IAQA are here for you; you are not alone, you are in our prayers and thoughts in this time of need. I would ask all IAQA members to consider their friends and colleagues during this challenging time and explore ways to lend a hand. Please visit our Storm Damage Resources page to help you mitigate any water and wind damage caused by the hurricane.

In closing, one more request: We are asking each of you to please be a part of this transition process. Ask yourself, “What can I do for my association?” Volunteer for a committee; speak to nonmembers about joining; present to other organizations; get our association known to the public. Be engaged with IAQA.

Again, thank you for this opportunity to serve as your president! I can always be contacted via e-mail (jnjgivethanks@yahoo.com) or by phone (704) 232-0077.

Sincerely,

Jay M. Stake
IAQA President