Celebrating Administrative Professionals

National Administrative Professionals Day, contrary to the belief of many, was NOT started by the floral or gift card industry!! In fact, it's roots began back during WWII and were started by key figures such as the president of the National Secretaries Association, Mary Barrett, President of Dictaphone Corporation, C. King Woodbridge, and Public Relations Account Executive at Young & Rubicam, Harry F. Klemfuss. The National Secretaries Association was formed to recognize the contributions of secretaries and other administrative personnel to the economy, to support their personal development and to help attract people to administrative careers in the field. The association's name was changed to Professional Secretaries International in 1981 and, finally, the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) in 1998. As the organization’s scope and name changed so has the holiday’s name.

With the ever changing role of the Administrative Assistant, the stereotypical female secretary in a
typing pool is no longer even remotely accurate. The role of the “Admin” encompasses anyone whose job is to provide support, office administration, administrative assistance, paper and electronic filing, supply procurement, communications, technical support and so much more. These positions are filled by males and females alike. As such, when deciding what is appropriate as a gift in recognition of the contributions made by the Admin, don’t make the mistake of slipping into a gender pit fall!

While cards, balloons, and especially flowers are still totally appropriate, be sure to explore the many
options that will be appreciated by any Admin whether male or female. The popularity of “organic”,
green and succulent options is a perfect solution.

Featured here are a couple of cool, hip and totally funky options that will be appropriate for all. The
designs feature containers made of twigs and contain air plants, mosses, and succulents. The first, a
more compact design, showcases 2 exotic pincushion protea in yellow. Honey suckle and vine encircle the longer lasting flowers creating an interesting structure. A trio of yellow “billy balls” escapes to the right from the enclosure. At the lip of the container, to the right, a cluster of mossy-looking green trick dianthus provides a touch of bright green and on the left side, a couple of small cute echiverias are tucked in.

The second option is a bit taller with fresh red twig dogwood branches creating a “tree” onto which live air plants have been attached. The tillandsias (airplanes’ real name) are perfect for the office and very easy to care for. At the base of the branches, a succulent plant has been wrapped in green moss and tucked in with a few stems of blue eryngium thistle and a clump of green trick dianthus. Spanish moss and seeded eucalyptus finish off the composition.

So this year, show your appreciation for the Administrative Professionals contributions to the success of the company with a touch of green and a lot of cool. I'm sure the recognition will be appreciated!

-Robbin Yelverton

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