The Power of A

Six associations have been recently selected by the American Society of Association Executives’ Associations Advance America (AAA) Committee to receive the 2010 Summit Award-ASAE’s highest honor for associations that implement innovative community-based programs. The Summit Awards will be presented at the 11^th Annual Summit Awards Dinner, September 29, at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC.

The Summit Award symbolizes the very best efforts designed by associations across the country in areas like public education/information, economic development, business and social innovation, skills training/development and civic and volunteer activities. The six Award recipients for 2010 were selected from a field of 34 Award of Excellence winners from two earlier AAA judging rounds this year.

“This year’s Summit Award honorees show a zealous dedication to their communities and demonstrate the essential work associations carry out around the country,” said Ping Wei, M. Ed., CAE, director of educational activities for the American Society of Civil Engineers and chair of ASAE’s Associations Advance America Committee. “Associations step in where there is a real need. These six organizations responded to some very challenging issues by tapping into their resources to strengthen our communities around the country and the future of America.”

This year’s winners are:

Haiti Relief and Disaster Preparedness
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Rosemont, IL

Helping Babies Breathe
American Academy of Pediatrics
Elk Grove Village, IL

AAA School Safety Patrol Program
American Automobile Association
Heathrow, FL

Earned Income Tax Credit Program
Food Bank for New York City
New York, NY

Minnesota’s Own
Minnesota Grocers Association
Saint Paul, MN

Corporate Aviation Responding in Emergencies (CARE)
National Business Aviation Association
Washington, DC

ASAE’s Summit Awards Dinner will bring together association executives, government officials and business and community leaders for an evening to celebrate the value of associations and their impact on society.

For more information about attending the Summit Awards Dinner, contact Carla Lochiatto, CAE, at 202-626-2807 or clochiatto@asaenet.org.

As Americans prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday and millions begin to pack their luggage to travel, associations are providing valuable advice and information to ensure that everyone has a safe and less stressful holiday season.

Thanksgiving week is considered the largest travel weekend of the year, with millions of Americans driving and flying to different destinations to celebrate the holiday.  While airlines are expecting fewer delays than last year, the crowds and number of people flying can increase stress among all participants.  The Air Transport Association of America (ATA) estimates that 4 million fewer people will fly this year, but still has a resource page of tips for fliers to minimize their delays and make their air travel smoother.  The American Automobile Association (AAA) is estimating that the number of car travelers will be increasing by over 2% this year, making for more crowded roads.  American Trucking Associations has a list of tips for Thanksgiving drivers to ensure safe travel on the highways, including have an emergency kit for breakdowns, be aware of truck blind spots, and know the local weather.

Of course when most people think Thanksgiving, they think of turkey.  The National Turkey Federation has a Thanksgiving turkey site, which in addition to having recipes for cooking turkey, has information on safe eating and preparation as well as how to contact health officials if you suspect food poisoning.  But if you plan on not cooking this Thanksgiving, you are not alone.  According to the National Restaurant Association, 11% of Americans eat at a restaurant on Thanksgiving, while 53% of consumers use restaurant-prepared takeout dishes as part of their Thanksgiving meal.

Does your association have good tips or information for the Thanksgiving holiday?

Quick Hits

The New York Times analyzes how the “Cadillac” health care plan tax proposal will affect consumers… The American Medical Association and AARP are launching media ads about how health care reform proposals will affect Medicare… The Hill interviews an FCC Commissioner on net neutrality.

Six associations have been selected by ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership’s Associations Advance America (AAA) Committee to receive the 2009 Summit Award - ASAE’s highest honor for associations that implement innovative community-based programs.

Part of the AAA Awards Program, the Summit Award symbolizes the very best efforts designed by associations across the country in areas like public education/information, economic development, business and social innovation, skills training/development and civic and volunteer activities. The six Summit Award Recipients for 2009 were selected from a field of 38 Award of Excellence winners from two earlier AAA judging rounds this year.

This year’s winners are:

American Academy of Ophthalmology
EyeCare America (ECA) Seniors EyeCare Program
Oakland, CA

Independent Insurance Agents of New Mexico
SafeTeen New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM

Iowa Dental Association
Iowa Mission of Mercy
Des Moines, IA

Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers
Massachusetts Community Health Center Primary Care Provider Loan Repayment Program
Boston, MA

School Nutrition Association
Vote for School Lunch 2008 - Presidential Edition
Alexandria, VA

Women’s Basketball Coaches Association
WBCA Pink Zone
Lilburn, GA

The Summit Award winners will be recognized at the annual ASAE Summit Awards Dinner, taking place September 29, 2009.  For more information about the Summit Awards Dinner, contact ASAE at 202.626.2703 or publicpolicy@asaenet.org.

Quick Hits

The healthcare timetable is no more, according to Senator Reid… The Senate Finance Committee tries to find a way to pay for its health care reform bill… HELP Committee debates amendments (subscription) to its public plan and employer mandates… Majority Leader Reid clarifies his comments from yesterday to key Senate Republicans… Health care reform from the perspective of one state’s small business community.