VANCOUVER, May 6 /CNW/ - IABC/BC (International Association of Business Communicators-British Columbia) celebrated its thirtieth anniversary at a gala event in Yaletown last night, and continues to grow as a leading association for those in the communications profession in this province.
In 1980, only a dozen members gathered for the first ever Canadian IABC conference. Adrian Harper, one of four pioneering communicators who started up the IABC/BC chapter (formerly Industrial Editors Association of British Columbia) back in the 70s, reflected on how far the group has come, "A greater percentage of women membership increased in the 1980s, from a mere 40% to 80% growth as a result of being a welcoming organization to members and promoting the group as a natural choice for young people to join this association."
Today, IABC/BC is the third largest chapter in Canada with almost 600 members, of which 81 are Accredited Business Communicators (ABCs) - a professional designation acknowledging knowledge and experience in the communications profession. BC has the second highest number of Accredited Business Communicators in the world. Many IABC/BC members have been recognized as lead communicators within local, national, and international circles.
Last night, members, non-members, and students gathered to pay special tribute to past and present members, as well as to recognize volunteers from over the past three decades. "Our success as a chapter is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our volunteers - which is truly the heart and soul of our chapter," said Angela Wilson, President of IABC/BC, and a Communications Consultant for the Fraser Health Authority.
IABC President Julie Freeman, ABC, flew from IABC headquarters in San Francisco to congratulate IABC/BC on its achievements, as well as recognize the commitment of the chapter's many volunteers. "This event is a tribute to the chapter being around for 30 years. The energy of the chapter has produced many international members and is a commandment to volunteers helping to sustain our chapter's future growth."
This year, Kristin Ramsey of Richmond was awarded the title of Student Communicator of the Year, while Stephanie Gardner and Maureen Healey, ABC (Director, Marketing & Communications - Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association) won President's Awards for Outstanding New Volunteer and Volunteer of the Year, respectively.
IABC/BC is proud of the chapter's accomplishments and is looking forward to many more years in communication excellence.
About IABC/BC
Founded in 1970, the International Association of Business Communicators provides a professional network of over 15,500 business communication professionals in over 80 countries. The BC chapter is one of 105 chapters worldwide and is the third largest chapter in Canada. With more than 600 members throughout BC, the chapter has an international reputation for progressive, professional communication. IABC/BC is committed to improving the effectiveness of organizations through strategic, interactive and integrated business communication management.
About IABC/BC's President's Awards
The President's Awards recognize volunteers within IABC/BC who have gone above and beyond in their work over the past year. The President's Award has two categories: Outstanding New Volunteer, which honours the contributions of an individual who is new to volunteering with IABC/BC, and Volunteer of the Year, which is presented to a volunteer who has made a significant impact to the IABC/BC chapter through their work. Winners are hand-selected by the IABC/BC President.
For further information: For further information: Web links: IABC/BC: http://www.iabc.bc.ca; Media Contact: Ashley Cox, Email: [email protected], Mobile: (604) 315-1493
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