March 2007

"A Term in Review”

Hello Everyone! I hope that this letter finds you well. Here in the Midwest we have definitely experienced the change in seasons where just a few weeks ago we had well over a foot of snow. During the past week, however, we are seeing the first signs of spring. More specifically, this year has been and will continue to be unique as Indiana will now recognize Daylight Savings Time. Having said that, I’d like to illustrate how I feel about my last two years having the privilege to serve as NARA’s President.

Obviously, we all know that Daylight Savings Time allows an additional hour of daylight in the spring and summer months. The benefit of this is to be able to enhance the value of a 24 hour period to accomplish and experience more. I feel the same about what NARA is currently doing for its members. We are successfully using our current resources to extend the value to our members!

Approximately two years ago, I was completing a term for the Board of Directors of NARA as a Regional Coordinator for the Midwest. Upon being installed as the President, I was humbled, respectful, and honored by the rich tradition of our organization that had preceded me. I was, however, also challenged by the uncertainty in the rehabilitation therapy industry, (i.e. pending implementation of therapy caps and overall declining reimbursement), and its impact on our organization, as well as others. After all, NARA’s membership was significantly adversely impacted post 1998’s Balance Budget Act. Still feeling the impact of that era, I was concerned about the direction and identity of NARA.

As leadership of the organization, we challenged ourselves to improve the business operations of the organization that providers across the country had come to rely on. In doing so, we envisioned making NARA an “ongoing experience”. More specifically, enhancing the value of NARA that would go beyond the traditional annual / semi-annual conferences that were full of value, information, and networking. To accomplish this, we’ve done the following the past two years:

1. Initiated annual “retreats” for Board Members to brainstorm and review the value of the organization from a business and a consumer perspective.

2. Focused our Board on a “team approach” to identify pertinent issues facing our industry, members, and redesign the organization to consistently and sometimes, obsessively, focus on increasing value.

3. Improve the communications to our members via the internet and website, allowing for easier access to more timely and comprehensive information at www.naranet.org.

4. Provide a centralized portal to other pertinent information that our members need access to and interpretation of.

5. Enhance the value, visibility, and access to the semi-annual and annual conferences.

6. Enhance our alignment and interactions with the APTA, AOTA, and ASHA.

7. Continue our aggressive and proactive advocacy for pertinent legislative issues while providing business “tools” and support to our members.

8. Centralize and enhance our organization’s business operations without significant cost pass-thru to our members.

As a result, we’ve experienced the following:

1. Stabilized and incremental growth in our membership now spanning almost 30 states in the U.S.

2. Increase in membership with larger / publicly held organizations, co-existing with and joining our mid to smaller-sized providers / businesses.

3. A website and communication system that rapidly alerts our members to pertinent issues and changes in legislation.

4. Increased support from other associations. The AOTA is now a member of NARA.

5. Increase in corporate sponsorships and a newly created membership tier known as “Elite Memberships” with increased access to our legal advisors and lobbyist group as well as other benefits.

6. Redesigned committees that have rejuvenated membership participation and support.

7. An improved central office that has been relocated to the Tampa Bay, Florida area and is more nimble and cost effective to unite our members and operate the organization.

8. An organization that is the most fiscally sound in four or more years and postured for continued success.

9. The most successful conferences from participatory and fiscal aspects in several years.

10. Proactive and strong efforts in extending the Therapy Cap exceptions process and preventing reductions in the Physician’s Fee Schedule.

Without belaboring the point, I believe that our Board is more unified and energized as it has been in almost a decade. Our operations as an organization are more consistent, valuable, and as efficient as they’ve been in years and the enthusiasm and support. As my term comes to a close, I’d like to continue to serve as President of the organization and appreciate the support of the Board and our members. On that note, please be looking to our website for other information as we do have board positions that our now up for election.

I look forward to seeing all of you in April. Not only will my Cubbies be in full swing, but we’ll be ready to “Play Ball” as we prepare for future success!

Thanks to all of you for your membership and support, as well as our Board of Directors for supporting and assisting me during the past two years!

Respectfully,

Gregg J. Altobella, MS CCC-SLP