In 1969, a group of secretaries representing various companies in the area met to discuss the possibility of forming a chapter of the National Secretaries Association (NSA) in Florence, SC.  Mr. Irving Blanchard, then Executive Vice President of the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce, Mrs. Marguerite Thompson and Mrs. Norma Phillips, Chamber members, were instrumental in this endeavor.

As a result, the Palmetto Chapter NSA installed the Florence Chapter NSA on September 6, 1969 with 29 charter members.

On February 12, 1980, the name of the organization was changed to Professional Secretaries International (PSI) to more clearly define its concept and scope.

In 1995, a tag line was added to the organization. The official name was ProfessionalSecretaries International, the Association for Office Professionals.

On August 5, 1998, at International Convention held in Atlanta, Georgia, the name was once again changed. Today, the proper name is International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP).

Throughout the years, the Florence Chapter has endeavored to maintain its civic responsibilities by involvement with McLeod Children’s Miracle Network, Pee Dee Coalition Against Sexual Abuse, the Manna House, McLeod Children’s Hospital, and HOPE for the Pee Dee. Members, present and past, have also served on the Florence Darlington Technical College Advisory Board.

One of the primary interests of IAAP is the Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) and Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) programs. The chapter has sponsored various classes and shops to promote certification. Since receiving its charter, fifteen members have achieved the CPS rating. They are: Gena Cook CPS; Bettie Doub CPS; Martha Ervin CPS; Linda Garrett CPS; Daisy Hardee CPS; Rosemary Hartwell CPS; J. Lynn Holland CPS; Barbara Owens CPS; Ruth Sandifer CPS; Emma Smoot CPS; Dora Strickland CPS; Stephanie Stone CPS; Hope Bailey CPS; Nancy Zimmerman, CPS; and Melissa White CPS.

The chapter encourages young people entering the administrative profession. Many years ago, a chapter of the Future Secretaries Association (FSA) was sponsored at McClenaghan High School and Florence Darlington Technical School.

On February 20, 1994, the Florence Darlington Technical College Chapter of Collegiate Secretaries International (CSI) was re-chartered by Jane Joyner, then President of the Florence Chapter PSI. Fifteen students were installed as new members. Each year, the CSI Chapter had educational programs and fundraising activities. The CSI Chapter attended the CSI/FSA Student Conference.

Involvement in IAAP is an ideal way for students to prepare themselves for the business world and to seek excellence in their future career. The student organization promotes the exchange of ideas, experiences, and fellowship among business students with similar career interests.

The Florence Chapter sponsored the first Salute to Students event in October 1995 to recognize the Florence Darlington Technical College CSI Chapter. At the International Convention in 1996, the month was changed from October to March.

Interest in IAAP extends beyond the local chapter. Several of our members have served on the South Carolina Division Board of Directors. Two members have served as SCD Officers and others have chaired various committees. Natalie Bee has served as SCD Treasurer, 1999 - 2000 SCD President-Elect and 2000-2001 SCD President.

In 1973, Bettie Doub CPS was chosen South Carolina Division Secretary of the Year.

Emma Smoot CPS was one of the three finalists for the SCD Secretary of the Year in 1980.

Members have also served as the regional representative for the Region 3, covering Florence, Hartsville, Conway and Lake City. Members have served on the Strategic Planning Committee, Nominating Committee, and Professional Development Committee for the South Carolina Division.

Successful workshops have been held through the years to help promote the profession and the professional growth of the administrative professional. Highlights of the Florence Chapter were hosting the South Carolina Division Annual Meeting in 1976, 1986 and 1999. All were well attended and enjoyed by both members and non-members.

The chapter co-hosts an Administrative Professionals Day Luncheon on Administrative Professionals Day with the Greater Florence Chapter of Commerce annually.