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Billikin Chapter
The Billikin Chapter was chartered in February 1961 in Anchorage, Alaska, with a total membership of 49 -- the largest group ever to be installed in the history of the National Secretaries Association (NSA), now known as the International Association of Administrative Professionals. It was the very first NSA chapter in Alaska.
The Billikin Chapter was born on the Alaska Highway in August 1960. Two secretaries, one moving to Anchorage and the other visiting on vacation, met at one of the not-so-many lodges along the Highway. One of the secretaries was a Certified Professional Secretary and member of NSA and shared her enthusiasm of the organization with her new friend and the dream was born. After making several contacts in Anchorage, the dream became a reality. The first meeting was held in September 1960, with a total of six prospective members. As the word spread, more and more secretaries joined the group and by February 22, 1961, the goal of "49 from the 49th State" was reached. The installation date of February 22 was chosen to afford the visiting installing officers an opportunity to attend the Annual fur Rendezvous.
Represented in the group were secretaries employed by Union Oil Company, the Alaska Railroad, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska Native Hospital, and the City Manager's Office to name a few.
Their initial goal after becoming a chapter was to set up an educational program within the school system to prepare members for the certifying examination.
Excerpts from the original press release regarding the chapter's installation.
1961 Facts:
The estimated population of Anchorage was 45,000.
The average salary for a secretary in Anchorage was $130/week.
The average salary for a secretary in Seattle was $89/week.
A first-class postage stamp cost $0.04.
The Billikin Chapter was born on the Alaska Highway in August 1960. Two secretaries, one moving to Anchorage and the other visiting on vacation, met at one of the not-so-many lodges along the Highway. One of the secretaries was a Certified Professional Secretary and member of NSA and shared her enthusiasm of the organization with her new friend and the dream was born. After making several contacts in Anchorage, the dream became a reality. The first meeting was held in September 1960, with a total of six prospective members. As the word spread, more and more secretaries joined the group and by February 22, 1961, the goal of "49 from the 49th State" was reached. The installation date of February 22 was chosen to afford the visiting installing officers an opportunity to attend the Annual fur Rendezvous.
Represented in the group were secretaries employed by Union Oil Company, the Alaska Railroad, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska Native Hospital, and the City Manager's Office to name a few.
Their initial goal after becoming a chapter was to set up an educational program within the school system to prepare members for the certifying examination.
Excerpts from the original press release regarding the chapter's installation.
1961 Facts:
The estimated population of Anchorage was 45,000.
The average salary for a secretary in Anchorage was $130/week.
The average salary for a secretary in Seattle was $89/week.
A first-class postage stamp cost $0.04.
2009-2010 Billikin Chapter Board of Directors
C0-Presidents: Emily Arrowsmith and Lorrie Jordheim
President-Elect: Open
Vice President: Patti Layou
Secretary: Vivian Donovan
Treasurer: Sandy Thompson
Washington/Alaska Division
The IAAP structure includes 37 Division units. The Billikin Chapter is affiliated with the Washington-Alaska Division and includes chapters in the major cities of the states of Alaska, Washington, and northern Idaho as well as Chapter-at-Large members who reside in areas too small to support a local chapter.
Click here to visit the WA-AK Division Website