Hello APA Members and Retirees!

Your APA party planning team has some exciting news to share!  We have decided to move our annual January holiday celebration to November due to a few “near-misses” with significant SNOW events in recent years.    Please mark your calendars and save the date for Saturday, November 8, 2025!  We will be hosting an 80s and 90s themed event from 4-9pm at the Main Event.  RSVPs will go out in August so please watch for that announcement.   These events fill up fast!

BEST REGARDS!

APA Board & APA Annual Celebration Planning Committee

Fellow APAGR Member:

You are cordially invited to join us for the 2025 APAGR annual celebration being held at the Celebration Cinema North Wave Room, 2121 Celebration Dr NE, on Friday, January 10, 2025.

Don’t put your Halloween costumes away quite yet!  This year’s event will be MOVIE inspired with costumes expected!  The festivities will commence at 5:30pm and including a DJ, games, a raffle, dancing AND prizes for best costumes!  Dinner is being provided by Catered Creations with a vegetarian option available upon request when you RSVP. Each attendee will be provided 2 drink tickets.

Space is limited so reserve your seat today!  RSVP deadline is December 20, 2024. RSVP Here.

Thank you,

APAGR

Good morning,

The annual APAGR golf outing will take place on Friday, September, 13 at Indian Trails golf course located at 2776 Kalamazoo Ave. SE. As in the past, expect a fun-filled day and the chance to catch up with other members and retirees. Price per person is $50.00 and includes a light lunch, drink tickets, 18 holes w/cart, and dinner. In person registration takes place at 11am, with the shotgun start at noon. 

Please use the below link to register yourself or team. If you are looking for a team, please email Graham Rayburn who will be able to assist. 

Golfer Registration

Thank you,

APAGR

Fellow Member:

We are excited to invite you to yet another fun-filled APAGR outing at LMCU Ballpark! Come join us as your West Michigan Whitecaps face off against the Lansing Lugnuts on July 23, 2024. The pre-game dining will take place at Lumbermen's BBQ located behind the first base line from 5:15pm - 6:35pm. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35pm with seats located in sections 116 and 117. The ballpark recommends parking near gate A for the easiest access to seating and the meal area.

Dining Choices: Hotdogs, Bratwurst, Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, Chipotle Black Bean Burgers (V), Mac and Cheese (V), Chips, Cookies, Soft Drinks, and Water

If you are able to join, please use the RSVP link below to let us know how many guests will be joining you. The deadline for reservations is Monday, June 24, 2024

RSVP Link

APAGR

Fellow APAGR Member:

You are cordially invited to join us for the 2023 APAGR annual celebration being held at the Back Forty Saloon on Friday, March 22, 2024. The event venue is located at 48 Fulton St. W in Grand Rapids. The festivities will commence at 5:00pm with a catered dinner from Two Scotts BBQ. Parking is paid in the Gallery Lot attached to the UICA building only. For those who are interested in an overnight excursion, we have secured a block of rooms at the Downtown Residence Inn (book here).

Expect a fun-filled evening and dust off your favorite western attire for this themed event. There will be four grand prize gift packages with some fantastic prizes up for grabs. If you are planning to attend, please mosey over to our website to complete your RSVP. 

Dinner Menu:

• Pulled Chicken
• Pulled Pork
• Beef Brisket
• Macaroni and Cheese
• Smoked Beans
• Mini Corn Muffins
• Coleslaw
• Smoked Mushrooms
• Potato Salad
• Dessert

Thank you,

APAGR

Distinguished members of the Association of Public Administrators,

Our outgoing Chair, Eric Jordan, has been an unwavering force for positive change within the Association of Public Administrators. His leadership from 2018 to 2023 has been nothing short of extraordinary. But let us not forget that Eric's journey with APAGR began long before his tenure as Chair. From 2012 to 2018, he served diligently on various APAGR boards and committees, laying the foundation for our remarkable progress during his leadership.

Eric is not just a public administrator; he is a faithful public servant who embodies the qualities of grace and humility in all he does. As the late Dr. Myles Monroe once asked, "What is the difference between a manager and a leader?" Eric has shown us the answer. A manager maintains things, but a leader changes everything. A manager follows policy, but a leader creates policy. A manager sees things as they are, but a leader sees things as they should be. As a leader, Eric has always envisioned a better future and has been willing to pay the price to bring that future into the present.

Under Eric's guidance, we have grown, evolved, and made significant strides as an organization. His leadership has inspired us to reach higher, dream bigger, and strive for excellence in public administration. Eric, your contributions have been immeasurable, and we are deeply grateful for your selfless service to APAGR.

In addition to Eric, we would like to extend our thanks to three other outstanding individuals who have played pivotal roles in the Association's success:

• Jeff McCaul served on various APA committees from 2010 to 2021 and as Vice Chair from 2021 to 2023. Jeff's dedication and expertise have been instrumental in shaping the direction of our organization.
• Breese Stam, who served as Secretary from 2006 to 2021 and as a Board Member from 2021 to 2023. Breese's long-standing commitment to APAGR and his contributions as Secretary have been invaluable.
• Kelly Criner, who served as the Secretary from 2021 to 2023, has brought her skills and dedication to the board, helping to steer our organization during a critical period.

In the spirit of our collective growth, we invite you to join us in embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. As leaders and members of APAGR, let us work hand in hand to create a brighter and more prosperous future for all.

Once again, Eric, Jeff, Breese, Kelly, and all members thank you for your remarkable leadership, dedication, and support. We will write the next chapter of success for the Association of Public Administrators.

Thank you.

Greetings:

Come to APAGR Family Night at the West Michigan Whitecaps! Bring your immediate family (significant other and/or children) and come enjoy a West Michigan Whitecaps game on Tuesday, August 15, 2023. Come and enjoy the Pre-game BBQ at the Lumberjack Grill. The BBQ will start at 5:20p.m. The game begins at 6:35 p.m. and you will move to your reserved seats. 

Please RSVP by Friday, July 14, 2023, to reserve your tickets. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today! (Children 2 and under are free, no ticket required) Tickets will be hand-delivered to your homebase workplace the week before the outing. RSVP Here

If you RSVP and develop a conflict, please contact kcriner@grand-rapids.mi.us or lcleypool@grand-rapids.mi.us as soon as possible. The tickets are pre-paid and non-refundable.

We hope to see you there!

The APAGR Board

Fellow APA Members,

Our next quarterly APA membership meeting will be held at the St. Adalberts Aid Society Hall located on March 22, 2023. The building is located at 701 5^th St NW. Parking is provided at the parking lot east of the building.  Social Hour is from 5:00-5:30pm, with the meeting to begin at 5:30. Food will be provided and everyone will receive two drink tickets. Please RSVP via the APA website using the link below.      

RSVP Form

Eric Jordan

APA Chair

Fellow APAGR Members and Retirees:

You are cordially invited to our annual holiday party on Friday, January 13, 2023. The event will take place at City Flats Hotel, located at 83 Monroe Center St. NW.

Hors d'oeuvres will be served at 5pm, with dinner following at 6pm.

If you are able to attend, please RSVP for yourself and up to one guest using the following link by December 29, 2022. You will also be able to specify any dietary restrictions which you may have. 

Holiday Party RSVP

Thank you and Happy Holidays!

APAGR

Fellow APAGR Member:

Please join us for a contract informational meeting from 5pm to 7pm tomorrow, September 8, at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge located at 1753 Alpine Avenue NW. Soft drinks, light snacks, and a selection of beer and wine will be available for attendees. Printed copies of contract information will also be provided.

Thank you,

APAGR