Something for Everyone…At AHVRP Conference in August!

Whether you are dealing with cutbacks in budgeting because of current economic times, creating new programs using out of the box thinking, or continuing the pursuit of excellence in gift shop management, there is an educational experience awaiting you at the AHVRP conference in Phoenix, Aug. 26-30. A few of the session titles say it all: "Volunteer Services Raises the Bar, Lifts Spirits and Expands Services;" "The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Volunteer Management;" "Retail Math for Your Gift Shop;" and "Take Your Best Shot: Marketing your Volunteer Program through Photography." What an impressive array of valuable educational experiences available in one place! The theme of this year's conference, "Distinguishing Our Profession, Discovering Our Spirit" will become a reality in Phoenix during August. Join your fellow volunteer administrators as we work and learn together to bring value and a renewed spirit to our health care organizations. To explore the conference in detail and register, go to our site today! You'll be glad you did!More

Discover Your Spirit in Old Town Scottsdale, Ariz.

Take a break from education and enjoy a night on the town networking with old and new friends! During the 2009 AHVRP Annual Conference, AHVRP has arranged for a Dine Around Bus Trip to show attendees more of Phoenix, including opportunities for dining and shopping 'til you drop. More

You are Invited to be a Part of an Extraordinary Silent Auction

This year's AHVRP Annual Conference is almost here. In less than two months we will be in Phoenix at the beautiful Biltmore Resort & Spa. We are counting on you to help support our Silent Auction! Suggested auction items include, but are not limited to: Gift Baskets, Software, Wine, Gift Certificates, Weekend Getaways, Airfare, Housewares, Jewelry, Artwork, Time SharesSend Donations & Procurement Form To: Kriss Proctor, Director Volunteer Services Department Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center 1111 E. McDowell Road Phoenix, AZ 85006 Phone: 602.239.4380 E-mail: kristina.proctor@bannerhealth.comDonations will be accepted at this address from Aug. 1-20. Afterward you may bring items with you to the conference. Everyone is encouraged to participate by donating or bidding. Click here for more information and to download the procurement form. More

Matching the Right Volunteer with the Right Assignment

Volunteers may feel underutilized or unsatisfied with their assignment if the scope of their volunteer work doesn't match their skills and/or interests. Matching the right volunteer with the right position will result in satisfied, more productive volunteers. This practice shares ideas for matching volunteers with the right assignment. More

Retention: Volunteers and Service Members with Disabilities

Retaining good service members and volunteers can be a challenge regardless of whether the volunteer has a disability or not. There are some strategies that you can undertake to ensure that individuals with disabilities are successful in your program and are able to complete their term of service. More

Hospital Volunteers: A Qualitative Study of Motivation

This exploratory qualitative study was conducted using in-depth individual interviews of hospital volunteers to determine motivations operative in their choice to volunteer in a hospital and to explore whether any significant differences in motivation could be ascertained on the basis of age or gender. The study further probed the satisfaction and needs of these volunteers relative to their choice and motivation. At eleven pages, this is a serious and scholarly resource. More

Rack 'Em Up: Customer Service is Like Billiards

Ever played pool? It starts off with all the balls together, the cue ball comes along to break them up, they scatter and the game commences. That’s what a customer expects in a retail store. But too often, employees stay clustered, like a beehive daring someone to come in and be stung. More

Three Tips to Avoid Holiday Inventory Woes

Since retailers generate between twenty and thirty percent of their annual sales during the holiday season, they can ill afford a repeat of 2008 this year. The challenge is to plan well now to prevent holiday-season inventory problems later. More than ever, retailers must walk a fine line when it comes to holiday inventory management. More

How to Conduct a Physical Inventory

Most retailers are required by tax and/or accounting rules to provide an accurate on-hand value of the merchandise in its store. Although the retail store may be using a perpetual inventory system or other software to keep track of all items, it may still be required to physically count all inventory. Here's how to conduct a physical inventory with as little disruption and as much accuracy as possible. More