There are less than 3 weeks remaining before the deadline to submit Chapter of the Year (COTY) contest entries. Make sure your chapter is represented among the contestants by reviewing the contest questionnaire and submitting your entry no later than Wednesday, February 5. 
Here are 3 reasons to enter the contest:
1. Your chapter can receive national recognition.
At the 38th Annual Congress, APA will announce the 2020 Chapter of the Year and eleven other chapter winners for their unique achievements. The top three winners will receive customized banners and the Chapter of the Year will also be featured in PAYTECH magazine, on APA’s social media, and much more!
The prestige that comes with winning, or even placing in, the Chapter of the Year Contest, is great for boosting chapter morale, gaining sponsor partnerships, and attracting new members. No matter the size of your membership, every chapter has an opportunity to win based on their achievements and innovative operations.
2. Your chapter will benefit from reviewing its procedures and growth in the past year.
Reviewing the meetings, goals, feedback, and processes of the past year can better prepare your chapter for future improvements and growth. All participating chapters will receive a “report card” after Congress, with comments and feedback from the Chapter Recognition Committee, which can further help your chapter. The entry also serves as a useful annual summary that can be filed with your chapter’s historical documents.
3. APA will gain a better overall understanding of its chapters’ accomplishments and activities.
With every entry submitted, APA’s Chapter Relations Department gains a clearer picture of its chapters’ activities and accomplishments, as well as what areas they are struggling with. This allows APA to develop stronger support for its chapter leaders and also highlight and share successful strategies on platforms like the Chapter Leaders Blog.
So don’t delay! Download the contest flyer and start outlining your entry. Remember to work together with other chapter leaders, proofread the entry, and include lots of photos.
