They're the administrative aides, support staff, office managers, and secretaries who keep the day-to-day operations of your office running smoothly. They're the ones who know what to tell you if you want to set up a conference call, can't figure out the office machines, or just plain need to get stuff done. Their contributions are often behind-the-scenes, but it's nearly impossible to imagine an office that doesn't depend on them.

What do they get for all their efforts? Most of the time, nothing but an occasional "Thanks" in passing, along with the vaguely comforting knowledge that the place would fall apart without them. But during the week of April 18-24, 2004, a whole week is set aside to honor them. And on Wednesday of that week (in 2004, that's April 21), it's officially Administrative Professionals Day.

Whatever you call the holiday, and whether you're an administrative professional yourself — or dependent on one — you'll want to celebrate the day and week with gifts, flowers, cards...something that shows how much you value the work that administrative staffers do. And if you're an employer, take heart. You'll get your turn too, when National Boss Day comes up in October. In the meantime, be sure to remember the people who help keep your business running strong.

_______________________________________________