SP+, one of North America’s largest parking providers, achieves comprehensive standard of excellence; Miami Parking Authority and ParkHouston earn advanced Accreditation with Distinction

(NASHVILLE, Tenn. – May 18, 2016) The International Parking Institute (IPI)’s newest certification program, Accredited Parking Organization (APO), has certified its first commercial parking operator, SP+, a major North American provider of parking and related services. Seven of its facilities have earned the APO Premier Facility designation.

In addition, two current APO organizations, Miami Parking Authority and ParkHouston, have successfully pursued advanced standing, earning the APO Accreditation with Distinction. The three organizations were acknowledged today at the 2016 IPI Conference & Expo in Nashville.

Established last year, APO ensures and supports the development and maintenance of industry standards representing the highest level of professionalism and competency. To earn the designation, an organization must meet at least 80 percent of the more than 150 criteria including 25 required criteria in the standard, which reflects best practices in responsible parking management and operations, customer service, professional development, safety, and security. To achieve Accreditation with Distinction, an organization must meet an 80 percent threshold of 86 possible criteria that represent exceptional practices.

“We are delighted to welcome our first commercial parking operator as an Accredited Parking Organization and to award two organizations with the inaugural Accreditation with Distinction,” said IPI Chief Executive Officer Shawn Conrad, CAE. “They are setting a precedent by demonstrating their commitment to ongoing evaluation and continuous improvement. As APOs, these organizations are leading the way, showing customers and stakeholders that they have achieved a quality benchmark throughout their operations.”

To become an APO, an organization must demonstrate its commitment to ongoing evaluation and improvement of program outcomes throughout their operations. During the past year, the APO Board has further refined its criteria for certification, adding 25 required best practices that are considered essential to earn the designation.

Applicant organizations work with a third-party reviewer to organize and present evidence of accomplishment of more than 250 industry practices, including optional criteria for accreditation “with distinction.” These practices are applicable to institutional, municipal, medical, university, airport, private, and other parking programs worldwide. Following a site visit and review, IPI may award the APO designation at the appropriate level.

Facilities interested in pursuing APO Certification can download the APO Matrix and Manual for Applicants at parking.org. For more information, visit parking.org or contact Rachel Yoka at yoka@parking.org.

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Helen Sullivan
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sullivan@parking.org