By Bonnie Watts, CEM

We’re just past the time of year where many of us rush to finish holiday shopping and errands and from one commitment to the next where businesses are hosting us at appreciation events and cocktail parties. The mailbox begins to fill up with greetings and expressions of appreciation and warmth of the season. It’s one of my favorite seasons because people tend to stop and take a moment to reflect on the year and take stock in their relationships.

With all this good cheer, it can also be a stressful time for holiday shoppers who find traffic heavier, which translates to a greater demand for parking. On any average day, the function of parking can elicit a range of emotions but with additional stresses added to this season, it’s an opportunity for parking professionals to really shine.

IPI’s members are stepping up and I must admit, many of these efforts have elicited my own emotional reaction and charitable feelings. Check out some of the great things our members are doing (here or here) to remind patrons that parking professionals care and want to spread some of that holiday cheer! What is your organization doing to add a smile to parking? Share with us in the comments here or on our Facebook page.

Bonnie Watts, CEM, is IPI’s vice president of sales.