News

More News



2010 AMTA Award Winners

Rookie of the Year – Presented to David Fireside of Chicago, Illinois for his deep commitment to the profession and the establishment of a successful company, Urban Decompression, which heads the massage volunteer services for the Chicago Arthritis Foundation.

Employer of the Year – Presented to Sandy Saldano of Therapeutic Kneads in Highland Park, Illinois for her excellence in providing employment, encouragement, and knowledge for massage therapists in Illinois.

Outstanding Contribution to Massage in Integrative Health Care – Presented to Vicky Weis For her work utilizing massage therapy to help benefit cancer patients in body, mind and spirit through Faye’s Light in East Hazelcrest, Illinois.

Humanitarian Award – Presented to Marion Morgan of Chicago, Illinois for her work at the Marjorie Kovler Center and providing massage therapy for survivors of torture.

Distinguished Service to the Chapter – Presented to Celia Bucci of Chicago, Illinois for her role as Secretary and Communications Chair for the past year, as well as her efforts and support in helping AMTA-IL Chapter members achieve continued success and stay advised of our evolving profession.

Meritorious Award – Presented to Pat Malone of Naperville, Illinois for his leadership in the massage therapy profession for nearly 25 years and being a mentor to a multitude of beginning massage therapists through his personal business.


Chicago Zoning Amendments Passes in “Stealth Vote”

Despite strong opposition from the American Massage Therapy Association, allied organizations including nine local chambers of commerce within the city, and many city officials, the amendment to rezone massage therapy establishments was (regrettably) passed on June 9, 2010.

Using a very clever means to redress a piece of unpopular legislation, the proposed amendment was buried in the section of the council agenda titled “Unfinished Business” near the very end of the meeting. It was brought forth during a very active time in Chicago, from both legislative and cultural vantages (Blackhawks championship game pending that night; summer vacations just starting; the Wal-Mart proposals; the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on Chicago's gun-ban; the Blagojevich trial).

To date, the Chicago Zoning Department has yet to publish the new ordinance language in its entirety, including the requirements for a “special” permit, despite repeated calls to their office.

The AMTA-IL Government Relations Committee is working on a strategic appeals process that is preemptive and proactive in its scope. Our mission, in addition to having this misguided, hostile piece of local legislation overturned, is to lay a firm foundation for fair practice rights. While it may take some time to see tangible progress, we also don't want to jeopardize other pro-massage therapist initiatives underway. In order for it to be most effective, however, the entire massage therapy community must come together as a whole, really get involved and stay focused on strategies that are preemptive and proactive, rather than reactive.

Click here for the AMTA Chapter newsletter, which has all the details regarding the Chicago issue, as well as other issues impacting municipalities around the state.


Upcoming Meet-ups Click here
Attend an upcoming AMTA-IL Member Meet-up for an opportunity to expand your network and renew your professional and personal friendships!!!  Click here for upcoming dates and locations.  If there are currently no meet-ups scheduled for your area, and you would like to learn how to get one started, contact Jennifer Butler


In Touch Newsletter Is Available NOW! Click here

more news...

last update 08/25/10

 
Important Links
Calendar

American Massage Therapy Association - Illinois Chapter
1901 N. Roselle Rd. Suite 920
Schaumburg, IL 60195
Phone (847) 885-0674
Fax (847) 885-8393

info@amta-il.org

site map | privacy | legal

Copyright © 2007-2010 American Massage Therapy Association of Illinois (AMTA-IL) All rights reserved.

No part of this Web site may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the American Massage Therapy Association.