Newsletter
3 Quarter 2024 Newsletter
President's Report
Dear WATA Members,
I’m excited to bring you the latest updates and achievements within our organization. For anyone new here our newsletter page is dedicated to celebrating our members' hard work, sharing educational events, and keeping you informed about opportunities for professional growth. Let’s continue to support each other and advance the field of athletic training across Wisconsin.
If you have any information you'd like added to the next newsletter please send it to [email protected]
Steve Hilmer
WATA President
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WATA Annual Meeting and Symposium
Registration opens December 1st!
Just a drive away. Meet us on the waterfront in April.
From Wausau an hour and forty minutes to Oshkosh.
From Eau Claire a three-hour drive to Oshkosh.
From Janesville a two-hour drive to Oshkosh.
From Milwaukee an hour and twenty minutes to Oshkosh
Make your reservations today!
Oshkosh Waterfront Hotel
Reservations over the phone, please call (855) 230-1900
Please direct any questions to the Annual Meeting Planning Committee Co-Coordinators: [email protected]
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Annual Sponsorship Opportunities
Annual Sponsorship Opportunities
The WATA 2025 Annual Sponsorship program offers several tiers for supporting the Wisconsin Athletic Trainers’ Association. Options range from Bronze to Platinum, with one- and three-year commitments available.
Sponsorship benefits include brand visibility at WATA events, exclusive networking opportunities, and enhanced connections with athletic training professionals across Wisconsin. This support is vital in advancing WATA’s mission and promoting athlete care statewide. For detailed sponsorship benefits and to register, visit the WATA sponsorship page
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Awards and Scholarships
We're thrilled to announce the outstanding individuals who've earned recognition in our 2024 Awards! Join us in celebrating the Hall of Fame inductee, Kurt Fielding, LAT, ATC, Distinguished Service Awardees Jim Shlimovitz, MS, LAT and Jennifer Thorpe, PhD, LAT, and Outstanding Educators Kari Emineth, PhD, LAT, April Gotzler, PhD, LAT, and Tadd Turnquist, MS, LAT!
Mark your calendars for April 25th as we gather in Oshkosh for a grand Awards Reception during our upcoming symposium! Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to honor these remarkable achievers and be part of our esteemed community. Register now to secure your spot and join us in applauding their exceptional contributions!
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Volunteer Opportunities
Fill out this form or contact a committee chair below!
AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Committee Coordinator:
Anna Linstedt
Purpose: The Committee oversees the process and selection of recipients for the WATA Awards and Scholarships. Responsible for maintaining records of awards granted and significant historical events in the WATA.
COMMITTEE ON PRACTICE ADVANCEMENT (COPA)
Committee Coordinator:
Mark Husen
Purpose: Educating and updating the membership on the issues pertaining to third-party reimbursement, employment, and other revenue issues for athletic trainers in the State of Wisconsin.
COMMUNICATIONS
Public Relations
Committee Coordinator:
Lindsey Rozinski
Purpose: The main focus of this committee is to serve as the external voice of the WATA. Will create and maintain liaisons with other associations within WI to promote athletic training, create marketing plans to promote the profession with great attention given to National Athletic Training Month in March.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Committee Co-Coordinators:
April Gotzler and Jennifer Thorpe
Any questions please [email protected]
Purpose: Responsible for the development and planning of all continuing education events within the WATA. Membership will include Regional Representatives, and the Chair of the Student Affairs Committee to better meet the needs of all members.
FINANCE
Committee Coordinator:
Kyle Gibson
Purpose: Responsible for the development of a financial strategic plan and ideas for revenue development.
GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
Committee Coordinator:
Mike Van Veghel
Purpose: Responsible for staying abreast of all governmental affairs that will affect the WATA and communicating this to the membership. Also responsible for making recommendations on the Practice Act, managing the conduit, and coordinating legislative events such as letter writhing campaigns and Legislative Day.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Purpose:Providing leadership oversight and guidance to the WATA Board of Directors, developing leaders and maintaining a succession plan for board and committee positions.
RESEARCH & OUTCOMES
Committee Coordinator:
Naoko Aminaka
Purpose: To support and enhance research activities within the WATA membership by promoting research grants and establishing free communications at educational events. Will also be responsible for administering surveys when the input of the membership is needed.
Reports to: Secretary
SECONDARY SCHOOL ATHLETIC TRAINER COMMITTEE
Committee Coordinator:
Purpose:The main goal of this committee is to serve as an outlet and voice for athletic trainers in the secondary school setting. The committee further serves as a liaison for secondary school athletic trainers to the WATA board of directors. Members to include the WATA WIAA Liaison.
THIRD PARTY REIMBURSEMENT INITIATIVE
Committee Coordinator:
Joe Greene
Purpose: To advance third party reimbursement model and investigate other means of revenue for athletic training services. Membership needs to include a representative of all work settings including, but not limited to: clinic, industrial, and college/university.
WATA AT CARES CISM
Committee Co-Coordinators:
Mark Cole
Purpose: Provides free stress management interventions to licensed athletic trainers, their teams, coaches and families. The team provides CISM interventions before, during and after critical incidents.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS COMMITTEE
Committee Coordinator:
Madison Grausam
Purpose: To be the voice and supporter of young professional athletic trainers in the state of Wisconsin to advance the profession of Athletic Training.
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Thank You to Our Annual Sponsors
silver sponsors
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