The Orthotic & Prosthetic Group of America (OPGA)SM , Waterloo, Iowa, will formally celebrate its tenth anniversary with two events at the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) National Assembly October 22-25 in Reno, Nevada. "The Party" will take place October 23 from 5:30 to 8:30 P.M. in the Nevada Foyer Ballroom at the Reno Hilton, OPGA announced. In addition to complimentary libations and hors d'oeuvres, attendees may participate in a Casino Night that will feature "funny money" and prizes donated by OPGA and its participating manufacturers. There will also be drawings for numerous prizes, including a $500 cash grand prize. Admission is with a flashing button that may be picked up in OPGA's Booth, No. 505, during regular exhibit hours. Anniversary cake will be served in the booth from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. October 24. Jim Andreassen In ten years, OPGA has grown to include 1,020 facilities and 43 participating manufacturers. A statement from OPGA noted that it is the largest member service organization in the O&P profession. It also offers HOMELINK®, its managed care division; OPGA Insurance for product and professional liability coverages; OPGA Technologies, a telecommunications consulting company; OPGA creative for producing marketing materials; and OPGA Financial Services, which offers custom lease/financing programs. "I am very excited at the revitalization of OPGA during the past two years," said President Jim Andreassen. "OPGA is no longer just a buying group focused on manufacturer discounts. We have evolved into a member service organization offering much-needed services and revenue-producing programs that will help our independent O&P members stay independent. We are ecstatic to celebrate ten years of positioning independents for success." Clark, Michael Come on Board Two of the O&P profession's best-known practitioners have joined forces with OPGA this year, the company noted. Dennis Clark Dennis E. Clark, CPO, LPO, is a principal of OPGA and also its executive director. He received the Distinguished Practitioner Award from the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) in March. John W. Michael, CPO, LPO, FISPO, FAAOP, president of CPO Services Inc., an independent clinical consulting firm located in northwest Indiana, came on board as a consultant. He received the Academy's 1992 Outstanding Clinician Award and its 1997 Distinguished Practitioner Award. He was named a Fellow of the Academy in 1998. Michael was formerly an assistant clinical professor and director of the Duke University Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics, Durham, North Carolina. In the last year, OPGA has added successful Patient Care Clinics to its roster of services. John W. Michael Agnes Curran, CP, OPGA's patient care specialist, and John Michael have conducted 16 clinics that have resulted in an average of $230,000 of increased revenues for OPGA members. OPGA has stepped up its political activity with the addition of John Gallagher, vice president of government relations, who is active on both state and national levels. "As OPGA begins its 11th year, we plan to focus on online continuing education for our members," noted Andreassen. "We will keep everyone informed about this new program."
