The Loss Prevention Foundation’s Fall Board of Directors meeting held in Sanibel Island, Florida on Thursday took some time out of the day’s busy agenda to reflect on ten years serving the retail and retail loss prevention communities. And while a look back at some of our original board members revealed that our board may have earned a few more gray hairs and belt notches over the years, the commitment to serving the needs and interests of the industry is as strong as ever.
There is much to be proud of since the Loss Prevention Foundation first launched in 2006. We have seen unprecedented collaboration between hundreds of industry leaders, academic leaders, solution providers, and subject matter experts to create the LPQualified and LPCertified certification programs. We have watched as these living programs have earned academic acceptance and accreditation, as well as the support of retail and retail loss prevention leadership as ever-expanding numbers of individuals have earned their LPQ and LPC credentials. We have seen the courses gain international exposure and acceptance; underscored by the recent launch of the LPQ and LPC courses in the United Kingdom.
But the Loss Prevention Foundation has provided significant value to the loss prevention industry beyond these world-class certification offerings. LPF provides membership opportunities, additional growth and development tools, and supports many other quality opportunities for professional support. We have programs that support current and former military personnel, charitable programs that support young students, and the Loss Prevention Benevolent Fund which supports our fellow loss prevention practitioners and their families in their times of greatest need.
As a not-for-profit, much of this has been accomplished through the generous support of our board members, our solution partners, and the countless loss prevention professionals that have offered their resources, support, experience, and expertise to create an organization that truly represents the interests of the loss prevention family. “Our” is the correct terminology here, as this collaboration reaches across the industry and genuinely represents all of us. Ten years later, many of the board members are still actively involved. But there remains a constant influx of knowledgeable, creative, and talented leaders that contribute to the ongoing growth and development of the educational programs and other offerings provided by LPF.
Having the privilege to listen and participate in these meetings, there is a commitment to both establishing and maintaining the highest standards for every task and every project that is taken on. There is a process when discussing new content and new programs that includes active discussions and different perspectives that challenge—and improve the process and the potential learning experience to ensure the best possible programs for the loss prevention community.
“Good enuf” is actually the correct way to spell this expression in this setting, because together they represent four-letter words that are never part of the conversation. “Raising the bar” and “setting the standard” are phrases that are actually used in these discussions as industry leaders are engaged in providing the best possible materials—and solutions to the industry. It is this process and this commitment to the industry that truly makes these offerings what they are.
Thursday’s meeting provided us with news on accomplishments and ongoing expectations for the continuing growth and development of the Loss Prevention Foundation, and we can expect many exciting announcements that will benefit the entire loss prevention community in the weeks, months, and years to come. But as we look to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the LP Foundation, it’s much more exhilarating to consider the prospects of where we’re headed rather than simply reflecting on where we’ve been.
From the team at LP Magazine, we want to congratulate the entire loss prevention community for their commitment and support through the Loss Prevention Foundation, and continued success in the years to come.