In February of 1999 Janet Richardson contacted several members of APA who work in the Fox Valley area to inquire about interest in organizing a local chapter. As there appeared to be interest, a meeting was set up on March 10 to further explore the possibility. This meeting was held at Mooseheart in Mooseheart, Illinois. Discussions centered on the goals of the organization, who would be eligible for membership, hosts needed for meetings, letters to potential members to determine the level of interest and how to pay for the mailings. A follow up meeting was scheduled for March 16^th to continue the discussions.

Janet Richardson, Susan Koepke, Renee Hall, Candy Mastro, Beth Hanson, Lesa Norris, and Ron Pahl attended the March 16^th meeting. Discussions covered a letter to Payroll Professionals, a tri-fold brochure for membership and payment, when to mail the letter, a logo, bylaws and agenda. Temporary officers were elected and board members appointed. Dues were set. Another meeting set for March 31^st.

At the March 31^st meeting discussions continued on setting up the chapter, mailing of the invitation letter to prospective members and the name of the organization. The chosen name was Fox Valley Payroll Association with a Fox as part of the logo. On April 29^th, another meeting was held and by then, 60 prospective members had indicated that they would attend the May 7^th meeting. Representatives from the Rockford and Chicago Chapters also accepted the invitation. The May agenda was finalized.

On May 7^th eighty payroll professionals representing 56 companies from the Fox Valley area attended the meeting held at Mooseheart. Paul Klinger of Mooseheart welcomed everyone and Janet Richardson explained the intent of the Fox Valley Payroll Association. Beth Hanson discussed the benefits of belonging to the American Payroll Association and Susan Koepke talked about National Payroll Week.

May 20, 1999 saw the Fox Valley Payroll Association’s first Newsletter published and a press release sent to 14 area newspapers. In addition, during May, an EIN number was received from the IRS, a Checking Account set up and current membership stood at 56.

On October 14, 1999 members of the FVPA elected the following officers for a one-year term: Janet Richardson, President; Renee Hall, VP; Beth Hanson, Secretary. Elected for two-year terms were Ronald Pahl, Treasurer; Chris Miller, Education Director; Cheri Poquette, Government Liaison Officer. Lesa Norris and Candy Mastro, founding board members, remain Directors at Large. Chris Miller was appointed Education Director.

December saw the Illinois Secretary Of State approving the FVPA Certificate Of Incorporation, a Holiday Party and over 70 members.

On March 31, 2000 the 1st Annual Payroll Forum & Vendor Fair was held at Waubonsee Community College. Over 100 Participants (76 members) were in attendance along with over 18 vendors.

In June 2000, membership exceeded 100.