SP+ recently earned status as an Accredited Parking Organization (APO) with Distinction, becoming one of the first in the United States to do so. The APO designation recognizes best practices in responsible parking management and operations, customer service, professional development, safety and security.

“It’s a rigorous process and organizations that achieve accreditation have a right to be very proud,” explained Shawn Conrad, CAE, Executive Director of the International Parking Institute.

To achieve the APO designation from the International Parking Institute, an organization must demonstrate its commitment to ongoing evaluation and improvement through the implementation of parking industry best practices. Applicant organizations work with third-party reviewers to organize and present evidence of accomplishment of over 250 criteria in 14 categories. The designation APO with Distinction is earned by meeting an additional set of criteria from exemplary practices in the industry. Last year, SP+ became the first—and still remains the only—commercial parking operator to earn the APO designation from the International Parking Institute.

“Parking at an accredited facility assures the public that the parking organization adheres to a strict code of ethics and meets national and internationally endorsed standards for professionalism, accountability, responsibility, and performance,” Conrad said.

“We’re thrilled to be among the first to achieve the higher level of APO with Distinction, which validates our position as a leader in advancing our industry through impeccable service and the value we bring to our clients and patrons,” commented Marc Baumann, President and CEO for SP+.

Photo (L-to-R): Past IPI Chair Kim Jackson, CAPP, Roamy Valera, SP+ VP of Municipal Services Casey Jones, SP+ President of Commercial Operations Rob Toy, SP+ President & CEO Marc Baumann, IPI CEO Shawn Conrad, CAE