Volume 1

Growth of professional associations and societies has dramatically increased the need for effective, professional management. However, the traditional solution to managing associations through volunteers or in the investment of full-time staff results in problems of the associations goals becoming lost in the day to day details or in the increase of costs for office space, equipment, and staff.

An association management company performs the day to day business operations of the association to allow the association’s executive board and committees to focus on the mission and goals of the association. The management company has the expertise to run the association’s business needs while the board has the expertise to meet the goals of the association’s members.

The members of executive boards and specialized committees change frequently. These changes create a time freeze for association's goals as boards and committees become adjusted to their new role. An association management company removes the time freeze. Through the continuity and assistance of one management firm, the new board and committees are prepared to move quickly and effectively in their new roles.

Technology Tip

Associations on the Internet

Placing your association on the Internet offers members and the executive board an efficient means to obtain information and communicate. Today’s life styles have individuals conducting business on various time schedules. The standard nine to five day no longer exists. Being available on the Internet gives an association the ability to provide information and accept information on a continuous basis. The store is always open. Members can find information concerning their profession, process registration for conventions and meetings, renew their membership, submit new membership applications, or submit questions and concerns to various committee chairs.

Executive board members and committee members can use the Internet to communicate between meetings. Typical boards live in various areas within or across states. Time and distance prevents frequent meetings for planning. Through bulletin boards, private chat rooms, and private web pages, board members can improve their methods and frequency of communication.

The Internet provides associations with the tools to provide an effective means of communication between members, executive boards, and committee members. This communication is accessible at any time the association finds the need.

Q. Do you need to be a large association to use the services of an association management firm?

A. Size is not the reason for using an association management firm. The need for the association leaders to focus on their goals instead of the day to day business of the association is the reason for using an association management company. No matter what size an association is, there is a need for the continuity of business services from year to year, and a centralized area to provide communication to members, the executive board, and committees.

Q. What if our association does not require every service you offer?

A. When you use an association management company you choose those services that are appropriate for your association. Every association is different in size, location, and needs. At Craven Management Associates we assign an account manager to your association who helps you tailor the services that are required by your association.