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Newsletter - August 2010

Associations 3.0: "The New Normal"
By G.A. Taylor Fernley, President & CEO

The business landscape as we know it is forever changed. Many industry associations are remaking themselves or disappearing entirely. The sooner we recognize that this downturn has been the precursor to another seismic shift in our economy and society, the quicker we can shift from a doom-and-gloom mindset to being exited about new growth and ready to embrace the next area of, let's call it, reinvention. We as association leaders need to invent the next "traditions" for our organizations, ways of thinking and being that will allow us to move forward with greater confidence so that we may realize our full potential and progressively and aggressively move our associations forward.
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Communicating a Change in Dues Structure
By Stephen C. Carey, CAE

When associations consider revising their dues structures, which may impact the benefits they offer, both staff and volunteers must be prepared to communicate the new structure in such a way that the members have complete buy-in for the change and understand the reasons for its implementation. Avoid falling down when communicating a change in dues structures to stakeholders by ensuring there is a direct link to the association's value equation when the new structure is rolled out and by including member input during the development process.
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Will Your Association Protect You?
By Robert C. Harris, CAE

With responsibility comes risks and liabilities for staff. The question herein is whether or not the association would protect you if something went wrong under your authority? An organization is more likely to come to the aid of staff or volunteers when systems and precautions have been implemented. Thus, good managers focus not only on meeting goals and objectives but also on developing systems to protect staff and volunteers. This article focuses on thirteen major areas, however, it should certainly not be considered all-inclusive, but it's a great place to start.
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An AMC Story: All in the Family
Interview by Stephanie Czuhajewski

Two generations of Fernley's took time recently to share their unique perspective on the association management business their family has been a part of for almost 125 years. President & CEO, G.A. Taylor Fernley, fourth generation, and Kyle Fernley, fifth generation, shared a brief history of the nation's first non-profit management firm as well as some insight on how the business has changed over the years and what they anticipate for the future.
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Fernley & Fernley, Inc. has been a leader in the non-profit management industry for well over a century. The nation's first Association Management Company (AMC), Fernley & Fernley provides professional management services to 20 non-profit trade associations and professional societies representing a wide variety of business sectors and professions. Fernley & Fernley holds the distinction of being among the first to receive dual charter accreditation from the Association Management Company Institute (AMCI) and the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). Our Mission is simple - "We Advance the Mission of Our Clients."

This newsletter is produced quarterly as a service to volunteer leaders within the non-profit community that Fernley & Fernley serves. Articles or statements appearing herein are presented for informational purposes and do not constitute legal opinion, advice or judgment, and should not be relied upon as such. Inquiries or comments should be directed to info@fernley.com.

For more information on Fernley & Fernley, Inc. and the professional services we offer visit our web site at www.fernley.com or call (215) 564-3484. © 2010 Fernley & Fernley, Inc.