Newsletter
Home > Newsletter > Current Newsletter

Newsletter - May 2010

"Be a Strong, Visionary Leader in Tough Economic Times"
By G.A. Taylor Fernley, President & CEO

What should leaders do to combat the relentless stream of unsettling economic news? I suggest that they use the lessons learned from this challenging period to refocus and position their organizations for more prosperous times ahead. It's easy to get caught up in the water cooler talk of doom-n-gloom, but most of us have weathered tough economic times before and we know deep down that we'll come through this one too, eventually. In the meantime, remember that leadership sets the tone, like it or not. Be realistic, yet optimistic in your conversations, your actions, and most importantly your interactions with colleagues, associates, and association members. They look to you for advice during difficult times so give it to them in an open and honest manner. Included in this article are five "best in class" ideas to guide you.
Read more

Boards of Directors - Perspectives on Governance and Leadership Recruitment
By Francine Butler, PhD, CAE, CMP, Executive Vice President, AMC Institute

A Board of Directors is a group of people who voluntarily accept fiduciary responsibility for an organization. We're speaking of non-profit Boards specifically in this case. But where do you find these dedicated trustees of the association, its funds, intellectual property, and membership data? A great place to start looking for new leaders is within the ranks of your current Board. They have their pulse on the association as well as the industry or profession it represents and more than likely know someone who could make a positive contribution. Don't forget that before you start recruiting for new volunteer leaders be sure to have a clearly defined job description detailing the expectations for the position and of course of time commitment required.
Read more

Leadership Development and Education
By Kenneth R. Hutton, Executive Director

Leadership development is a process that starts as soon as an individual or company joins an association or professional society. The key to having strong leadership is educating volunteers as to their specific roles and responsibilities in a particular position. It is equally important for leaders to understand the history, governance structure, legal liabilities, and policies and procedures of the organization. After all they are helping to run a business entity. Education doesn't end once a member is elected or appointed to a leadership role, whether it be on a task force, committee, or the Board of Directors. This is an on-going process that should be included routinely on meeting agendas to ensure that a once and done approach isn't followed. The investment in training time will be well worth it.
Read more

Making the Most of Your Time on the Board
By Taylor Fernley, President & CEO, and Trudie Bruner Rowello, COO

You're invited to join us for a very special event on Thursday, May 13, 2010 from 8a.m. - 10:30a.m. Fernley & Fernley and the Philadelphia Business Journal are co-hosting a seminar that will include a little networking time also. The experts in Association Management at Fernley & Fernley will provide practical advice on a myriad of topics for the new or seasoned volunteer leader. Lyn Kremer, Publisher of the Philadelphia Business Journal will show you how to grow your business in only 45 minutes a week.
Read more

###

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.