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Newsletter - November 2008

President's Message – Designing Your Future
by G.A. Taylor Fernley, President & CEO
Even I, the eternal optimist, am being challenged on several fronts to remain optimistic today factoring in the economic uncertainty in world and national markets, the unsettledness of what the new administration will bring, and the impact these (and other) issues have going forward for those of us in the association and non-profit world. They never said it was going to be easy, right?

Just recently, I concluded reading a copy of ASAE's most recent "environmental scan" entitled DESIGNING YOUR FUTURE. It is a fascinating research study and effectively identifies trends, issues, and events that are likely to have a transformational impact within the association sector.

The publication itself profiles 50 trends that are likely to impact us all in the next 5-10 years and goes on to describe an additional 100 trends that are also of relevance. Rest assured, I am only going to share with you a "Top 5" (move over David Letterman) that, in my opinion, have particular relevance as we enter into 2009.
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Innovative Ideas to Host Better Meetings
by Jessica Widing, Executive Director
One of the most stimulating sessions I attended at a recent ASAE (American Society of Association Executives) meeting was entitled "Knowledge Strategies for Better Meetings" lead by Mickie S. Rops, CAE. The overall concept was a simple one, engage the audience. But not just at the meeting; start to grab their attention before the meeting, hold onto it during the meeting and keep your attendees involved long after the meeting is over. The wide variety of electronic and web based communications available today enables associations to reach out to conference attendees in an efficient and cost effective manner. It also allows attendees to interact with each other.
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Board Orientation: An Essential Building Block to a Strong Partnership
by Margo McDonnell, Executive Director
Volunteer leaders are elected to the board of directors often without a good understanding of their new role. A board orientation is an excellent way to provide an overview of the association's history, policies, strategic initiatives, organizational structure and financial status. This orientation should also explain the role of the association management team or paid staff versus that of the volunteer board. This understanding will help avoid duplication of efforts, create an effective working relationship and provide for a productive term.
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Volunteer Spotlight – Suzanne C. Pine
Our editor caught up with Suzanne C. Pine to talk about her many years of active involvement with volunteer organizations. In fact, she made a career of it, 30 years worth! Many of our readers will recognize Sue's name as Fernley & Fernley's Executive Vice President until her retirement this past September. Although she is no longer working in the non-profit world, she always has been and probably always will be involved in it. It's just her nature.
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The 15 Rules of Successful Marketing
by Vicki Scott, Director of Client Services
According to some experts, there are 15 rules of successful marketing that should almost never be broken. Although these rules were originally developed for the corporate world, with minor modifications they can be effectively applied to non-profit organizations.
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Volunteer Leadership Today is produced quarterly as a service to the non-profit community that Fernley & Fernley, Inc. has served for well over a century. 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. © 2008 Fernley & Fernley, Inc.