Top Stories

It’s time to speak up about the great work assns do

The final decision is up to the members

What’s your outsourcing attitude? Good or Bad?

While the rest of the country works, DC is closed

Are you prepared for emergencies?

New executives are a big investment!

In merger, process is great learning experience

Assns don't take off for the summer

April is National Organ Donor Month

Salary increases and decreases all over the place last year

Assns in the news, as talk show and govt resources

Let's get back to the assn's value proposition

Many new faces at the ASAE annual meeting in Minneapolis

There's gold in them thar meetings!

Another new assn community coalition of nonprofits developing, without ASAE?

And the greatest of these is communication

Who tracks the host cities' ROI on assn meetings?

The ups and downs of our community

The care and treatment of consultants

Amazingly, it has been 20 short years

There is always a lot on my desk!

Pulse survey shows CEO optimism in coming months

We’re all connected. Associations have overwhelming impact

Online fundraising - the old ways don't work

Rearranging the deck chairs

Do what’s best for your business

Getting to know you, getting to know all about you

Competition, Cooperation and Community

Still best to look your suppliers in the eyes

Are you prepared for an economic recovery?

Does 'change' mean 'improvement'?

Awards, recognition and events season

Keeping current is a part of your job

Strip your association down to its underwear

CEO jobs: Know what you’re stepping into first

Making continuing education more available to all

What keeps you up at night — assn’s problems or mbrs’?

The care and feeding of your predecessor

Something for everyone - associations represent the masses

It isn’t just a location; meetings provide substance to assn membership

How we ‘speak’ has an effect on what we communicate

On ethics, take a stand

Relationships with people create real value

Relationships with people create real value

No longer relevant?

Nonprofits should police themselves, or government will

Clear communication is of top importance at all times

The assn profession continues to grow, be proud of what you do

WSJ front-page PR? Certainly not an assn!

Help our military reach out and touch their families

Do you check? How do you know what they say is true?

It is almost summer, but we still have Springtime

#1500! Growing up in the shadow of a big tree

Awwwwww, c’mon

Looks like ASAE needs to rethink that title

Associating with others in the assn community

There is more to the new 'brand' than meets the eye

Rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic

Who is eating your lunch now?

A time for giving thanks, coveted assn awards

Spring is here; time to clean house?

With so few weeks remaining, assns are deeply involved in campaign issues

Are you maintaining your good name?

Get everything you should when you survey

Getting out the vote -- a privilege and a responsibility

Education and training are ongoing needs

We don’t often see the nonprofit community in the news

The other leg of the nonprofit stool

A turkey, a mouse and a CAE. Oh, my!

Not earning its keep? Cut the program!

Great ideas, great service are marks of great organizations

Break out your 2005 calendars - Feb. 10 is important!

Joyeaux Noel; Feliz Navidad; Merry Christmas all!

Find partners who share your goals and views

Assns have long had their place in change

Show that you are a leader, even on your way out the door

What’s that you say, there is no $ for marketing?

Only one more week – 2/10/05

It isn’t over yet. Lots of changes to come

Members who volunteer time are contributing real value

So much to do, so little time

Assns show optimism in the face of downturns

Celebrating the best in our assn community

Kudos to helpful volunteers

Not all negative

For assns, the worst is yet to come

Economic challenges also bring outstanding opportunities

Communication won’t solve all the problems

You send it but do they ‘get’ it?

Welcome, Mr. Obama, President #44

Consider what an AMC can do for your assn

Communication is a major part of assn success

Americans asked for change; we're getting it

Assns beginning to see the potholes in the road

This is the 1700th issue of Association TRENDS!

Not everything goes as expected every time

‘I'd rather not be in the news’

Be optimistic – ‘This too shall pass’

Recognizing the value of assns to society

Some relationships are just not meant to be

Assns really do advance America

Bailing out the bad boys? Maybe we need Tough Love

The clock is ticking; media contest closes Oct. 31

Changing the work of assns

Assn member lists aren't effectively hidden. Do you care?

Allow your staff their due accolades

No snow predicted for Feb. 24

How will 'change' change assns?

Hello? Hello? This is your wake-up call

A time for special thanks

Last summer, optimism; now we face reality

More mergers?

The Gift of Greatness

Warm holiday wishes to all

What are other assns doing to thrive?

Don't assume they know who you are

You'll be standing in line with everyone else

The new administration gets offers of help

Changing the balance of power

Competition for your members' time and attention is fierce

Three cheers for the funny bird with long legs

Positive attention on associations - for a change

Mr. Obama’s opinion was quite clear

Pat yourself on the back, cheer for all associations

The view of 2009 from where I stand

During his 2008 campaign, President Obama frequently called for “change.” Little did he know then that 2009 would bring extraordinary change to the American public, and, unfortunately, much of it would not provide the improvement our country needs. The association community has suffered, along with the

entire country, the impact of economic disaster. Despite bailouts and promises, the new administration has been hampered by a recession that our leaders were unable or unwilling to acknowledge before it hit full force. Calling healthcare the “biggest challenge” to our nation’s stability, those on Capitol Hill have spent months on measures that do not directly focus on the economy or jobs, issues that associations report as their members’ greatest concerns.

For most associations and related businesses, 2009 has been a year of cut-cut-cut. Our latest Association Pulse Survey showed midyear that associations were struggling to provide increased value to beleaguered members, cutting staff, products and unprofitable programs, managing more with less. We saw an increased number of joint events and mergers, creative measures being used to encourage increased attendance, and more organizations furloughing staff to balance their decreasing budgets. There were several top jobs that changed hands but many more executives who

have hunkered down in hopes that they can save their own and their staffers’ livelihoods, along with those of their members. Associations have little hope that they will recover during 2010, with most expecting improvement to begin some time late in 2011.

The staff at Association TRENDS and Columbia Books appreciates your readership and support. Since 1973, TRENDS has been an independent resource for the association community, providing insight, advice and information. We hope you had a Happy Hanukkah, and wish you a Merry Christmas and a joyous Kwanzaa. And a Happy Festivus to the rest of us! May 2010 bring not just change but also improvement and peace to the American people.

P.S. Scroll down to enjoy Ottawa Convention Centre's holiday message.

The view of 2009 from where I stand
Jill M. Cornish, IOM, Straightforward, Dec. 24, 2009

The view of 2009 from where I stand

Think twice, or more, before you raise your dues

No member surprises - maintain good communications

Sex and money - a big draw

Don't resist a shake up; be creative and inventive

Service is the difference between good and great

Membership is down, revenue is down. Now what?

Revenues down, but spirits and optimism are up

Spring training is a peek at what’s to come

Who would know better than well-traveled association professionals

Looking for money in all the right places

Just waiting will not solve any problems

Turning over a new leaf

Change must equal improvement

Just because they’re in the book...

In less-than-perfect times, your mbrs expect the most from you

Recognizing the Best-of-the-Best

Be certain you are providing value not fluff

Do members expect you to have super powers?

More optimism than you might expect

Does your assn reach out and touch someone in need?

Recognizing those who help associations serve America

Schools in - are your staffers ready?

Travel and meetings produce billions for the economy

Improvements in the works; staff still here

Has the tunnel changed or has the light gone on upstairs?

Survey shows traditional approaches, nothing creative

Have you cut research from your budget?

Ready for the next normal?

Multigenerational organizations have both gifts, challenges

Just 2 more weeks before the pumpkin goes out

What will you do when the media knocks on your door?

It is not about price - show them the value

Name changes and mergers bring out the “best” in members

Annual Salute to Assn Excellence begins with media contest

Giving back

Don't preach to the choir

No need to feel out there alone

Shame and praise at the ASAE annual meeting

Comments due 9/14; 990 shows negative opinion of NFPs

August, then Labor Day

‘Rebuilding’ does not mean just replacing the buildings

September: time to get your media entries ready

Exec committee mbrs seen as leaders, decision-makers

Assns Advance America in many, many areas

Mergers and governance keeping you awake?

Assns are trusted resources

Be nice to yourself, your members, your community

Buddy, can you spare a dime? We Americans have so much

VOTE NO! Does your board think members don't care?

Have you read the proposed ASAE by-laws yet? You should

Whose money, time, service is it, anyway?

Finance issues are at the top of the list

Huzzah for Assn Forum!

Being proactive and prepared is the best response

Technology has an impact on everything

Are print directories dinosaurs?

Confirming what we already know

Assn Forum leads assns 'on the edge'

ASAE may follow current assn advice to downsize board

Assns are HOT at work year round

When the news is overwhelmingly difficult

Don't lie and don't hide from the media

Select award recipients carefully

Outsourcing can lift weight from your assn's staff

Applause is in order

Announcements, announcements...and many new jobs!

Consultant as assn professional

He talked too much - and said very little

Who owns your assn?

839 members cared enough to vote; 133 said ‘NO’ to changes

Why an issue entirely about AMCs?

Going, going, GONE for a summer break...

Members still have the right to voice their opinion

Does your staff know what to say?

A clear and present opportunity to create something better

That's what assns do

Unfortunately, technology doesn't always work

Members need to speak to assn's staff when they have concerns

Signs of the times

Money isn't always the right reason

Frank, we hardly knew ye

Motivators will keep the assn's message top-of-mind

Do your members care enough to voice their opinions? 

Are assn execs in denial about the economy?

Every CEO is a potential former CEO

Assn meetings are holding their own, for now

Check the closets before you take the job

Use technology to improve members’ meeting experience

Technology gives everyone a chance to 'feel' the event

New confidentiality policy lacks teeth

Transparency: Ethics code must be enforceable

So much to read and do, so little time

Assn management and programs continue to change

Winners show the best in assn community

Don't say 'yes' when you mean 'no'

Give mbrs sticky ideas and products they want

Knowing leading members helps program planning

Carrots and...chocolate?

What does the public think of the assn community?

Are you prepared for the spotlight? Making needed plans

Recognizing the best in your industry or profession

To print or not to print. Who decides and how?

Time for the good, the bad and the ugly

Our message must be that assns provide value for everyone!

Fight back; web's eating your breakfast, lunch AND dinner

TOOT-TOOT-TOOT Get out your horn

During green month, assns provide something for everyone

Always give your members your best work; don't settle for less

It is the members' money; the assn's reward

Must be spring: Springtime, blossoms, baseball!

Economic changes have major impact on assns

Should an assn exec say one member is 'better' than others?

What impact will vendors’ decision have on assns?

What on earth happened to 2005?

Every new year brings change

Does your assn sell service? Products? The intangible?

Members deserve the best - not just the “best available”

Ah, but do they read it?

Alphabet soup - how do you know the name?

Caution needed: Not all change is easy

What a great opportunity to celebrate the best in assns

Assn publics are the winners

Assn environment changed?

The return of New Orleans – planners are pleased with city’s progress

Sharing information and ideas is basic to assns

If the flu hits, what will you do?

Check under the covers before you OK changes

Bylaws change ill-conceived; vote NO!

Assn professionals should focus on targeted skills

Assns may be asking for too many concessions

A Salute to Assn Excellence

Assn executives must take lead on leadership

Members everywhere!

Meetings, Meetings and More Meetings

Is Boys & Girls Club another United Way?

Does the result excuse the lack of attention to form?

Power to the people!

Back to school 2005; how ’bout YOU?

Assn response to Katrina

Best wishes for a happy, peaceful, financially successful end to 2005

Working together

A collaboration in sight for AMCs?

Preaching to the choir: Getting the message out to the public

Best for the members or best for the assn?

Where have all the members gone? The way of the times

Too tough? I don’t think so

BRAVO! A big win by the Alliance for Nonprofit Mailers

Who's minding your spam?

Provide value and they will pay

I’m thankful every day, thank you

Products and services won’t do it - value will!

It is an honor to salute assn excellence

Transparency can go a long way

Wealthy don't trust nonprofits

Assns can't hide behind their "good" names

Big money in the campaign

Don’t twist the truth when on Capitol Hill

Time for assns to adjust to new leaders on the Hill

Decorating for Christmas - what happened to Thanksgiving?

Find a new form to adjust to the times

DC assn community deserves a better watchdog

Honor the best in assns on Feb. 2

Take risks to keep pace, and show some pride

Ho, Ho, Ho! What a wonderful time of the year

Helping those who are less fortunate

New year, new Congress and new challenges

People are most important in the workplace

Several executives retire, others move

You pays you money and you takes you chances

Postal rates going up again; be prepared

Just because the temps are hot, it is best to keep your cool

Spring: Time for annual rites of AHPs and Springtime

Members, members, members

How many days does it take...?

30-year show a major success for all

Assns continue to serve members, year-round

Knowing right from wrong, then taking appropriate action

Business CEOs don't understand NFPs

A new crop of execs is moving to the top

Get help from 'outside' when necessary for key support issues

Always is a long, long time

What's in the name? Some think it is a great deal

There are times when change isn't good

'You know entirely too many people, Mom!'

Not the job for those with fear of flying

Does every generation do better than the last? Depends on who's talking

Is it time for top-down scrutiny of your assn's programs?

Assns have learned - and done - a great deal since 9/11

Politics will take a front seat in the next few months

Kids: Not your fathers' assns

Fuzz, fluff, clutter