I bet you did not know that KCMPI is a small business with an operating budget of $260,000 per year...

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You pay $325-$450 per year in annual dues. The chapter gets back up to 25% of that or $81.25 - $112.50 per member.

Of that 25% listed above the chapter must use:

• 25% for MPIs proprietary speaker database (one speaker per year per chapter)
• 25% for the chapter to pay speaker fees and travel
• 50% MPI Headquartersuarter holds this money and allows the chapter to use it for speaker fees and speaker travel upon their approval
• Our chapter typically receives at least 75% of our speaker fees complimentary from local speaker bureau, speaker members, and friends. In 2010-2011 this equaled about $50,000 in-kind donations given to our chapter.

This means that ZERO ($0) of your money comes back to the chapter for normal operating expenses, which includes:

• Chapter administrator
• Chapter phone, fax and internet for daily operations
• Website management
• Strategic Alliance Database
• Costs of food, beverage, and audio visual at KCMPI educational and social programs
• Scholarships
• Chapter leadership to attend the World Education Conference (WEC)
• Accountant for tax filings
• Marketing and mailing
• Recognition for volunteers
• Student events
• Insurance
• The cost for these items alone is about $200,000.

What does pay for these items?

• The fee for monthly education and networking events
• Cash sponsorships
• Exhibitor fees at the Professional Education Conference (PEC)
• Annual auction
• Other fundraising opportunities such as Chief’s tickets
• 50/50 raffle at events
• Website, newsletter and member directory advertising
• In-kind donations

How can you help the chapter to be fiscally responsible?

• Attend as many monthly programs as your schedule will allow. Doing so generates funds for the chapter and provides great education and networking for you.
• Encourage your company to give a cash sponsorship for a monthly program. You can sponsor a location, food, bar, speaker, marketing and handout materials. Options are endless. 
• Encourage your company to exhibit at the annual Professional Education Conference, which this year is on May 16.
• Purchase an advertisement on KCMPI website.  Get in now while the prices are low, we have a new site launching this year.
• Advertise in our bi-monthly newsletter or annual membership directory.
• Participate in auctions and fundraiser events .

Note that the budget numbers listed above include in-kind donations.

It is all of our responsibility to support the chapter’s fiscal needs. The Board of Directors understands the challenges we are all going through and encourages you to participate at any and all levels that you are able. Our membership is open to work with you on what you can give to the chapter via volunteering, in-kind donations or cash sponsorships.

Please reach out to me if you have an interesting idea to raise funds for the chapter.

In hospitality,

Shana Hoy, CMP
2011-12 President - KCMPI

HUSCH BLACKWELL, LLP
4801 Main Street, Suite 1000
Kansas City, MO 64112
Direct:  816-983-8809
Fax:  816-983-8080
Shana.Hoy@huschblackwell.com