Member Matters

AMCI Annual Meeting Lessons Learned

February 2016 -- Featured Articles
At our recent annual meeting in Anaheim, we were listening to presenters and panelists who were talking about our businesses and what we do as AMCs for our clients and for the association management community as a whole. AMCs serve an important function and provide a valuable service. However, are our companies that much different from one another? We probably all like to think that we provide a unique service, very different from our competitors. If that is in fact true, then what is also true is that we’ll need to work twice as hard in the coming years to maintain that uniqueness.

AMCI Community Engagement Committee

February 2016 -- Member News
At the Annual Meeting in Anaheim, the newly minted "Community Engagement Committee" met for the first time. We are a robust committee of 15 located all across the country. Our one charge is to engage members. As you can imagine, a room of 15 AMCI members has LOTS of great ideas on how we can become a more engaged community.

Awards and Recognition at the AMCI Annual Meeting

February 2016 -- Member News
Several AMC Institute members and partners were recognized at the Annual Meeting. We extend our congratulations and gratitude to all.

Explore the Changes to the 2016 Revised Standards

February 2016 -- Accreditation Program
The 2016 revised ANSI Standard went into effect on January 1, 2016.

AMCI Partners with IMEX to Deliver AMC-Focused Education

February 2016 -- Meetings & Events
As a result of a new partnership between the AMC Institute and IMEX, AMCI will for the first time hold a co‐located educational program, ‘Association Management Companies – A Focused Look at Challenges & Solutions!’, on the morning of Association Day. The program is aimed at existing AMCI members and potential members.

Save the Date! Accredited Executive Leadership Forum

February 2016 -- Meetings & Events
AMC Institute’s Accredited Executive Leadership Forum returns in 2016 at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront November 9-11.

Outlook for AMCI in 2016

January 2016 -- Featured Articles
It’s snowing in Chicago as I write this, and much of the East Coast of the U.S. is bracing for a blizzard. That isn’t the only reason those of us above the frost line are looking forward to the upcoming annual meeting in Anaheim. But it’s a damn good one. Some other reasons are the opportunity to be in a room with dozens, even hundreds of people who understand the work we do, who have some of the same challenges you have, and who are willing to talk about what has worked and what hasn’t. There will be ample opportunity to do just that – in three days of terrific educational sessions and in lovely spaces accompanied by fancy foods and cocktails. So I’ll see you there. * * * This is my 30th year in association management. Our business is in a period of rapid change, and I have never been more excited to be part of this business and this community. As 2016 AMCI Chair, I look forward to a year of collaboration and action, as the board, committees and task forces work to deliver on our strategic plan.

SBI Association Management Announces Acquisition of Melby, Cameron & Anderson

January 2016 -- Member News
Seattle-based SBI Association Management (SBI), a full-service association management company (AMC), announced today that effective January 1, it acquired Melby, Cameron & Anderson (MCA), an AMC based in Edmonds, Washington.

Newly Accredited Companies

January 2016 -- Accreditation Program
Obtaining the AMC Institute accreditation is a valuable investment with incredible returns. It's also a cause for celebration, so join us in recognizing the companies below for obtaining accreditation. Strategic Association Management – Toronto, Ontario Strauss Event & Association Management – Winnepeg, Manitoba Congratulations on your accomplishment!

It's Been a Great Year!

December 2015 -- Featured Articles
This year AMCI has transitioned to a renewed focus on promoting the value of the AMC model to the benefit of all members. This effort really started in late 2013 and throughout 2014 as AMCI ‘redefined’ its strategic plan under the leadership of Past Chair Dede Gish-Panjada. This year has seen much of the hard work Dede, CEO Tina Wehmeir, the AMCI Board and many, many volunteers come to fruition.

Accreditation 2015 Year in Review

December 2015 -- Accreditation Program
Find out the companies that received AMCI Accreditation and Re-accreditation this year. In addition, find out about updates pertaining to accreditation and standards that occurred this year.

Joint Employer Decision by NLRB Should Not Impact AMCs

November 2015 -- Featured Articles
A recent ruling by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) expanding the definition of "joint employer" has received broad coverage in the media, with many commentators predicting a significant negative impact on various businesses, such as franchisors and staffing agencies. Only time will tell if those dire predictions will materialize, or even if the NLRB ruling will be upheld by the federal courts, but in the meantime it is highly unlikely this case will have an impact on AMCs and their association clients.

YourMembership Updates Expand Data Security

November 2015 -- Member News
YourMembership has advised AMCI that they will be making site security changes in order to maintain a secure environment. As a result, some members may need to make a few minor changes to their Internet browser’s security settings to maintain access.

Accredited Executive Leadership Forum - A Member's Perspective!

November 2015 -- Meetings & Events
The AMCI Accredited Executive Leadership Forum held at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver was a spectacular success! Read one attendee’s account of the fellowship, education, and networking throughout the event.

Cybersecurity - Is Your Data Safe?

October 2015 -- Accreditation Program
Are you keeping your data and those of your client’s safe? Cybersecurity is an important part of safeguarding the intellectual property and personal information of our clients.

Join us for the AMCI Accredited Executive Leadership Forum

October 2015 -- Meetings & Events
AMCI’s Accredited Executive Leadership Program (ELF)* returns in 2015 with a game-changing strategy for your business. This powerful executive program provides an unmatched forum for leaders of AMCs of all sizes to learn from top business educators.

Register NOW for AMC Institute’s Premier Annual Event!

October 2015 -- Meetings & Events
Registration is open for the 2016 AMCI Annual Meeting, which will be held February 10-12, 2016 in Anaheim, California. Join fellow colleagues for a transformational program that focuses on amplifying business development, professional expertise and knowledge, and strategic AMC growth.

Social Media - Are You Monitoring for Infringement?

September 2015 -- Accreditation Program
Does your AMC have a social media policy? What about your clients? Everyone uses social media today but it is important for associations, nonprofit organizations and their AMCs to be aware of the legal issues associated with it. Read on for more on what you need to know.

AMCs Engaged! Rated a Success by 95% of Attendees

September 2015 -- Meetings & Events
Find out what attendees had to say about the meeting, as well as find out highlights of the presented sessions.

Getting to "Yes"

August 2015 -- Featured Articles
By Lori Gordon, COO, Association Headquarters As AMC community leaders, each of us is always seeking at least one answer of "yes" to an important question... For example, we are always seeking to attract and retain top talent, we need affirmation from potential clients that they will move forward in engaging our services, we need engagement with our partners or next generation on strategic planning for the future of our companies, and we need a "yes" from our client partners when we are offering to explore new services as we continue to pioneer new operational models within association management.

Robinson Receives CoSA 2015 Advocacy for Archives Award

August 2015 -- Member News
The National Association of State Chief Information Officers, a client of Doug Robinson, Executive Director of AMR Management Services, has been honored by the Council of State Archivists as one of two recipients of CoSA's 2015 Advocacy for Archives Award. The award recognizes individuals providing strong support of state archives and records management programs as well as the work of the Council of State Archivists.

New Research Finds Associations Managed by AMCs Enjoy Strong Net Revenue, Asset Growth

August 2015 -- Industry News
The AMC Institute released new research demonstrating that associations that partner with association management companies (AMCs) enjoy significant revenue and asset benefits. The study found that, on average, AMC-managed associations experience more than three times the growth in net assets and 31 percent more growth in net revenue regardless of size and tax status.

DOL Proposes to More Than Double the Minimum Salary Threshold for Overtime Pay Exemption

July 2015 -- Featured Articles
The Department of Labor (DOL) has proposed to raise the minimum salary threshold required to qualify for the Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA) overtime eligibility exemption from $455 a week ($23,660 a year) to an estimate $970 a week ($50,440 a year). This is much higher than any individual state requirement. A 60-day period ending September 4, 2015 is provided for comment.

There’s Something Brand New Coming to AMCI!

July 2015 -- Member News
We’ve packed the AMCs Engaged! program with groundbreaking research results, thought-provoking speakers, innovative ideas and opportunities to network with your colleagues. Oh, and a surprise we can’t wait to share with you. But you know how it is – you have to be there. See you in Detroit!

All About Trademarks

July 2015 -- Accreditation Program
Do you have questions about trademark policies or the registration process? Find out the answers to these questions, as well as find out if your current policies address important necessary components.

Join Us for the IMEX America Hosted Buyer Program!

July 2015 -- Industry News

Leadership, the AMC Way

June 2015 -- Featured Articles
Dede Gish-Panjada, AMP Management Services and AMCI Immediate Past Chair, shares her thoughts on leadership and what it means to association clients and AMC staff, and the importance of consistent leadership.

Intellectual Property Policy- Does It Address Copyright?

June 2015 -- Accreditation Program
How does your AMC address copyright protection and infringement and other intellectual property concerns? Who owns the work? What is protected under the Copyright Act?

A Unique Talent Pool

May 2015 -- Featured Articles
At the beginning of the year, I hired two new employees to staff a new client we were in the process of on-boarding. I was very excited to find someone local who had worked for many years in the membership services department of a stand-alone association (it’s rare that I find someone at the administrative level who has actual association management experience). The second employee had extensive customer service experience at a for-profit company. Unfortunately, it was a rocky start with both employees.

AMR Finishes in Top 10 in 11th Annual Best Places to Work in Kentucky

May 2015 -- Member News
AMR Management Services took home a top ten finish in the small company (15-149 employee) division at the 11th Annual Best Places to Work in Kentucky awards dinner recently. The program, sponsored by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and the Kentucky Society for Human Resource Management (KYSHRM), seeks to honor Kentucky businesses who work to create top level workplace environments.

Accreditation Tip: Intellectual Property

May 2015 -- Accreditation Program
What does Intellectual Property encompass? This month's tip will begin to delve into the many areas of Intellectual Property that affect AMCs.

Registration for AMCs Engaged! is Now Open!

May 2015 -- Meetings & Events
Brought to you by AMC Institute and ASAE, AMCs Engaged! is a focused one-day Pre-Conference Program event prior to the ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition. The program is tailored to meet the unique challenges of the AMC community and to help you prepare for and adapt to the changing business landscape. Whether you're part of the leadership team of a thriving association management company, an owner navigating the first few years of growth, or an entrepreneur investigating the strengths of the AMC model, you can expect to walk away with concrete and thought-provoking information.

Stringfellow Management Group Celebrates 3 Year Anniversary

April 2015 -- Member News
Stringfellow Management Group (SMG) just recently celebrated three years in business. In this short period of time, SMG has more than doubled in size, welcomed several new clients, and upgraded to a new headquarters office in Forest Hill, Maryland to better accommodate the needs of the growing company and its clients.

Tips for Accreditation and Re-accreditation

April 2015 -- Accreditation Program
The accreditation or re-accreditation process doesn't have to be a daunting task. Find out a few tips to make it easier....

Call for Sample Policies

April 2015 -- Accreditation Program
Do you have a policy on Intellectual Property or Social Media? With the release of the revised ANSI/AMC Standard of Good Practices for the Association Management Company Industry, AMC Institute is updating the sample policies on their website. We are looking for sample policies regarding Intellectual Property, Social Media as well as other sample policies that relate to sections 3 through 12 of the ANSI/AMC Standards. This is a great way to share your best practices and support AMCs who are just beginning the accreditation process and those already accredited who need to implement the new policies on Intellectual Property and Social Media. Please submit your sample policies to Janine Oney-Schmitt at joney-schmitt@amcinstitute.org.

Former Head of the IRS Tax Exempt Division Weighs in on the Future

April 2015 -- Industry News
At the end of March, ASAE held a town hall meeting in Washington, D.C. featuring Marcus Owens, attorney at Caplin & Drysdale and the former head of the IRS Exempt Organizations Division. Mr. Owens painted a picture of IRS as an agency now trying to find its way following the dust up over 501(c)(4) organizations and their political activities. The tax-exempt division is a very small revenue generating sector for IRS, and thus gets little attention in the agency until Congress gets involved or a scandal occurs.

Message From the CEO

March 2015 -- Featured Articles
Take a peek at this article where Tina Wehmeir, CEO of AMC Institute updates membership on the 2015 Annual Meeting, highlights the association's accomplishments and shares what's in store for 2015.

Staff Spotlight

March 2015 -- Member News
From time to time AMC Institute likes to highlight our professional staff so that you are able to learn more about them. This month, we would like to highlight one of the newest members to our team, Sylin Bynoe.

CAE Credits Needed?

March 2015 -- Accreditation Program
If you attended the 2015 Annual Meeting, you are able to use the education from the sessions you attended for CAE continuing education credits. Simply submit your form to AMCI and the credits will be uploaded into your individual record. The information will be able to be accessed online in the Professional Development section of your profile. To submit your credits, please submit the form that was included in your registration packet to Janine Oney-Schnitt at joney-schmitt@amcinstitute.org. The deadline has been extended until March 31, 2015. If you have any questions or need another form, contact Janine at 571-527-3108 ext. 130 or at joney-schmitt@amcinstitute.org.

AMC Institute Annual Meeting Highlights...in 140 Characters or Less

March 2015 -- Meetings & Events
Couldn't make the recent AMC Institute Annual Meeting at Turnberry Isle Miami, February 18-20? Here’s what you missed and what everyone’s still talking about.

Looking for Content from the 2015 Annual Meeting?

March 2015 -- Meetings & Events
As a member benefit, information including handouts, links to recorded sessions and presentations may be found on the AMC Institute website. In order to access these items, log in to your account and look under the Members Only tab for Resources and then the Event Recap link.

Join us for AMCs Engaged 2015!

March 2015 -- Meetings & Events
AMCs Engaged heads to Detroit, Michigan on August 8th with another amazing one-day learning and networking experience. Find out information on this year's event!

Welcome to the New Year!

February 2015 -- Featured Articles
AMC Institute Board Chair Charles Hall from Association Services Group in LaGrange, Georgia welcomes you to the new membership year!

Thank You to Our New Task Force Chairs!

February 2015 -- Member News
In January 2015, AMCI welcomed our new Task Force Chairs. Find out which members are leading our charges for the year.

Explore the Changes to the Revised Standard

February 2015 -- Accreditation Program
The Standards Task Force has been working over the last several years to revise the Accreditation Standard and their dedication has paid off. The new Standard has been revised and approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Did You Know that AMCs are a Growing Industry?

February 2015 -- Industry News
Association Management Companies guide organizations toward greater growth and prosperity. Here are 10 things you probably didn't know about AMCs!

Did You Know There was a War for Talent?

February 2015 -- Meetings & Events
Find out the research and tactics used by one AMC Member to attract and retain talent for your business.