This afternoon, past and present chapter leaders assembled to chat about a variety of topics to ensure the upcoming year’s success. Here’s your inside peek at discussion highlights:
- Becky Murphy, current State Vice President/Chapter Services, hosted the meeting and shared a plethora of great tips regarding Web resources. You can check out just a sample of what we covered here. (Don’t forget, you’ll need to log on to fpra.org first.)
- Jennifer Moss, APR, CPRC, current Vice President/Finance, discussed budgeting, highlighting items like:
o Budgets — have them ready prior to November (preferably by Oct 1)!
o There are many helpful items available on the fpra.org Web site to help. . . check out the Financial Management section of the Web here.
o Even though you may have a great treasurer, the Chapter President is ultimately responsible for the budget!
o Revenue-generating line items should make $$, chapter luncheons are included in this, too.
o Did you know? Your chapter should have six months of operating expenses in your bank account. . . if you don’t have this already, please work toward it.
• Jennifer also discussed great income-generating ideas like:
— Encouraging organizations to sponsor a meeting or event.
— Creating an award that is “named” after a sponsor (which, of course, he/she pays to have his/her name on the award – I loved this idea!).
— Partnering with other organizations on an event and splitting the cost and proceeds.
• And ideas to reduce costs like:
— Reducing the cost of local Image Awards by purchasing the lower tier of awards.
— Using e-mail, etc., as opposed to paper newsletters.
— Re-negotiating contractual arrangements for monthly meetings.
— And much more! - With the room full of chapter leaders, many important topics were brought up for “food for thought,” like:
o Look at ways to give back to your members – they are the backbone of your chapter!
o Partner with larger chapters that have more funds to boost benefits for your members. . .
o Community service – do it!
o Don’t over-communicate to members as they might start blowing off e-mails, etc.
o Make sure your experienced members continue to feel valued.
o Start preparing NOW for the year-end report – there is a sample on the FPRA Web site. - Yes, I know I’m bordering on a mini-novella, so I’ll wrap it up here. . . The bottom line is – the Web is a CRUCIAL tool for chapter leadership. Take advantage of it and utilize the FPRA State Office resources for a successful year.