Top Stories

Get everything you should when you survey

And the greatest of these is communication

Who tracks the host cities' ROI on assn meetings?

The ups and downs of our community

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

Not earning its keep? Cut the program!

The care and feeding of your predecessor

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

Are you maintaining your good name?

Many new faces at the ASAE annual meeting in Minneapolis

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

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

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

A time for giving thanks, coveted assn awards

Spring training is a peek at what’s to come

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

New executives are a big investment!

Working together

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

Assns in the news, as talk show and govt resources

Are you prepared for an economic recovery?

Competition, Cooperation and Community

The final decision is up to the members

What’s your outsourcing attitude? Good or Bad?

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

Are you prepared for emergencies?

There's gold in them thar meetings!

In merger, process is great learning experience

Assns don't take off for the summer

The care and treatment of consultants

Salary increases and decreases all over the place last year

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

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

Joyeaux Noel; Feliz Navidad; Merry Christmas all!

While the rest of the country works, DC is closed

Members everywhere!

#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

Huzzah for Assn Forum!

Great ideas, great service are marks of great organizations

Just because they’re in the book...

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

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

Rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic

There is always a lot on my desk!

Relationships with people create real value

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

Help our military reach out and touch their families

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

It is almost summer, but we still have Springtime

On ethics, take a stand

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

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

Who is eating your lunch now?

WSJ front-page PR? Certainly not an assn!

Revenues down, but spirits and optimism are up

The other leg of the nonprofit stool

Be optimistic – ‘This too shall pass’

No snow predicted for Feb. 24

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

Not everything goes as expected every time

Economic challenges also bring outstanding opportunities

Don't assume they know who you are

You send it but do they ‘get’ it?

Members who volunteer time are contributing real value

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

Who would know better than well-traveled association professionals

For assns, the worst is yet to come

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

Hello? Hello? This is your wake-up call

How will 'change' change assns?

Welcome, Mr. Obama, President #44

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?

‘I'd rather not be in the news’

The new administration gets offers of help

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

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

Sex and money - a big draw

Think twice, or more, before you raise your dues

Recognizing those who help associations serve America

Three cheers for the funny bird with long legs

Positive attention on associations - for a change

This is the 1700th issue of Association TRENDS!

Pat yourself on the back, cheer for all associations

Ready for the next normal?

The view of 2009 from where I stand

Turning over a new leaf

No member surprises - maintain good communications

Changing the balance of power

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?

Mr. Obama’s opinion was quite clear

It is not about price - show them the value

Competition for your members' time and attention is fierce

Travel and meetings produce billions for the economy

You'll be standing in line with everyone else

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?

Just 2 more weeks before the pumpkin goes out

Does your assn reach out and touch someone in need?

Multigenerational organizations have both gifts, challenges

Schools in - are your staffers ready?

Change must equal improvement

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?

Assn executives must take lead on leadership

More optimism than you might expect

Assns are trusted resources

Shame and praise at the ASAE annual meeting

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

August, then Labor Day

Whose money, time, service is it, anyway?

September: time to get your media entries ready

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

Winners show the best in assn community

Mergers and governance keeping you awake?

Giving back

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

Members still have the right to voice their opinion

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

Confirming what we already know

Assns Advance America in many, many areas

Consultant as assn professional

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

ASAE may follow current assn advice to downsize board

Why an issue entirely about AMCs?

When the news is overwhelmingly difficult

Finance issues are at the top of the list

Select award recipients carefully

Outsourcing can lift weight from your assn's staff

No need to feel out there alone

Announcements, announcements...and many new jobs!

Don't preach to the choir

He talked too much - and said very little

Who owns your assn?

Exec committee mbrs seen as leaders, decision-makers

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

Assns are HOT at work year round

Annual Salute to Assn Excellence begins with media contest

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

Applause is in order

Do your members care enough to voice their opinions? 

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

Transparency: Ethics code must be enforceable

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

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

Money isn't always the right reason

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

Frank, we hardly knew ye

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

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?

Economic changes have major impact on assns

Recognizing the best in your industry or profession

So much to read and do, so little time

Does your staff know what to say?

Our message must be that assns provide value for everyone!

Are you prepared for the spotlight? Making needed plans

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!

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

Are print directories dinosaurs?

Time for the good, the bad and the ugly

Transparency can go a long way

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

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

Assn Forum leads assns 'on the edge'

Assn professionals should focus on targeted skills

Alphabet soup - how do you know the name?

What impact will vendors’ decision have on assns?

A collaboration in sight for AMCs?

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

Bylaws change ill-conceived; vote NO!

Caution needed: Not all change is easy

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

What a great opportunity to celebrate the best in assns

Assn publics are the winners

A Salute to Assn Excellence

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

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?

Kids: Not your fathers' assns

I’m thankful every day, thank you

People are most important in the workplace

Knowing right from wrong, then taking appropriate action

Postal rates going up again; be prepared

DC assn community deserves a better watchdog

It is an honor to salute assn excellence

Take risks to keep pace, and show some pride

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

Time for assns to adjust to new leaders on the Hill

New year, new Congress and new challenges

Don’t twist the truth when on Capitol Hill

Several executives retire, others move

You pays you money and you takes you chances

Assn management and programs continue to change

‘Rebuilding’ does not mean just replacing the buildings

Assns may be asking for too many concessions

Being proactive and prepared is the best response

Technology has an impact on everything

Helping those who are less fortunate

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

Always is a long, long time

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

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

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!'

Decorating for Christmas - what happened to Thanksgiving?

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

Business CEOs don't understand NFPs

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

Politics will take a front seat in the next few months

Honor the best in assns on Feb. 2

Find a new form to adjust to the times

A new crop of execs is moving to the top

Wealthy don't trust nonprofits

Assns can't hide behind their "good" names

Big money in the campaign

Not the job for those with fear of flying

Fuzz, fluff, clutter