Associations Thrive

How do you create community within a trade association when the members are often competitors to one another? How do you create value so that members see your association as one that helps them succeed, make money, and stay out of trouble?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, Matrix Group CEO Joanna Pineda interviews Tim Brink, CEO of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA). Tim explains what a mechanical contractor is; talks about his journey as a journeyman, contractor, then association executive; then discusses how MCAA is thriving through:

• A community of members who share best practices to make the industry stronger.
• 750 guides that help members run great mechanical contracting companies, findable through a great search on the website.
• A Technology Conference that is a joint event with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACA)
• Management Methods bulletins that are contributed by the industry’s most successful and largest contractors so that all MCAA members can benefit.

References:

• MCAA website
• MEP Innovation Conference
• MCAA Resource Center
• MCAA Management Methods Guides

How do you rejuvenate and reward your longtime donors? How do you attract celebrities and sponsors to your organization and events?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Rick DellaRatta, Founder, Jazz for Peace. Rick talks about the founding of Jazz for Peace, explains how he learned how to put on events by participating in gigs while studying at the New England Conservatory of Music, and then shares:

• How Jazz for Peace celebrates and empowers organizations and causes around the world
• The fundraising model that Jazz for Peace uses to raise funds and awareness
• How Jazz for Peace reinvigorates donors and supporters
• Rick’s memorable concert in Rwanda

References:

• Jazz for Peace website
• Chet Baker on Wikipedia
• Let’s Get Lost film
• Jazz for Peace “Know the Funder” guide

How do you create a volunteer structure that allows members to volunteer in the way that matches their time, expertise and interests? How  do you make sure that your boards and committees have the expertise they need to tackle their initiatives?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Rick Grimm, CEO of NIGP. Rick introduce NIGP, shares his journey to becoming CEO, and then shares how NIGP is thriving through:

• A rebrand that expanded the association’s reach and membership. 
• A Talent Council that recruits continuously. 
• Volunteer interviews that ask the member “How do you want to be involved in NIGP?”
• Thought leaders on the Board who do not come from the membership, who bring expertise in specific areas, and who have all the rights and voting power as members from the profession. 

References:

• NIGP website
• NIGP governance model 

What does it mean to have a contemporary culture? How do you avoid massive turnover and burnout in today’s challenging workplace environments? How does governance fuel an organization?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Christina Lewellen, Executive Director of The Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS). Christina introduce ATLIS, shares her journey to becoming ED, and then shares how ATLIS is thriving through:

• An equal and healthy relationship between the Board and the ATLIS Executive Director
• A Board that provides strategic guidance and isn’t afraid to question their policies and practices when appropriate
• A high performing staff that is loving ATLIS’ contemporary culture
• A four-day work week

References:

• ATLIS website
• ATLIS Strategic Plan

How do you expand your membership when many people who could be members don’t know it? How do you support your membership when they are called upon to solve society’s ills? How do you communicate your value and relevance and thrive as an organization?

In this episode of Associations Thrive host Joanna Pineda interviews Vince Talucci, Executive Director and CEO of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). Vince introduces the IACP, shares his journey to becoming ED and CEO, and then shares how the IACP is thriving through:

• A new governance structure that expanded the definition of who could be a member 
• Being part of the conversation at the local, state and national levels when it comes to policing and community safety
• Communicating member value all the time, not just when times are good or bad
• Creating topical resources and guides on the most important policing topics, and making this guidance available in a timely manner
• Model policies that members can download, use and modify
• Being selective about the grants they apply for and doing amazing things with the grant money they receive

References:

• The IACP website
• IACP Policy Center
• Police Chief magazine

How do you lead a global organization, across time zones and languages? How do you reimagine a governance structure that no longer serves your organization’s strategic goals? How do you help your members advance their careers with intention?

In this episode of Associations Thrive host Joanna Pineda interviews Sue Cunningham, President and CEO of The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). Sue introduces CASE, talks about why higher education is still worthwhile, shares her journey to becoming President and CEO, and then shares how CASE is thriving through:

• A nimble culture, a curious staff, and committee volunteers
• An updated governance structure that saw CASE reduce from 11 fiduciary boards down to   one fiduciary board, while retaining regional councils and district cabinets
• Upgraded technology for CASE
• Global reporting standards that guide members in different areas, including donor ethics, fundraising, etc.
• A new career journey framework that gives members guidance on how to advance in their careers in the areas of strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, financial acumen, relationship building, etc. 
• AMAtlas, a program wherein members participate in surveys and then receive aggregate data from all respondents; these metrics allow members to compare data around the world and share what’s working
• A new book called Global Exchange: Conversations with Sue Cunningham 

References:

• CASE website
• CASE Global Reporting Standards
• Sue’s new book - Global Exchange: Dialogues to Advance Education by President and CEO Sue Cunningham

Does a chapter executive make for a good CEO of the national association? How do you foster engagement among longtime members? And what do you do when your industry is just begging for people to join?

In this episode of Associations Thrive host Joanna Pineda interviews Aaron Hilger, CEO, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA). Aaron introduces the SMACNA, shares his journey to becoming CEO, and then shares how SMACNA is increasing engagement among members and potential recruits. He talks about:

• How chapter leaders are often overlooked as potential leaders of the national organization but they are well positioned because of their experience and knowledge
• His funny first day as SMACNA CEO
• How associations are increasingly not based from the city where their association is based
• How to integrate new, remote staff into an increasingly remote organization
• How the pandemic has forced all of us to think about environments we live in, including and especially the air quality in our buildings
• How he’s trying to foster engagement among contractors who are dues-paying but not engaged
• The Heavy Metal summer camps that are teaching high schools students what it’s like to work for a sheet metal contractor

References:

• SMACNA Website
• Heavy Metal Summer Camps

In today’s crowded event and meeting landscape, how do you create events that are so unique that members feel a sense of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) when they miss one of your events? How do you lead with enthusiasm to create energy among your staff and members?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Russ Webb, Executive Director of the Bay Area Apartment Association (BAAA). Russ introduces the BAAA, shares his journey to becoming Executive Director, and then shares how BAAA is thriving with increased membership and increased non-dues revenue. He talks about:

• How to encourage your Board to lead AND let you and your staff execute on their vision and plan.
• How to identify and nurture superhero members in your organization. In BAAA’s case, they have a Leadership Lyceum program that helps BAAA identify future leaders.
• Post-event surveys and deep dives after EACH event.
• A pandemic strategy that forced the BAAA to bring education to where members are.
• A FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) event strategy where each BAAA event is different, never to be repeated. The same event even moves around throughout the year!
• Leading with enthusiasm!

References:

• BAAA website
• BAAA Events

How do you take a 50-year old brand and refresh it to make it more relevant, recognizable and easily understood? How do you create excitement on Capitol Hill for your industry, members and issues?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Mike Bober, President & CEO of the Pet Advocacy Network. Mike introduces the Pet Advocacy Network (formerly PIJAC), shares his journey to becoming President and CEO, and then shares how Pet Advocacy is thriving through:

• A rebrand from PIJAC (Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council) to the Pet Advocacy Network. Mike talks about why PIJAC decided to rebrand, how they decided on the new name and logo, and when and how they unveiled the new brand.
• A 50 great moments in Pet Advocacy Network’s history social campaign
• A return of their legislative fly-in
• Pet Night on Capitol Hill and Cutest Pets on Capitol Hill contests
• A long history of successful advocacy on Capitol Hill

References:

• Pet Advocacy Network Website 
• Economic Impact of the Pet Sector
• News Item about the Name Change + Logo Video 
• Pet Advocacy Network on Facebook

Did you know that Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are mostly volunteer and considered non-essential services and entities in the majority of the United States? 🤯 Even in the 12 states where they ARE deemed essential, they’re not necessarily funded. 

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Alan DeYoung, Executive Director & CEO of the Wisconsin EMS Association. Alan introduces WEMSA, shares his journey to becoming Executive Director, and then shares what WEMSA has been doing to diversify revenue and better support their members, who are mostly volunteers! 

Alan discusses:

• Who the Wisconsin EMS Association serves and the innovative ways WEMSA is adding value for their members.
• What EMS provides as a public safety entity, and how fragmented the industry is.
• WEMSA’s campaign to meet with members and potential members face-to-face, and provide as many free supplies and resources as possible.
• How WEMSA’s outside-of-the-box thinking has allowed them to diversify revenue streams to enable them to keep member dues low and provide more resources to their members and community at large.
• Why WEMSA decided to become the only nationally-accredited state-based training center.
• What YOU can do to support EMS in your community.

References:

• WEMSA Website