Associations strive to make long-distance relationships work
For dual-headquartered organizations, especially Chicago groups with D.C. lobbying presence, technology key to staying in touch. Some associations have decided two is better than one when it comes to a base of operations, although maintaining separate offices presents its own problems in staff coordination and culture. The National Corn Growers Association has two offices: the St. Louis headquarters with 32 employees and a Washington, D.C., office with eight staff. The people in each reflect the areas in which they live, says NCGA CEO Rick Tolman.
Read MoreBitter winter poses a threat to Chicagoland associations
Groups advised to plan accordingly, do vulnerability assessment, especially for meetings; milder weather likely in mid-Atlantic. CHICAGOWindy City associations can expect a lot more than wind this winter and should be planning accordingly, experts say. With average snowfall of 39 inches, Chicago can anticipate up to 52 inches this winter, along with extreme cold, predicted AccuWeather.com in its recent annual long-range forecast.
Read MoreCain touts association experience in presidential campaign
In interviews and debates, the former National Restaurant group head frames his trade group job as small business advocacy Cain
Read MoreEthanol group eyes alternative fuel credit
Ethanol group eyes alternative fuel credit Ethanol retailers and producers have organized around the goal of getting the Internal Revenue Service to recognize E85 as an alternative fuel eligible for federal tax credits. The Coalition for E85 launched Oct. 11 in response to a decision by Congress earlier this year to allow a 45-cent-per-gallon tax credit on ethanol to expire at years end.
Read MoreFine to take reins of Turnaround Management Association
Greg Fine, who has spent his career working in associations, says mentorship helped prepare him for executive director job Fine
Read MoreGirl Scouts CEO pens leadership book
Cloninger Kathy Cloninger, soon-to-be-retired CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA, has chronicled lessons learned in her eight years at the group.
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