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What is an association management company?
An association management company (AMC) is an organization staffed with skilled
professionals who provide expert, cost-effective management and administrative support to
volunteer-based membership organizations.
Who uses association management companies?
The tremendous advantages of using an AMC are enjoyed by forward-thinking business,
trade, service, and professional associations, academies, and societies of all membership
and budget sizes throughout the United States and the world.
Why is an association management company preferable to other methods of administrative
support?
No matter what the nature of a volunteer-based membership organization, there are only
three ways to get things done:
- Delegate all functions to volunteers. While this approach may reduce out-of-pocket
costs, it is not necessarily cost-effective. The organization that chooses this route
sacrifices continuity; risks unintentional errors and omissions in corporate procedures
and responsibilities; subjects its timetables and deadlines to the schedule of volunteers
who are preoccupied with their personal responsibilities; misses out on valuable
professional experience, guidance, and input; and takes precious time away from
volunteers, limiting them from doing what they do best--namely, running their own
businesses.
- Hire a full-time staff. The benefits of a full-time staff are obvious: They are all
there when you need them; they are well informed and dedicated to your organizational
goals and objectives; they provide organizational continuity; they are trained in the
unique corporate responsibilities of not-for-profit organizations; and they provide
professional guidance and knowledge.
- Contract with an association management company. Forward-thinking organizations have
embraced the association management company concept for over 100 years, principally
because the AMC offers all the benefits of the other two options, plus additional benefits
and none of the drawbacks -- and usually at a lower cost. Ask leaders of any organization
that has used an AMC, and they will tell you this is the most cost-effective, efficient
way to get the job done.
Specific benefits of using an AMC include
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A level of complete
accountability not always available at the volunteer level. |
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More access than other
alternatives to the broadest level of professional staff talent, organizational management
techniques, and technology. |
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A larger pool of trained
specialists to provide full support in areas such as not-for-profit corporate and tax law,
marketing, public/media relations, meeting planning, communications, and lobbying. |
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Full-time staff support
while enjoying cost savings inherent in a shared-resources relationship. |
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Continuity and stability
in business operations during leadership changes. |
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Staff flexibility during
heavy and light workload periods. |
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Freedom from the
administrative responsibilities of being an employer. |
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A consistent physical
headquarters office, phone number, and address. |
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Cost savings resulting
from stronger buying and negotiating power for purchase of meeting space, supplies,
printing, and other services regularly used by your organization. |
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Availability of the
latest hardware, software, communications systems, and other technology resulting from
combined resources. |
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Opportunity to foster
innovation by access to an unlimited spectrum of other client organizations' ideas, perspectives, and successful projects. |
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The highest level of
staff commitment because the AMC's success is
dependent on the client organization's success. |
In addition to these specific economic benefits related to the use of an AMC, the most
valuable benefit of all is that delegating the organization's
day-to-day business matters to an AMC frees the organization's
leaders to focus totally on the organization's mission
rather than dealing with administrative tasks.
Association management companies have a proven track record as the smart choice for
leading-edge organizations -- those of today and those of tomorrow. AMCs offer service,
performance, and results. |
