Assessments Help Deliver Association Growth

Competitive forces and shrinking corporate profits compel today’s Association CEO to redefine relevance. At under performing Associations this means reexamination of programs, staffing, advocacy and conferences. For Stephen M. Renna, CEO of the Commercial Real Estate Finance Council www.crefc.org, a thorough assessment and alignment process opened the door to engaging his members and a stronger value proposition for his organization.

Not the First Rodeo

Transforming and growing Associations is something he has done twice before as a CEO. Prior to CREFC, he applied an assessment process as President of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Managers.

Alignment and Board Leader Buy In Are Key

At both Associations he implemented an assessment process to help make them relevant. He describes the review as taking an Association through a review of “the good, the bad and the ugly.” Seeing the initiative as an “alignment” of his Association’s value proposition with his member needs, he uncovers key data to move forward.

Checking off Key Components

1. Association Run Professionally and Competently

Effective operations, business runs efficiently, reports progress to leadership.

2. Alignment with Updated Strategic Plan and Mission

Represents the sector well, staffing and budget support member needs.

3. ROI and Delivery from the Member Perspective

Relevant programs, conferences, best practices, industry standards, and, policy.

4. Buy In

Collaborate with and secure board agreement on value proposition, and direction. Enlist staff.

5. Execute

Measure qualitative and quantitative success, engage members and communicate results.