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par
Hello! Howdy! Greetings!
Our paperclip logo says it all - we hold everything together for non-profits so that you can follow your passion. Here at Professional Administrative Resources (PAR), we've been doing this for over 25 years and we're good at it.  As an association management company, we support the work of passionate volunteers through our back room services like bookkeeping, database management, membership support, event planning and execution and volunteer coordination. Our extensive experience means that we not only can support the day-to-day business of an organization, but also volunteer boards in areas such as strategic planning, facilitation, and membership campaigns. PAR excels at facilitating the overall growth and vitality of an organization. We offer organizations the opportunity to focus on missions and visions and use our expertise and consistency to make sure the organization remains strong and viable for years to come. Our clients use our services in many different ways - from complete and virtual office support - to one time projects. We are flexible and fast on our feet. In these tough economic times and with less time to spend on what you are passionate about - having experts back you up can make your life easier and more manageable. Just as larger organizations build staff with areas of expertise, we at PAR have done the same. By allocating those resources over a number of clients, the cost of this expertise becomes reasonable. Non-profits live in a unique environment, but just like business - control of costs and improvements in efficiencies is not only necessary - it's a requirement. We have a proven record in accomplishing this while at the same time growing organizations and improving service. This is our first newsletter and we'll focus on issues that we deal with on a daily basis - for associations and for small business. So watch this space to learn about issues specific to small business and non-profits. We'll focus on social media, managing volunteers, events and venues, technology, board governance and much more.
Since it's our first newsletter we thought it would be a good idea to introduce you to the staff. Feel free to contact any of us if you have any questions about PAR and our services. We also will accept fun trivia questions and riddles. Thanks for reading!
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partner
Client Spotlight: ACG Western Michigan
In this issue, our partner focus is ACG Western Michigan (Association for Corporate Growth). ACG is part of a global association focused on middle market growth and Mergers & Acquisitions. Here in West Michigan, ACG focuses specifically on corporate growth - internal/organic and through M & A. It's the only association here in West Michigan focused solely on business growth and education. ACG is 12 years old and growing. PAR has been involved for 9 of those 12 years, and it has been our pleasure to watch ACG grow from 50 members to almost 200.
PAR is the virtual office of ACG - that means that we answer their phones and email, pick up their mail, pay their bills, update their website, work with their board on programming ideas, prospect for new members, welcome new ones and retain the ones we have. We manage their events, promote them using a variety of media and have fun meeting great people in the process. For us and for ACG - PARTNERSHIP - it's the definition of the term. Much of the success of ACG has been centered around keeping programming current and topical. Additionally, they have continued to look for new ways to engage their members. The ACG Cup is one way to keep their members involved and giving back to the community. ACG Cup is a business case competition focused on mergers & acquisitions. MBA students from across West Michigan (GVSU, WMU, Ferris, Cornerstone, Davenport and Northwood) compete for a cash prize of $5,000 and possession of The Cup. Students learn not only valuation strategies but connect with companies and executives from across West Michigan. ACG Cup is one way that ACG is working to retain and secure the best talent in West Michigan. One of the keys to association success is to continue to offer new and different ways to not only keep members engaged, but to engage the community and young people who might be interested in the industry. ACG Cup meets all of these criteria and is growing every year because of it.
Find out more about ACG Western Michigan, visit www.acgwmich.org |
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participate
Get Engaged with Your Local Association
Interested in advertising? There's an association for that. Work in the floral industry? There's an association for that. Are mergers and acquisitions your passion? There is an association for that. From A-Z there is an association out there for everyone and anyone to get involved with, no matter your interest, occupation or passion.  There are several websites out there that can provide you with a listing of associations in your state. This is a great way to start to find something that fits your needs of getting involved. It's also a good idea to review the organization's mission statement. Make sure it aligns with your mission and goals. Once you've checked out an association in your area, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Non-profit associations are always looking for people to volunteer; it's volunteers that run and lead the organization. Volunteer roles could be as simple as checking-in guests at an event to serving as a committee chair or being on the board of directors. To get involved contact your local board member. Determine your interest. Is there a skill that you would like to develop? Helping out with an organization can help you develop these skills. How to get involved? - Contact a board member or committee chair. They can provide areas where they need help.
- Check out the organization's website. Some organizations will post volunteer opportunities online.
- Subscribe to organization's newsletters or email lists. Organizations will send out requests via email or post in the newsletter ways for those interested to get involved.
- See if an association has a social media presence. More and more organizations are showing up on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Linked In.
From serving on the board to helping out at the registration table at the local breakfast program, participation and engagement from individuals is very important to keep the organization running. So, get involved and join a local association.
Suggestions or questions. Please send to lmelendez@proadminresources.com.
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parade
Venues: Art + Work = UICA
We were looking for a place downtown to host an evening special event for ACG Western Michigan, so we decided to take a look at the new UICA. We joined Jill May, Director of Development of UICA, for a walkthrough and here are some of the cool things we found at the venue:- New state-of-the-art film theater with a private gallery that serves both as a "mingle area" and a cafeteria. The theater lounge has a maximum occupancy of 50 people.
- Classroom spaces for 12 to 40 people. Perfect for small meetings and gatherings with unique views of the youth studio and of downtown
- Access to a parking ramp.
- Also coming soon-rooftop sculpture terrace and the only black box theater* in West Michigan
If you have not yet been in the building, please visit the UICA; a place where art and work come together. For more information, visit www.uica.org *A black box theater is a flexible performance space named for its black, box-like appearance. "A black box theater" Blackboxtheatre.com
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party
Have Your Checklist? Check!
When planning an event, the first thing you should do is create a checklist of everything that needs to be done leading up to as well as to close out the event. Yes, a checklist sounds silly, but having one is like filling your gas tank before a long trip. It doesn't matter what kind of event you are planning. It could be a networking or training session, a birthday party, a board meeting, or even a holiday party. A checklist will guide you step-by-step to a successful event. The first step in making a successful checklist is to imagine you are walking into the event...what things do you visualize? Start jotting down the things you "see" or things you wish you could see. For example, if planning a workshop, your check-list should include: creating a guest list with name, last name, company, phone and email address; determining a RSVP date; securing a coat rack for the guests if having the event in chillier months, among other items.
Remember, planning an event is like putting a puzzle together. A checklist will ensure that all your pieces and parts are in place.
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About Us
PAR is an Association Management firm that provides an array of services to non-profit associations across the country. Services include accounting; event / conference planning and coordination; membership support; board of directors; strategic planning; volunteer coordination, communications planning and support.
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Connect With Us
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