Foundation/Sustaining Patron Program Committee

Purpose

First, to provide the financial foundation necessary for a viable, successful and award winning chapter. Given that the greatest portion of member dues remains with International in Houston, each chapter must find alternative revenue source(s). Without additional funding, a chapter cannot provide the types of programs, tours and member benefits (newsletter, directory, etc.) that result in member retention and growth.

Second, to provide a means for associate member companies to gain year-long exposure to the roughly 75% of the chapter's members who make buying decisions for both products and services. Given that IFMA does not condone or permit associate members taking advantage of chapter functions to solicit sales opportunities, the exposure gained by financially supporting the chapter as a Sustaining Patron can provide a distinct sales advantage. People buy from those they are familiar with much more readily than from strangers.

Process

Early each Fall (in September), the annual renewal/sign-up period is opened at a reception for the Sustaining Patron company contacts hosted by the Sustaining Patron Chair.

The Board of Directors authorizes a limited number of "slots" available for the following year (never more than 10% of chapter membership). The Sustaining Patron Chair mails out letters to all existing Patrons and to those who have, during the year, expressed an interest in having their company participate. The letter outlines the specific benefits to participants and is accompanied by an invoice as well as documents outlining the specifications for (1) the Chapter Directory Sustaining Patron "information" (ad) page and (2) the Sustaining Patron company logo submittal for the chapter's display panel. Benefits outlined in the letter include:

Throughout the year, the Sustaining Patron Chair serves as an advocate for, and representative of, Sustaining Patrons at BOD meetings. The Chair's function is to make sure the BOD continues to support the program and takes no action that would diminish the significance or importance of participation. The Chair also serves as a sounding board for, and communication link to, patrons.

Who: Gene Meany - Sustaining Patron Chair
What: IFMA Sustaining Patron Program
Contact: Gene Meany, 404.827.6528 or Gene.Meany@SunTrust.com

Payoff

Sustaining Patron financial contributions to IFMA Atlanta enable the chapter to provide enhanced member services, undertake initiatives to help the underserved in our community, support the Georgia Tech Facility Management masters degree program, provide financial assistance to the IFMA Foundation's research and scholarship efforts for the profession, assure IFMA Atlanta is represented at Association forums and World Workplace events and participate in other functions deemed appropriate by the BOD. Member services underwritten in whole or in part by Sustaining Patron funds which would not otherwise be possible include paying for the services of our chapter administrator, Association Headquarters, whose staff handles and manages a multitude of ongoing responsibilities necessary to run the chapter that are both time consuming and difficult for chapter volunteers, annual publication of an excellent Chapter Directory used as an information resource, monthly publication of a Chapter Newsletter, absorption of expenses associated with chapter tours and the ability to cover expenses of higher quality speakers.