MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGNS

A noted Association Management expert once stated, “Membership is a result, not an objective.” How right he is. NCGA’s membership has grown to historic numbers, not only as a result of its programs but also because of the hard work of its grower recruiters and affiliated state associations.

The Association Membership Recruiter Program “Building A Stronger Voice For A Better Tomorrow” is sponsored by NCGA, Syngenta Seeds and Syngenta Crop Protection and designed to provide state associations the necessary tools and techniques to develop effective marketing campaigns and use these tools to train grower leaders who want to take an active role in helping to increase membership.

The theme “Building A Stronger Voice For A Better Tomorrow” was chosen to reflect by being a member of NCGA and your state organization we can build a collective voice and use this voice to make sure agriculture’s, particularly corn, future remains strong.

2001 – 2002 Top Recruiters By Points
The top three recruiters will be recognized at the 2003 Commodity Classic in Charlotte, NC.

Leslie Roach, Wheatland, South Dakota, 1,552 points, 306 members
Myron Peterson, Sacred Heart, Minnesota, 1,308 points, 292 members
Douglas Toreen, Bird Island, Minnesota, 584 points, 129 members

2001 – 2002 Membership Matters Newsletters
July 2002
May 2002
February 2002
December 2001

2003 Association Membership Recruitment Campaign
The 2003 program sponsored by NCGA and Syngenta Seeds continues to build on the previous program. The program began with an Association Membership Recruitment Kickoff Meeting, November 20 and 21, 2002 to provide additional training to state association’s top recruiters and state association staff.

The kickoff program will examine what trends associations are facing and how to effectively meet the challenges of these trends. We will examine other associations who have overcome drastic changes in their organizations and learn how to implement these lessons in our state and national programs. Recruiters and state association staff will also learn about the new upgrades made to the NCGA GIMS database and how these changes can help them increase their recruiting effectiveness.

2003 Goals:

• Increase overall membership
• Provide a resource for state associations to learn about the future trends in associations and develop a strategic plan to address the trends
• Assist state associations increase retention rates
• Encourage more participation from recruiters in promoting state and NCGA programs
• Provide opportunities for state associations, recruiters, members, and Agri-business to exchange ideas and build better relationships

The majority of the membership recruitment portion of this program will be focused on, but not limited to, the months of December, January and February. There are additional promotions throughout the year. These promotions will be announced to recruiters and state associations in a timely manner for maximum recruitment effort.

The Program Features And Benefits Include:

• Association Membership Recruitment Plan Kickoff Meeting (Meeting to include state association staff and top recruiters)
• Communications/Promotions (Tools designed to promote membership program and recognize industry sponsor)
• Speaking opportunities for sales representatives at regional or county meetings (An opportunity for industry sponsor to conduct a sales training session for recruiters or to offer their professional services for a particular topic that is open to all growers)
• State Incentive Program (State associations will be allowed to choose and develop their own recruiter prize months and be allowed to choose their own prize point total for rewarding recruiters)
• National Recruiter Quarterly Recognition Program (A program designed to further promote membership activities throughout the year)
• State Association Office Quarterly Incentive Programs (A program to recognize state associations for their commitment and effort in building membership)
• Recruiter and State Recognition at Commodity Classic (An opportunity for top recruiters, state associations and industry to interact and reward recruiters for hard work)

Top Recruiter Award Recognition:

• The top overall recruiter nationally will be awarded $1,500 towards expenses at the 2004 Commodity Classic and a $2,000 gift card to a store of their choice
• Second and Third place recruiters will be awarded $1,000 towards expenses at the 2004 Commodity Classic and a $500 gift card to a store of their choice
• Fourth and Fifth place recruiters will be awarded $500 towards expenses at the 2004 Commodity Classic
• Top five recruiters will be at the 2004 Commodity Classic Awards Banquet and be given a plaque noting their accomplishment and demonstrate NCGA’s appreciation for their recruitment efforts

MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGNS – A HISTORY

NCGA membership in the early years was primarily made up of a group of Iowa corn growers know as "Walter's Corn Club." Two salesmen were paid commission to sign up members, and many college seniors did the same during the summer.

This approach changed in 1972 when NCGA hired Howard Krebs as its first membership staff person. Krebs organized county associations in Iowa; coordinated volunteer membership drives with other states and added insurance availability as a member benefit. County and state membership drives paid off, too. By 1973, NCGA membership increased from 600 members in 1961 to 3,141 members.

Successful membership drives continued to originate at the state level until 1984, when NCGA leaders introduced a national incentive membership program sponsored by corporate partners. These drives incorporated annual themes such as "Grow With Us," "The NEW Gold Rush Is On,” and the most recent "Surpass The Goal."

Such programs have been strong recruitment tools for NCGA. During the 1980s and 1990s, NCGA posted 14 consecutive years of growth, expanding from 15,000 members in 1985 to more than 30,000 members in 1998.
NCGA affiliates also grew during this period. During the same time period, the number of affiliated state associations rose from 16 to 25.

Today, in an effort to increase its membership campaign effectiveness, the NCGA is working with the state associations to drive up membership. The new program assists state associations in developing effective membership marketing campaigns and being able to track the success of the campaign.

Click here if you would like information about joining NCGA

Last reviewed May 6, 2003