A Small AMC Perspective from the Board
About a year and a half ago, I was invited to join the AMCI Board of Directors. This is an honor for anyone, but even more so for me, as I own a small AMC. Part of my role is to be the voice for the extra-small, small, and even medium-sized AMCs. I would be lying if it did not feel it daunting at times. But it does show the commitment this board has to hearing everyone’s input in making AMCI the best it can be. There is so much AMCI has to offer, especially to smaller AMCs. While large organizations are critical to AMCI, they face vastly different challenges from small AMCs. Even when I took the position, I was unaware of all the benefits for smaller AMCs. Just being part of AMCI and taking advantage of all the networking opportunities, including the Annual Meeting, the Engaged Conference, Regional Meetings, and online webinars, offers prime opportunities to learn industry best practices from AMCs of all sizes. Of course, one of the most popular breakout meetings is always the AMC by size, where AMCs can get together with their peers and discuss confidential information as well as challenges that they are facing in their organization, and allow for the beginning of a personal network of colleagues that you can lean on, regardless of the challenges that you face in your business.
As a small AMC, one of the challenges is where to put your resources, especially with limited finances. This is always a question of the value of your investment relative to its return. AMCI again leads the industry in value. First, the Accreditation, while challenging and time-consuming, does allow a small AMC to differentiate itself from other AMCs. Showing that you are a leader in the industry and are held to higher standards helps your business grow. There is no better way to lead than to adopt the best practices in the industry and leverage the knowledge that AMCI has acquired over the years.
AMCI has been focused over the last few years on increasing the knowledge of our AMCs and their employees. They have rolled out the Specialist and Certificate program and will shortly roll out the Certification program – AMCP. These online programs have been tremendously beneficial in helping small AMCs find the people who are the best cultural fit for their organizations, and we can then lean on AMCI's education to ensure that our employees have everything from fundamentals to advanced skills to make us best-in-class AMCs. Focused AMC education for your team, without the expense of travel is a great way to stay competitive and grow your firm.
There are numerous resources AMCI offers to all AMCs, including MemberMatters, the AMCI newsletter, the trusted advisor program, which pairs AMCs with partner firms that understand the value of the AMC and have contacts in the associations, and industry research that shows trends in the AMC and Association markets.
There is so much more AMCI is doing that many of us may not be aware of. There is an aggressive marketing campaign driving awareness of the benefits of using an AMC and differentiating the Accredited AMC. AMCI provides the portal for new opportunities. They routinely interface with Associations and ASAE to convey the benefits of AMCs. They track legal cases that affect the Association world as well as upcoming bills that may change the status quo.
While AMCI has so much to offer, it is up to each of us to engage and make it a priority. As with most things in life, we get out what we put in. Getting involved is the best way to get the most out of AMCI. Join a committee and attend the Annual Meeting and the Engaged Conference. Participate in webinars. There are so many ways to get involved.
AMCI is committed to AMCs of all sizes and is extremely interested in hearing from smaller AMCs. As your representative, I am happy to discuss any areas where AMCI can improve your experience with anyone. Thank you for being part of such an outstanding organization focused on the success of all those involved.
Pat Owings, CMP, DCMP Owner of Oak Ridge Association Management and AMCI Board Director
To maintain momentum, the Chair, Board, and CEO will continue offering monthly AMCI Strategic Plan updates. These will highlight progress toward the strategic 50 by 50 goal, the work of committees and task forces, and opportunities for engagement. Expect to see these updates throughout the year as part of our commitment to a shared vision, clear direction, and consistent communication.