December 2010

Associations and the 'M' Word
Many associations' members are considering mergers and alliances in the face of a fragile economy, so it should be no surprise that associations are subject to the same incentives and trends. Yet associations in general have been slow to consider mergers in most sectors. There are many quite legitimate reasons for this slow response.
...(read more)

ASAE Submits Comments on Lobbyist Restrictions
ASAE submitted comments on proposed guidance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) concerning the appointment of registered lobbyists to federal advisory committees, boards and commissions. President Obama issued a memorandum on June 18 directing all federal agencies and departments in the Executive Branch not to appoint or re-appoint federally registered lobbyists to serve on any Federal Advisory Committees (FACs). The President said the new restriction is part of his administration's commitment to "reducing the undue influence of special interests that for too long has shaped the national agenda and drowned out the voices of ordinary Americans."
...(read more)

How Great Teams Can Transform an Organization
So much has been written about teambuilding, teamwork, and a team-managed approach to business. What makes your book, The Orange Revolution: How Great Teams Can Transform an Organization, different?
...(read more)

IRS Announces 2011 Standard Mileage Rates
The Internal Revenue Service issued the 2011 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.
...(read more)

PRSA and PRSSA Revamp Websites With Enhanced Features and Tools
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) unveiled several new and enhanced features to its award-winning website, along with a re-launched website for the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), PRSA's student-led, pre-professional public relations organization.
...(read more)

Pitfalls To Avoid When Going Social
Associations and other nonprofits are rushing headlong into the profile-creating, news-tweeting, blog-posting frenzy, only to find that their valiant efforts are not getting the results they had hoped. If you're looking for members, fans, followers, donors, and friends to build a social nation around your association, don't panic, there is simple advice that will help organizations avoid the pitfalls and make a strong online impact.
...(read more)

Doing Good Badly? Study Finds Manhattan Nonprofits May Bleed Their Services By Trying To Earn Money
A Pace University study of 700 tax returns from nonprofit organizations providing human services in Manhattan found that their efforts to raise money from profit-making activities may be bleeding the very programs they are trying to fund. The study raises questions about a significant trend in nonprofit work. ...(read more)

The Truth about Holiday Hiring: Kick Your Search into High Gear Right Now
You've been on the job hunt for months, maybe even all year, and you're looking forward to the coming respite from search-related stress and disappointment. The holidays are here, after all. And it's common knowledge that nothing happens on the hiring front from Thanksgiving to New Year's. You might as well give the pavement pounding a rest and focus on decking the halls for a while. Right?
...(read more)

Major Journalism Initiative To Create A Network of Station-Based Journalists
National Public Radio (NPR) announced the kick-off of Impact of Government, a local-national journalism initiative that will add editorial resources and reporters to NPR member stations in all 50 states, to better inform the public about the impact that the actions of state governments has on citizens and communities. The new initiative, which begins its pilot phase in March 2011, is launching with a $1.8 million grant from the Open Society Foundations.
...(read more)

The Recession Hangover Culture Cure: How Residual Negativity Is Costing You Big Bucks…
The recession is over. These are the words of hope that executives and staff alike have waited for. Now that signs are pointing to recovery, we can all heave a collective sigh of relief and go back to business as usual. Right? Wrong. The worst may be over, but the effect of those grim days still lingers; call it the recession hangover. Too many employees these days are feeling overworked, under-appreciated, and skeptical, and despite the hopeful talk of recovery, they remain anxious, distrustful, and, worst of all, disengaged.
...(read more)