AIA Utah’s Dedication to You BY ANGIE HARRIS ROBERTS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AIA UTAH AIA National recently revamped their Core Member Services (CMS). As stated in the most recent iteration, “… CMS lays the groundwork for component excellence by ensuring that all members receive a consistent level of service and that each component thrives as a nonprofit corporate entity.” AIA Utah provides a link on our website to CMS 4.0 under the Resources tab. It is important for our members to understand the benefits the components are expected to deliver to them. Briefly, the benefits fall under six categories: • Advocacy • Communications and Outreach • Education • Finance and Operations • Governance • Membership AIA Utah has worked diligently on our financials over the last few years to ensure we are following best practices, offering value to members and strengthening the long-term stability of our component. We also want to be transparent with you, our members, about the board’s commitment to this particular deliverable. AIA Utah strives to tie our money to the mission and goals of the component while also following the guidelines established in our by-laws and operating policies. Annually, the board of directors and executive director review the services offered to members, the financial impact of our investments into programs desired by members and project the financial health of the component. This includes the following actions: • Adopt an annual budget showing, in detail, the anticipated income and expenditures of the component for the succeeding year. This is typically done at our November Board meeting. • In order to compensate for inflation and provide stability to AIA Utah’s long-term financial stability, AIA Utah will raise member dues each year by the CPI. This policy is in our operating policies, which means it is strongly suggested while also allowing the board to consider a different increase based on the needs of members and the component. • At the end of the year, the board invests 80% of realized revenue into reserves. • File an IRS 990. • Maintain directors and officers and general liability insurance policies for the component. On a monthly basis, board leadership and officers review all financial reports with the executive director. The executive director works closely with the treasurer and accounting firm to ensure accurate financials. In addition, this arrangement allows for a separation of duties and regular reviews of financial records and transactions. Here are the new initiatives we’ve established and are working on now to improve AIA Utah’s finances and operations: 1. Diversified revenue through a strong sponsorship program and increased allied memberships. 2. Invested a portion of our reserve funds so that our money is generating revenue for improved member benefits. 3. Created a five-year plan to ensure the future of the component. 4. Created a membership committee chaired by the past president. This group not only focuses on improving the member experience but also works with the executive director to recruit and retain members. As members, I hope you recognize the dedication and respect our board of directors and staff have for this component and our membership. We look forward to seeing you at upcoming events and encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns. Angie 4 REFLEXION
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