ITS MINNESOTA Best Practices: Membership Recruitment and Retention Linda Preisen, Research Administration Director Center for Transportation Studies University of Minnesota November 16, 2008 ITS AMERICA STATE CHAPTERS STRENGTHENING WORKSHOP

Why Important? ITS AMERICA STATE CHAPTERS STRENGTHENING WORKSHOP Best Practices: Membership Recruitment and Retention  Strong, active membership is vital to chapter’s success

ITS AMERICA STATE CHAPTERS STRENGTHENING WORKSHOP MEMBERSHIP STRUCTURE, RATES, AND PROCESSES Best Practices: Membership Recruitment and Retention

ITS AMERICA STATE CHAPTERS STRENGTHENING WORKSHOP Structure and Rates:  Member organizations, rather than individual members Rate structure: Governmental/academic/non-profit or not -for-profit $125 (NEW govmt/academic/non-profit = free first year) For-profit (20 or fewer employees-all office locations) $125 For-profit (more than 20 employees) $250 National ITS America Member $125 Best Practices: Membership Recruitment and Retention

ITS AMERICA STATE CHAPTERS STRENGTHENING WORKSHOP New Member Recruitment:  New members identified by Board of Directors and Committees  Membership Committee contacts potential members  Member benefits posted on ITS MN website Best Practices: Membership Recruitment and Retention

ITS AMERICA STATE CHAPTERS STRENGTHENING WORKSHOP Renewal Process:  Memberships renewed annually  Annual renewal process via  Personal call reminders Best Practices: Membership Recruitment and Retention

ITS AMERICA STATE CHAPTERS STRENGTHENING WORKSHOP Membership Benefits: Outstanding events Networking Opportunities Quarterly Newsletter Professional Capacity Building Member Listing Speaking Opportunities Exhibit and Sponsorship Opportunities Volunteer Opportunities Best Practices: Membership Recruitment and Retention

ITS AMERICA STATE CHAPTERS STRENGTHENING WORKSHOP OPERATIONAL STRATEGIES AND SPECIAL INITIATIVES Best Practices: Membership Recruitment and Retention

ITS AMERICA STATE CHAPTERS STRENGTHENING WORKSHOP Balance of Public/Private Member Organizations:  Recruitment and retention  Periodic surveys  Marketing materials  Rotation of chapter officers  Diverse set of organizations represented Membership Committee: Best Practices: Membership Recruitment and Retention

ITS AMERICA STATE CHAPTERS STRENGTHENING WORKSHOP Visibility of ITS within Minnesota Transportation Community:  Joint Luncheon Programs with WTS MN and North Central Institute of Transportation Engineers (NCITE). Best Practices: Membership Recruitment and Retention

ITS AMERICA STATE CHAPTERS STRENGTHENING WORKSHOP Outreach to Cities and Counties:  Local Government grants program to implement ITS solutions  Offered a free one year membership to MN cities and counties. Best Practices: Membership Recruitment and Retention

ITS AMERICA STATE CHAPTERS STRENGTHENING WORKSHOP MINNESOTA FACTORS Best Practices: Membership Recruitment and Retention

ITS AMERICA STATE CHAPTERS STRENGTHENING WORKSHOP  Mn/DOT and Minnesota Guidestar Program  ITS Institute at the University of Minnesota Best Practices: Membership Recruitment and Retention

ITS AMERICA STATE CHAPTERS STRENGTHENING WORKSHOP Lessons Learned:  Membership benefits are relevant and clearly communicated  Dedicated effort required at chapter level Best Practices: Membership Recruitment and Retention  Keep member listings visible

ITS AMERICA STATE CHAPTER: STRENGTHENING WORKSHOP