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Associations Now is the premier magazine for association executives. It is mailed monthly to all members of ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership and is also available by subscription.

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ASSOCIATIONS NOW, July 2008
In the magazine this month ...
Features
  • Cover Story: Associations Must Get Real
    In an increasingly unreal and artificial world, consumers thirst for authenticity. And even the most artificial and contrived of things must have the aura of authenticity to them, meaning their creators must learn to “render authenticity.” Are they up for the challenge?
    By: James H. Gilmore and B. Joseph Pine II
    Few things are as important to consumers as the feeling of authenticity—something hard to render in a world that’s increasingly contrived. If associations can’t produce products, services, and experiences that feel “real,” then they’d better learn how.
  • Mergers: Easier (and Harder) Than You Think
    Despite all the barriers in their path, more and more nonprofits are heading down the road toward a merger. Here’s what they can expect to see along the way.
    By: Jerald A. Jacobs
    A successful merger, and the work that goes into it, always looks worse—or better—on paper than it actually is. Here’s some practical advice on one of the toughest transactions any association is likely to face.
  • Click Here to Start
    How do you turn your brand new baby blog into a full-grown community? With a focus on real relationships with real people (even in an online world).
    By: Lisa Junker, CAE
    As online bulletin boards, blogs, and social networking sites have come online, many associations have built web-based communities—only to see them ignored by their membership. How can you jumpstart the “social” aspect of social media?
  • Turning to a New View
    When their industry faces economic woes or unprecedented change, your members look to you for a guiding light. By meeting challenges head on with a positive—but realistic—outlook, your association can prove to be more valuable than ever.
    By: Kim Fernandez
    When your industry struggles, your association can help shine a light on the path out of trouble. But what affects an industry also affects an industry’s association, so how do you serve as a searchlight when things are looking dim for you, too?
  • What’s Your Agenda?
    In an enterprise built on true collaboration such as an association, personal agendas can be toxic—or they can be directed toward the good of the organization, depending on how they’re handled.
    By: Lynda McDaniel
    In the world of associations, where the focus is on the common good of the order, personal agendas have no place. Or do they? Can the desires of one be redirected toward the good of many?
  • Watch Your PAC
    Are your PAC funds at risk? Sleep better at night by following these steps to PAC security.
    By: Ronald M. Jacobs and Aaron H. Hiller
    Without the right financial controls, your PAC’s funds may be at risk. Be sure you’re protected, and keep your donors’ dollars out of the wrong hands.
  • What Do Association CEOs Earn?
    ASAE & The Center’s new compensation and benefits report will be out this month. Here’s what it shows for CEOs.
    By: Shawn E. Six
    Some highlights from ASAE & The Center's new compensation and benefits report reveals current trends in compensation for the number-one spot at associations.
  • Caught in the Gears
    There are often surprises in store for new chief executives. In this month’s Associations Now case study, one CEO learns that there’s trouble behind the scenes at his new association.
    By: Lisa Junker, CAE
    In this month’s Associations Now case study, a new CEO grapples with a contentious organizational culture and interpersonal issues among his staff. Can he help them come together again?
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Associations Now delivers the essential information, insights, and ideas that empower you to master challenges, invoke imagination, and act decisively to create a better future for your organization and the world.
Questions? Comments? Send a message to Editor-in-Chief Scott Briscoe.

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