Leading the Way - A How To Guide for Chapter Leaders
Chapter Leader Positions - Communications

Leading the Way Guide Contents

Other Chapter Positions

The communications chair is the official publisher of the key communications vehicles. This chair is responsible for internal communications within the chapter and organization as a whole. Communications efforts include informing members and the NAMA office on a timely, ongoing basis of the news and activities of the chapter.

Audiences
Determine what vehicles you will use to communicate with the following:

• Current Members
• Prospects
• Expired Members

Once you determine how to communicate with these audiences, put together a written plan to share with your board of directors. Make sure you obtain the mailing address, e-mail etc., for each audience. The NAMA office maintains a current list of your members and you can receive mailing labels for your chapter twice a month at no charge. You may also obtain the list electronically. The NAMA office also maintains a prospect database and a list of expired members as well. Check with your membership chair, they may have a prospect list that you would want to use also.

Funding
Your chapter may have a budget for communications already. If not, you may want to consider selling sponsorships for your efforts. Many times local companies will consider in-kind donations such as printing, etc., in exchange for recognition. Check with your board of directors to make certain.

Communications Suggestions
Newsletter
If you decide to publish a chapter newsletter, determine how many issues you will do a year and set a closing date and production schedule. Develop a template, style or look and determine who will produce it if you are unable to. Idea: Check with your student chapter and see if they would be willing to produce your newsletter as a club project.

Website
If you maintain your own website, be sure to post events and programs. Also, be sure to send information to the NAMA office if you would like it posted on the main NAMA website. You can e-mail chapter information to Kathi Conrad at kathic@nama.org with posting instructions.

E-mail (See Communication Package options)
The NAMA office can send out e-mails to your chapter. You can e-mail your message and delivery instructions to Linda Schaefer at lindas@nama.org. Allow 24 hours for delivery.

Broadcast Faxes (See Communication Package options)
The NAMA office can send out broadcast faxes to your chapter. You can e-mail your document and delivery instructions to Linda Schaefer at lindas@nama.org. Allow 24 hours for delivery.

General Notes

• Whether you use all the tactics above or only one, be sure to communicate with all the other chairs in your chapter to find out what deadlines are approaching and what programs are coming up so that you can make the most of your communications efforts.
• Be sure to use information sent by the NAMA office to communicate to your members about national programs such as the Agribusiness Forum, Best of NAMA and the Agri-Marketing Conference.
• Be sure the national Executive Committee members and chapter presidents are on the list to receive all communications pieces.