I am pleased to report that ARLIS/NA has just signed a contract with Technical Enterprises, Inc., based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to serve as our new association management firm. Details on TEI can be found at http://www.techenterprises.net.

 

As I noted in an earlier message, in the fall of 2008 an RFP was sent out to about 100 association management firms. We received proposals from 21 and three candidates were interviewed in New York. The board reviewed the report of the interview team (Amy Lucker, Ted Goodman, Heidi Hass and myself), and the selection of TEI was unanimous.

 

I am still working on scheduling details, but ARLIS/NA members will have an opportunity to meet Scott Sherer, President of TEI, and Nancy Short, our new Executive Director as of May 1, 2009,  at the conference in Indianapolis.

 

We are confident that the strong range of services offered by TEI, including technology support, membership support, conference management and financial management, will help us achieve what we envision for the future. We are especially pleased by the range of technology support offered by TEI, and that TEI is accredited by the Association Management Company Institute.

 

I will send updates to the membership on the transition process. In the meantime, I hope you will join me in welcoming TEI as our new management firm. The transition has begun and the effective start date is May 1, 2009.  I look forward to a long and fruitful partnership. ARLIS/NA will continue to work with McPhersonClarke for Indianapolis conference management, membership and other matters until April 30, 2009.

 

Ken

 

Ken Soehner

President, ARLIS/NA