By Pam Caraway, ACN President
The Ag Communicators Network Board of Directors is looking for somebody, or a few folks, to help manage your organization.
We released a Request for Proposals June 3. And the plan is to have somebody in place this fall.
Why are we looking?
Our current management agency, Association Services Group has held the contract for 10 years. As a good business practice, we should periodically review who’s available for this role and at what price. This is especially important given agency management costs eat up nearly half our budget.
This is an intense process. But it’s important to maintain the high quality of service and the professional development our members expect as well as ensure the continued financial well-being of this 105-year-old association. We feel the responsibility for that – just as our farmers shoulder that generational commitment to their family operations.
Who can apply?
The RFP is open to everybody who does this kind of work – and that includes ASG.
What are we looking for?
The chosen independent contractor/association management company will:
- have knowledge of and connection with agriculture and ag communicators, including media, public relations, public affairs professionals and others who communicate to the ag industry
- demonstrate ability to recruit/retain sponsors
- understand financial management and oversight
- have demonstrated competence in working with and managing volunteer, non-profit membership associations
- be accountable and transparent in all business dealings
- manage all day-to-day administrative and financial aspects of ACN, ACN’s awards program and the Professional Improvement Foundation (PIF)
- ensure accurate and timely communication with the membership through our monthly Byline newsletter, the ACN website and social media platforms.
Does this impact Ag Media Summit?
No. AMS runs as a separate organization. At this time, it is a separate business. The plan is to bring it under the ACN umbrella. Even then, it will be controlled by a steering committee made up of the three founding organizations: ACN, the Livestock Publications Council and the Ag Media Council, an organization that serves ag media publishers.
Does it impact our members?
Not so much, provided we do this right – and we are intent on doing so. The goal is for the average member to see improvements in the services we provide. Workshops will continue unabated. Webinars will not stall. Our guild standing with the International Federation of Ag Journalists will remain stellar.
What’s the timeline?
- June 11-13. Question period for all who plan to submit a proposal.
- June 18. Answers for each question will be provided to all who inquire.
- July 9. Complete written proposals are due.
- July 27. The finalists – up to three independent contractors/association management firms – will attend the ACN Board meeting and the Agricultural Media Summit in Rogers, Ark.
- July 30. The finalists will be invited to make a face-to-face presentation to the ACN Selection Committee in Rogers, Ark.
- Aug. 13: Contract will be awarded.
- Sept. 2. Transition commences.
- Oct.1. New contract begins.
Do we know what we’re doing?
Absolutely. And we also brought in a consultant to further strengthen the process. Den Gardner, president of Gardner & Gardner Communications, and a 50-year member of ACN – both under the name of American Agricultural Editors’ Association and now ACN – is assisting in the management process. Gardner also managed the organization from 2000 to 2016.
Those considering a proposal can contact Gardner at dengardner@gandgcomm.com or (612) 325-3981.
Want to be involved?
Members who want to be involved in the selection process or simply have a question, are welcome to give me a call, (850)758-8700, or drop me a note, pam.caraway@farmprogress.com.
– Caraway is editor of Farm Futures.