W.A.C.E. Updates Its Membership Model

2023 marked an opportunity for our organization to examine how we conduct business, how we are structured and positioned for the future, and, most importantly, how we can better serve our membership. While W.A.C.E. constantly strives to offer the high value to our members, the Board determined it was time to adapt our membership model to meet your needs as a member and our association's strategic goals.

The Board formed a task force to develop a new membership model starting with the 2024-2025 fiscal year. In essence, W.A.C.E. will move from an individual membership model to an organization membership model using tiers of service and benefits … just like the majority of local Chambers use!

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Goals & Benefits of the New Dues Structure: 

1. Simplification and Clarity: A membership model focused on an individual has created additional work for members and W.A.C.E. staff, led to confusion regarding dues rates and the specifics of membership, and led to unnecessary complexity.  Going forward, each Chamber will make one annual membership investment. All staff employed by the Chamber will receive WACE communication and will be able to access all benefits associated with their Chamber’s selected tier.
   
   
2. Differentiation and Value Proposition:   We have created a tiered system to ensure there is clear differentiation between each level.  The goal is to ensure that both Chamber and Business members see tangible benefits and clearly understand the value of the tier selected. 
   
   
3. Delineation of Key Programs:  Our flagship programs, like the Academy and the annual Conference, remain distinct and offer greater opportunities for visibility for both our Chamber members and Business members. 

How Will the Transition Work
The Board Task Force looked closely at our members’ investment and activity patterns.   Based on that history, each Chamber has been assigned to a recommended Tier.   The membership renewal invoice you receive during the 2024-2025 year will reflect that recommended tier and associated investment.   If you feel that the suggested tier fits your needs, simply pay the amount indicated and you’re ready to go.   On the other hand, if you feel that your Chamber fits better in a different tier, please contact W.A.C.E. CEO Glenn Morris to review options and make the appropriate changes.

In the next month or so, all current members will also receive an invite to review your membership record.   Watch for an email that will include a link to log in to the database; this will be a good opportunity for you to update your staff roster and make sure the information we have about you is current and accurate.