The Summer Hummer – Another Tool for Membership

by Bill Roberge

The Summer Hummer. What a great opportunity to show new members some of the things we have to offer. Also, a great way to recruit new members. They can join you at the Hummer and meet many of the people that have made ABATE what it is. A lot of work has gone into this year’s Hummer and I have a feeling it’s going to be one you don’t want to miss. After all the things we went through last year, people are ready to get out and enjoy the fresh air and all the activities the Hummer has to offer. From barstool races to a wedding and everything in between. Live bands and new this year, a Taste of Summer at the Hummer. (Wine – Beer – Cheese and Meat Tasting). Did I mention beer-bobbing and underwear parades? Let’s not forget that this is a fundraiser for ABATE. Have fun and make money at the same time. How could you not want to be part of that? I hope to see all of you there.

We are in the process of printing new tri-folds, one of the forms we use to sign up and provide information to new members and renewing members. It is one of the forms we gather new member’s information on to send to the office for processing. We are changing the type of paper we use so it’s easier to write on and the ink doesn’t smear.
It will also be updated with the new contact information – phone (262) 402-0593 & address PO Box 38, Brookfield, WI, 53008. When Twit retired from membership and I was elected to take over, he told me one of the hardest parts of the job would be to read the information written on a membership application. Well, he wasn’t lying. We have to do a better job of collecting the information before we put it in our pocket to send it in for processing. Make sure everything on whatever form you are using is complete and legible. We spend much of our time trying to track down information that should have been included on the initial form to begin with. You may know Scooter, that lives up north, but we don’t. A new member is important enough to take some time and help them complete the form with the information we need. Is the application a new one or a renewal? Do they want a yearly pin or a rocker? Do they prefer that their newsletter gets mailed or emailed? We need that information to complete their membership profile in Wild Apricot, our new membership program. That way they will get their patch, newsletter, etc. in a timely fashion and remember that new members only receive a membership patch the first year of membership and will get a pin or rocker in subsequent years. If we have to spend a week tracking down what should have been on the form to begin with…well, you get the point. Thanks in advance for your help. If any region has old tri-folds with the Black River Falls address on them, please either return them or ask for new labels to attach with the correct address information, etc. If your tri-folds are really old and have the old pricing in them, please do not use them at all.

I’m happy to say in the last 30 days you have signed up over 100 new members. This is great news, but with it comes some bad news. We also lose members every month. It’s our job to put as much effort into keeping members as we do in getting members. Only you can do that. Once they’ve joined, make sure you introduce them if they attend one of your meetings and include them in your activities. It’s not that difficult to figure out, just treat them the way you would like to be treated.
Betty and I and all the gate workers look forward to welcoming you to the best Summer Hummer ever. I have an inside source that assures me the weather will be great. If that doesn’t happen, remember who we are. WE decide if we are going to have fun or a great time. Good times don’t depend on the weather. See you at the Hummer and be sure to “Get Yours” – I Got Mine.

Bill