Chapters thrive when their members feel a sense of belonging. Increase your membership retention rate by recognizing chapter members and showing appreciation for their involvement. Not sure where to start? Here are four ways to recognize members:
1. Host an Awards Night
Several local chapters host an annual awards night as a way to increase morale and excitement within the chapter. Every year, the Alamo Chapter of the APA gives away a ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award and a ‘Perfect Attendance’ award. Additionally, the Atlanta Chapter gives a ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award, and the Dallas Chapter awards members for Meritorious Service.
Multiple chapters also present a ‘Payroll Professional of the Year’ award which honors the achievements, service, and leadership of a nominated individual. Winners may be rewarded with anything from acrylic awards to gift baskets to educational grants.
The Alamo Chapter presents Stephanie Fraga, CPP with the Perfect Attendance Award.
2. Celebrate Newly Certified Members
Earning an FPC or CPP certification is a great achievement for a payroll professional. Celebrate newly certified members by recognizing them at chapter meetings and providing them with a special memento to mark the occasion. The Sacramento Valley Chapter gives new FPCs and CPPs a piece of jewelry imprinted with the chapter logo and their certification designation. The Chicago Chapter calls newly certified members to congratulate them and gives them a chapter pin. The Greater Milwaukee Chapter celebrates with certificates for the newly certified members and cake for the entire chapter.
The Chicago Chapter presents Margarita Manalo, CPP with a certificate and pin for earning her certification.
3. Spotlight Members through Chapter Media
Shine a spotlight on your chapter members via email, newsletter, website, and/or social media. The Sacramento Valley Chapter sends an email to its membership to announce new certifications. The Denver Chapter Payroll Association includes a “Meet-a-Member” section that allows individual members to share more about their personal life and experience in payroll. The Northstar Chapter lists award winners recognized by the APA as well as the Payroll Professional of the Year on their website.
Congratulatory email sent by the Sacramento Valley Chapter.
4. Honor Volunteers and Board Members
Chapter volunteers and board members take on important roles to support the payroll community. Honor their dedication and hard work with special recognition at a chapter event or through chapter media. The Washington Metropolitan Area Chapter holds a Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony where their volunteers are thanked and given a Certificate of Excellence. The Greater Nashville Chapter recognizes outgoing board members with personalized mini portfolios.
Volunteers honored at the Washington Metropolitan Area Chapter’s 2017 Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony.
How does your chapter recognize its members? Share more ideas in the comments below!
