The watchword for this season is more. It has almost become a cliché to say we know you’re doing more with less, but it’s still true. At the same time, we know that many of you are working across more departments, more broadly across your entire organization, and learning more than ever before.

That’s why we here at IAPP/IARP/TAWPI headquarters are prepared to offer you more – more information, more opportunities for discussion, more learning platforms, more value for your membership. Your bimonthly magazine has for the past three issues included more departments and more topics than ever before, covering AP, AR, and automation like no other professional publication. We have already begun providing more information on our websites as well, including the latest news every week. We’ll be posting features often, so you can read more in-depth articles without having to wait for your bimonthly magazine to arrive. We’ll soon be expanding our web offerings even further. Tell us how we’re doing so far and what other content you would like to see by sending an e-mail to news@TheIAPP.org.

 

Members join IAPP for multiple reasons, according to last year’s Membership Satisfaction Survey. Respondents were asked, “Select the main reason(s) you joined IAPP,” and were able to check as many answers as they wished. The top response was “network with professionals in my field,” selected by 85.4 percent of respondents. “To participate in education programs” was a close second, selected by 80.5 percent and followed by “for my personal or professional advancement” selected by 75.6 percent. Other answers were “to receive publications (AP Matters, etc.)” with 61 percent, “for Resource Center tools” with 53.7 percent, and “to support the profession,” also with 53.7 percent. Only 22 percent selected “discounted event registrations” as a reason for joining. What are your reasons for joining IAPP, IARP, or TAWPI? E-mail us at news@TheIAPP.org and tell us a bit about what membership means to you, and we may feature your story in a future issue of Membership Matters. Watch for a new member satisfaction survey, coming this summer.
 

IAPP held its first-ever nationwide chapter membership recruitment contest from October 2009 through March 2010 called “Chapter Charge for Membership.” An invitation was sent to potential members inviting them to attend the next local chapter meeting in their area and offering $50 off membership enrollment online or $100 off enrollment for those who attended a local chapter meeting. Many of the chapter leaders got involved and invited their friends and colleagues as well.

The chapter that attained the highest percentage of membership growth won the charge. The Utah chapter won $1,000 for first place, with a 32 percent increase in memberships. The Northern Lights (Minnesota) chapter received $500 for second place with a 26 percent increase, and the Florida Sun Coast (Tampa) chapter received $250 for third place with a 25 percent increase. Chapters may use the prizes however they wish and are currently considering charitable contributions, holiday parties, and other ideas. The newly re-formed Wisconsin and Jacksonville (Fla.) chapters received honorable mentions with 23 percent and 21 percent increases respectively.

 

IAPP is joining sister organization TAWPI to present the third annual Healthcare Payments Automation Summit in September in Boston, aimed at helping healthcare providers, payers, and service and solution providers to optimize the complete revenue cycle and improve operations efficiency and effectiveness. Keynote speakers include Tommy G. Thompson, former Wisconsin governor and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services secretary; and Tom Turi, senior vice president, Emdeon. View details and registration options at www.TheIAPP.org/HPAS.

 
Have you been tasked with updating policies and procedures for your organization? In the Resource Center at www.TheIAPP.org/resource, you’ll find numerous samples that can serve as idea generators or as starters to be modified for your needs. Policies cover such varied topics as check disbursement, back-orders, budgeting process, code of ethics, credits and return, discounts and rebates, escheatment and abandoned property, expense reimbursements, invoice numbering, segregation of duties, month-end closing, reconciliations, travel and entertainment, and much more.