NAMA LEADER'S MESSAGE.

As with most nonprofit organizations, the National Agri-Marketing Association is driven by membership. That is the obvious and simple truth. What isn't so obvious is how to maintain or grow our membership base.

The National Board of Directors adopted a new Purpose Statement focusing on the benefits of membership on April 12, 2000 in Kansas City. The statement reads: The National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) serves the food and fiber industry, focusing on our members' professional development by providing access to solutions and opportunities in agribusiness.

The statement continues with the values a member receives from NAMA: By participating in NAMA, members gain knowledge, skills and contacts that help individuals and organizations meet business challenges and capitalize on opportunities.

To tie into this statement, we introduced new membership materials in September with the theme NAMA ... Solutions for Success. A brochure available to the prospective NAMA members includes information on the NAMA structure, events, awards, councils, and how to make the most of your membership. In addition, a membership application is included in the brochure, making it easy for someone to join the organization.

After becoming a NAMA member, a packet of information is sent to the individual. These packets contain details on professional development and the annual NAMA meetings, our publications, awards and recognition, leader opportunities, interest specific councils, the student careers program and the Agri-Business Educational Foundation (ABEF). Membership certificates are also enclosed in the packets.

By using your experience with NAMA as a testament to prospective members as well as current members, we hope to increase our member numbers this year.

If you know of anyone who you think should be involved in NAMA, please contact the national office or your local membership chair and a brochure will be sent to that person. In addition, if you are a new member and have not received your packet of information, let the national office know so they can send that to you.

If you have any questions regarding NAMA membership or the new materials, you can contact myself or Kenda Resler-Friend, the 2000-2001 National Membership Chair.