New officers learn to inspire enthusiasm in AFS chapters.

On September 7-8, representatives from the heart and soul of AFS--its local chapters--met in Des Plaines, Illinois, for the annual AFS Chapter Officers Conference (COC). This year's crop of 72 new officers came to learn about their positions, their chapters and about AFS.

The program included discussions on efficiently running chapter meetings, the legalities of taxes and insurance, the services available from AFS, and a lively exchange of ideas on generating revenue and improving participation.

AFS Executive Vice President Chuck Jones presided over the meeting, which featured presentations by Maria Komon, AFS vice president of finance; Ian Kay, CMI vice president of education; Marnelle Bragg, new AFS director of membership services; and Diana Waterman and Stephanie Salmon of Waterman & Assoc., AFS' lobbying firm in Washington, D.C. Efficiently running chapter meetings and caring for guest speakers were discussed, as were hosting CMI courses and revenue-raising techniques.

One simple, yet important question asked by attendees was "What does my position as officer entail?" The program detailed the delineation of responsibilities for individual chapter officers. The literature given to each attendee provided clear job descriptions for positions such as secretary, treasurer and director.

The real business of the conference, however, was a dialogue on revitalizing membership, involvement and commitment at the chapter level of AFS. The most often echoed question was "How do we attract new members and keep everyone interested?" The drop in the number of U.S. foundries has led to a corresponding decline in AFS membership. Today, the officers agreed, they need to generate more members and improve the input from those they have.

"In the old days," one foundryman said, "membership and involvement in AFS were seen as a way to get ahead and further your career. I don't think the young people in the industry see it that way anymore. How do we inspire the kind of excitement we used to have?"

In answer, attendees were told that everyone needs to understand and remember what AFS does for American metalcasters. To that end, a large portion of the conference was dedicated to detailing what an AFS membership buys--technical assistance, laboratory services, environmental compliance consultation, educational programs and classes from the Cast Metals Institute (CMI), a subscription to modern casting, discounts on books and software, and an aggressive industry representation in Washington.

"Any organization needs a continuous flow of new members," said conference guest speaker Mark Levin, a membership consultant, "because there's power in numbers and because new blood keeps it vital." He focused on using the obvious advantages of membership to persuade foundrymen to join AFS.

"Remember," Levin said, "the driving force is, 'What's in it for me?' You have to convince them that fees and dues are not contributions, but investments--as is their time."

When recruiting new members, Levin said, chapter officers need to show prospects that membership is a good career move, making them more valuable assets to their companies. Having access to the technology transfer offered by CMI classes, AFS books and technical papers and modern casting makes them more knowledgeable and aware of changing practices, helping to ensure job security and marketability.

"Collateral benefits such as peer recognition and networking also can't be understated," he said. Meeting with other foundrymen and industry suppliers stimulates an exchange of ideas and keeps members in touch with local economics and issues.

To help with the grass-roots recruitment, AFS has sent each chapter a new promotional video highlighting the features and services of AFS, along with testimonials from satisfied members.

Finally, Levin said, one persuasive reason to join a trade association is its benefit to the industry as a whole. Whether acting as a forum for new ideas, a source of help to its individual members or a voice representing the industry in the public arena, a trade association can help the industry through trying economic, environmental and competitive times.