 Trade association leaders slow presidential endorsements |
While some K Street leaders pledged early backing for presidential candidates, others are balancing their support in this competitive race for the White House.
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| Supreme Court forces NAM to disclose members |
Manufacturers’ association forced to abide by new rules but will still appeal lower court decision.
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| Financial group plans meetings to reverse anti-trade attitudes |
Town-hall style meetings will include discussions about the impact of lost jobs and the benefits of globalization for the U.S. economy.
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| New advertisements update perception of industries |
Some organizations are using the lull in an election year to retool advertising and refresh their image.
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| New trade group forms for alternative investment professionals |
Reverse Merger Association of America vows to elevate industry with “checkered” past.
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| Executive search feels economy’s tug |
| Nonprofit searches posted an increase in Q4 2007, but the financial sector, the largest branch of search, is feeling the weight of the economic slump. |
| Coalitions Prepare for Elections |
| Coalitions revamp their strategies and wrap up initiatives to prepare for a transition in the government |
| Higher and Higher |
| The CEO job is highly demanding, but the financial rewards of running a Washington trade group or other nonprofit have never been greater. |
| CEO Pay: Behind the Numbers |
CEOs of trade groups say tax forms distort their pay and don’t tell the entire story.
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| Advancing public affairs in a changing advocacy environment |
Most associations consider advocacy to be one of their primary missions—and strengths. But the business of public affairs is being transformed by a host of major challenges beyond the control of associations.
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| New business blog drives hits |
Former National Association of Manufacturers communications executive who created and operated NAM’s blogs ShopFloor.org and CoolStuffBeingMade.com recently launched the new blog BizCentral.org.
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| ASAE issues comments on 990 instructions |
| In a letter sent to the Internal Revenue Service last
week, ASAE continued to lobby for changes to the Form 990 |
| Consumer Electronics adds housing perk for staff |
| CEA may be the first trade association to offer down payment assistance to all of its full-time employees |
| Retirements, churn fueled search firm business in 2007 |
| More nonprofits hired a search firm in 2007 to fill CEO jobs and a pipeline of senior staff positions |
| Elections to Dominate 2008 |
With big policy issues on the backburner, trade groups will focus on gearing up for the presidential elections, reaching across the aisle and the IRS’ new reporting rules
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| Industry groups battling bad PR |
| Associations without a flexible media strategy may be caught off-guard in an industry crisis |
| Traditional transport groups use image ads to restyle |
Road, rail and steel advertising campaigns are aimed at projecting the modern side of mature businesses to policy makers.
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| Nonprofits cautious on the economy |
Despite talk of a recession, many leaders are optimistic, even as they prepare for tough times ahead.
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| New 990 instructions out; comments invited |
The Internal Revenue Service released draft instructions to its new Form 990 on April 8 that highlight requirements for compensation disclosure and independent status of board members.
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| Home Builders launch green certification program |
NAHB’s National Green Building program brings competition to U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED system.
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| Trade groups, members join to help homeowners |
| At the call of the federal government, an industry alliance aims to help consumers at risk of foreclosure |
| Lending crisis rallies trade groups |
With a bleak outlook for the mortgage and housing industries, trade groups ramp up their efforts to restore the public’s – and Washington’s – confidence.
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| Finding the best leaders |
| Twenty years ago, many trade group leaders came from within their industries. Now, more associations look to leaders with nonprofit, policy and advocacy experience |
| Governance, Pay Dissected in New IRS Form 990 |
 After 25 years, the IRS has drafted new changes to the Form 990, requiring more disclosure on governance, compensation and assets. IRS seeking public input.
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| Results boost CEO pay |
Industry groups are bundling higher expectations, benchmarks and strategic goals inside the pay packages of their leaders
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| Before firing staff, practice due diligence |
Detailed and consistent documentation of poor staff performance protects managers in employment lawsuits
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| Top Places to Work in Associations and Nonprofits |
Some of the best places to work stress a work/life balance for their employees with more paid time off and benefits for the entire family
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| Checking references: Read between the lines |
| Worried about litigation, former employers are cautious about what they can and can’t say |
| 457(f) Offers Great Rewards with Risk |
| Deferred compensation plans have become a popular choice for executives to sock away funds for a future date, but experts advise caution when navigating 457(f)’s strict rules and regulations.
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| Spelling Out Severance Terms |
| Churn at the top of industry groups has made severance clauses a critical part of executive contracts that can provide a cushion for CEOs forced out of a job |
| CEO Evaluations: A Necessary Review |
| Evaluating the CEO’s performance can ensure the organization – and their leadership – is on solid footing. It’s also part of the board’s responsibility. |
| CEO Departures: What Went Wrong? |
Executives rarely talk about “terminations without cause.” Board
directors even more rarely disclose why they swung the axe. From those
candid enough to share them, these insights into high-level partings
emerge as cautionary tales for CEOs and boards alike.
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After four years as head of ASAE’s Center for
Association Leadership, Susan Sarfati announced to her board and staff
Tuesday that she would retire from the organization Aug. 31. 
As executive vice president for public affairs for the American Gas
Association, Richard Shelby comes from a career in state and national politics.
He managed advocacy efforts for the Oklahoma Republican Party and
helped steer campaigns for Sen. Dewey Bartlett (R-Okla.) and President
Ronald Reagan, all before age 35.
Retiring CEO takes one-year contract extension to help AARP stabilize after leadership transitions inWashington, Congress. 
Not many association leaders spend their entire career moving up the ladder of one organization. However, for John Crouch, retiring CEO of the American Angus Association, staying with one group for the past 34 years has been a choice he has never regretted. 
Most people would steer clear of heading an association that had a reputation as a ‘problem’ in Washington. However, for John Lawson it was a challenge he was willing to tackle. Lawson came to the APTS in 2001 after founding and managing his own consulting and lobbying firm. Upon joining, he found himself in the midst of an organization about to undergo a major digital conversion.
Golden’s career trajectory serves as a lesson in longevity and in
public service. He’s in his 10th year at the Nationa Court Reporters Association, above the average tenure
of most association leaders. And he says he’s gotten the most out of
working in nonprofits by making himself available. 
