Randy Young, TLIA President
In my November column, I spoke of the benefits of change and then let you all know of my biggest change — stepping down from the role of TLIA Board President. As I said in that column, it was not a decision made lightly. No change should be looked at as simple or easy. Over these last few years, I believe the biggest change for our association — and the one I am most proud of — is the improvements in our financial position and management. Let me tell you… that one was neither simple nor easy!
I want to thank the entire TLIA Board for making some tough decisions in this area. Firstly, we took the bold step of openly discussing our financial issues and becoming transparent in our reporting by publishing financial reports in our minutes, newsletter, and online. We also faced our responsibility in the area of delinquent dues. Many of you might not be aware of the challenges we faced in reaching out to members (your neighbors) to ask (kindly, at first) and (when necessary) make the required demand of their dues payments. Again, not easy. But we did it and today, as noted in this newsletter, we have only two severely delinquentaccounts and only a few remaining on payment plans which should be completed by year’s end.
Over these last few years, we have fully incorporated QuickBooks into our finances on both sides of the ledger: revenue and expenses. On the expenses side, we re-organized our accounting into a centralized system by eliminating individual committee accounts. We have also benefitted from better reporting resulting in a clearer view of where our money is being spent. Our data entry has improved along with expense reporting and invoice approvals.
On the revenue side, we have managed to move closer to becoming 100% membership dues compliant, better then we have ever been (at least as far as I can remember). Better reporting, dues tracking, and improved communications with the membership all led to our dues compliance. These last few years have been a great proving ground for how to reform our organization and enhance fiscal responsibility. And we did it.
None of these changes were simple nor easy, but we made them for the health of our association. That’s why we have not had a dues increase for five years! Holding our dues at the same rate was neither simple nor easy either. But it was the result of everyone on your Board facing tests and making the tough decisions to change how we operate. And this was accomplished during challenging financial times. Ultimately, I’m happy to say that today we are financially stronger than we have ever been.
Our path has been set. I hope these improvements will be a permanentfactor in our standard operating procedures for years to come.
In this case, change is good, but never simple nor easy. I am proud to venture into the holiday season, the end of our fiscal year, and the closing month of my tenure in office leaving TLIA more fiscally sound then it has ever been. Happy Holidays to us all and to all a good night.