The STMONY chapter has
experienced great success in its first year and predicts strong continued
growth. When asked about this success, President Mike Albino attributes
it to a combination of several things.
First, their chapter structure
capitalizes on local involvement. “We bring our events to our members,”
says Albino. STMONY is segmented into eight zones, and each zone has a
zone leader. “We ask the zone leader to set up a meeting place and time,
and I do the rest. We have a chapter meeting in one of the zones each month.”
says Albino.
He schedules the meetings
in locations that have had a particularly tough season. “That way,” he
says, “the meeting and networking sessions can help those sports turf managers
solve their problems.”
Albino and Executive Director
Kevin Meredith attend each meeting. Between the two of them, they know
almost everyone in attendance and for those they don’t, they want to put
a face with a name. “We want to meet face-to-face, listen to our members,
and let them know about how the chapter can meet their needs.” There is
no charge for chapter meetings and Albino gets a sponsor to provide the
food and beverage, so there are no cost barriers to attending. There is
one annual meeting for all the zones.
Secondly, the dues structure
really provides a great opportunity for multiple members to join. “Our
dues structure applies to all members, sports turf manager and commercial
alike,” says Albino.
Third, Albino has a very
focused strategy. “I have identified organizations that would benefit from
being members, such as the building and grounds supervisors and the high
school athletic directors,” Albino says, “and I direct my efforts to getting
them to join. I go to every green industry meeting in the state.”
Early on he concentrated
his efforts on reaching every member of the national STMA in his region
and all green industry members. When asked about his approach, he said,
“I am relentless. I send multiple emails, and I faxed 600 people with letters
and applications!”
Albino credits his company,
Ballard Sports, for allowing him the time and resources he spends on STMONY.
“I couldn’t do it without Ballard’s support,” he says. When asked to project
STMONY’s growth, Albino responded, “We plan to grow the chapter as large
as STMA over the next three to five years!”
