Hello South Central'ers!

I hope the weather is turning colder for some of you. Here in Texas, we're just glad to have survived August at all with all the 100+ degree days. Gatsby, my own Cat-in-the-Hat, is wishing he didn't have his lovely long-haired coat about now for sure.

Our topic this quarter relates to membership. The national board is having an across-the-board push to increase membership at each of our chapters AND to get those members to sign up on the website.

And this isn't just about increasing percentages or numbers. As an officer or member at your chapter VBMA, you've already "drank the Kool-Aid," so to speak, on what VBMA can offer. But what about your colleagues? If they don't join, they can't be involved in meetings, and if they can't attend meetings, they can't get the great business training and networking opportunities that we all get by being part of this amazing organization.

Recently, our chapter here at A&M sponsored a breakfast for our incoming 1VMs and then set up a booth where yours truly got up close and personal with our new students. I am not a natural salesperson at all, but I had a ton of people sign up on the spot (it's up for debate whether it was my infectious enthusiasm or the delicious kolaches we served). Either way, I know that they are going to get their money's worth this semester, and I hope you believe that about all your chapters, too.

So, the topic:
As a region, let's let each other in on our best membership-increasing ideas. What does your chapter do to get people to join? What about ideas for getting people signed up on the website, where they can access all the important VBMA national resources?

Can't wait to hear some creative ideas!

Your RL,
Steph