Highlights

The GAR Report is a monthly summary of membership numbers by chapter. In the Chapter Recognition Program, up to 3,000 credits are available in the Membership Section in the areas of Base Growth, New Member Acquisition and Retention.

The GAR lists chapters by size (Group A = 300 or more members; Group B = 150-299 members, etc.). We also publish a GAR by region. It may be useful to see how individual regions compare. Don’t remember what the columns and numbers mean? Read a detailed explanation of the GAR Report.

Mark Your Calendar

May 15—Community service photo contest deadline

May 22—PDC early registration deadline

May 31—Fourth quarter Chapter Recognition Program deadline

May 31—Fourth quarter RVP reporting deadline

June 21–24—AGA’s 58th Annual Professional Development Conference & Exposition

July 15—Chapter program plans due to Jessica Jones at the National Office

Chapter Recognition Program Deadline
The fourth quarter Chapter Recognition Program (CRP) deadline is just around the corner. Because of the quick turnaround time in between the fourth quarter reporting period and the PDC, the final deadline will not be extended. All CRP credits must be entered by midnight May 31.

Advertise for Free!
AGA’s online Training Opportunities Calendar allows chapters to list upcoming events free of charge. By clicking “Add an Event,” you can advertise your chapter meeting or regional event for everyone to see. With more than 1,200 visits every month, the Training Opportunities Calendar is a great way to get noticed by AGA members and nonmembers alike.

May 2009, Volume 4, Issue 5

Rally for Retention Campaign In Full Swing
As we are now half-way through May, we are also half-way through AGA’s annual Rally for Retention contest. We are making steady progress bringing in renewals—let’s keep our momentum strong and help our members get their renewals in before May 31.

Lists of members who have not yet renewed were e-mailed to chapter representatives at the beginning of the month, but don’t forget, chapter officers can download an updated list at any time by accessing the Chapter Membership Reports found in AGA’s Members Only Site. Personal contact is the best way to be effectively retain members, so make sure to reach out to everyone on your chapter renewal list. Even if they have just sent in their renewal on their own, they will appreciate the reminder that they are an important part of the AGA family. If you have any questions or need assistance rounding up those renewals, please contact Rodneikka Freeman. 

Fabulous AGA prizes are at stake too. Chapters that get half or more of their members who haven’t yet renewed as of April 30 to renew by May 31 will be eligible for a chance at three complimentary conference registrations. See more details on prizes and the 2009 Rally for Retention Game Plan. Good luck!

PDC Community Service Raffle and Silent Auction
AGA is proud to once again sponsor the National Community Service Raffle and Silent Auction. During the PDC, we’ll be selling raffle tickets and hosting a silent auction for great prizes such as gift certificates, regional gift baskets, sports memorabilia and lots more. Be sure to visit the Exhibit Hall to check out the loot.

Proceeds will support the AGA National Community Service Fund as well as a charity selected by participants. Make sure to stop by the raffle booth and vote for your favorite charity. Chapters are asked to donate prizes from their local areas; contact raffle coordinator Renee Gilman, CGFM, to donate.

Community Service Photo Contest
It’s time again to show off all that your chapter does for the community. Submit as many pictures as you’d like of chapter members participating in community service events throughout the past year. The winning entry will be selected by AGA staff and will receive a free registration for a national conference. Submissions are due by May 15. Questions? Please contact Jessica Jones. 

PDC Business Meetings
Throughout the conference, AGA will host several meetings geared toward AGA leadership. Listed below are a few of the meetings that are of particular interest to chapter officers. To view descriptions of these meetings and the full conference schedule, please visit the PDC website.

National Board of Directors (NBD) Meeting
Sunday, June 21, 8:30 – 11 a.m.

AGA Emerging Leaders Roundtable
Sunday, June 21, 1 – 3 p.m.

AGA Chapter Leadership Meeting—Focus on CGFM
Sunday, June 21, 1 – 2:10 p.m.

AGA Chapter Leadership Meeting—Focus on Communications
Sunday, June 21, 2:30 – 3:40 p.m.
(Attention Chapter Communicators: Let Chris Camara know about any specific items you’d like discussed at the session.)

AGA Chapter Development and Assistance Meeting
Sunday, June 21, 2:30 – 3:40 p.m.

AGA Chapter Leadership Meeting—Focus on Education
Sunday, June 21, 3:50 – 5 p.m.

AGA Chapter Leadership Meeting—Focus on Membership
Sunday, June 21, 3:50 – 5 p.m.

2009–2010 Audio Conference Schedule
AGA is pleased to again announce a special offer exclusively for AGA chapters and ADVANTAGE group agencies that will enhance your education program and save you money. For a limited time only, purchase four, five or six AGA audio conferences as a package and you will receive a 10 percent discount on the early-bird price offered by the AGA. Purchase seven, eight or nine AGA audio conferences for a 15 percent discount. Purchase 10, 11 or 12 audio conferences for a whopping 20 percent discount.

This offer is only available to AGA chapters and ADVANTAGE group members until July 8, 2009. Contact Maria Lucas with questions or to register. Download the registration form.

Click here to view the 2009–2010 Audio Conference schedule.

CGFM Sessions at the PDC
Attending the Professional Development Conference (PDC) in New Orleans? Mark your calendars for two important CGFM sessions:

Sunday, June 21, 1 – 2:10 p.m.—AGA Chapter Leadership Meeting—Focus on CGFM
Become part of the CGFM Program’s success. Join CGFM leaders to learn about the program’s accomplishments this year and to share your own success stories. We will discuss state and local recognition of the CGFM certification, opportunities to earn the designation at AGA national conferences and the GFM training program.

Wednesday, June 24, 11 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.—CGFM: Government Financial Management Certification for the Future
Improved service to citizens, a competitive advantage in the industry, a demonstrated commitment to continuous learning—these are just some of the benefits of the Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) certification. Learn about the value and importance of the CGFM, perspective of employers and recent CGFMs. If you haven’t yet earned the CGFM designation, this session is for you.

PDC 2009 Chapter Hotel Scholarships
The 58th Annual Professional Development Conference (PDC) will take place June 21–24 in New Orleans, LA. Chapters wishing to participate in the hotel scholarship (two scholarships per chapter) will be housed in the Sheraton New Orleans and the newly opened overflow hotel, the JW Marriott New Orleans. The Sheraton can be reached at 888.627.7033 and the JW Marriott at 888.364.1200; be sure to mention that you are attending the “AGA PDC” to receive the discounted rate.

The AGA room rate is $120 per night (plus tax) for single and double occupancy. Rates are only guaranteed until May 29, 2009, or until the block is sold out. Rooms booked at other hotels will not be covered under the hotel scholarship.

Membership Application

CGFM Application

Audio Conferences

View the AGA Video

Training Opportunities

Contact AGA Staff

Order Recruitment Materials

Members Only Site Tutorial

Other AGA links

CGFM Certification—Take the AGA CGFM Exams today!

Register for AGA's 58th Annual Professional Development Conference & Exposition, June 21–24, 2009, New Orleans, LA