Portage Group

JUNE 29, 2020

In our contacts with organizations and research about the impact of COVID 19, we’re hearing from leaders that they are re-calibrating their business plans and/or will update their strategic plan in the near future. We have some advice based on successful strategic planning in a virtual setting from our experiences with clients and want to share them with you.

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Organization 130

Portage Group

JULY 6, 2020

Four Months In: How Canadian Associations are Coping During COVID 19. At the time the survey was conducted at the beginning of June, there had been a number of changes in Canadian jurisdictions related to COVID 19 since the previous survey was conducted in early May. This edition of the Pulse provides an updated look at the financial viability of associations as well as what associations are doing to engage and recruit members in our “new normal”.

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Recruiting Recruitment Survey 130

Portage Group

AUGUST 24, 2020

Focus on Finance: COVID 19’s Impact on the Bottom-Line of Canadian Associations. For the associations positioned to weather the storm of the initial months of the COVID 19 pandemic, many are finding themselves with a bit of breathing room in terms of immediate cash flow and financial viability issues. Inevitably, many of those that were without a sufficient financial cushion or access to government supports have not fared so well.

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Survey 130

Portage Group

OCTOBER 1, 2020

In the August edition of the TPG Pulse for Associations, it was reported that professional and trade associations were poised for revenue decreases of 1.6 billion dollars for the twelve months ending March 2021. The latest edition digs deeper into the areas where those losses are occurring and also provides an update on the impact on staffing in the sector.

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Revenue Survey Report 130

Portage Group

DECEMBER 1, 2020

As we close in on the end of what for many has been the most tumultuous, challenging and unpredictable year in recent memory, the idea of creating a strategic plan can seem daunting, perhaps even futile. What will the world look like in six months? Twelve months? Two years? We can make some educated guesses, but if recent history has taught us anything, it is that we just don’t know what the future holds in store.

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Portage Group

SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

If you are in an association leadership position in 2018, it is probable you feel like you are playing ongoing game of catch up. Being nimble and adaptable. Communicating effectively in method, frequency and content. Growing and seeking out new revenue. Where to begin? And even more importantly: What to do? Please take a few minutes to participate in The Portage Group’s second annual Association Trends Survey.

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Survey Revenue Leadership Content 100

Portage Group

MARCH 26, 2018

ATTN Association and Not For Profit Execs we need your feedback. Participate in 2018 CSAE Compensation and Benefits Survey and you'll get a complimentary executive summary of the study. Hurry, survey closes April 4, 2018. [link] .

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Survey 100

Portage Group

DECEMBER 20, 2017

If you'd like your copy of Customizing the Membership Experience white paper, send us an email at dtarasca@portagegroup.com #AssnChat #Membership #MembershipExperience #WhitePaper #Customization #HappyHolidays.

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Portage Group

DECEMBER 18, 2017

The Association Trends In-Focus by The Portage Group is a research series summarizing the top trends facing Canadian associations today. It also explores some of what is being done to address these challenges and opportunities so that associations like yours can be better positioned to survive – and thrive – well into the future. To get your copy, send us an email at dtarasca@portagegroup.com.

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Portage Group

NOVEMBER 2, 2017

"Make Your Data Work For You" a Trillium Chapter PDX Workshop will take place on November 14th, led by Jack Shand, CAE & Geoff Thacker , Partners with The Portage Group. Did you ever think you would live in a time when data was “sexy”? Welcome to 2017 where data powers some of the most highly successful & powerful organizations in the world.

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Portage Group

MAY 26, 2017

Sean Kelly, CSAE Ottawa-Gatineau President and Geoff Thacker, Executive Partner - Research and Strategy with The Portage Group. TPG Executive Partner - Research and Strategy, Geoff Thacker was honoured this week by his colleagues at the Canadian Society of Association Executives Ottawa-Gatineau with the Business Member of the Year Award. Geoff has been a long-time supporter and volunteer for the Chapter.

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Strategy Process Organization 150

Portage Group

MARCH 2, 2017

Leading Your Association Over Uncharted Territory Association executives and directors have been hearing for years now that change is coming. Membership apathy and decline. Decreasing revenues. Industry consolidation. Competition for education, other programs and services. Governance paralysis. All of these are symptoms of the much larger issue of relevance, value, and member service, that are pushing many associations closer to the brink.

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Portage Group

FEBRUARY 23, 2017

If you are in an association leadership position in 2017, chances are you feel like you are playing an eternal game of whak-a-mole. Recruiting and engaging young professionals. Growing and diversifying revenue. Stopping the membership bleed. Where to begin? And even more importantly: What to do? Please take a few minutes to participate in The Portage Group’s 2017 Association Trends Survey.

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Survey Recruiting Recruitment Revenue 140

Portage Group

FEBRUARY 17, 2017

Do you ever wonder how your association stacks up when it comes to your finances? Could your expenses and liabilities be lower? Your operations leaner? Your education, programs and events more revenue-positive? The CSAE 2017 Canadian Association Financial Operations Report has arrived and is available through the Canadian Society of Association Executives.

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Revenue Resources Report Education 149

Portage Group

JANUARY 10, 2017

Join our team for one or both of these innovative and interactive sessions in the coming weeks. Whether you are in Ontario or BC, these are not-to-miss opportunities to gain practical knowledge and tools about organizational transformation based on real-world examples of association change. A Practical Guide: How to Lead Your Association in the 21st Century January 19-20th at the CSAE Trillium Winter Summit in Hamilton.

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Portage Group

DECEMBER 22, 2016

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Portage Group

NOVEMBER 21, 2016

How Does Your Association Stack Up? The CSAE Canadian Association Financial Operations Study Survey is open for your participation until November 30th. Don't miss this unmatched opportunity to benchmark your organization's financial and operational performance against association sector peers from across the country. Click Here to Access the Survey This study is being conducted by TPG in partnership with the Canadian Society of Association Executives.

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Discount Report Survey Resources 100

Portage Group

APRIL 28, 2016

Should I ask for a raise? How much should we pay the new Membership Manager? Would offering flex days help us draw stronger job candidates? Knowing how to structure staff salary and benefits can be a challenge for any association. Associations are unique, after all - It can be extremely challenging to find comparables that truly reflect your unique realities.

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Portage Group

MAY 30, 2016

May 30, 2016. Toronto, ON. (The Portage Group) – The Portage Group is pleased to welcome Steve Carroll, CAE, as an Independent Associate to their team. Steve is an accomplished association sector professional bringing with him a wealth of success and experience as an association staff and volunteer leader. Carroll is currently President of the Canadian Society of Association Executives – Trillium Chapter and has served in Canadian national and provincial association senior leadership positions f

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Portage Group

JUNE 20, 2016

Well, it's June and we all know what that means.golf season is upon us! TPG was pleased to attend the CSAE Ottawa-Gatineau annual golf tournament at the Kanata Golf and Country Club on June 6th and was honoured to be able to host players from the designated event charity, the Learning Disabilities Association - Ottawa - Carleton. Above, you will see Geoff Thacker, TPG Executive Partner - Research and Strategy is having a rough day on the links but still managed a good game.

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Strategy 100

Portage Group

AUGUST 12, 2016

The Portage Group is extremely proud to once again partner with the Canadian Society of Association Executives in leading the discussions during this great event on April 3, 2017 at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel. This day-long event will be packed with invaluable resources, information and the opportunity to collaborate with fellow association executives that will help you navigate your organization successfully through the current and anticipated mega-shifts in the association environmen

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Case Study Examples Resources Organization 100

Portage Group

FEBRUARY 5, 2015

Have you ever wondered what each of your association's members was really thinking? Meet Jane, the association executive who was able to better target member segments at both a strategic and operational level by streamlining and making better use of big data and other member information.

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Portage Group

OCTOBER 27, 2015

See us at the CSAE Conference this week in Calgary! . The Portage Group Senior Associate, Alan Ward, has been asked to be a presenter at the upcoming Canadian Society of Association Executives Conference #CSAE2015 in Calgary on October 28th. Alan will be presenting on Succeeding at Succession Planning. . What is Succession Planning? Succession planning is a process for identifying and developing internal people with the potential to fill key leadership positions in the organization.

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Portage Group

OCTOBER 30, 2015

Watch Sandy and Bob as the navigate through the often choppy waters towards #organizational #success.

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Portage Group

NOVEMBER 2, 2015

Jane Garthson (Garthson Leadership) [link] sat down with TPG's Jack Shand a couple of weeks ago to discuss the process of a smooth and successful Executive Transition.

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Leadership Process 100

Portage Group

NOVEMBER 6, 2015

The Portage Group Presents: Up Stream! . A Blog Series On Channeling Member Needs Wouldn’t it be great to know what your members are thinking? What they’re really thinking? Your members are the owners of your association. In order to develop a strategy driven by their needs and priorities, it is crucial that their input be included as a central component of the process.

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Process Strategy Marketing Organization 100

Portage Group

NOVEMBER 10, 2015

Shhh!! Listen closely! Do you hear that? Meh. Could that be the sound your members are making with they think about their association? Over the past decade, we have compiled data on member needs and satisfaction hundreds of associations.* On the whole, the trend among the associations in this study suggests that association members are reasonably satisfied with the organizations that represent them.but they aren’t blown away.

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Course Communications Organization 100

Portage Group

NOVEMBER 19, 2015

"Everyone has great ideas. The problem for most people is realizing that even the most silly or outrageous idea they come up with could in fact work. Generating ideas—-useful ideas-—is a skill, and, like any other skill, it can be learned. The more you practice, the easier it will be to come up with ideas whenever you need them." https://salesandmarketing.com/article/20-ways-generate-ideas-will-boost-your-business 1.

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Portage Group

NOVEMBER 26, 2015

So many associations don’t do enough to toot their own horn. In my mind those that are successful at keeping their members in the loop so that they are crystal clear about the results the association is getting on their behalf is one of the most critical factors that separate the good from the awesome in the association world. Here are a few rules of thumb to consider when it comes to tooting your own horn: 1.

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Portage Group

DECEMBER 21, 2015

Keep it Simple! By Alan Ward The thought of conducting an organizational review shouldn’t give anyone reason for sweaty palms. Unfortunately, it has that potential. A quick survey of the topic can lead us to near despair: infrastructure planning, internal architectures, process analyses, and blueprints for change… I mean, really, who knows what to do?

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Review Project Strategy Survey 113

Portage Group

JANUARY 14, 2016

What Do You Think Associations of the Future Will Look Like? Recently, Carol-Anne Moutinho of The Portage Group was asked the question. "What do you think the associations of the future will look like?" Carol-Anne brought her extensive experience in the areas of market research, strategic planning, leadership and executive search to deliver a short list of a few ways she sees associations evolving.

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Course Tips Leadership Organization 113

Portage Group

JANUARY 22, 2016

by Jack Shand; Executive Partner of The Portgage Group. In April, the Canadian Society of Association Executives (www.csae.com) will present a Summit on "Associations 2025". What must not-for-profit organizations be doing to ensure they thrive over the next decade and beyond? What will be the attributes of the successful association leader in 2025? Is mastery in managing change a pre-requisite?

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Leadership Resources Industry Organization 100

Portage Group

JANUARY 28, 2016

Understanding What Non-Profits Do by Jack Shand; Executive Partner of The Portage Group; introduced by associate Casey White What does a non-profit do? I can't easily answer that question. At first glance I thought, why should I be able to ? I'm new to the non-profit world and just learning. But then when I gave it second consideration I realised I had actually worked for several non-profits over spanning over 15 years of my life.

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Portage Group

FEBRUARY 15, 2016

The Portage Group and CSAE will be coming together to collaborate on Associations 2025 , a look at what will be the future of associations, trends that are happening now and predicting new ones and showcasing which associations have been able to stay ahead of the curve, retain members and grow their member base. Over the next 2 months, leading up to Associations 2025 on April 26, 2016 we will be exploring the topics: How do association professionals anticipate big trends like information technol

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Conference Communications Innovation Industry 133

Portage Group

FEBRUARY 18, 2016

Reading this article on technology trends for 2016 got me thinking: It's hard to believe that just a decade ago, most of us had never heard of the term 'smartphone.' Personally, I am always a little panicked when my phone is not within arm's reach. Also, I will admit that I have a slightly dysfunctional relationship with my GPS - which I have named Sneaky Suzy - and without whom I would (literally) be lost.

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Portage Group

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

We would love your feedback as we lead into the #associations2025 summit. More information found here. Five Things A Baby Boomer can Appreciate about a Millennial Employee in Forward Thinking Associations: 1. To Be Quick: Change is happening. Millennials are adaptable and used to fast information transference. They can be exceptionally helpful with research and getting the task done quickly. 2.

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Portage Group

MARCH 21, 2016

You’ve demonstrated a consistent commitment to keep your board and members aware of major trends, risks, and strategic issues that will shape the organization in the coming years. Knowing that there are many new challenges that association executives face today that didn’t exist 15 years ago, The Portage Group and CSAE are looking to gather the brightest stars in your association and the true leaders and have a focused conversation at the Associations 2025 Summit this coming April 19, 2016 in To

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