July-August 2004

Cover Story

What have you done for me lately? Bars focus on membership By Robert J. Derocher

These days, bar associations are having to look ever more closely at what they offer in exchange for membership. Is it enough? Is it what today's lawyers really want? And what about tomorrow's lawyers? Here, your colleagues share what works, what doesn't, and the latest news from the front lines of the battle to get and keep members.

Bars answer the call for member service

By Kimberly Smith

Some bar associations have established call centers, with two goals in mind: to keep callers from being transferred around and around the building, and to provide the bar with a great marketing opportunity, via software that lists each caller's vital stats. What bars are doing this? And should you?

CAN-SPAM: Does it apply to you?

By Dan Kittay

CAN-SPAM, a law aimed at reducing the flow of unsolicited commercial e-mail, went into effect on January 1 of this year. But there are still some details up in the air-one of those details being the question of whether the law applies to associations communicating with members. But there's no question that excessive e-mailing of any kind can annoy your members. With that in mind, does it make sense to follow some of the CAN-SPAM provisions ... even if you don't have to?

Moving on up: Presenting our new Chicago headquarters

By Marilyn Cavicchia

The ABA has now joined the ranks of bar associations that have moved, built, or remodeled their homes in recent years-the Chicago headquarters moved this past May. Read all about the move, the space, and the inspiring way in which the association was welcomed to its new home.