Professional Association Dues?
It's been a while since I 've been to a convention, but the last time I attended one, there was some good discussion about membership fees; and there are some interesting diverse opinions; one is that there is some relationship to low fee= more numbers of members; and the opposite, high fees = fewer members; I don't think either is true. and what is low and what is high? In a suburb of a major metropolitan market, I must advertise in 3 phone books, and support 3 or 4 Chambers of commerce; which I believe is 'good for businees'; since if my community isn't successful, neither can I be. Now, the membership "dues" of each Chamber is an average of $400 a year; that's okay, because not supporting the efforts of the community is certainly not good for business; cinversely, my dues to our states optical professional association is $65, my OAA dues is about $200 and my Guild firm dues is $100; So, why wouldn't I be willing too pay as much to be a member of my professional groups who are helping me in professional credibility ways, as I am to support the economic success of my communty? Yet, the optical association leaders groan about not having enough funds to do the job, that optical professionals "couldn't afford it'. now, I know that in 'licensed' states, things may be a bit different, but, why. so , you work hard to get that license, and you think you don't need your association any more, you've got the license? Well, like most thing in life, put your money where your mouth is, and you've got a better chance of getting what you want...you want better associations, take pride in it, get the support of the folks who can afford it, and charge much higher fees for those who aren't members.
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