Circle of Excellence Award Categories & Criteria

OVERVIEW l ENTRY FORMS

1. Associations Advance Maryland

2. Membership Development/Retention

3. Government Relations

4. Education

5. Communications

6. Technology

#1 Associations Advance Maryland

Associations and non-profit organizations are key to the well-being of our society. Tell us about what your group has done in one of the following areas:

• Product & Safety Standards

• Code of Ethics

• Community Service

• Research

What to submit: Send a brief statement defining the program’s goals, implementation and results. Attach copies of relevant materials or web addresses.

#2 Membership Development/Retention

This is the most important thing we do. Submit representative components of your recruitment/retention program and tell us about the results. Entries will be judged on ingenuity and how well the results matched the objectives of the program.

#3 Government Relations

This category recognizes creative, successful efforts to represent members’ interests with legislative or regulatory bodies. Submit copies of relevant materials along with a brief statement defining the program’s goals, implementation and results.

#4 Education

Recognizes outstanding educational programs for members or the general public on issues relevant to the organization’s mission. Enter in the following categories:

Program Innovation: Submit a brief description of your program, why it’s unique and the results it generated. Send along relevant printed materials as well.

Marketing: Submit samples of meeting marketing materials. Entries will be judged on creativity and innovation in communication.

#5 Communications

This category recognizes excellence in communicating the association’s message. Submit entries in the following categories:

Total Communications Program: Submit a copy of your communications plan, samples of communication materials and a brief statement detailing how these materials successfully met the goals of the plan.

Public Relations Program: Submit sample materials along with a brief statement of the program’s goals, implementation and results.

Magazines: submit two consecutive issues published during 2008.

Newsletters: submit two consecutive issues published during 2008.

Web Sites: submit your url along with passwords to access any members-only areas to be considered.

#6 Technology

Tell us how you have used technology to create new member services or enhance existing services. Submit a brief description of the program and results.