MACMILLAN, WILLIAM LEEDOM, III.

Very little has been written about multiple association management companies
and how they serve voluntary membership organizations. A direct
mail questionnaire was used to ascertain organization structure, size and
income, services provided, and management method. A second questionnaire
was sent to every identifiable multiple association management firm to determine
experience of the firm and its principals, structure and income of
voluntary organizations managed by these firms, whether or not these firms
experienced an increase in the number of voluntary organizations managed
and in the size of the firm, services they provide to voluntary organizations,
and how their client voluntary organizations were previously managed.
Secondary research consisted primarily of material published in
association trade journals. Multiple association management firms were
found to be increasing both in size and number, and more voluntary organizations
appear to be selecting this form of management; the primary
reasons for this selection are professionalism and cost.