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A possible goal
might be to maintain a knowledgeable, enthusiastic, balanced membership
of professionals and non-professionals in order to successfully promote
the Chaîne’s purposes.
The best guide in judging a good potential member is usually whether
the person is someone you would enjoy spending an evening with at the
table (three hours can seem interminable when you are the only one
carrying the conversation).
All bailliages need new members
New members bring enthusiasm and fresh ideas, as well as guests, who
themselves may become members.
Younger members ensure the present and future viability of a
bailliage.
In some cases, bailliages need members to change the make-up of the
group. Perhaps more professional members are needed, or a different
geographical representation is desired. Perhaps your community presents
opportunities to enlist more members who reflect the international
character of the Chaîne.
The right number of members
Each bailliage should decide on its optimum number of members, taking
into consideration the capacity of suitable host facilities, among other
things.
22% of our bailliages have 27 or fewer members; 26% between 28 and
41; 24% 42 to 54; and 28% upwards from 55. Eight bailliages have more
than 100 members.
More than half of our bailliages say they need additional members
just to support their present programs.
For many bailliages, 60 members is an attainable and desirable
membership goal. A membership of 60 should provide an attendance of 60
at most events, a number which many restaurants like as it seems to
justify their hard work while, at the same time, assuring that the
highest standards of excellence can be met.
Additional members make economies of scale possible. At all levels,
adding members is a way to absorb unavoidable cost increases on goods
and services without having to raise dues or cut back on services.
No matter how great the need to increase membership, Bailliages agree
they should not sacrifice the quality of members to achieve growth.
Financial issues
Having both members of a couple
as members is desirable and increases
participation in events, as otherwise one of them is a perpetual guest
and doesn't truly feel part of the organization. To encourage spouses to
join, the induction fee for a spouse of a member has been reduced, as
have the annual national dues.
Another incentive is that national dues paid by members joining after
September 1st will carry them through to the end of the following
calendar year.
Local bailliages determine their own dues and may elect to offer
similar dues reductions.
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