New MTA member proposes excellent idea
Like the majority of business associations across the country, the Montana Tavern Association has felt the sting of eroding membership.
Declining membership affects the association in many ways, most noticeably in declining operational revenues.
But it's not just the revenue that is lost. The lack of new members also restricts the flow of new ideas into an organization, and can stifle an excitement that is generated by a growing, robust membership. So it would seem that not only does the MTA need more members, like all associations it also needs younger members to ensure its future viability.
Something occurred during the waning minutes of the MTA's business meeting on the last day of the convention that provides an encouraging glimpse into the future.
Tim Lannaghan, a new MTA member from the Flathead area who was attending his first convention, took the intiative to speak up during the call for new business.
The young man proposed some type of “mentorship” program for new members, like him, that would match new members with experienced ones. Such a program could reduce the intimidation factor in joining a new organization, he said. It would also make it easy for a new member to contact a specific person in the organization to help answer a variety of questions, such as how to contact legislators or how to join an MTA committee.
The program could also be used as an avenue for new members to discuss business issues with someone who could provide reliable and confidential advice.
Several veteran members have been for decades the backbone of the Montana Tavern Association. It's not a stretch to say the MTA wouldn't even exist today if it wasn't for these long-time members. They've worked hard for many, many years to improve most successfully the business environment for MTA members and non-members alike.
They have the blood, sweat and tear stains to prove it.
But the future awaits. No organization can continue to exist if it doesn't find younger membership to replace the older. It's kind of an organizational “circle of life.”
After the business meeting adjourned, Lannaghan told the Montana Tavern Times, that he doesn’t have details for his proposal, just an idea.
But a great idea it is, agreed Executive Director Bob Anderson, President Bruce Enott and counsel Mark Staples.
The proposal could act as an incentive to attract new members, and inject enthusiasm into current members.
A great reservoir of knowledge exists in the ‘Old Guard,” and a fresh excitement springs from the “New Guard.” A marriage of the two is just what the doctor ordered for the MTA.
Matching an experienced member with a new member for mentoring and an exchange of ideas just makes sense. Sports teams often do this, and so do many business organizations.
Anderson promised to follow up on the idea.
Thank you, Mr. Lannaghan, for taking four days out of your busy schedule to come to Havre to try to make a difference, which you did.
We hope to see others like you.