Technology

Associations Are Financially Optimistic and Developing their Tech Spend, According to New Wipfli Survey

Published

1 month ago

August 20, 2024

99% of respondents are either optimistic or cautiously optimistic about their finances, and 80% plan to increase their technology spending

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Wipfli LLP (Wipfli), a top 20 advisory and accounting firm, today published the results of a survey from the associations sector that shares insights into its current market challenges, financial optics and skillset evaluations, and long-term growth strategies.

According to Wipfli’s 2024 State of Associations Report, professional and trade associations alike show strong resilience and optimism about their markets, with finances and memberships up from the past year. Associations face several challenges within their space, and sometimes merging with similar organizations can help them better serve their members, leading 77% of respondents expecting to merge or consolidate with other associations in the next two-to-five years. Overall, while associations work within countless different verticals, common threadlines such as adaptability in changing scenarios, revenue streams, recruitment & retention issues, and technology concerns were present for associations of all sizes.

“The biggest takeaway from this report is that associations know that they need to rapidly develop their tech spend while they have the cash and space to do so,” said Kathleen DuBois, national leader for the nonprofit, government, and education practice at Wipfli who has also served as an association executive. “Membership and finances are relatively stable, or growing – now is the time to invest in new technologies and take advantage of the data they’re collecting.”

Already, the vast majority (93%) of association respondents use business analytics to make some or most data-driven decisions, and 86% are satisfied with their analytics solutions in place. Eighty percent of respondents are looking to increase their tech spend, and of those respondents, 23% are looking to ramp up their data analytics. Additionally, AI and CRM spend is on the radar for many associations. Specifically, CRM spend is top of mind for trade associations and many associations with under $250M in yearly revenue, while investing in AI is a bigger concern for professional associations and many associations with yearly revenues over $250M.

“Professional associations are performing very well with available resources, succession planning in place, and clear goals for the future,” added DuBois. “Trade associations, meanwhile, are focused on improving their leadership transition plans and diversifying their revenue streams.”

Another major concern for both trades and professional associations was talent. For associations facing recruitment and retention issues, providing leadership training, increasing training and professional development, as well as better benefits and offering remote work were listed as key ways of retaining top talent.

Looking to the future, associations need to continuously adapt to constantly changing scenarios, use leadership succession plans, utilize outsourcing, and develop new strategies to retain top talent. Due to current financial stability, tech investments made now can start to have a payoff down the road for handling the myriad of challenges associations face.

The associations report was based on responses from 230 professional and trade associations across the United States. The Wipfli 2024 State of Associations Report can be found on Wipfli’s website.

About Wipfli LLP
Wipfli is an advisory and accounting firm that delivers holistic solutions to help clients navigate the modern marketplace, optimize performance and drive growth. Our more than 3,200 associates deliver digital, people, strategy, risk, financial and outsourcing solutions to 59,000+ clients. In the association space, Wipfli helps business and professional associations better focus on the interests of their members and industries.

Media contact: Dante Keeler, dante@theplunkettgroup.com

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SOURCE Wipfli LLP

Technology

Mullen & Mullen Law Firm Launches the Mullen & Mullen Music Project

Published

46 mins ago

September 23, 2024

Supporting Local Independent Music Venues and Artists

DALLAS, Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Dallas based Mullen & Mullen Law Firm proudly announces the launch of the Mullen & Mullen Music Project, a dynamic initiative created in partnership with Spune Productions. The collaboration is designed to celebrate and rejuvenate the North Texas music scene by offering a platform for both emerging and established artists. The initiative kicked off with a Concert Series at local independent music venues.

Supporting Local Talent and Venues
Running from August to April, the Mullen & Mullen Music Project will feature 12 concerts at some of North Texas’s most cherished venues. The series kicked off on August 6th with a performance by Ben Nichols of Lucero at Club Dada. The Quaker City Night Hawks made their triumphant return at Tulips FTW on August 30th after a touring hiatus. The Quaker City Night Hawks concert was filmed on professional grade video cameras installed at the venue by the Music Project and live-edited by the firm’s videographer Sean Pollaro – himself a musician. The new cameras at Tulips FTW will serve as a wonderful content creation tool for local artists.

Enhancing the Music Experience
The Music Project has allowed participating venues to expedite substantial upgrades already underway. Ferris Wheelers Live has enhanced its suites and stage while embarking on an ambitious Ferris Wheel lighting project. Club Dada has upgraded its outdoor patio stage, and Tulips FTW installed the beforementioned state-of-the-art video and streaming system, enabling artists to record music and stream live performances. Each venue will also feature new murals designed and created by local artists.

A Community-Centered Initiative
Shane Mullen, Managing Attorney at Mullen & Mullen Law Firm, shared the firm’s vision: “The trust and loyalty of the North Texas community have been the foundation of our success. This project is our way of giving back by enriching the local cultural landscape and supporting the artists and venues that make our region unique.”

Corey Pond, General Manager of Spune Productions, added: “This initiative addresses the challenges faced by the indie music scene, providing more opportunities for local artists and supporting our cherished venues. It underscores the power of community, collaboration, and the enduring spirit of local music.”

Join Us in Celebrating Local Music
Over the coming months, experience the vibrant revival of North Texas’s music scene with us. Together, let’s strengthen our community while supporting local artists and independent venues. This is our backyard – let’s make it rock!

For more information, visit: https://www.mullenandmullen.com/music/

About Mullen & Mullen Law Firm:
Mullen & Mullen Law Firm has been privileged to represent injured North Texans for over 41 years. The firm is consistently recognized by TopVerdict for obtaining some of the largest personal injury settlements in the entire state of Texas. In the last 4 years, Mullen & Mullen made the “Top 50” list 44 times and the “Top 100” list 70 times. The firm offers the services of two investigators and an award-winning videographer. Website: https://www.mullenandmullen.com

About Spune Productions:
Spune Productions is an independent leader in curating and delivering distinctive music events across Texas. Committed to enhancing communities, Spune specializes in creating impactful experiences that resonate with audiences and reflect clients’ brands. From intimate gatherings to large-scale spectacles, Spune Productions tailors each event to amplify stories through the transformative power of music. Website: https://spune.com/

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SOURCE Mullen & Mullen Law Firm

Technology

Corteva to Participate in BMO Ag-Apalooza

Published

46 mins ago

September 23, 2024

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Corteva, Inc. (NYSE: CTVA) announces that Chief Executive Officer, Chuck Magro, will speak at the 2024 BMO Ag-Apalooza event at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.

Remarks will be webcast live. The webcast can be accessed through the Corteva Investor Relations website. A replay of the presentation will be available 24 hours after the presentation ends and will be accessible until October 24, 2024.

About Corteva
Corteva, Inc. (NYSE: CTVA) is a global pure-play agriculture company that combines industry-leading innovation, high-touch customer engagement and operational execution to profitably deliver solutions for the world’s most pressing agriculture challenges. Corteva generates advantaged market preference through its unique distribution strategy, together with its balanced and globally diverse mix of seed, crop protection, and digital products and services. With some of the most recognized brands in agriculture and a technology pipeline well positioned to drive growth, the Company is committed to maximizing productivity for farmers, while working with stakeholders throughout the food system as it fulfills its promise to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. More information can be found at www.corteva.com.

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SOURCE Corteva, Inc.

Technology

SEEDING JUSTICE MAKES COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR OREGON AND PACIFIC NORTHWEST COMMUNITIES IMPACTED BY MULTIPLE CLIMATE BURDENS ON A GLOBAL STAGE AT THE CLINTON GLOBAL INITIATIVE TODAY

Published

46 mins ago

September 23, 2024

PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Seeding Justice’s Executive Director, Se-ah-dom Edmo, joins global leaders in expanding the nonprofit organization’s commitment to an inclusive green economy focusing on clean energy initiatives created by and for impacted communities.

Click here to watch Seeding Justice’s commitment video and learn more.

What:

Clinton Global Initiative

Who:

Se-ah-dom Edmo, Executive Director, Seeding Justice

When:

September 23, 2024

Where:

New York City, New York

Seeding Justice is a nonprofit organization founded in 1976 and is the region’s largest funder of grassroots organizing and community-led grantmaking.

We focus our work on frontline communities and use community guidance and leadership to help fund the most critical causes, including a new fund to support a community-centered, clean energy future.

Since 2020, our Community Fund program has granted nearly $34 million to communities across the state through Funds like the Reproductive Health Equity Fund and the Child Care Capacity Building Fund. Seeding Justice is also the founding funder of Oregon Worker Relief, the largest program of its kind in the state, and has supported the dispersal of more than $180 million through the Fund, which helps immigrant Oregonians make ends meet.

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SOURCE Seeding Justice