As noted in a recent article on board meeting highlights, the IBMA board spent considerable time this spring creating a balanced budget. Amid a number of expense cutting measures was also a decision to ask members for a dues increase of $5, or 7% for individual professional members.
“It’s always a difficult decision to raise the fees and never taken lightly when it comes to increasing dues to be an active member,” noted IBMA board chair/president Greg Cahill.
This is only the second increase in nine years, the last increase taking effect in 2007. And while IBMA’s administrative costs and overhead have been kept lower than they were in 2007, membership services have been subsidized to a larger extent by the annual convention. In exploring the organization’s long-range plans and service to members, the board believes it is reasonable to request a small increase in the annual investment members make to support the benefits provided.
"IBMA is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and while we celebrate our accomplishments, we must also plan for the next 25. I hope every member can support a modest increase when it’s time to renew, and I would also ask everyone to encourage their colleagues to join as well. The increase is significant, but it’s relatively small given the value of an organization working year-round to support our music and everyone interested in it,” said Cahill. “We run a very efficient organization with a number of initiatives on the agenda led by members and volunteers on committees and supported by a dedicated staff that represents all of us very well.”
Effective July 1, for all new/renewing members, annual dues will be as follows:
PROFESSIONAL
Organization/Group $200
Individual $75
GRASS ROOTS CLUB $40
YOUTH (Under 16) $15
Multi-year renewal discount
2 years - Save 8%
3 years - Save 13%