In this episode of IOM, we delve into the crucial topic of non-dues revenue for associations and chambers. We explore why reliance on membership dues alone is becoming increasingly unsustainable and discuss effective strategies for diversifying revenue streams while staying true to an organization's mission. Our guest expert, Avi Olitzky, President and Principal Consultant of Olitzky Consulting Group, shares his insightful perspective, drawing parallels between the challenges faced by houses of worship and similar organizations. We discuss:

The shift from obligation to benefit-based membership: Why members are leaving and how to address it.

The importance of aligning non-dues revenue with mission: Avoiding the "business of being in business" trap.

Strategic vs. tactical approaches to non-dues revenue: Focus on long-term vision, not just quick fixes.

Building a cross-functional discovery team: The power of diverse perspectives.

Balancing innovation and risk management: The "Three B's" of non-dues revenue: Bonus, Balance, and Basis.

Ethical considerations in non-dues revenue: Avoiding conflicts of interest and ensuring transparency.

Future trends in non-dues revenue: Including the emergence of incubation and equity sharing models.

This episode is essential listening for anyone involved in the leadership and management of associations, chambers, and similar organizations seeking to build sustainable financial models that reflect their core values.

If you like what you heard and want to get some more, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get them. Also, come to Institute and meet more chamber/association/ nonprofit professionals. You can find more information about Institute at our website: Institute for Organization Management – A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (uschamber.com)

If you have any questions, please email us at iom@uschamber.com.


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This week on the show, we're getting to know Judd Wilson, IOM, from the Community Development Foundation in Mississippi. Judd shares his unique journey from pharmaceutical sales to non-profit work, revealing the surprising path that led him to his current role. He discusses the challenges and rewards of his work, the importance of servant leadership, and how he brings his authentic self to the job. We also delve into his passion for music, his impressive bow tie collection (yes, really!), and his advice for young professionals. Hear an inspiring story of career change and a glimpse into the personality behind the bow tie!

If you like what you heard and want to get some more, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get them. Also, come to Institute and meet more chamber/association/ nonprofit professionals. You can find more information about Institute at our website: Institute for Organization Management – A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (uschamber.com)

If you have any questions, please email us at iom@uschamber.com.


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Time for some background knowledge. There is a lot that goes into making Institute well…Institute.

It can be like planning a conference and a small college all at the same time. However, we on the Institute team are not alone in our endeavor to educate in nonprofit management.

One of the most vital components to the whole system is an often unsung group of volunteers who help develop the curriculum being taught in the classroom. It is their job to stay apprised of industry shifts not only for the survival of their organization, but the continuation of Institute as well.

So, today we are going to do something a little bit different, and that is to air the first part in our #MyIOMJourney series. We have posted some these clips on our social media over the past couple of days, but here are the full interviews that my colleague Cici Francisco, IOM, CDP did with some members of the Institute Curriculum Committee. First up will be Christine Kennedy, IOM, CCE , then we will go to Allison Walden, IOM, CCE after that is Bob Rohrlack, IOM, CCE and we will finish up Zach Giglio

We will be doing more of these episodes with some of our other volunteers in the weeks and months to come. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy…or really do what ever you want. It’s your IOM journey. Im Nathan Graham, and This Is IOM.

If you like what you heard and want to get some more, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get them. Also, come to Institute and meet more chamber/association/ nonprofit professionals. You can find more information about Institute at our website: Institute for Organization Management – A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (uschamber.com)

If you have any questions, please email us at iom@uschamber.com.


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Every time I mention the name of this series in a staff meeting, I always get a laugh or an eye roll. Why? Is it because typically calling someone a personality hire is an insult. Probably…but I’m sure no one will forget the name. So. Who really wins here... That’s right. It’s me.

So, who is the winner of the personality hire crown this time? It would be Kathy Duck, IOM from the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce and Industries in Missouri. When going through the list of available people, I saw Kathy and immediately realized I had not taken the time to get to know her and her story properly. So, this is not only a podcast episode, but a way to make up for my lack of manners.

So, let’s get to my apology tour and get started. I’m Nathan Graham and this is IOM.

If you like what you heard and want to get some more, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get them. Also, come to Institute and meet more chamber/association/ nonprofit professionals. You can find more information about Institute at our website: Institute for Organization Management – A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (uschamber.com)

If you have any questions, please email us at iom@uschamber.com.


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The term personality hire is commonly used in a negative context. Typically used to describe someone who was hired because they are really nice, or funny, or have great hair (like myself) Wait….

I’ll save the existential crisis for later, but for this series: I’m highlighting our volunteers that we want to get to know because they are great volunteers. I am just one for thought provoking marketing.

So, who did I get to interview, who is the personality hire this time? It is Ashley Walton, IOM, Operations Director for the Greater Washington Society of CPAs. I wanna know what makes Ashley… well Ashley.

If you like what you heard and want to get some more, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get them. Also, come to Institute and meet more chamber/association/ nonprofit professionals. You can find more information about Institute at our website: Institute for Organization Management – A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (uschamber.com)

If you have any questions, please email us at iom@uschamber.com.


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What do you define as a disaster?

And…what disasters has your community faced?

We’ve all become accustomed to the images of different disasters impacting our country and the world at large. Wildfires out west, tornados in the plains, and hurricanes in the Deep South, plus many others. The last one is what I want to stay on, hurricanes in the Deep South. Now, as someone who grew up in Georgia. We are always aware of the next hurricane, not as much as our neighbors in Florida, but just enough to keep us on our toes.

However, inland Tennessee is not a place where you talk about severe hurricanes as much. But last year, Tennessee and North Carolina became a heavy topic of discussion when Hurricane Helene tore through the Deep South and left behind a path of destruction.

That’s where I want to start with my interview today with Vanessa Bennett, IOM, TNCCE, Chief Operations Officer for the Kingsport Chamber in you guessed it, Tennessee. I wanna see how the Kingsport Chamber’s role blossomed during a not so common disaster and how they are learning for the future.

If you wanna learn more about how to help those facing different disasters, feel free to head over to https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/disasters.

If you like what you heard and want to get some more, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get them. Also, come to Institute and meet more chamber/association/ nonprofit professionals. You can find more information about Institute at our website: Institute for Organization Management – A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (uschamber.com)

If you have any questions, please email us at iom@uschamber.com.


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This is IOM, the official podcast of intelligence with artificial flavoring. Im your friend, Nathan Graham, Associate Manager for Institute. This podcast is a window into what makes Institute possible. My guest today is Jeanne Sheehy, MBA, Chief Marketing Officer at Bostrom. In this episode, we’re talking about AI. I will say, I was ambivalent to doing this episode, not because of the guest because Jeanne is amazing. But because of talking about AI as a concept without being able to demonstrate it. The real theme of the episode is more of a pep talk to those who are they themselves… ambivalent about AI in general. So, let’s get to it, Jeanne, welcome to the show.

If you like what you heard and want to get some more, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get them. Also, come to Institute and meet more chamber/association/ nonprofit professionals. You can find more information about Institute at our website: Institute for Organization Management – A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (uschamber.com)

If you have any questions, please email us at iom@uschamber.com.


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This is IOM, the official podcast of recapping Winter Institute. Im your friend, Nathan Graham, Associate Manager for Institute. This podcast is a window into what makes Institute possible. My guests today are Rudy Flores, IOM from the Lincoln Squares-Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce and Crystal Hilton, IOM from the Foster City Chamber of Commerce. In this episode, we take a look back at 2025 Winter Institute. So, let’s get to it, Rudy and Crystal, welcome to the show.

If you like what you heard and want to get some more, subscribe to the podcast wherever you get them. Also, come to Institute and meet more chamber/association/ nonprofit professionals. You can find more information about Institute at our website: Institute for Organization Management – A Program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (uschamber.com)

If you have any questions, please email us at iom@uschamber.com.


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