FAQs About Association Management Companies (AMC)

Adapted from an article by Steven T. King

Will my association lose its identity if it moves to the SBI Office?

The short answer is no.

How can SBI be dedicated to more than one client?

We are a professional organization with decades of association management experience. Like lawyers and accountants, association managers attend to the affairs of each of their clients without disclosing confidential client information.

What are the staffing advantages of SBI Management?

First and foremost, the specific knowledge and expertise we have in the field of association management creates a significant benefit of working with SBI. All our work is focused on running your organization well and finding ways to support and grow it. Because the relationship we have to you is that of an independent contractor, the association is freed of employment responsibility and liability. Employee relations are an increasingly complex management responsibility. Hiring, firing, worker compensation, fringe benefits, avoiding discrimination in a host of protected areas, and employer liability are only some of the concerns employers face. SBI relieves an association's board from all of these concerns.

The flexibility in staffing levels that SBI provides your association is another distinct advantage compared to having a direct staff. Our staff can provide the appropriate person with necessary skills to complete your project when needed. When the project is completed and staffing needs decrease, the individual goes on to the next client project. This sharing of resources smooths out the peaks and valleys of staffing needs. And this shared-resources concept allows our clients to realize savings in computers and other office equipment, office space rental, insurance, and the host of other expenses that go into maintaining an office.

Why does SBI request past and current financial information when responding to a request for proposal?

Financial statements are necessary because they provide information about the extent and breadth of the association's activities, giving us a truer picture of your association and needs. With this information, we are able to develop an individualized scope of services that truly fit your needs.

How does SBI charge for services?

Our clients pay us on a fee-for-service basis. This is a monthly retainer paid to us based on the scope of services that we work together to develop. We like this way of working together because it encourages our clients to call whenever they have a question or need. If a client chooses to change their scope by adding an event or new project, we discuss that change and determine a separate fee for that work.

Generally we have a tremendous amount of work the first few months. Setting up your internal office here requires many hours of additional accounting, web management and database work. Usually we charge a onetime transition fee based on the amount of work we anticipate it will take to get a new client settled.

Can we terminate this relationship if we want to?

We realize this is a big step for your organization. We encourage you to complete your due diligence in talking to our references and comparing us to our competitors. Our agreements have a 60- or 90-day termination agreement (based on the size of your organization). If you wish to take your business elsewhere, we will complete a thorough, meticulous transition to another professional of your choice. Your mail will be forwarded and all electronic and physical property will be returned. Like an attorney or accountant, we will maintain the confidentiality and integrity of our relationship through closure and beyond.