During the first three months of 2012, IAFC membership grew 9.9% compared with the same period in 2011. IAFC President and Chairman of the Board Al Gillespie called the gain, “tremendous, particularly in light of the budget challenges many departments continue to experience.”
The increase in membership occurred among both chief and company officers. “We’re pleased to see members who had to suspend their memberships returning to the IAFC and also to have so many new chiefs and company officers joining,” added Gillespie. “Having veteran chiefs and new and emerging leaders come together speaks to the many opportunities for our members and the fire service in the years to come.”
IAFC members are providing positive feedback on a number of services and opportunities provided by the IAFC during 2011 including:
- An enhanced and user-friendly association website
- The launch of KnowledgeNet, a private, peer-to-peer online networking site
- Increased complimentary webinars and podcasts
- New educational offerings that are leading both the fire service and association industry
For 2012, the IAFC will continue its program and service enhancements by further leveraging technology, creating additional networking and collaboration opportunities, building programmatic resources and launching two new events focused on building new ideas and sustainable success in the new normal.
“The IAFC is listening to its members, providing what they need, when they need it and how they want to receive it,” said Mark Light, CEO and executive director. “Members know they can count on the IAFC to offer the most comprehensive leadership education and training for all levels of officers and all aspects of fire and emergency services as well as the high quality and innovative programs and services that help them do their jobs better, faster and safer.”
Terry Monroe, CAE, is the IAFC’s director of membership and external relations.