New Plan, The

Collector, Sep 2008 by Rippentrop, Gary D

In July, the ACA Board of Directors reviewed and approved the association's three-year strategic plan

In addition to the many educational and networking events discussed in this month's ACA Convention wrap-up article, beginning on page 18, and Jay Gonsalves' President's Page column on page 9, ACA International's 69th Annual Convention and Exposition included several important business meetings. On July 22, 2008, the ACA International Executive Committee and Holding Company Board held their respective meetings to conduct association business in preparation for the ACA Board of Directors Meeting held on July 23. A summary of the board's actions is provided on page 14. On July 25, ACA conducted the Annual Meeting of the Membership, at which attendees received reports about association activities and elected the 2008/09 Executive Committee officers, as shown on page 4.

During the ACA Board meeting, your elected directors reviewed and approved the association's Vision, Mission and Values Statements and the 2008-11 Strategic Plan. This was the final step of a yearlong process to develop and implement the plan.

At its annual meeting in Chicago last July, the board of directors authorized a strategic plan update. On Dec. 5-7, 2007, the Strategic Planning Committee, selected by your Executive Committee and representing a broad cross-section of ACA members, gathered in Minneapolis to develop the association's road map for the next three years.

The two-day planning session included a systematic examination of ACA International, the credit and collection industry and their environment. The group began by developing a 10year vision of the association, along with a current mission and a list of association values. The resulting Vision, Mission and Values Statements appear on page 6. The committee then formulated goals for the next three years. Each ACA department structured its business plan and budget for the 2008/09 fiscal year with the purpose of achieving these goals in mind.

The strategic plan will act as ACAs guide for the next three years, but it is also flexible, allowing for a variety of tactics to meet each goal and objective. Because new opportunities and challenges may arise next year, next month or even next week, ACA must adapt quickly to ensure the long-term viability of the association and the credit and collection industry.

Following is ACA International's Strategic Plan, as developed by your peers and approved by your elected board members, for the 2008/09 through 2010/11 fiscal years:

1. To elevate the reputation of the credit and collection industry by:

1.1 Strengthening ACAs position as the "voice" of the industry.

1.2 Developing proactive PR campaigns for all audiences, including consumers.

1.3 Promoting the initiatives of the ACA International Education Foundation to improve financial literacy.

1.4 Expanding and disseminating research and data about the industry.

1.5 Identifying and developing appropriate guiding principles.

2. To increase membership and member engagement by:

2.1 Identifying the true size and scope of the collection industry.

2.2 Recruiting viable prospects for all membership segments.

2.3 Increasing the number of individual members and individuals within each member company using ACAs benefits.

2.4 Extending and driving professional development through Campus ACA.

2.5 Using market research to evaluate current benefits and determine potential offerings.

2.6 Determining the feasibility of a captive insurance company to enhance insurance benefits.

3. To establish ACA International as the world's leading association for credit and collection professionals by:

3.1 Developing targeted marketing campaigns to increase and retain international members.

3.2 Increasing the number of international members attending the annual convention.

3.3 Promoting cross-border business for all industry segments.

3.4 Expanding Campus ACA resources for international members.

3.5 Seeking new opportunities for promoting ACA International as the worldwide leader in the credit and collection industry.

4. To strengthen ACA International's ability to influence legislative and regulatory decisions by:

4.1 Establishing a physical presence in Washington, D.C.

4.2 Addressing consumer concerns and complaints through the establishment of a third-party dispute-resolution program.

4.3 Continuing due diligence for development of a self-regulated organization (SRO).

4.4 Identifying and fostering coalitions with key organizations, associations and consumer groups sharing the goals of ACA International.

4.5 Implementing a strategy to help units identify issues and influence state legislative and regulatory decisions.

4.6 Increasing the number of ACA members actively involved in lobbying activities.

4.7 Increasing the number of members contributing to ACPAC and increasing support of candidates.

5. To implement a responsive, agile governing structure to better meet the needs of a diverse membership by:

5.1 Assessing the effectiveness of the current governance structure.