SMPS Membership Corner

Within the SMPS Membership Corner, you’ll find information, resources, and tidbits all about, you guessed it, membership retention and recruitment! In this issue, learn more about chapter queries, demographic reports, measuring member satisfaction, and sharing feedback with HQ.

Chapter queries: In case you missed the SMPS HQ email on July 1, chapter queries (formerly known as the Extranet) were made available again on July 1 for chapter presidents and membership chairs. As we speak, we are working with Star Chapter to refine the mapping so that you can upload the roster as you did previously. Thank you for the continued patience. If you have any questions, please email membership@smps.org.

Expiring members: Leverage the expired member chapter query to conduct outreach to recent or soon-to-expire members. A call from your chapter may make the difference! And for those who elect not to renew, we are asking for feedback.

Chapter demographics report: The migration from MemberMax to re:Members required us to reimagine the chapter demographics report. In the interim, the May 2025 report is the latest and should be referenced.

Member value and satisfaction: In the future, SMPS HQ will take the lead in measuring member sentiment but at this point, we’re assessing the landscape. When did your chapter last measure member value and satisfaction?

Membership Renewal Invoicing Pilot: This month a pilot kicks off in which we will not mail renewal paper invoices to everyone. Instead, renewing members who wish to pay by mail/check can print the invoice from the renewal eblast. Or one can renew online using the new e-check payment type (a re:members option not previously available with MemberMax). This pilot is driven by several factors, which include leaning into and further leveraging technology, streamlining how we service our members, and being more mindful of the impact we have on the environment. During this time, we will closely monitor renewals and will pivot if needed. Should you have any feedback or concerns, please reach out to membership@smps.org.

Membership Renewal Grace Period: In response to the hardship caused by COVID, SMSP extended the membership renewal grace period from 70 to 130 days. Effective this month and in line with the recent launch of our new database (re: members), we are returning to the previous grace period. Once the membership expiration date is reached, one will remain active during the grace period for an additional 70 days. Thereafter, one will be “lapsed” and would reinstate their membership as a “former” member. The original grace period aligns with association best practices and consumer expectations. This change may have an impact on your membership totals as the numbers previously benefited from the longer grace period. Members expressing hardship should reach out to membership@smps.org for further consideration.

Membership chapter/HQ conversations: To further understand SMPS and to shape the Society’s retention and recruitment efforts, Bryan Lipps is requesting volunteers to speak with him. SMPS HQ’s director of membership has already spoken to three chapters, has two more scheduled, and is open to more! Please contact bryan@smsp.org to schedule time together.

Membership Number Update: In MemberMax, a member number and record number were associated with each person. In re:members, the old MemberMax record number is now the re:members member/record number. For records created 5/16/25 and after, the number was generated by re:members and can be seen in two places within the My Profile (Overview and Account tab) area.

Value proposition: When was the last time your chapter assessed its value proposition? It can be as simple as a group exercise in which you establish an exhaustive inventory of benefits, each person votes on the top three, and each person justifies their votes. This exercise may highlight priorities, identify gaps or redundancies, encourage realignment, and inform your budget and strategic planning.

Star Chapter Training: Are you new or preparing for a new role, or need a refresher? Invite forthcoming. For now, save the dates!

Option 1: Wednesday, 7/30 at 3 p.m. ET
Option 2: Thursday, 7/31 at 1 p.m. ET

Need general Star Chapter support? Please submit a ticket.