ASAE, GWSAE, ASAE Foundation, and The Center for Association Leadership Merge Into Two Organizations

In a landmark decision that changes the face of the association profession, on June 30th, voting members of the Greater Washington Society of Association Executives (GWSAE), put the finishing touch on an historic merger involving GWSAE, the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), the ASAE Foundation, and The Center for Association Leadership.

The merger creates two independent entities–ASAE and The Center for Association Leadership–that will also be interdependent through a governance structure that links the two organizations. They will serve a market of 295,000 association professionals and business partners nationwide, including 75,000 just in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.  For more information on this merger visit, http://www.asaenet.org/asae/cda/index/1,,ETI20342,00.html.

Countdown to ASAE Minneapolis 2004 — Don't Miss These Approaching Deadlines

With ASAE Minneapolis 2004 right around the corner, don't miss your opportunity to save money on your registration fee through early-bird registration.  Also, reserve your hotel before July 12th to receive a great rate. We look forward to seeing you August 14-17, 2004 in Minneapolis for the ASAE Annual Meeting and Exposition, where you will find targeted education sessions led by experts in the field, a large exposition featuring the latest products and services you can implement with confidence, and unforgettable networking opportunities.

July 16 – Register before July 16th and you’ll save on your registration fee.

(http://ww4.expocard.com/asa041/)

July 12 – Great hotel room rates will be available thru July 12th or until the rooms sell out.

(http://annual.asaenet.org/2004/Housing.cfm)

For more information, visit the ASAE Web site at http://annual.asaenet.org.

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IRS Talking Tough on Real Estate Gifts to Charities

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued notice on June 30th that it will increase scrutiny of tax deductions taken by individuals who give real estate to charities.

IRS Commissioner Mark Everson said the agency has uncovered “numerous instances” where taxpayers have claimed improper charitable contribution deductions for easement transfers that do not qualify as conservation contributions, or have claimed deductions for amounts that far exceed the fair market value of the donated property. “Taxpayers who want to game the system and the charities that assist them will be called to account,” Everson said this week.

The IRS said that, in appropriate cases, it will challenge the tax-exempt status of charities involved in these transactions, and may impose penalties on promoters, appraisers and other persons involved in these types of land transfers.

The notice is consistent with the IRS’s service-wide enforcement priority to discourage non-compliance within the tax-exempt sector and misuse of charities and other tax-exempts by third parties for tax avoidance and other unintended purposes.

In other announcements this week, the IRS is asking for public comment on Form 1023, the application for tax-exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the tax code. Comments are due by Aug. 30 and should be sent to Glenn Kirkland, IRS, Room 6411, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20224.

To learn more about this and other issues visit the ASAE Public Policy Web site at  www.asaenet.org.

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The Call for NEW Great Ideas Has Been Extended!

ASAE and The Center for Association Leadership are looking forward to the NEW Great Ideas Conferences. Based on ASAE's M&T and The Center's Great Ideas, this conference is centered on sharing and networking with your fellow association professionals. The best ideas and solutions come from those intimately involved with their industry ... that means you! Share your successes and your challenges by submitting a topic for the NEW Great Ideas. Due to our recent merger and to ensure that everyone has a chance to participate, the deadline has now been extended to July 20th.

Please take a moment to review the Call for Great Ideas
http://education.centeronline.org/licensedcontent/harvardmanagementor/
GreatIdeas/CallForGreatIdeas.htm

This is your chance to tell the world. Don't wait 'till all the slots are filled–send us your Great Idea today!

The first of two events is scheduled for December 5–7, 2004 in Orlando, FL. It was just announced that the second New Great Ideas Conference will be held at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix, AZ, February 13–15, 2005.

Questions about the event? Please contact Christin Berry (202-326-9514, cberry@centeronline.org) or Jamie Sadler (202-626-2719, jsadler@asaenet.org) for more information.

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Question of the Week—How Do You Establish a Certification Program? (PART TWO)

In addition to the resources listed in last week's Question of the Week, "How Do You Establish a Certification Program," the following resources will supplement your knowledge on certification programs. This information is the second part of a three-part information series on certification programs.  Part Three will be featured this fall–stay tuned!

Credentialing Essentials: What to Consider Before Starting a Certification Program
http://www.asaenet.org/asae/cda/ammag/1,3146,MEN1_PID20454,00.html

"Business of Certification: A Comprehensive Guide to Developing a Successful Program," by Lenora G. Knapp, Ph.D. and Joan E. Knapp, Ph.D.
http://www.asaenet.org/asae/cda/asae_bookstore/

Promoting Your Credentials in Faraway Places
http://www.asaenet.org/asae/cda/ammag/1,3146,MEN1_PID21381,00.html

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Find the Best Association Jobs at ASAE Career Headquarters

Realize your professional potential in association management through www.careerhq.org—the best source of association jobs and resumes. Advertise your resume free of charge to hundreds of association employers and search CareerHQ.org’s targeted job database for the position that’s right for you. CareerHQ.org offers career development services including job coaching, resume writing, and a career knowledge database. Numerous services are free, including resume review, interviewing guidelines, and a behavioral style analysis. You’ll also find helpful tips and resources to assist in your job hunt. Click on the newest positions available for a sample of what you’ll find at www.careerHQ.org:

ASAE's Upcoming Events

Using Research to Promote Your Association
Knowledge Network
July 20, 2004

Virtual Law School: Antitrust Law
Virtual Seminar
July 20, 2004

Association Quick Fact — Test Your Knowledge!

As association executives, it is important to be educated on the association industry as a whole.  To help you achieve that goal, ASAE will offer a weekly “Association Quick Fact” in the ASAE Weekly Bulletin.  Pass these facts along to your peers, staff, and members–so that they too can be empowered with knowledge about the exciting world of the association industry.


DID YOU KNOW...
Americans active in associations devote more than 173 million volunteer hours each year - time valued at more than $2 billion - to charitable and community service projects.

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Does your organization engage in e-marketing?
Find out how MagnetMail, the ASAE-sponsored e-Marketing Program that powers the ASAE Weekly, can help you achieve record-breaking results. Call MagnetMail at 877-488-2666, or visit us on the Web at www.realmagnet.com/commpartners. To request additional information complete our online form.