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The National Dues Increase-Questions and Answers At the National Board of Directors meeting in Jacksonville, Fla., this past January, the Board approved a proposed dues increase that will raise national dues from $15.50 quarterly to $18.50 quarterly, effective October 1, 2009. While this might sound like a large increase, its less than the price of one fancy cup of coffee every three months. The increase will amount to $1 per person per month. This is a small price to pay for the continued high level of service and support members receive from National Headquarters. However, the question remains - Why do we need to raise dues in the first place? Simply put, the money received from dues is declining from the continued membership losses, while operating costs are rising. Nationally, Exchange has lost more than 4,770 members since the last dues increase in 2004. This translates into a loss of $296,236 from the operating budget over the last five years. This year alone, as of April 30, 2009, numbers are down more than 1,500 members resulting in a loss of $94,000. When the income drops and cost and services remain the same or increase, it creates a large gap in the budget. The staff at national headquarters has made numerous changes to run leaner and more efficiently. They continue to make cost-cutting decisions to better position Exchange for the future and bring the club up-to-date and up-to-speed with the 21st century. The staff is dedicated to continuing to provide and expand the best possible services to members and continues to look for ways to be even more cost-efficient, but it is clear an increase is needed in order to continue the high-level, personalized member service that Exchangites expect and deserve. For nearly 100 years, Exchange has been called upon to help during hard times, and in proud American tradition, members have rolled up their sleeves and gotten the job done. Exchange Club history speaks for itself the ability and willingness to step up and answer when America calls. Today is no different clubs are out there helping communities where help is needed the most. And, as members help their communities national is here to help members and their clubs. Exchange is a team that stands ready to assist in whatever ways it can. And know this; the National Exchange Club is looking forward to its next 100 years! Read about some of the services national provides to members.
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Exchange, America's Premier Service
Club, working to make our communities better places to live.
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