ASTD Chapter of Month—the South Carolina Midlands Chapter

The South Carolina Midlands Chapter covers a vast region, including the capitol city of Columbia, reaching east to Low Country, and southwest to Aiken, South Carolina. The chapter was created in 2006 after a statewide chapter split and has grown since from 68 members to a current membership total of 156. With an average meeting attendance of 40, chapter members regularly travel two hours to attend the monthly meetings—a demonstration of their dedication to the profession and to the chapter.

Under the leadership of a dedicated and energetic board, the South Carolina Midlands Chapter put a structure in place to ensure success. The chapter achieved 100 percent CORE in 2007, identified their elected board roles, created bylaws, and conducted a member survey. In addition, the chapter solidified their communication plan with a new website (recognized with a 2007 Sharing Our Success).

In 2008, the South Carolina Midlands Chapter was recognized for three Sharing Our Success (SOS) submissions: “Membership Survey,” “Admit One Guest Pass” and their “Formal Approach to a Geographic Interest Group (GIG) Partnership.”

“Membership Survey” SOS submission

The “Membership Survey” SOS submission describes how the chapter uses an electronic annual survey to find out about member satisfaction and collect data for planning chapter meetings and events. The chapter received a 60 percent response rate in 2007. To incent members, they place participants’ names in a drawing for a prize.                                                                                                     

"Admit One Guest Pass" SOS submission

The “Admit One Guest Pass” SOS submission explains how the chapter posted a “guest pass” on their website for prospective members to attend a free meeting. After meetings, the chapter follows up with prospects who use the passes. The chapter has experienced a 38 percent conversion rate of pass users becoming members.

“Formal Approach to a Geographic Interest Group (GIG) Partnership” SOS submission

The “Formal Approach to a Geographic Interest Group (GIG) Partnership” SOS submission discusses how the chapter formed a GIG partnership with Low Country (Charleston, South Carolina area) to reach out to members who previously did not derive benefit from their local and/or national membership due to distance. The chapter’s vision is to provide local chapter benefits to their GIG until such time as they have sufficient membership to form their own ASTD chapter.

For more information about these SOS submissions and for access to best practice materials, visit the SOS Success Stories page of the Chapter Leader Community website.

This year, the South Carolina Midlands Chapter is launching a chapter book club, rolling out a mentoring program, and targeting companies for new members. Their strong programs, engaged membership, and continued growth are testaments to the work of their board and their membership in raising the profile of their chapter and the training profession in their area.

Congratulations to the South Carolina Midlands Chapter for being selected as the April 2008 Chapter of the Month.

Visit the South Carolina Midlands Chapter website.