Most regions have a membership chairman, or something similar. This is the person who is in charge of recruiting and retention for the region. And the most important part of retention is insuring that members are enjoying themselves, and feel that they are needed and appreciated.

Specialty chiefs from all venues that the region participates in should be talking to this person, expressing their particular particular needs. The membership committee should be in touch with new members, get to know them at least a little, and be able to direct them to an area where there is a match of needs and skills/interest.

Websites are good, but up to a point. Human interaction is a vital ingrediant to enhance a new member's experience with the club. Jerry Wannarka, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, quotes the following statistic "for every 100 members who joined SCCA, only about 20 continue their membership into their fourth year wit us...."

So, for my two cents, a well trained membership chairperson is the key to getting new members involved with our club in order to retain them.