June 2007
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Vision, Mission and Goals
MRA: An Introduction and Brief History
MRA Structure
Communication Guideline
National MRA Benefits to Chapters
MARKETING RESEARCH ASSOCIATION, INC.
VISION
Through the efforts and influence of MRA and others:
MISSION STATEMENT
MRA - Dedicated to:
GOALS
Goal 1: SOURCE AND RESOURCE MRA will be the recognized indispensable source and resource of relevant information, tools, and business-to-business services for the opinion and marketing research profession.
Goal 2: COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH ORGANIZATIONS IN OUR PROFESSION The opinion and marketing research profession will be strengthened through collaborative and complementary relationships and resource commitments.
Goal 3: IMAGE AND RECOGNITION OF OUR PROFESSION MRA will increasingly attract the membership, commitment, and participation of individuals and companies in the opinion and marketing research profession.
Goal 4: SKILL ENHANCEMENT MRA members and customers will be more effective in their research positions through participation in high-quality, world-class skill enhancement opportunities available from MRA.
MRA: An Introduction AND BRIEF HISTORY
The Marketing Research Association, based in Rocky Hill, CT (USA), was formed in 1954 as an outgrowth of the Trade Problem Discussion Group of the American Marketing Association�s (AMA) New York Chapter. Originally known as the Marketing Research Trade Association (MRTA), the organization�s name was officially changed to the Marketing Research Association (MRA) in 1970. Eight years later, the first of MRA Chapters was founded.
The first Presidents were:
MRA�s first conferences were held in Forest Hills, NY (1959) and Garden City, NJ (1960).
Our newsletter, originally called MRTA Messenger, then Viewpoints, is now Alert! The first newsletters were edited by members Joan Fredericks and Frances Reitmeyer.
In 1982, the first business firm was hired to manage our Association. Several years later a firm specializing in the management of associations was hired. MRA maintained a relationship with them for about six years.
MRA established its own management Staff and Headquarters in Rocky Hill, CT in 1990. Today MRA has a fully operational Headquarters with a full time staff of 18. The Association�s activities are governed by a 18 person, volunteer Board of Directors. MRA is a self-managed, not-for-profit organization providing programs and services for members to:
In 1996, MRA established a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit foundation, the Marketing Research Association Institute, to oversee the creation and development of educational programs related to marketing and opinion research. The first program developed is Principles of Marketing Research, an independent study program to teach the basics of marketing research. It is administered by the University of Georgia and supported by many major industry organizations such as ESOMAR and AMA.
Over the years, MRA has grown to an international organization of more than 2,600 marketing research professionals actively engaged in the design, administration, processing, and analysis of marketing and opinion (survey) research. The 2005 membership breakdown:
"MRA serves all segments of the U.S. marketing and opinion research industry - from buyers and users of research to research companies, specialists and interviewers," says Larry Hadcock, MRA Executive Director.
We have established a structure of strategic Workgroups, driven by the key goals of the organization as defined by our Strategic Plan. We operate using a collaborative planning process for our Workgroups, Staff and National Board. This includes the development of the Business Plan, program-based budgeting, establishment of priorities and resource requirements.
Each Workgroup has the authority, responsibility and capacity (resources and budget) to achieve annual outcomes. There is an established quarterly review process to communicate progress to the Board to ensure consistent and clear knowledge of Workgroup activities. Each Workgroup Chair sits on MRA's National Board.
Board of Directors
The Board plays both a strategic and a governance role for the Association:
Workgroups
Our Workgroups play a strategic role in MRA:
Workgroups are composed of:
Committees/Task Forces
Committees and Task Forces play a tactical role in the organization:
Staff Liasons
The Staff Liasons to the Workgroups play both a strategic and tactical role in the organization:
Communication Guideline
To ensure smooth and timely communication between National Headquarters and Chapter leadership, it is critical to know what material is produced or required by each party.
National provides Chapters with:
Chapter sends National: (See Chapter Standards in Manual)
Communication Checklist - Headquarters to Chapter
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Contact |
Distribution |
Frequency/Timing |
Note |
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Membership Roster |
Sarah Walsh |
Electronic |
The 10th of every month |
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Dues Check |
Kara Ledger |
Chapter Presidents |
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Presidents� Forum Minutes |
Kara Ledger |
Chapter Presidents |
3 weeks after meeting |
Held in conjunction with Fall Conference |
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Chapter Leaders' |
Kara Ledger |
Chapter Presidents, Treasurers, Membership Chairs, Program Chairs, Newsletter Editors |
Annually at Chapter Leadership Training |
Held in conjunction with Annual Conference |
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Chapter Award Nomination Forms |
Kara Ledger |
Chapter Presidents |
2-3 months prior to award presentation |
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National Reference guide |
Kara Ledger |
Chapter Boards |
Website |
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President�s Pin |
Kara Ledger |
Chapter Presidents |
Chapter Leadership Training |
Communication Checklist - Chapter to Headquarters
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Send to: |
Frequency/Timing |
Note |
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Chapter Board Minutes |
Kara Ledger |
After every Board meeting |
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Newsletters |
Kara Ledger |
After publication |
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Chapter Calendar for inclusion in calendar in Alert! and MRA Website |
Kara Ledger |
As soon as a program is scheduled |
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Meeting/Program details for inclusion in Link & Learn in Alert! |
Kara Ledger |
By 1st of month for the next month's issue of Alert! |
Need: Date, location, time, title of meeting/program, brief description, speaker, cost, registration contact. |
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Election Slate |
Kara Ledger |
as soon as determined |
to verify members in good standing |
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Election results and Committee Chairs, including newsletter editor |
Kara Ledger |
Immediately after election results are determined. |
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Copy of annual state filing to maintain corporate status |
Kara Ledger |
Annually, when filed |
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Copy of tax return/IRS filings and Treasurer�s Report/Financial Statements |
Tasha Jackson |
Annually, at the close of the chapter�s budget year |
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Proposed bylaw changes |
Kara Ledger |
when approved by chapter board |
for MRA Board approval prior to membership vote |
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Current bylaws |
Kara Ledger |
when changes are made |
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Alert! advertisements |
Kara Ledger |
By 1st of month for the next month's issue of Alert! |
Use insert request form in President's Manual |
NATIONAL MRA BENEFITS TO CHAPTERS
Membership application includes Chapter information
Web site includes Chapter information and links to Chapter websites and newsletters
Membership inquiries include Chapter information
Renewal mailing
Processing of money
Maintenance of records
Chapter roster sent electronically each month
Alert! Link & Learn - details on events in the month of, or following, publication
Website - Industry Events Calendar
Coverage extended to Chapters who maintain minimum guidelines
Held during the National Conference in the Fall
Provided at Leadership Training to Presidents and Presidents-Elect / Sent electronically to chapter boards