In my experience, business members appreciate the publicity and goodwill
they receive by being recognized as supporting worthy causes.  That is what
they expect -- an investment in goodwill.  Large donor businesses sometimes
are offered the opportunity to entertain privately at the museum, without a
rental fee.  Banks, insurance agencies, law firms, real estate brokers, and
(if applicable) upscale department stores seem to predominate outside the
urban areas of America.

I think free gifts to members tend to go against the purpose of asking them
for their financial support.  Worthwhile "token" gifts can be manufactured
economically for institutions with donor rosters in the tens of thousands,
e.g, quality Christmas tree ornaments as given out by Colonial Williamsburg.
Members like to read an informative newsletter, they like discounts in the
museum shop, they appreciate a small quantity of discounted admission
tickets they can give to friends.  The old decal/bumper sticker/refrigerator
magnet approach may be helpful in some regions, not others.

Plimoth Plantation in Massachusetts has a highly successful lobster bake
each summer for its members.  They pay full cost to attend.  A nicely
catered annual harvest picnic works in some other areas.  Urban museums have
high-style receptions and galas.  I sense that your members may prefer
something more informal, as in the fall (or spring) picnic -- with
entertainment, such as storytelling, music, whatever fits the locale.
-----Original Message-----
From: Kelaine Mish <[log in to unmask]>
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.museum-l
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Thursday, July 30, 1998 8:05 AM
Subject: Seeking answers to membership questions


>Hello,
>
>I'm the new Membership Development Coordinator for the Holland
>Historical Trust in Holland, Michigan.  We have a membership of nearly
>930 households with a 93% renewal rate. I want to continue this
>wonderful legacy and have a few questions regarding program do's and
>don'ts from those in the know out there in listserv land.
>
>1.  First, a business membership program question. We are developing a
>Business Partnership Membership program.  From what type of businesses
>have you received a favorable response to your solicitations?  Also,
>what benefits do the business members seem to appreciate most?
>
>2. I would like to offer a promo item for our next big new member
>campaign and am wondering what types of promotional items have been
>popular with your members?
>
>3.  We've found that home tours really "go over big" with our members.
>Does anyone have any other ideas for member events they'd like to share?
>I'm especially looking for family-oriented ideas that can be managed by
>a small staff.
>
>4.  I'm also looking for subscription information/address for a journal
>(?) called "Fund Raising Management".  I know it was in publication in
>the early 1990's and contained WONDERFUL information.
>Does anyone have any other journal/book recommendations for furthering my
>education in development, membership, and fundraising?  I already own a
copy
>of the "Membership Mystique".
>
>Please respond on or off-list.  My email address is: [log in to unmask]  I
would
>also love to correspond with other membership/development people if anyone
has
>any other advice for me.
>
>Thanks in advance,
>
>Kelaine Mish
>Membership Development Coordinator
>Holland Historical Trust
>
>The Holland Museum
>Cappon House Museum
>Settlers House