One Association’s journey from frustrating software to a streamlined management process.
The Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange, and Chatham Counties (HBADOC) was using association management software that was out of date and malfunctioning.
According to Director of Operations, Kristina Ellis, they needed a system that integrated their website and database while giving their members an interactive, “hands-on” experience.
Initially, they hired a third party to build a new website with member login functionality. Unfortunately, that created more problems than solutions because the website and member login were still disconnected from their database — the association staff didn’t even know when payments or updates were made.
“Because our old system was not integrated, and our members couldn’t interact with their own company profiles, we felt like we were always one step behind,” Ellis shared.
HBADOC began researching other options. Ellis contacted other Home Builder Associations to see what systems they were using. Their criteria: The new system needed to link directly to their website, and also allow for monthly WMS uploads to NAHB. GrowthZone (formerly MemberZone) was recommended by another organization which grabbed their attention.
Ellis reached out to see if GrowthZone’s AMS platform could work specifically for a Home Builders Association. The answer? Yes.
“They were available to us any time we had a question. They took our advice and recommendations on how to better the system, which reassured us that we had made the right choice,” she commented.
HBADOC’s favorite features? Invoices that populate in the task bar, the Member Information Center, and Event Registration (both in the database and through the HBADOC website).
When asked how the member software has made a difference, Ellis replied, “Updating member records is much easier. Changes made by members or staff automatically update in the online directory. Communication is simplified and of course, WMS uploading — all we have to do is click a few buttons and voila! A perfect report.”