Highlights from the 2023 Membership Cup Finalists
Each year, the NAHB Membership Cup honors one association for achieving the most outstanding membership recruitment and retention efforts of the year. HBAs from each group size with the highest percentage increase in both recruitment and retention compete to win. These HBAs are invited to submit their annual membership plan for evaluation by the NAHB Membership Committee, which then announces the Cup Winner based on the plan and the results achieved.
The winner of the 2023 Membership Cup was the HBA of Greater Charlotte. Below, you will find highlights from the winner’s membership campaign, as well as from all the finalists who submitted applications. We hope these examples of successful initiatives will inspire other HBAs with innovative ideas, best practices and winning strategies to integrate into their own membership campaigns in the future.
Recruitment and Retention Highlights
- Revitalized Membership Engagement: Through the creation of new committees and the reinvigoration of existing ones, including a highly active Membership Committee, members were encouraged to participate in events, join councils, and engage in programs designed to support their businesses.
- Enhanced Communication and Outreach: Monthly newsletters, personal calls from the EO, and the introduction of the NAHB Touch Program fostered engagement by keeping members informed and personally connected to the association’s activities and benefits.
- Focus on Growth and Inclusion: Events like the Sales & Marketing Council’s “Millionaire Breakfast Program” and the formation of the Custom Contractor Committee provided targeted opportunities for both new and veteran members to connect and grow their involvement in the HBA.
Recruitment and Retention Highlights
- Launched a membership drive with a $500 incentive and prizes from NAHB, which successfully motivated members to recruit new members. This effort was consistently promoted through events and a leaderboard, keeping members engaged in the competition throughout the drive.
- Continued to recognize the top recruiter monthly, awarding them at the annual Installation Banquet with a plaque dedicated to the late Executive Officer, fostering both recruitment and retention by strengthening member ties to the association’s legacy.
- Integrated recruitment efforts into community service activities, such as building visibility through charity events and scholarships, which enhanced the value proposition of the association and encouraged members to stay involved.
View the Greater Fort Smith Association of Home Builders’ Application Materials
Recruitment and Retention Highlights
- The Membership Committee was transformed into a Member Appreciation Committee, prioritizing both recruitment of new members and retention of existing members. This initiative aims to continually attract new members while maintaining high levels of engagement with current members.
- Incentive programs were used to encourage recruitment, including a $500 reward for the top recruiter and recognition on a reader board and newsletter. The last recruiter also benefitted from any new members joining without a referral, earning additional credits.
- Developed a multi-year strategy that includes both short-term initiatives such as the in-house touch program for new members and long-term efforts to reinforce the benefits of membership, such as regular reminders included with renewal invoices.
