| Washington, D.C. |
| Wanted to make the initial contact with people new to the area worthwhile and memorable. Wanted them to want to visit and participate in an activity and become involved. |
| Most identified themselves to either the AAUM or to club leadership via email, so an email response was developed. |
| However, a letter is also available to generate if only an address is given. |
| This "service" was a natural spin-off of the AAUM asking that all club presidents provide a generic welcome letter for the Association to put in new member packets. This letter was expanded to include the types of activities the club is involved and gets a personal salutation and section identifying appropriate information requested and club leaders who can help. |
| Less than $50 per year-mostly for correspondence and stamps. The cost involved is not money but the time and effort. |
| It took less than a month to prepare the email/letter content that basically does not change. This was provided to the club leadership to review and comment. Now, each individual response averages less than an hour, primarily ensuring that the question or request is answered. |
| We believe in the clichˇ regarding first impressions. It enhances our reputation for responsiveness, friendliness and willing to help. |
| The letter/email needs to be easily modifiable and personalized based on the writer's question or request. |
| Sam Chappell, schappel@csc.com |
