The Organization

The Technology Association of Iowa (TAI) is a statewide, member-based organization uniting Iowa’s technology community by driving public policy, fostering inclusion, developing talent and connecting leaders. TAI’s members work together to support the industry and advance Iowa’s reputation as a technology state. The organization is a collection of leaders who have come together as Iowa’s statewide voice for technology.

The Situation

As TAI’s network of professionals and independent councils grew, so did its need for automated administrative support and communications. Salesforce was the clear front runner since similar membership-based organizations had found success with using the CRM as a data hub for centralized membership information.

In addition to a data hub, TAI needed a member directory accessible only to members in which it was easy for members to pay and manage their invoices and communicate.

The Solution

Today’s solution tracks memberships within their lifecycle including automated messages about events and renewal reminders and acts as a portal for invoice payment and overall membership management. The Community features login access to view an overarching directory for members and allows members to update their own company info and directory listing.

Ascend Technologies optimized the Community to include email digest and Chatter so members can share information and news and can communicate without having to leave the portal. Ascend also created a workflow to produce a personalized letter template that Admins can send via email to members through Salesforce.

The Results

The strategic outcomes have equipped TAI for present successes and future growth. The Community saves TAI team members at least one day per month on membership communications and similar administrative work.

The Community also helps the accounts receivable team forecast and track incoming revenue from memberships. With a growing membership, the Community makes it easier to onboard and develop new members so they are set up for success from day one of becoming a member of Iowa’s tech community.

 

“In addition to being a valued TAI member and engaged in Iowa’s tech community, [Ascend] has been an invaluable partner to TAI throughout our migration to Salesforce. Everyone we’ve worked with at [Ascend] has been helpful and generous with their time and willing to go the extra mile to ensure the solution met our needs and expectations.”

-Tyler Wyngarden, Vice President of Development