communication department

In February, STC asked its 103 professional chapters to help boost the association's overall renewal rate by encouraging local members to renew their memberships prior to the March 31 deadline. The STC membership year runs from January to December; however, members are permitted a ninety-day grace period before being dropped from the rolls for nonpayment.

For the chapter challenge, chapters were grouped into six size categories, from fewer than 40 members to more than 601, following the same groupings for community awards. To be eligible, chapters had to achieve a minimum renewal rate of 71 percent. Chapters comprised almost entirely of students (usually university based) were not included in the challenge competition because of their naturally low renewal rates.

The chapters with the highest renewal rates in each category are listed below. These chapters received four complimentary registrations for the 2008 Technical Communication Summit (June 1-4 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). The registrations, each worth $895, may be used as prizes for recruitment of new members, awards, or other recognition of individuals who have contributed to the chapter's growth. Chapters may decide how to distribute the registrations.

Congratulations to the winning chapters, and thanks to all chapter leaders for contributing to the health of the Society.

Category: 301 to 600 members

winner: New York Metro, 73.09 percent

Category: 151 to 300 members

winner: Northeast Ohio, 75.80 percent

Category: 76 to 150 members

winner: Rochester, 77.69 percent

Category: 41 to 75 members

winner: Susquehanna Valley, 95.12 percent

Category: 15 to 40 members

winner: Eastern Iowa, 84.84 percent