Tennessee Turnaround
Reprinted from 2008 Traditions Magazine: Quarter 4
Tennessee Friends of NRA took it to the next level in 2008. This year, Tennessee set an all time state record, raising a net revenue of over $200,000— an increase of 76% over last year. The record setting doesn’t stop there; the state has seen significant growth in committees throughout Tennessee.
One of Tennessee’s newest committees, Fayette County, hosted their first Friends of NRA banquet this year and broke the all time state record for new events after netting $14,774. Many committees broke their own event records, including the sellout Freedom Friends of NRA event where they reached their highest net revenue yet. Similarly, Chattanooga’s sellout event raised their net revenue bar with an increase of 168% over last year. Kentucky Lake, Highland Rim, West Tennessee, Tipton County, and Williamson County all set similar records for their committee.
The Henry County committee stole the sponsorship show, selling a record 39 national sponsorships. In East Tennessee, the committee received the High Caliber Club banner for the first time. Southern Middle Tennessee and Cumberland County set net revenue records along with NRA Merchandise underwriting— Cumberland County having 50% of the merchandise underwritten, an all time state record.
Tennessee has seen a significant turnaround since NRA Field Representative Mike Webb took over the state in 2006 and while he had a lot to do with the state’s gradual climb to the top, you’ll never hear him trying to take all the credit.
“Tennessee Friends of NRA would be nothing without our volunteers,” said Webb. “It absolutely humbles me to see the hard work and dedication that the volunteers bring to this organization. Not only do I appreciate all that our committees do but the attendees as well. The commitment and devotion of these committee members have overwhelmed me and their enthusiasm is really contagious especially when new committees are formed for the first time. These events not only bring us together for a great cause, but they build strong and bonding friendships.”
Webb added that the most important secret to running a successful state is finding the right volunteers. “Their eagerness and excitement about the program really shows when you see how much of their time and energy goes into making these events such a huge success,” said Webb.
Other contributing factors included updating the Friends of NRA state website and photo gallery frequently so members stay informed, emailing newsletters to all Tennessee Friends of NRA members with information on recent events, and giving recognition for outstanding achievements throughout the committees.
Webb also stressed the importance of open-lines and constant communication with volunteers. “Making sure everyone is on the same page has helped more than anything,” he said. Webb added that the willingness to listen to ideas from other field reps and having new officers and members of committees re-motivate older members have also attributed to Tennessee’s success.
Webb said the state started seeing significant success when he gained the trust and confidence of the volunteers in not only the Friends of NRA program but in himself as well.
“Volunteers need to know they have an advocate working for them,” Webb said. And an advocate is what they have. Prior to taking the field representative position, Webb served as committee chairman of the Memphis Friends of NRA for four years. Since Mike came aboard, the Memphis committee has been the most successful in the state, earning the Highest Net Revenue award and High Caliber Club recognition for the sixth consecutive year.
Today, he enjoys being able to travel the state and see the rewards of the NRA Foundation grants that are made possible through the Friends of NRA volunteers and events. “It is an awesome opportunity to continue, on a much broader scale, my passion for the Friends of NRA program.”
To continue the state’s upward path of success, Webb says he wants to see more events in areas that have never hosted a Tennessee Friends of NRA event before. He also wants to expand the Friends of NRA State Conference and increase the number of first-time volunteers. Moreover, he plans to continue to push for more banquet ticket sales, pre-event ticket sales, sponsorships, NRA merchandise underwriting and cash/item donations.
“None of this would have been possible if it weren’t for the dedication of our exceptional and outstanding volunteers as well as the generosity of our attendees, and big heartedness of our sponsors and donors that make these events so successful,” said Webb. “I can’t begin to tell you what a great group of volunteers we have working in our state. They are so giving and charitable with their time, money and passion for this organization that one of the most rewarding things I can do for my committees is to recognize them for their hard work and contributions. It’s the volunteers that have set the record for our state.”
A. Niblock Shorter