Partner Relations Committee

The Partner Relations Committee is responsible for all relations with partners including soliciting sponsors for Division programs at conference to help recover/reduce the cost of the programs; and for soliciting advertisers/sponsors for the Division bulletin and/or website.  The Committee may have Co-Chairs.

General Duties

1. Committee Chair(s) serve as a member of the Advisory Board, reporting to the Division Chair.
2. Submits progress reports to the Division Chair, as requested.
3. Maintains and updates the listing of sponsor names and contacts.  Passes this list on to the following year's Chairs.  These lists are currently being managed using a Google Docs Spreadsheet.
4. The following duties should start in the Fall of the programming year and continue through to conference:
   1. Works with the Division Chair to establish the Sponsorship Packages.
   2. Contacts previous year's partners with Letter to Partners to make them aware of sponsorship opportunities and Bulletin advertising possibilities.
   3. Contacts prospects with Letter to Prospects to make them aware of sponsorship opportunities and Bulletin advertising possibilities.  Whenever possible, Chairs should request the assistance of members with established relationships to help create "warm" introductions to.
   4. Makes follow-up phone calls to inquire if partners or prospects are interested in sponsoring Division programs or advertising.
   5. When partner or prospects agree to sponsor, sends Follow Up Letter, outlining what recognition the partner will receive, how much money they have agreed to contribute and information on where to send the check.  This letter should be copied to the Treasurer.  An additional note the Treasurer providing the invoice amount and full name and address for the invoice is advised.
   6. Works in collaboration with the Program Planners to finalize the correct partner name and spelling for the preliminary program, final program, brochures, and signs.
   7. Collects parter logo and contact information for the website and forwards this onto the Webmaster.
   8. Collects partner advertorials/ads and forwards them on to the Bulletin Editor.  Contacts the partner when the advertorial/ad has been published.
   9. At conference, distributes tickets to the Annual Business Meeting to the partners who are entitled to them.
   10. Adheres to SLA Unit Fund Development Practice.

Potential Partners

• library supply houses
• book dealers
• subscription agents
• microfilm service companies
• consultants
• online vendors
• other library-related vendors

For more information

• Consult the SLA web page for Fundraising Chairs