Our Global Conference is just 8 weeks away, and I’m neck-deep in the details that lead to a successful event. NPAworldwide’s member-owners elect officers and directors and make decisions about network policies and future plans during the annual meeting portion of the conference. Member-ownership is perhaps THE thing that makes NPAworldwide different from other split placement organizations. I love this time of year when owners come together to share ideas and debate a wide variety of topics. I’m always impressed and excited by the passionate enthusiasm that members display.
What exactly does member-ownership mean? Well, in it’s simplest terms, the entire network is owned by its members. Each firm becomes an equal co-owner upon joining. We are governed by a board of directors elected from the membership. Members have control over the rules, which are established via a democratic process. Members pool their resources and work cooperatively to reach common goals. Profits can be reinvested in the network or shared among the owners. There is not a private individual or corporate structure that benefits from the profits of the network. Because each member firm is an equal owner of the network, a small recruitment firm can have just as much influence as a larger business.
NPAworldwide members determine the rules that define split placements, membership qualifications, financial responsibilities, dispute resolution and more. Our bylaws were modernized and rewritten in 2012 (not for the first time) and have been amended almost every year since then. As recruitment changes and evolves, our governing documents strive to keep up with that change. Member-ownership means that members can help shape the way they want to work with other members in the network. Members are accountable to each other to ensure the rules are followed. This helps foster a high degree of trust among partners and an increase in split deals.
The ownership of a split placement organization is an important detail. Learn more about different ownership structures here.