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This report presents the findings of the Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association (CFCA) membership survey conducted by Shoreline Associates in October 2005. It covers the survey objectives, response rates, and insights into member demographics, participation trends, and preferences. Key recommendations include enhancing educational offerings, improving meeting structures, and targeting all membership levels to increase engagement. With only about 10% attendance at meetings, it's vital for the CFCA to appeal to a broader audience while ensuring relevant content is provided for active members and former chiefs.
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Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association Membership Survey Results October 2005 Shoreline Associates, Inc.
Overview • Objectives • Survey process • Response rates • Responses by survey area • Recommendations & closing comments
Objectives • Annual & long term planning • Only about 10% of membership attend any given meeting • Identified need to appeal to all members, not just retired and/or long time members
Survey Process • Survey designed by Shoreline Associates with input from CFCA and others • Addressed numerous areas: • Member demographics • Focus and value of meeting content • Dues paid and by who • Narrative responses
Response Rates 1/4 of Membership Responded
Response Rates 1 of Every 5 Responses Were Returned Electronically
Retired from Fire Service? Actual Number of Former Chiefs Completing Survey Is Estimated To Be At Least 36%
Years As A CFCA Member Excellent Cross Section Of CFCA Membership Years 1 Of Every 5 Respondents Has Been A CFCA Member For Less Than 5 Years
Levels of Respondents ½ of Respondents Are Chief Officers; 1/3 Active Chiefs
Current Benefit Provided Networking Is The Benefit Currently Being Obtained; Not Necessarily What They’re Looking For
Number of CFCA Meetings Attended During the Past Year Half Attended 2 Or Fewer Meetings Last Year
Reasons For Attending Meetings • Choices were: • Geographic location • Educational program offered • Restaurant or meeting site chosen • Haven’t been to a meeting in months • Other
Other Association Memberships • Less than ½ are members of the IAFC • ¼ are Fire Marshals • 1/3 are CT Fire Instructor Assoc. members • Less than ½ are members of their local county fire chiefs association CT Fire Chiefs Association Is The Primary Association Information Source For At Least ½ Of Our Members
Value of Current Educational Programs Offered Less Than 10% Of Respondents Feel Educational Offerings Are Of Significant Value
Longer Meetings; Held Less Often More Than ½ Of Respondents See Value In Longer Meetings
Fire Marshal Credit For Longer Meetings? 25% of Respondents Are Fire Marshals
How Much Do You Spend Annually For CFCA Dues, Meetings & Dinners? Average Is Approximately $100 Per Year Excludes Christmas Party Cost
If CFCA Dues Increased and Had Fewer, But Longer Meetings Estimated That At Least 36% Not Active Chiefs
Should Vendors Be Allowed At Longer Educational Meetings? Vendors Should Be Encouraged To Display Products Relevant To The Education Program Topic
Recommendations • Refocus On Educational Programs Of Value To Active Chief Officers • Create or revisit the concept of an Educational Committee • Publish educational program topic at least 2 months in advance • Consider separate sessions for chiefs and other chief officers, where apprpriate
Recommendations (cont.) • Hold (½ day) Educational Sessions • Consider 3 sessions per year (suggest January, May and September) • More in-depth educational content • Consider providing breakfast or lunch to allow for networking time • Provide for Fire Marshal continuing education credit • Invite vendor displays to defray costs • Maybe 1 on weekend for volunteers
Recommendations (cont.) • Establish Separate Membership Classifications For: • Active Fire Chiefs • Other Chief Officers • Other Active Fire Service Ranks • Retirees and former chiefs (non-voting or associate membership classification) • Life members
Recommendations (cont.) • Consider Dues Increase If It Will Cover The Cost Of The Longer Meetings So That Members Have The Same Total Annual Membership Cost • $100 for active members • $25 for retirees and former chiefs • Members should still pay for their meal at evening dinner meetings
Recommendations (cont.) • Consider holding a combined organization meeting with the CT Fire Instructors Association • Reconsider Location of Dinner Meetings and Educational Sessions • Many requests for centralized location(s) within the State • Others are interested in rotating meetings around the counties of the State
Closing Comments • Excellent response rates • Insight into some of the varying opinions of membership groups • Recommendations are a starting point for the new Executive Committee • Questions or Comments?