An association run by volunteers and managed by a small staff can struggle to deliver member services. There is a gap between what is economically feasible and the quality of service that members expect. Jenny Faucher, President of Managing Matters, recognized this gap and, in 2004, set up her company to step in and resolve the struggle. Since then, Managing Matters has found success association by association

Managing Matters delivers infrastructure services for associations including website management, database maintenance, marketing and communications, bookkeeping and event management for annual conferences and professional development.

In just six years, Managing Matters has grown to a staff of twelve. Each person manages three to five associations, thereby leveraging economies of scale to make high quality service affordable to all associations. "This also lets us share best practices between clients," explains Jenny. "We can bring what some associations are doing successfully to other associations."

In addition to association management, Managing Matters handles corporate events such as conferences, golf tournaments and launches. On both the association and corporate side of the business, Managing Matters is a success and have won an award for their work.

Managing Matters pays for many expenses on behalf of their clients up front. While the cash demands for association management aren't extraordinary, event management has many large ticket purchases associated with it. Space rental and catering bills are often in the tens of thousands. A few years ago, Jenny got a particular Business Visa Card specifically for its high spending limits. Managing Matters uses the card for many purchases for the associations and the events. "I wanted a credit card with a higher spending limit to provide cash flow flexibility. Now, if I need it, I have a financial cushion."

This is especially important given that the events side of the business is growing very quickly. "We do events across Canada and around the world," explains Jenny. "We produced an event in Athens two years ago and now we're planning one in Berlin for this coming year. We manage everything from registration, marketing and conference planning to execution on site."

"Our vision is to be Canada's largest association and event management company," says Jenny. "There have been challenges, there always will be challenges. But I love the process. Our motto is that nothing can't be solved. There's always a solution to everything." With that philosophy, Managing Matters is well positioned to live their vision.