Leaders of local and regional business aviation groups are increasingly leveraging modern technological tools to maintain and strengthen connections with members. Researching options and staying on top of trends means asking key questions about ease of use, cost and longevity of the tools, and making sure valuable assets from these nonprofits are being used effectively.
Sharing her perspective as the founder of a newly formed regional group, Jill Case, chair of the South Texas Business Aviation Association (STXBAA), notes that nonprofits need to be run like businesses. “Finding business-minded people to lead in their areas of expertise is vital to the success of an organization.” For example, STXBAA created a technology lead role, to ensure the association’s remote connectivity and digital presence is polished and professional amid a constantly changing tech landscape.
Creating and maintaining the organization’s website is a vital piece of this puzzle as a virtual place for members to visit and remain in the know. Software allows creation and delivery of emails to subscribers, which streamlines the leadership workload.
Groups recommend finding a website provider that checks all the boxes with one subscription. However, that comes with added cost. “Having membership applications, events, scholarship information and articles available and easy to navigate make all the difference,” says Maddie DuBray with the Pacific Northwest Business Aviation Association (PNBAA) and the Northern California Business Aviation Association (NorCalBAA).
Social media offers a valuable and cost-effective tool to deliver detailed information directly to members. “With just a few clicks, we’re able to share time-sensitive posts – like the NBAA’s Calls to Action, scholarship reminders and updates on events – right to members’ favorite platforms and devices,” says DuBray.
“With just a few clicks, we’re able to share time-sensitive posts. ”
MADDIE DUBRAY, PNBAA and NorCalBAA
Graphics provide essential visual aids, and groups are empowering their creative volunteers to craft the right image or video to maximize posts. “With modern design tools, we are able to create exciting imagery for our emails, websites and social posts to help illustrate the ‘why’ of our group and its happenings,” notes DuBray.
Leaning into artificial intelligence (AI) can also help craft initial drafts – although this emerging technology requires caution. Group leaders say they’ve used various AI tools to create a press release framework, noting that the initial product is robotic and imperfect, and needs improvements to match their organization’s true voice.
Overall, NBAA Western Regional Director Phil Derner has seen groups he works with excelling, thanks to these tools. “With their websites and social media, NBAA’s regional directors know what groups are focusing on almost immediately,” Derner says.
Review information on regional groups and issues at nbaa.org/regional.
How STXBAA Created a Powerhouse Digital Platform
When the South Texas Business Aviation Association (STXBAA) was first created, Chair Jill Case knew the importance of having the right people in the right positions to achieve her goals. Business-minded, experienced professionals would bring the skills needed to see her vision take shape and ensure the success she envisioned.
Early on, she identified the technology lead as a key leadership role. She located a person with skills from the expansive digital workspace to create a simple solution to a complex situation – someone who understood the vast landscape, how to use it and how to clearly explain it to others so they, too, could grasp the “why” behind her dream.
Defining goals requires being clear with communications and expectations, Case says. Utilizing each moment to its utmost is key, along with identifying the right tools to achieve milestones. Working smarter, not harder ensures precious time from volunteers isn’t wasted. Everyone feels valued when their position fits their skillset and they understand the big picture.
From the initial filing in 2022, the group has amassed 450 members, 90+ volunteers, 13 board members and 10 committees. With tremendous support and leadership, STXBAA is hosting multiple events and collaborations with other regional groups, with $20,000 in scholarships to be awarded this year.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.