[Kevin]

As a member of a colony that was doing crappy with one advisor and then succeeded under another, I can say that a good recruitment/expansion director can go a long way!

Director #1: Came down, recruited 12 guys, gave us some books, taught us some classes and then visited once per semester to follow-up.

Director #2: Stayed in constant communication, had a plan of action for success, had us keep a schedule and dammit.. we're a chapter now.

Now, I'll tell you the biggest surprise to us after getting our charter was insurance and national dues! A *HUGE* expense that we were really very unprepared for.

Make sure that they give you the information more than 2 months before it's due.