[Eric_Berger]

I could give some lofty answer about keeping people involved and how that will ensure that they pay their dues, but it sounds like you need some real hardcore answers.

Well, I think you did the first thing already by using Omega Financial. I have heard great things about them and they take all of the dues billing/collection work off of your plate, relieving you of being the chapter "bad guy".

Second thing that you should do is clarify who owes who money (I couldn't tell from your posting, whether Brothers owed the Chapter dues or the Chapters owes the Headquarters money).

Third thing that you should do is budget now for next semester, if it hasn't already been done. Require every officer to submit a budget request, so you and the Executive Committee know how much money folks want for programming. Of course, if you owe the HQ money, paying that off should be the first bit of money that gets budgeted for.

Fourth thing would be to start the collections process by sending registered letters to the deliquent members (especially if they have graduated) indicating that the Chapter will take them to collections unless they pay up the amount owed. Just the threat of collections gets people off their butts.

Fifth thing would be to work with the Executive Committee to enforce the provision of the Constitution and Statutory Code that pertains to Financial Suspension. While this is not always the easiest thing to do, it needs to happen or you will never get out of the spot you are in.

In terms of incentives, you could offer discounts to members who pay Spring dues before they go home for the Holiday break. Offer a discount for members who pay for the whole school year at the beginning of the school year. These discounts don't have to be large. Our Chapter probably has 4-5 guys who pay the whole year at the beginning of the year, in order to save $25 per year. This also helps the Chapter finance the insurance bill that you will receive in August or September.

Lastly, contact your ELC for ideas and thoughts. Since they were at the Chapter in the Fall, they should be able to provide insight that the outgoing Tau may not be able to provide.

Hope this helps!

in ZAX,
Eric