KPMA Cultural Change-Up

The Kentucky Petroleum Marketers Association (KPMA) is Association International’s sole state association client. It joined AI in 2012 when KPMA leaders desired to grow their membership and increase their influence in Kentucky for the benefit of the petroleum industry and its members.

The challenge was that KPMA membership was shrinking due to industry consolidation and marketplace pressures. The KPMA needed a new look and new approach to membership management. It also needed to increase its lobbying presence in state government and with the regulatory community. And as an 86-year-old association, it needed to change its culture from a staff-led organization to a member-led association.

AI recruited a dynamic and hardworking staff team that is sensitive to member needs and a strong partner for volunteer leadership. The AI team developed a new brand identity, organized new events and developed significant new streams of non-dues revenue based on new products and services.

AI partnered with member leaders and state agencies to develop a highly rated educational program that includes professional development opportunities and important regulatory training courses. As well, AI created a book imprint called KPMA Press, a new division of the association. KPMA Press has published two original industry books to date: a regulatory training manual and a legal reference book.

As a result, since joining AI, KPMA membership has grown by 25% in just 18 months. The association is thriving. Meeting attendance is up, committees are active, members are engaged and leadership is proud of its decision to join AI. The KPMA has clearly benefited from its partnership with AI and the future is bright for this longtime association in Kentucky.

“Taking on AI to operate the KPMA has been one of our Board’s best decisions. The enthusiasm and professionalism of the AI supplied staff has both increased the size our membership and substantially improved our associations value to our membership.”

—Bob Riley, KPMA Chairman