International Childbirth Educators Association

In late 2007 FirstPoint Management Resources (FPMR) was approached by the President and President-Elect of the International Childbirth Educators Association (ICEA) with interest in learning about the services provided by FPMR. We were the only AMC approached due to management of related organizations who touted to ICEA how impressed they were with our services.
It had been determined by the current ICEA Board that the current management staff, a “stand-only” staff, not part of an AMC, was not performing its responsibilities at an acceptable level. The organization at its “peak” was an 8000 member strong organization with over $1 million in assets, but throughout the 2000-2007 time period the organization deficit spent at a rate of $150K per year and was heading for bankruptcy. The membership had dwindled to less than 1,000.

In the summer of 2008, ICEA leadership made the decision to transfer their operations to FPMR’s infrastructure.   After a number of months of in-depth analysis, FPMR and the ICEA leadership began the process of restructuring the organization in a way that kept it from declaring bankruptcy. The 2009 calendar year was consumed with stopping of the erosion of membership, the management of debt accumulated over the previous eight years, and the increasing of non-dues revenue. In addition the organization had failed to control inventory of their bookstore which contained over 200 different publications and accounted for over $400K in expenses over a 2 year period. A vast amount of inventory was out of date, and thus provided minimal asset value.

With proper management, returning value to the membership, mending relationships with related organizations, and assisting the organization with non-dues revenue ventures, 2010 became the first year in a decade that the organization posted an increase in revenue over expenses. The membership of the organization has doubled since FPMR began operating as management. FPMR is proud to partner with the ICEA leadership and have been created by the ICEA, both leaders and members, as being the main factor in the organization’s survival.  While the work is not over with regards to returning the organization to its stature and previous membership size, we are slowly but surely creating a success story.

Secrets to Success

• FirstPoint’s ability to provide experienced and skilled staff, that best meets the needs and capabilities of ICEA.
• Staff with the skill, experience and entrepreneurial spirit required to assist clients gain success.
• FPMR’s reputation as one of the most “solid” financial management firms.