Why is AMT doing this?
AMT currently serves over 40,000 members. Having all members renew at the same time each year causes a processing backlog as well as less-than-optimal response time to inquiries. By spreading out the membership renewals throughout the year, we hope to decrease the turnaround time on membership cards as well as be able to answer all of your questions in a timely manner.
What exactly will this new process entail?
Instead of having all member certifications expire at the end of the year, AMT will transition members to a specific expiration month. In this manner, roughly one twelfth of the members will be renewing their membership each month.
How will AMT accomplish this?
During the first transition year, it may be necessary for members to renew for a partial year to bring them to their designated expiration month. A card will be issued for this partial renewal that will have a shorter expiration date. Then a few months prior to the expiration, members will receive another renewal statement that will cover a full renewal year. After the initial transition, members will be mailed a renewal statement for a 12-month membership based on their new expiration date.
How is AMT making this process easier for me?
For this year only, AMT is offering a “pay ahead” option where a member can pay the partial AND subsequent full year membership at the same time. By doing so, a member avoids receiving a renewal statement in 2008 and will be paid through his/her new expiration date in 2009. A small discount will be reflected on the invoice for this pay-ahead option. The option is only valid until December 31, 2007.
Can you give me an example?
Option 1 – Partial Year Payment:
A member with an original certification expiration date of December 31, 2007, may be transitioned to a May 31, 2008, expiration date. In Option 1, the member will pay for only a 5-month period (January 1, 2008 - May 31, 2008). After that payment is made, a card will be issued that will reflect the partial year membership. A few months prior to May of 2008, another renewal statement will be mailed that will reflect a full year membership. Upon payment, the member will receive another card with an expiration date of May 31, 2009. From that point forward, the member will receive annual membership renewal statements in early Spring.
Option 2 – Pay Ahead:
A member with an original certification expiration date of December 31, 2007, may be transitioned to a May 31, 2008, expiration date. As an alternative to the partial year renewal option, the member may pay for a 5-month period (January 1, 2008 - May 31, 2008) AND for an additional full year (June 1, 2008 - May 31, 2009). After that payment is made, a card will be issued that will reflect an expiration date of May 31, 2009. From that point forward, the member will receive annual membership renewal statements in early Spring.
Why the two different options?
By choosing to “pay ahead” (Option 2), a member will avoid going through the renewal process in 2008. The “pay ahead” option also helps AMT so we are passing along the savings to those who choose to go this route. The discount will be reflected in the Option 2 fee. Don’t forget that this option is only valid until December 31. 2007.
If Option 2 is not an affordable option for you at this time, you may choose Option 1 and only pay the prorated partial year payment now, and the full year’s dues as your new expiration date approaches in 2008.
For more information, please visit www.amt1.com or call the AMT office at 847-823-5169.
