The Concrete Institute of Australia (CIA) has been a key pillar in the concrete, construction, and engineering industries for over 50 years. The Institute supports a diverse range of members, including engineers, architects, academics, and suppliers. With over 3,500 active members—comprising more than 1,200 individuals and 200 companies—the CIA plays a crucial role in advancing concrete practices across Australia.
Australia's demand for concrete is immense, with the country using approximately 26 million cubic meters of concrete annually. Cement, the binding element in concrete, is equally critical, with about 10 million tons produced each year. Managing a vast network of professionals and companies in such a vital industry requires a robust and reliable membership management system, and MemNet has proven to be the perfect solution for the CIA.
Laying the Groundwork with MemNet
Nicole Walker, who has served as the Membership Services Manager at the CIA for the past five years, brought a wealth of experience with MemNet to the organization. Having used MemNet in her previous role for over a decade, Nicole was well aware of the platform's potential to streamline and improve the CIA's operations.
When Nicole joined the CIA, the organization was using a custom-built database that she described as “a glorified Excel spreadsheet,” which was inefficient and difficult to work with. The switch to MemNet was a game-changer. “MemNet solved our issues and allowed us to do so much more,” she said, reflecting on the immediate improvements the system brought.
One of the most significant enhancements was in the membership renewal process. Previously, this process took up to two weeks and involved a great deal of manual effort, including the creation of individual invoices and emails. With MemNet’s automation capabilities, the renewal process now takes less than two hours. Nicole recalls,
“The first MemNet renewal run we did, I started it and about an hour later went into my CR and just said, ‘I’m finished the renewals for the month.’ It was such an amazing feeling.”
Strengthening Member Engagement
MemNet’s influence extends beyond administrative tasks; it has also greatly enhanced member engagement. The CIA offers a variety of resources, including access to Australian Standards online, which can save members thousands of dollars. The integration of MemNet with the CIA’s website has made it easy for members to access these resources, as well as webinar recordings, recommended practice documents, and the Institute’s quarterly magazine.
Nicole emphasized the value of accurate data management in maintaining active member engagement:
“Data is powerful, especially for our company members, giving them the ability to have individuals within the business allocated membership and engaged with the Institute.”
This capability is particularly beneficial for companies with large staff memberships, enabling them to fully leverage the CIA’s offerings.
The CIA’s ability to provide timely and relevant information to its members is crucial in an industry where precision and knowledge are paramount. The seamless integration of MemNet has allowed the CIA to keep its members informed and connected, further solidifying the Institute’s role as a leader in the concrete industry.
A Solid Partnership with MemNet
Nicole’s experience with MemNet has been really positive, and she spends up to 90% of her day working within the system. The strong relationship between the CIA and MemNet’s support team has been a key factor in the successful implementation and ongoing use of the platform. “Overall, I love the system,” Nicole remarked, appreciating the continual improvements and responsive support that MemNet provides.
As the CIA continues to grow and evolve, MemNet remains a crucial tool in its operations. With its powerful features, the CIA can focus on its mission of promoting excellence in concrete practices, ensuring that its members remain at the forefront of the industry.
Conclusion: Cementing a Future of Excellence
The Concrete Institute of Australia’s partnership with MemNet has laid a solid foundation for the organization’s future. By automating processes, enhancing member engagement, and providing reliable support, MemNet has become an indispensable tool for the CIA. As the Institute continues to serve its 3,500 members, MemNet will undoubtedly play a key role in helping the CIA achieve its goals and maintain its leadership in Australia’s concrete industry.