Strategic Plan
ACA International's work is driven largely by the initiatives set forth by association members in its three-year strategic plan.
During its annual meeting on July 23, 2008, the ACA International Board of Directors Meeting reviewed and approved the association's Vision, Mission and Values Statements and the 2008-11 Strategic Plan. This was the final step of a yearlong process to develop and implement the plan. At its previous annual meeting, the board authorized a strategic plan update.
On Dec. 5-7, 2007, the Strategic Planning Committee, selected by the Executive Committee and representing a broad cross-section of ACA members, gathered in Minneapolis to develop the association's road map for the next three years. The two-day planning session included a systematic examination of ACA International, the credit and collection industry and their environment. The group developed a 10-year vision, along with a mission and a list of association values, resulting in ACA's Vision, Mission and Values Statements. The committee then formulated goals for ACA International's Strategic Plan for the 2008/09 through 2010/11 fiscal years:
1. To elevate the reputation of the credit and collection industry by:
1.1 Strengthening ACA's position as the “voice” of the industry.
1.2 Developing proactive PR campaigns for all audiences, including consumers.
1.3 Promoting the initiatives of the ACA International Education Foundation to improve financial literacy.
1.4 Expanding and disseminating research and data about the industry.
1.5 Identifying and developing appropriate guiding principles.
2. To increase membership and member engagement by:
2.1 Identifying the true size and scope of the collection industry.
2.2 Recruiting viable prospects for all membership segments.
2.3 Increasing the number of individual members and individuals within each member company using ACA's benefits.
2.4 Extending and driving professional development through Campus ACA.
2.5 Using market research to evaluate current benefits and determine potential offerings.
2.6 Determining the feasibility of a captive insurance company to enhance insurance benefits.
3. To establish ACA International as the world's leading association for credit and collection professionals by:
3.1 Developing targeted marketing campaigns to increase and retain international members.
3.2 Increasing the number of international members attending the annual convention.
3.3 Promoting cross-border business for all industry segments.
3.4 Expanding Campus ACA resources for international members.
3.5 Seeking new opportunities for promoting ACA International as the worldwide leader in the credit and collection industry.
4. To strengthen ACA International's ability to influence legislative and regulatory decisions by:
4.1 Establishing a physical presence in Washington, D.C.
4.2 Addressing consumer concerns and complaints through the establishment of a third-party dispute-resolution program.
4.3 Continuing due diligence for development of a self-regulated organization (SRO).
4.4 Identifying and fostering coalitions with key organizations, associations and consumer groups sharing the goals of ACA International.
4.5 Implementing a strategy to help units identify issues and influence state legislative and regulatory decisions.
4.6 Increasing the number of ACA members actively involved in lobbying activities.
4.7 Increasing the number of members contributing to ACPAC and increasing support of candidates.
5. To implement a responsive, agile governing structure to better meet the needs of a diverse membership by:
5.1 Assessing the effectiveness of the current governance structure.
5.2 Developing and testing an effective model to strengthen unit viability.
5.3 Evaluating the current dues structure and its ability to support the overall mission of the association.
