NEWS: Register now for the IATA's Annual Conference...read more
|
QUICK LINKS: Get Detailed Trail Info |
|
"Ice Age Trail Alliance" Name Change Information At our most recent annual membership meeting (April 25th, 2009 in Merrill, Wis.), our members voted to change the organization's name to Ice Age Trail Alliance, Inc. (IATA). Why was a name change proposed? The Ice Age Trail Alliance is one of many nonprofit organizations competing for attention and support. It is imperative that our name clearly communicates who we are and what we do. Many within the organization felt our previous name (Ice Age Park & Trail Foundation) did not do this, for the following reasons: - The term "Park" is anachronistic. When the organization was founded in 1958, one of its goals was establishing a linear national park highlighting Wisconsin's remarkable Ice Age legacy. While our purpose today still is to provide public access to Wisconsin's glacial features, our attention has increasingly become "to create, support and protect" the Ice Age Trail as a footpath linking these features. - The term "Park" can be misleading. We occasionally receive calls from individuals, possibly seeking out a theme park–type experience, who ask for information on the "Ice Age Park". - The term "Foundation" often refers to an organization that gives money away as opposed to accepting in. - The length of the name is unwieldy and the wording confusing. People often cannot remember the name accurately or just use a portion of the full name. How was the new name, Ice Age Trail Alliance, chosen? The Ice Age Trail Alliance's board of directors appointed a four-member ad hoc renaming committee consisting of a staff member, two board members and an IATA member who has served the organization in a number of capacities. The committee developed the following selection criteria (approved by the board) for a new name: 1. Is the name understandable, concise and simple to remember? 2. Is the name descriptive of the organization and in keeping with the mission and vision statements? 3. Is the name appealing to members, Trail users and the general public? 4. Is the name appealing and pertinent to the Trail partners and political entities? 5. Is the name recognizable and appealing to potential contributors and supporters? 6. Does the name have positive connotations or collateral benefits? 7. If the initial letters of the name form an acronym, is it appropriate? An announcement about the proposed name change was included in the Fall 2008 issue of the IATA's quarterly magazine, Mammoth Tales, which mailed in late July 2008. The announcement encouraged IATA members to visit the IATA's website (www.iceagetrail.org) to learn more about the issue and provide feedback. The renaming committee gathered feedback from IATA members, the general public and two consultants and presented all comments in a report at the November 8th IAPTF board meeting. The committee recommended two options that seemed to be the best choices: Ice Age Trail Association, Inc. and Ice Age Trail Alliance, Inc. "Association" was deemed a safe yet perhaps slightly stodgy choice, while "Alliance" was deemed to be a more powerful and contemporary choice. A motion was made to select "Alliance" for approval by the membership; after a brief discussion the motion passed unanimously. What is the definition of the word “Alliance”? The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines “alliance” as follows: 1 a: the state of being allied : the action of allying b: a bond or connection between families, states, parties, or individuals <a closer alliance between government and industry>. Why is the new name believed to be a good choice? - Alliance is contemporary and connotes a proactive cooperative effort. - Forming alliances with each other and others is the basis of our success. - The new name is much shorter, easier to use and remember than the old name. It rolls off the tongue more easily. - Alliance was the preferred choice of two independent professional marketing consultants. - After feedback from IATA members and other sources was reviewed, the renaming committee fully supported the name. - At the November board meeting, “Alliance” was selected by unanimous vote. How was the vote structured at the 2009 annual membership meeting? Members were able to vote "Yes" or "No" for Ice Age Trail Alliance, Inc., at the April 2009 annual membership meeting. The new name was adopted because two-thirds or more of the members present in person or by proxy cast a "Yes" vote. When does the new name go into effect? Paperwork will be filed with the State of Wisconsin as soon as possible. IATA staff and volunteers will work to implement the new name throughout the organization's literature, website and promotional materials. Signs and other materials with the Ice Age Park & Trail Foundation name and logo will be replaced as quickly as possible. The process is expected to take months to complete. |
