September 2008

Focus On:
Kappa Alpha Order's Partnership with Omega Financial

On July 3, 2008, the Executive Council of Kappa Alpha Order announced their selection of Omega Financial, Inc. to provide financial and membership management and billing services to their 130 chapters across the country. All KA chapters will be using Omega's undergraduate billing service beginning January 1, 2009.

"Omega was far and away the best option," said Larry Wiese, Executive Director. "Many of our chapters have been using their service for years, and the company was given really high marks from them. Most impressive to me is that Omega is so focused on providing extraordinary support to their customers -- and that is rare in today's world."

Using Omega's proprietary system, members have online access to their individual account and can pay their chapter bills online. Additionally, Kappa Alpha's alumni volunteers and chapter officers will have real-time access to the chapter's finances and membership information.

"The coming changes to the IRS Form 990 are significant, and Omega is helping us address the reporting and compliance requirements nationwide. That's going to be a huge help to KA," Wiese added.

"We are committed to the success of this partnership and really look forward to working with the chapters of Kappa Alpha Order for years to come," says David Carico, Omega's Vice President - Business Development.

Focus On:
Sigma Chi, University of California-Berkeley

Sigma Chi expresses their thanks to the UC-Berkeley student body.

Sigma Chi chapters across the country annually organize Derby Days to support various charities. According to the Alpha Beta Chapter at the University of California-Berkeley, they began the event in 1922 and have been holding it on their campus ever since.

One of the most successful Derby Day's events in the country is Alpha Beta's event, which involves members of the UC-Berkeley student body competing to earn points in a variety of games. Students compete in everything from dodge ball to pie-throwing contests. Groups also gain points based on the number of people who attend an event on behalf of their group. The organization that accumulates the most points over the course of the week is crowned the Derby Days Champion.

Students pay a nominal fee to participate and attend the contests. Sponsorships and donations from charitable businesses and individuals also contribute to the success of the event. Over the course of the week, the combined fees and donations accumulated helped the Berkeley Sigma Chi chapter raise more than $12,000 for charitable organizations; primarily the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

"We've been working with these young men for eight years," says Omega Account Manager Loni Mantooth. "The chapter leadership has always been on top of things. It's no surprise they can organize and execute such exciting Derby Days at Berkeley."

Focus On:
Member Access Plus Enhancements

With the goal of providing more functionality and options to fraternity and sorority members across the United States, Omega Financial recently released a series of improvements to Member Access Plus, the online interface for members and their parents to manage and pay their chapter account.

Members and parents logging in to Member Access Plus will find an updated look, easier navigation, and new and simplified payment options. They will enjoy the enhanced calendar and other online resources. The new Payment Trends graph will give members a quick view of their on-time payment history. Also, members can now sign their chapter's Member Contract online with Omega's new Digital Signature system. Signed contracts help provide a stronger financial foundation for every chapter.

Along with an obvious new look, Omega has added AutoPay, which is an even easier way for members and parents to keep their account current. Members can use AutoPay to have their bill paid automatically with a draft from their bank account or a charge to their credit card. AutoPay will provide members and parents with:

Another convenient way to pay
Time savings
Peace of mind knowing it's secure and free
The flexibility to suit their needs
The best way to keep an account in good standing with on-time payment to the chapter

To learn more about Auto Pay, or sign up today, members and parents can log into their account at www.memberaccessplus.com.

Focus On:
Jonathan Hermes, STAR Treasurer

Name: Jonathan Hermes

Officer Title: Chapter Treasurer

Organization: Pi Kappa Alpha

Nominated by: Krystee Edwards, Account Manager and Director of Operations

Why he's a STAR: From the minute Jonathan took office, he has been eager to do whatever he could to strengthen chapter finances. He has definitely made a positive impact on chapter collections. Jonathan has obtained member contracts and always responds quickly to member or parent billing questions or disputes.

In addition, he has also enrolled his chapter in Bill Pay Express, which greatly improves the way chapter payables are managed. Krystee Edwards, the chapter's Account Manager, says "I remember early on, Jonathan actually asked me to tell him exactly what he could be doing better for their chapter. We don't hear that question often. I was immediately thrilled about his eagerness to make improvements."

Focus On:
Jennifer Dunnivan, Member and Parent Relations Representative
"A glimpse into the life of one of Omega's Employees."

Jennifer and her husband, Dwayne, at Carillon Beach in Florida

Since February 2002, Jennifer Dunnivan has advanced her career at Omega. She started as a receptionist. In 2005, Jennifer joined the Customer Service team as a Member and Parent Relations Representative.

When asked what she likes best about being part of the Omega team she says, "I love the camaraderie with my co-workers. It's more like a family, an Omega family. I am proud to be a part of Omega's dedicated Customer Service team. I believe that the quality of service we provide our customers far exceeds that of other companies."

When Jennifer is not at Omega, she enjoys spending time with her husband Dwayne. She is excited, once again, to have the long awaited college football season back in full swing. Jennifer is an Auburn Tigers fan, and her husband is a fan of the rival team, the Georgia Bulldogs. Needless to say, when the Georgia vs. Auburn game comes around, they will be watching the game in separate rooms of their home.

Jennifer and Dwayne are expecting their first child any day now! Their baby boy will be named Owen Trippe Dunnivan.

Ask Omega
"Frequently asked questions that you may be wondering about, too."

What are the elements of a great alumni newsletter?

Greek organizations interested in producing a quality alumni newsletter should look to the award-winning newsletter produced by the Kappa Sigma Fraternity at the University of Georgia.

In July, the National Office awarded the Beta Lambda Chapter with the Outstanding Newsletter Award at the 2008 Kappa Sigma Leadership Conference.

Beta Lambda left their former alumni service provider to partner with Omega Financial in September 2007. Trey Reese, Alumni Chapter Grand Scribe, compiled information for their newsletter and then relied on Omega's writers, editors, designers, and publication experts to publish what would become their award-winning Fall 2007 newsletter.

"We'd love to see every Omega client recognized by their headquarters this way. It's our goal to create the best possible newsletters and alumni communication pieces for the chapters we work with," comments Ronnie Klein, Alumni Services Manager.

In order to meet that goal,Klein and Laura Hamilton, an Omega Campaign Manager, have developed some newsletter tips to help chapters create the most effective communication pieces possible:

Balance: Make sure the newsletter has an equal amount of alumni and undergraduate news.
Pictures: Throughout the year, be sure to document every chapter and alumni activity.
Show off a bit: If a chapter can brag to anyone about how great it is, it's to their own alumni! Don't be afraid to list chapter accomplishments and show alumni why they should stay engaged and support the chapter.
Events: Plan the chapter and alumni calendar as far in advance as possible. Even a "save the date" in the newsletter is helpful for alumni if an event is coming up.
Keep information interesting: Diversity in articles and newsletter content is important. Ensure that you don't make the mistake of including multiple articles on similar topics.

To see the award-winning Kappa Sigma newsletter, or to learn more about Omega's alumni communication programs, visit www.omegaalumniservices.com.

*** Do you have a specific question about Omega, our products or services? Send your questions titled, "Ask Omega" to Mandy Pierce, Director of Sales at mpierce@omegafi.com. If your question is selected to feature in the next issue, you'll receive an Omega gift pack.

Nominate Your Chapter

Has your chapter done something noteworthy that deserves recognition? Have you developed an innovative program or project you want to share with the rest of the Omega family? Do you have the nicest chapter house on campus? Let us know so we can feature your chapter or your house in future editions. If your material is featured, the person making the nomination will receive an Omega gift pack. To nominate your chapter, send an e-mail to Krystee Edwards, Account Management Coordinator, at kedwards@omegafi.com describing why your chapter or your house deserves recognition. Be sure to attach some pictures!

In this issue:

Kappa Alpha Order's Partnership with Omega Financial

Sigma Chi, University of California-Berkeley

Member Access Plus Enhancements

Jonathan Hermes, STAR Treasurer

Jennifer Dunnivan, Member and Parent Relations Representative

Ask Omega

Quick Links:

Omega Financial Home Page

Alumni Services offered by Omega

Member Access Plus

Contact Omega

Omega Financial
P.O. Box 2207
Columbus, GA 31902

Phone
(800) 276-6342

Fax
(706) 571-0043

E-mail info@omegafi.com

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