Quantity Surveyors of British Columbia
Client since 2006
After short-listing three association management companies, the Quantity Surveyors of BC (QSBC) chose Support Services Unlimited to manage its operations, replacing its volunteer administrator when she retired after 20 years.
Today, Support Services provides the association of construction cost consultants with every facet of support, such as accounting and bookkeeping, organizing events, hosting board meetings, producing e-newsletters and AGM packages, membership registration, and much more.
"We receive the full gamut of services for much less than what it would cost us to hire someone full time," says Mark Russell, QSBC president. "And there's no way a part-time person or volunteer would be able to do everything Support Services does."
When the association's national counterpart wanted to host a conference in Whistler, Mark and the Board of Directors asked Support Services to submit an estimate for administrative support.
"We told them what we were looking for and they provided a lump sum cost," says Mark. "The scope of work was definitely within their capabilities and they fulfilled their obligations."
Because it works with multiple associations, Support Services has the purchasing power to request bulk or value pricing for venues, telecom services and other items. The savings are passed on to the client.
"As a stand-alone organization, we would never be able to get a quality venue for the pricing Support Services receives," says Mark. In turn, the venue helps to raise the association's profile.
The association also benefits from Support Services' professionalism.
"It's the people who make Support Services what it is," says Mark. "They are always looking for ways to help us reduce costs. They are responsive to our requests. And they bring a sense of professionalism to the table."
