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MCLEAN, VA – July 13, 2010 – Avectra, the leading provider of web-based association management software (AMS), announced results today from the implementation of a custom credentialing solution designed for the American Speech-Hearing-Language Association (ASHA) by Agilutions – an Avectra implementation and solutions partner.

To manage the more than 6,500 certification applications received each year, Agilutions conducted an in depth process and technology consultation with ASHA and implemented the Agilutions Credentialing Solution, a custom netFORUM Enterprise module.

CSAE was founded in 1952 and is the “association of associations” for more than 250 association professionals throughout Colorado.

To manage the more than 6,500 certification applications received each year, Agilutions conducted an in depth process and technology consultation with ASHA and implemented the Agilutions Credentialing Solution, a custom netFORUM Enterprise module. 
“By improving our response time and service we not only create member value, we help them meet their professional goals.  Our partnerships with Avectra and Agilutions are key components of enabling our member’s success.” -  Mike Guerrieri, information systems director at ASHA.
The new system has significantly reduced the time from receipt of the certification application to review from an average of 21 days to 4 days – an improvement of more than 200%.  It has delivered not only faster response times but also flexibility, reduced financial risk, improved communications and improved member service.

Presented by Avectra—the leading provider of netFORUM association management software—the conference will attract a diverse crowd of more than 250 leading association executives, staff and IT personnel. Exhibitors and attendees will network, share information about products and services, and attend educational workshops.

As a Gold Level Sponsor, Agilutions will host a booth at the event and participate in a one-hour educational session. The session, which will be presented by co-founder Stephen Spruce, will cover new ways that credentialing organizations can utilize technology to streamline their online certification. Agilutions will also participate in a giveaway and host an opening night dinner to honor existing clients.

“We are so excited about the conference because it gives us the opportunity to connect with clients and reach out to new organizations that we can help streamline their online operations utilizing simplified technology,” says Agilutions Solutions Coach, Keith Ambuhl.

The conference will also feature an awards ceremony that recognizes the most innovative uses of netFORUM. Last year, Agilutions won the prestigious “Partner of the Year” award and was also honored as the first and only Avectra partner to have a project win the “Most Effective Implementation” award. This year, they hope to follow up strongly by receiving recognition for their outstanding work with their client-partners.

About Agilutions
Agilutions (pronounced a-jel-u-shens) is an Avectra Implementation Partner that utilizes expertise in technology, consulting and analysis to create agile solutions that turn great businesses into even better ones. Specializing in working with professional membership associations and credentialing organizations, Agilutions offers a boutique-type client experience that centers on quality, customer service and results. To learn more, call 303.298.8562.

The launch comes as the result of months of development utilizing Avectra’s netFORUM software. The goal of the project has been to standardize and streamline the processes and procedures the ASHA staff uses to manage and support Applicants in receiving the CCC-SLP and/or CCC-A certifications. The solution sets the stage to transform the lengthy paper-based application process into a more customer-friendly online application process. This way the Applicant will have the ability to “self-manage” and monitor the progress of their application and complete portions of the application online.

“We are excited to launch this exciting new application for ASHA because we know that it will have very positive results for their organization,” says Agilutions Solution Coach Keith Ambuhl. “Namely, the new Certification Application Module will enable ASHA to streamline their certification process by moving key processes into a centralized database and set of business rules.”

The new certification module is the second project that Agilutions has completed for ASHA. Last year, Agilutions worked with ASHA to implement a membership/dues/renewal payment import process that has proven to be critical in helping them to create a seamless member payment system. Overall, ASHA credits Agilutions with helping them utilize technology to make key improvements and is looking forward to continuing to develop a successful relationship.

“Agilutions is one of my favorite vendor partners,” says ASHA Information Technology Director, Mike Cuerrieri. “I consider them a strategic asset to my association. They embrace our objectives as their own and work side-by-side with us to achieve them. They are uncommonly quick at understanding business processes and have the unique ability to persistently and gently persuade end-users to accept improvements to business processes and system changes.”

About Agilutions
Agilutions (pronounced a-jel-u-shens) is an Avectra Implementation Partner that utilizes expertise in technology, consulting and analysis to create agile solutions that turn great businesses into even better ones. Specializing in working with professional membership associations and credentialing organizations, Agilutions offers a boutique-type client experience that centers on quality, customer service and results. To learn more call 303.298.8562.

About the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the professional, scientific, and credentialing association for 135,000 members and affiliates who are audiologists, speech-language pathologists and speech, language, and hearing scientists. To learn more, please visit www.asha.org.

“We are very excited about the updated Web site and how it reflects us as a company. The last year marked a profound increase in business for Agilutions and we are well-positioned for another amazing year,” says solutions coach, Keith Ambuhl.

Along with the streamlined Web site, Agilutions is also making a number of additional key changes in response to their explosive growth. Recently, they expanded into an additional office space at their downtown Denver location and hired a new account manager and programmer.  They also hosted a popular booth at the “Shine On:  Exploring the Spectrum of Credentialing” 2009 NOCA Annual Educational Conference and were invited to appear as an emerging technology company on the CNN TV Show, Inside Business Report.

In addition to exposure opportunities and an updated Web presence, Agilutions is focused on continuing to develop target technical solutions for a wide array of client needs. Recently they launched a new certification engine for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and built an application tool for the National Association of County and City Health Officials.

About Agilutions
Agilutions (pronounced a-jel-u-shens) is an Avectra Implementation Partner that utilizes expertise in technology, consulting and analysis to create agile solutions that turn great businesses into even better ones. Specializing in working with professional membership associations and credentialing organizations, Agilutions offers a boutique-type client experience that centers on quality, customer service and results. To learn more call 303.298.8562.

The conference will enable Agilutions to connect with associations and nonprofits who want to learn ways to utilize netFORUM software to grow their businesses. “We are so excited to be a part of this wonderful conference and look forward to sharing our insights,” says Agilutions solution coach, Keith Ambuhl. “We have developed a simplified approach to technology that really fits the needs of associations and is changing the way that they interact with members.” In order to share information about their services, the Agilutions team will host a booth, participate in workshops and hold a drawing for a Wii game console at the event.

Since 1908, the sisterhood of Alpha Kappa Alpha continues to empower communities through exemplary service initiatives and progressive programs. According to the Alpha Kappa Alpha Web site:

Founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC in 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-trained women. To trace its history is to tell a story of changing patterns of human relations in America in the 20th century.

The small group of women who organized the Sorority was conscious of a privileged position as college-trained women of color, just one generation removed from slavery. They were resolute that their college experiences should be as meaningful and productive as possible. Alpha Kappa Alpha was founded to apply that determination.

As the Sorority grew, it kept in balance two important themes: the importance of the individual and the strength of an organization of women of ability and courage. As the world became more complex, there was a need for associations which cut across racial, geographical, political, physical and social barriers.

Alpha Kappa Alpha’s influence extends beyond campus quads and student interest. It has a legacy of service that deepens, rather than ends, with college graduation.

The goals of its program activities center on significant issues in families, communities, government halls and world assembly chambers. Its efforts constitute a priceless part of the global experience in the 21st century.

Learn more about Alpha Kappa Alpha.

The Challenge

The Solution
Agilutions knew a simple survey tool would not suffice, so they worked to devise a system that would comply with NACCHO’s particular requirements. Agilutions built a configurable management application,  integrated into the netFORUM framework, that enables NACCHO to build and manage custom applications. This enables departments within the organization to set up applications internally without needing IT support. It also speeds up the application process so health organizations can receive grants in a more timely manner.

The Results
Developed to adapt to endless application requirements, Agilutions created a system that maximizes productivity and internal resources while reducing paperwork. Specifically, the Agilutions’ solution has enabled NACCHO to increase the application review period from three months to just one week.  All in all, when the implementation was complete, NACCHO received a robust application tool that will save them time and resources so they can focus on other key tasks.