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Coastal & Estuarine Research Federation

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Before coming to SBI, CERF had many contractors and dispersed services. This format made processes very slow and difficult to manage with team members that were separated geographically. SBI consolidated all services under one roof – membership, financials, conference planning, and day-to-day administration while retaining CERF’s outside Executive Director as subject matter expert to set the strategic direction of the organization. This has allowed for more organized and efficient processes and a more unified effort to advance the mission of CERF, and allowing CERF’s leadership to focus on the bigger picture. SBI recently managed CERF’s largest-ever biennial conference in Providence, Rhode Island attended by more than 1,600, including 900 oral and poster presenters.

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Partner Since: 2013
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Geographic Reach: International
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Services Provided: Board Support, Event Management, Financial Management, Marketing & Communications, Member Services, Technology Solutions

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From Our Clients

What They’re Saying

SBI has put in a lot of policies and procedures to help our volunteer organization be more organized and run more smoothly. We are more effective and efficient as an organization. SBI is very attentive to our needs, and is timely in their responding back to our questions. We knew SBI would be good, we did not realize they are actually great!

Darrell DuncanSACUBO President

For us, as a small organization of two staff members, SBI is able to increase our impact around our mission and effectively support us in the areas of finance, marketing & communication and event planning.

Shoshanna Sumka, Executive DirectorIndependent Schools Experiential Education Network

SBI took the management reins for our organization well into our annual conference planning cycle when our predecessor provider terminated relations unexpectedly. The SBI team hit the ground running and demonstrated superior flexibility and support to make the conference a success... and they have only built upon that success since.

Mark Patterson, Conference Committee Co ChairInternational Ombuds Association

WOW – just WOW!! I have been through a lot of conferences and conference planning, and I have to say—this was an extraordinary experience. I don’t know what it felt like behind the scenes but from where I sat, it was flawless. You all do better work than organizations twice this size with twice the number of staff. I am amazed and honored to work with you!

Ellen Miller, Executive DirectorInternational Ombuds Association

We've appreciated SBI's guidance, support, expertise, competence, kindness, and professionalism these past two years. We know that CERF 2023 is not your only client, but it sure seemed like we were. Without fail, you were immediately responsive to all of our many questions and requests. We also appreciated your positively and can-do attitudes. We think that if you had a motto, it would be, "Yes, let's make this happen!" Thanks in no small part to you, CERF 2023 is actually happening, and we know it will be a success.

John Rybczyk and John CallawayCERF 2023 Conference Chairs

Not only has SBI been efficient in assisting our board with daily tasks that would not get done otherwise, but they also take initiative in advising us on how to run our society smoothly. They seem to really care about our mission and have done great work in helping us achieve our goals

Anatte Karmom, MDPCRS VP of Administration

Having SBI’s assistance and expertise has been critical to our organization’s growing success and in meeting the needs of members to connect and share information with one another.

Gina Galluppi, Newsletter EditorAssociation of Donor Relations Professionals

SBI's technical expertise, professionalism, responsiveness, organizational strength and depth, attention to detail and support has contributed to the quality trainings offered to our members.

Lori Cummings, Professional Development ChairWashington Recreation & Park Association

Working with SBI has provided increased capacity for the Board to focus on setting direction because now our leadership has the time to strategize on the future of a fast-changing profession.

Julie Bostian, Past PresidentAssociation of Donor Relations Professionals

During the first year...we were able to establish a solid relationship that truly has been fruitful...We look forward to continuing our important work in partnership with the SBI team.

Marcia Martínez-Helfman, Past PresidentInternational Ombuds Association

The board meeting was fabulous. I think the diversity session was very well-received. The strategic planning session was great and gave us concrete strategic areas to work on going forward.

Teresa Costantinidis, Past PresidentWestern Association of College and University Business Officers

We love working with SBI! Preparing for and running our annual conference is made simple and straight forward due to their expertise.

Mousa Shamonki, Past PresidentPacific Coast Reproductive Society

I highly recommend SBI to any association seeking outside management.

Paul Dudley, Past PresidentPacific Coast Reproductive Society

Delightful group with whom to work. Has gone to great lengths to understand, assimilate and coordinate the process of our Society.

Charles Coddington, Board MemberPacific Coast Reproductive Society

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