Coastal & Estuarine Research Federation

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.

Partner Since: 2013

Geographic Reach: International

Services Provided: Board Support, Event Management, Financial Management, Marketing & Communications, Member Services, Technology Solutions

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“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

“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 Martínes-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, 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, PresidentPacific Coast Reproductive Society

“I highly recommend SBI to any association seeking outside management.”
Paul Dudley, VP FinancePacific 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

“SBI has a "Team" approach and mentality in dealing with IOA. They go the extra mile in working with the various committees and leadership on tasks, projects, and strategy. It has proven for me to be a very comfortable relationship and one that adds value in ways that IOA has long needed.”
Chuck HowardInternational 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