HARTSOOK COMPANIES, INC., INTRODUCES NEWEST BEST PRACTICES COLLECTION: ‘ BEST PRACTICES COAST TO COAST'

WICHITA, Kan. (March 5, 2004) – Hartsook Companies, Inc., will introduce "Best Practices Coast to Coast^SM," the newest installment of the "Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM," at the 41st International Conference of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, March 14-17 in Seattle. This edition features one best practice or great idea from nonprofit executives, volunteers and leaders from every state in the US.

"Best Practices Coast to Coast" is free and can be obtained at the Hartsook Companies AFP Conference booth (1209), or by sending an e-mail to Tammy Weinman, tammy@hartsookcompanies.com. Hartsook Companies is one of the nation's leading fundraising consulting firms.

As readers and contributors have discovered, best practices make the best organizations even better. They confirm good thinking and reinforce smart processes. They strengthen relationships and secure bottom lines. They improve organizational efficiency and enhance value. Most important, they make it more likely an organization will succeed in its mission. They are easily transferable from one organization to another.

"Best Practices Coast to Coast" follows the original "Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM" (compiled at the 39th AFP Conference two years ago in St. Louis) and "Another Two-Dozen Best Practices^SM" (featuring 24 ideas from Hartsook Companies consultants). Hartsook Companies has gathered additional contributions through its best-practices seminars nationwide and from readers of Hartsook Companies' two electronic newsletters, e-Hartsook on Philanthropy and Strategies for Success. The best practices span the gamut from fundraising techniques to gift appreciation, from board development to leadership mentoring, communications, events, organizational management and more.

"We continue to be greatly impressed with the breadth and depth of the best practices we've collected," said Robert F. Hartsook, JD, EdD, Chairman and CEO of Hartsook Companies. "Operational efficiency is critical for a healthy organization. We are pleased to once again serve as a facilitator for the sharing of so many smart ideas."

Two samples from "Best Practices Coast to Coast"

• "Give Trustees a clear focus for cultivation and solicitation. Ask them to help you solicit one company and two people for support. That's all. Ten is too many, and even five bogs the Trustee down. Just focus them on three prospects and give them the background they need to set up the meeting, then go with them on the appointments so they don't worry about what to say. Help them along. You succeed, and they do, too!" – John R. Mitterling, Vice President for Development, North Carolina Symphony (Raleigh, N.C.)
  
• "Every year or so we have luncheons for the major attorneys, trust officers and accountants in town – a separate function for each firm. Our President and Foundation Executive Director update them on College and Foundation happenings. One person in each firm is our contact person to help set up the event. That person is the contact when we follow up and deliver our College/Foundation Annual Reports. We ask these contacts to place the annual reports in the reception areas for their clients in hopes that discussions about tax savings, estate planning and charitable gifts include us." – Harry I. Harelik, Executive Director, the McLennan Community College Foundation (Waco, Texas)

Hartsook Companies, Inc., has served nonprofits nationwide with capital, endowment and annual campaigns; leadership support; board training; marketing and more since 1987. The firm has conducted more than 1,200 campaigns ranging from $500,000 to more than $1 billion. Last year, Hartsook Companies served nearly 200 nonprofits in 40 states. The web site: www.hartsookcompanies.com.

Note to editors: For more information about Hartsook Companies, Inc., please visit www.hartsookcompanies.com. If you require a high-resolution photo, please e-mail Tammy Weinman, tammy@hartsookcompanies.com or reach her at 316.630.9992.