Why WALA? - Membership Benefits Guide
WALA is the premier voice for Wisconsin assisted living. Whether you're a provider, vendor or partner, membership in WALA is indispensable. See what we can do for you!
For Providers
Advocacy
As Wisconsin's leader in assisted living advocacy, WALA works regularly with the Bureau of Quality Assurance and other local, state and federal government entities.
Education
WALA offers educational seminars throughout the year that help meet your training requirements. These statewide events bring vital information directly to you and your staff.
Leadership
The HFS-83 rewrite, the liability insurance crisis and the rising acuity of residents are just some of the issues on which WALA continues to be a statewide leader.
Professional credibility
WALA membership helps show prospective residents and employees your commitment to professional growth and dedication to the assisted living industry.
For Service Providers and Vendors
Visibility
Associate membership in WALA gives you access to hundreds of assisted living providers around the state and demonstrates your interest in and commitment to addressing their needs.
Promotion
There are a variety of promotional opportunities and venues available through WALA, including exhibition at our conference, sponsorship of our events and ads in our newsletter.
Networking
Our Spring Conference, Autumn Classic golf tournament and other events are valuable opportunities to network with providers and business associates from around the state.
Referral
When our providers need a particular service, they turn to WALA members first through our Resource Directory, listings on our website and referrals from WALA staff.
For Partners
Access
Belonging to WALA gives you access to the decision-makers and business leaders who shape Wisconsin's assisted living industry.
Support
WALA is committed to making Wisconsin assisted living the best in the nation, and your participation is vital in working toward that goal.
For Students
Details for Student Membership and a Student Member Application form.
Members receive...
Reduced rates
WALA members receive a substantial discount on registration, exhibition and sponsorship at our training seminars and major events.
WALA Watch newsletter
Our newsletter comes out four times a year and features updates on assisted living issues, in-depth information from industry leaders and regulators, and detailed information on upcoming events around the state.
Fax and E-mail Blasts
Up-to-date information is distributed regularly through our Blasts, which members can receive by fax or e-mail. They include breaking news, event changes and information from ALFA, our national partner.
Free listing on our eWALA website
All provider and associate members receive a free listing on our website, which you can edit directly. Enhanced listings are also available.
Assisted Living Resource Directory
Twice a year, we produce a Resource Directory listing all of our associate members, which goes out to every provider member and BQA surveyor.
Pre-approved HFS-83 training materials
Through our relationship with Senior Living University, we can offer materials for teaching most HFS-83 training blocks--and only WALA includes the documentation you need for quick BQA approval.
Our Events
Spring Conference
The WALA Spring Conference is the largest and best assisted living conference in Wisconsin, featuring a variety of speakers, breakout sessions and exhibitors. We regularly have over 500 attendees and 60 exhibitors.
Regional Workshops
Throughout the year, WALA goes on the road to all five BQA regions bringing you a full day of education, training and regulatory updates.
Autumn Classic golf tournament
Join 100 of your business associates each September for a day of golf and networking in support of WALA's educational and legislative activities.
Training seminars
Throughout the year WALA offers a variety of training seminars on both the business and care aspects of assisted living. Many can be used to fulfill the continuing education requirements for you and your staff.
National Connection
WALA is a state affiliate member of ALFA, the Assisted Living Federation of America. As an affiliate, we work with ALFA on issues impacting our industry nationwide and follow their lead with the federal government. They, in turn, keep us updated on developments in other states and Washington, DC.
You can join ALFA directly, giving you access to all the benefits they have to offer. More on ALFA membership can be found on their website at www.alfa.org or by calling them at 703/691-8100 ext. 244.
Joining WALA
Becoming a member of WALA is a great investment, both for yourself and for the assisted living industry as a whole. We have three classes of membership, depending on which segment of the industry you are a part of:
Provider Membership
This class of membership is for owners and operators of assisted living facilities.
Dues are based on the total number of BQA-licensed beds in all of your facilities
(CBRF, AFH or RCAC). 2008
Dues: $17.50 per bed or RCAC apartment.
Associate Membership
This class of membership is for vendors or organizations that provide a service to the assisted living industry, or for individuals who are in the process of developing an assisted living facility for the first time. Associate member dues have not increased for 2008. Dues: $475 if your gross annual revenue is less than $1 million, $675 otherwise.
Supporting Partner Membership
This class of membership is for government officials and other individuals
involved with the assisted living industry. Supporting
partner dues have not increased for 2008. 2008 Dues: $100.
Student Membership
This class of membership is for full time or part time students
enrolled in an associate's, bachelor's or graduate program, with a personal
or professional
interested in assisted living. Dues:
$25.00 per academic year. [Student
Member application]
Dues are for the 2008 calendar year. We accept payment by check, money order or credit card. Provider members have the option of paying their dues in either two or four payments for an additional 25 cents per bed per payment.
If you have any questions about WALA membership please contact:
Member Services Director
Sarah Bass
2875 Fish Hatchery Rd
Madison, WI 53713-3120
608/442-0375
Fax: 608/288-0734
sbass@ewala.org