A month or so before dues are due, send a letter enumerating the past year’s events and accomplishments and invite future member participation.

Ask each member to complete a survey ranking events, services, etc., with comments invited. Such a survey might include the following questions: What did you like most about the previous year’s events? Least? Which events did you like most? Did you feel you received value for the prices charged? What type of future Chaîne events would you most enjoy (those featuring ethnic foods, educational seminars, formal events, casual events, costume parties)? What types of locations do you prefer? What are your opinions concerning events with other bailliages? Would you be interested in going on a bailliage-sponsored trip? Which days of the week fit your schedule best? How many events would you like scheduled each year? What months are you generally not available to attend events?

Create loyalty and pride by requiring that your members wear their ribbons at all dinners except the most informal. Consider making this point by taking a selection of "experienced" ribbons (donated by members promoted to higher office) to your events and loaning or "renting" them to forgetful members. Consider subjecting anyone showing up without a ribbon to a small fine.

For new members who have not yet been inducted, consider purchasing a supply of Rôtisseur chains and loan them to new members to wear until they receive their own ribbons at an induction ceremony.

Create organization identity by using logos as much as possible for your invitations, menus, place cards, etc.  Hang your chapter's Chaîne banner whenever possible and display Chaîne flags (available in various sizes through the National Office) at all Chaîne events.  

Baillis should not try to do everything themselves—even if they can do everything better and faster—because, by doing so, they deprive others of a rewarding learning experience.

When you invite new members to join, consider what contributions they can and might be willing to make. Encourage your members to become involved by doing what they do best.

Make the extra effort, perhaps with a phone call, to encourage members to attend the first three events that take place after they join. By then, they will hopefully be recruiting new members enthusiastically themselves.

Have Dinner Committees for each event. Members who have served on such committees have a clearer realization of the complexities involved in putting together a successful event. As they learn, they become more appreciative of the work involved.

Advise your membership when Board Meetings are scheduled and encourage interested members to attend. Be inclusive.

If your bailliage is short on workers, invite your Board members to bring their spouses and encourage them to accept job assignments.

At each event, certificates of merit or appreciation or special gifts should be presented to those meriting recognition, and thanks should be expressed to all who have been of assistance.

Bailliages should make maximum use of medals and other items the Chaîne makes available to reward those who have performed outstanding service. The Bronze Medal of Excellence may be given once a year to a member the Bailli feels has made an outstanding contribution to the bailliage.

Bailliages should make maximum use of awarding special titles, as appropriate. For example, the title of Officier may be conferred on an amateur who has attained a minimum of five years of membership and who has performed exceptional service to the bailliage. Commandeur status may be conferred for 20 years of membership, Officier Commandeur for 30 years, and Grand Commandeur for 40 years.

The National Office supplies lists of non-payers before they are finally dropped from the rolls. Follow up in person or by telephone.

It has been said that a dissatisfied member is the ultimate consultant, so when a member fails to renew, a short, focused exit interview should take place. Consider asking the sponsor to conduct the interview.

Consider sending members who don't attend a given event a menu and a short note afterwards telling them you missed them. They'll feel sorry they did not attend the event and will know you care.

When members are noticeably absent from several events, someone from the bailliage should contact them to see how they are and indicate they have been missed.