Scholarship Program Awards Free Inner Circle Membership to Local Nonprofit Exec

Nonprofit executives are invited to join the Inner Circle® by participating in the “Join the Inner Circle” scholarship program sponsored by Inner Circle Mid-South franchise owner, Michael Synk. Inner Circle provides monthly, facilitated peer group meetings to business owners and executives in the Mid-South area. One nonprofit executive will be awarded a free annual membership to the Circle valued at $5800. Entry applications are being accepted from now through November 6, 2009 at http://join.theinnercircle.com.

“Nonprofits face the same fundamental challenges as any business, whether it’s funding, marketing, business development, human resource or execution related. The Inner Circle process has been shown to increase executives’ decision making ability and revenues in the for-profit sector, and it can help a nonprofit as well,” stated Synk, who currently facilitates three local Circles with 24 total Members. “And if we can enable a local nonprofit to be more effective, I believe we can help hundreds or even thousands more in our community who benefit from that cause.”

For twelve months, the winner will bring his/her “burning issue” to the Circle where other Members – who have likely faced the same issue at some point – will provide their insights, experience, connections and advice. This group approach, combined with a focus on accountability and outcomes, empowers people to overcome obstacles and capitalize on opportunities, faster – a dynamic today’s economy demands.

“We all know the economy is impacting charitable contributions and nonprofits, just like for-profits, are being forced to alter their strategies and budgets. Instead of dealing with these challenges in isolation, our winner will have the support and collective wisdom of the Circle to rely upon,” stated Synk. For further information or questions, contact Michael Synk at msynk@theinnercircle.com or 901.276.0200. Michael Synk has been successfully advising business owners in Memphis using the Inner Circle format for over seven years. In addition to Inner Circle, Michael leads strategic planning retreats, individually coaches executives and owners, and teaches a monthly strategy course called the In-Synk Strategic Huddle. He is the author of How to Create Customers as Loyal as Norm Peterson, a book about leveraging customer loyalty to create growth.

About Inner Circle

Inner Circle is an international peer advisory group franchise. Each Circle serves as an interactive think tank, a place where its Members come to challenge one another and be challenged. By tapping into the wisdom and objectivity of the Circle, Members find they are able to overcome obstacles faster and with greater confidence. Inner Circle’s proprietary Vision Quest process, focus on Member accountability and professional meeting facilitation strongly differentiate it from other peer group concepts. Founded in 1985, Inner Circle began franchising in 1997 and was acquired by Cleveland-based franchise investment firm, Merrymeeting, Inc. in 2008. For more information about Inner Circle and to access an online press kit, please visit www.theinnercircle.com. For more information about the Merrymeeting, Inc. family of franchised brands, please visit www.merrymtg.com.