The joint ACC North Carolina/South Carolina Chapters Conference, held on Sept. 25 – 26 in beautiful Pinehurst, NC, brought together members of the cardiovascular care team who are making a distinct difference in the lives of others. There has been a concerted effort within the Chapter to attract other talented and resourceful professionals with the benefits membership to the ACC South Carolina Chapter. The centerpiece of this recruitment campaign will lead to expanded professional networking opportunities.

Some of the ways the SC Chapter is engaging potential members include:

1. Grassroots efforts done primarily through phone calls to cardiology offices that have cardiology extenders.

2. Raising awareness of the ACC SC Chapter and the opportunity to become a member of the Chapter during dues renewal (Simply check the "SC Chapter Dues" box on the membership form and then submit dues, only $20 for SC).

3. Working with ACC National through the SC Chapter Executive, Beth Denny, to find ways to highlight the "SC Chapter Dues" selection on membership forms.

4. Targeting different sections of the state by dividing the state into three sections – the Upstate, Midlands and Low Country – and encouraging practices to discuss the benefits of ACC membership at monthly extender meetings, to send email updates to practices, or simply passing on the benefits of membership by word of mouth. For example, I will be attending a monthly meeting in Anderson, SC and speaking with nurse practitioners and physicians assistants about ACC and SC Chapter membership.

As cardiology care providers, we feel that there is power in numbers, and by increasing membership of the ACC SC Chapter, we can continue to provide quality care to our patients and be a strong voice of leadership within the ACC.

The next joint conference will take place in Kiawah, SC September 23 – 25, 2016. Generous scholarships are available for advanced practice chapter members.

Visit the ACC SC Chapter website for more information.

This article was authored by Janice Butler Ryckeley, MPH, ANP-BC, and Jennifer M. Lee, MSN, FNP-C.