Online Registration Now Available for Fall Classes

The day everyone has been waiting for is finally here. Columbia Association (CA) launched its online registration on Aug. 18. Now, CA members and Columbia Card holders can sign up for many of their favorite classes and programs through the new online system.

So what do people need to set up their online account? That’s easy! Go to ColumbiaAssociation.org/login to get established. When entering your membership ID number, please make sure to include the decimal point and the two digits following it. A detailed tutorial to assist people who are registering for online accounts can be found at ColumbiaAssociation.org/SpectrumNG/create_account.cfm.

Don’t have computer access? No worries; registration still will be available in person or by phone at the facility where the program will be held. Members also can use the computers located at the Columbia Gym, Supreme Sports Club and Columbia Athletic Club.

If you still need help to set up your online account, call the Membership Service Center at 410-730-1801 and one of the representatives will be happy to assist you.

Written by Erin McPhail

More CA Programs, Classes Now Available For Online Registration

For Columbia Association (CA) members and Columbia Card holders looking to participate in many of CA’s programs and classes, CA’s new online customer service system is where it’s at — or, well, @.

That’s because even more activities can now be registered and paid for online via Spectrum NG, software that is used in facilities around the country — and has replaced CA’s 30-year-old customer service system.

Spectrum NG online services was launched for CA’s aquatics programs in June. As of Aug. 18, CA members and Columbia Card holders can also sign up online for select activities at the Columbia Art Center, Columbia Athletic Club, Columbia Gym, Columbia Ice Rink, Fairway Hills Golf Club, Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club and Supreme Sports Club. Some tennis programs are also available for online registration.

Those programs and activities are easily found in the fall CA Activities Guide, which is available at this link. Inside the guide, an “@” symbol denotes online registration. CA members and Columbia Card holders can then go to ColumbiaAssociation.org/login, sign up for an online account and then log in. More information on online registration is available on page 4 of the Activities Guide, and a tutorial on creating an account and registering for programs is available at ColumbiaAssociation.org/tutorial.

Phil Nelson Sees the Sun through the Cloud

From “From the Desk of Phil Nelson” The Business Monthly – June 4, 2012

The tech update for CA membership management has been a long time in the making. The deployment of Spectrum NG means a launch into the so-called cloud. Since the 1970s (yes, the ‘70s) CA has used Prime as the software system for member management. Finally, through a lot of research, sleeve-rolling, and getting back to the ‘ol drawing board, it’s no longer prime time for Prime. Spectrum NG takes membership organization to new heights.

To see how Phil Nelson sees the sun through the cloud and to get more details about the long-sought tech upgrade, read the full Business Monthly column.

 

Introducing Spectrum NG!

CA launches its new customer service system

We’ve drafted an Aquatics Master Plan, created redevelopment plans for Symphony Woods Park, finished dredging Lake Kittamaqundi and launched a new company logo. Phew! There’s a lot going on with the Columbia Association (CA) lately! And in another step toward the future, CA launched its new customer service platform, Spectrum NG. The new platform was developed by CSI Software, a leading provider of software and related services to health and fitness clubs, campus recreation centers, wellness centers and parks and recreation departments. Spectrum NG is replacing CA’s previous 30-year-old system, Prime.

Here’s the part that’s exciting for all CA members: the new system will increase the speed and convenience of transactions and enhance overall customer service capacity at CA facilities. You might be wondering how this will affect your interactions with CA. Not to worry; we’ve aimed to make the transition as easy as possible for everyone. Your previous membership information has been transferred and members and Columbia Card holders can continue to use their current membership cards. Spectrum NG will also allow CA to store member photos for easy verification if you ever forget your membership card when you visit a facility! And beginning this month, you’ll be able to access your account information and register for classes and programs online.

Another change that will be happening will affect the way guest passes are distributed and redeemed at CA facilities. In Spectrum NG, one guest pass will be used per person, regardless of the person’s age. At renewal, Package Plan Plus members will receive six free guest passes and Package Plan members will receive four free passes.

Learn more about the new system and how it will affect your experience at CA facilities by visiting ColumbiaAssociation.org/SpectrumNG.

— Written by Aria White

CA Launches New Customer Services Platform

New system will increase speed, convenience and customer service

The Columbia Association (CA) launched its new customer services platform, Spectrum NG, on Monday, May 7. Spectrum NG, a business solutions project developed by CSI Software — a leading provider of software and related services to health and fitness clubs, campus recreation centers, wellness centers, and parks and recreation departments — is replacing CA’s 30-year-old system, Prime.

The new system will transform the way CA operates and serves its customers. Following the launch period, this system will increase the speed and convenience of transactions, and enhance overall customer service at CA.“Launching Spectrum NG is just milestone one of this project. It represents a smart choice for the organization and allows us to focus on our strengths… and to use tools that are readily available today,” notes Chuck Thompson, CA’s chief information officer.

In the new system, members and Columbia Card-holders will still be able to use their existing cards. However, there will be changes to CA’s guest pass redemption system: Package Plan Plus members will receive six free guest passes instead of the four previously issued and Package Plan members will receive four free passes instead of the two previously issued. In the new system, one guest pass will be used per admission, regardless of the age of the participant.

The process of launching Spectrum NG will be evolutionary. CA will begin “phasing in” future enhancements starting with the launch of the web portal on Friday, June 1. The portal’s services will include online registration for most classes and programs, online credit card payments for membership fees, online access to account information, and more.

In May 2011, CA issued a request for proposals for an off-the-shelf software system to replace its current 30-year-old system. CSI Software was selected and began working with CA staff in the fall of 2011 with  on-site consultation, set-up, training and installation. CA is one of CSI’s largest clients and will be able to provide continued support and allow the CA’s services to grow as CSI’s system grows.

More information on this project, including background, frequently asked questions and video updates, is available at ColumbiaAssociation.org/SpectrumNG.

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Resources:
CA’s Spectrum NG Launch Web Site
Spectrum NG Launch Video Update from CIO – May 7, 2012
Spectrum NG FAQs
Twitter hashtag: #SpectrumNG

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