Project Description

CM Services helped build the Renewable Energy Farmers of America (REFA) from the ground up. We transformed a passionate, farmer-first mission into a professional and functioning national association. 

Our team integrated with volunteer leaders to build scalable systems that support long-term credibility. We ensured this mission-driven organization could move from an idea to a tangible industry impact.

Renewable energy farmers of america logo

Project Description

REFA is a credible national association focused on the intersection of renewable energy and agriculture. 

The association provides a trusted resource hub for landowners navigating complex solar, wind and related energy projects. Its team aims to educate landowners so they can make confident decisions about their property.

CM Services spearheaded the association’s launch in July 2025 to protect farmer autonomy and property rights. We designed the organization to be legitimate, helpful and accessible to the farming community from day one. 

Our work established the infrastructure needed to educate members on leases, taxes and policy effects.

The Challenges

REFA’s volunteer leaders were mission-driven but needed help transforming their vision into a professional entity. Their association management company (AMC) had to be able to build organized communications and operational systems from square one.

As REFA’s partner, these were our primary hurdles:

  • Infrastructure buildout. We had to build the association’s backend while the organization itself was still forming.
  • Technical translation. Our team translated complex energy policy into practical, farmer-friendly language for members.
  • Cohesive launch strategy. We balanced the competing needs of advocacy, education and member services.
  • Scalability. The leaders needed systems built for growth that wouldn’t require rebuilding later.
  • Brand development. The association required consistent messaging and visual identity to establish legitimacy early.

The CM Services team tackled these challenges head-on alongside REFA leadership.

Our Approach

We acted as a tactical partner, balancing decisive action with the flexibility to adapt to real-world feedback. Our team simultaneously developed the association’s strategy, operations, design and communications.

Volunteer leaders who are personally invested in the association’s mission comprise the REFA board. Several members have navigated energy projects themselves and faced conflicting information and local opposition. 

The leaders’ frustration transformed into motivation to help guarantee future landowners never feel isolated or unprepared. Their lived experience informed our approach at every step.

“When you build an organization from scratch, every decision matters. Each choice shapes the association’s long-term credibility and sustainability.”
—Megan Galeher, Managing Director, CM Services

What We Delivered

REFA needed an experienced AMC that could master major aspects of the launch while staying adaptable. We brought both the planning and the versatility necessary for success.

Services Provided

CM Services provided a full suite of foundational and operational management services to the REFA launch:

  • Strategic positioning and launch messaging
  • Membership model and tier development
  • Association management software (AMS) implementation
  • Brand voice, visual design direction and marketing alignment
  • Educational content and social media planning
  • Member engagement and onboarding communication workflows
  • Content organization and knowledge management systems

Project Timeline

REFA signed with CM Services in May of 2024. Then, our team followed a systematic process to transform REFA from a concept to a live association:

  • Foundation phase. Defined the core mission, positioning and unique member value propositions.
  • Buildout phase. Crafted and implemented the backend membership structure, tiers and benefit frameworks.
  • Systems integration. Implemented the AMS and established scalable workflows for communications and engagement.
  • Design and marketing. Developed the logo, brand tone and visual identity for national exposure.
  • Launch execution. Worked with a marketing firm to announce the association’s debut in July 2025.
“What stood out was how often their [REFA] frustration had transformed into motivation. Instead of stepping away, they chose to lean in.”
—Megan Galeher, Managing Director, CM Services

The Results

Our partnership has established REFA as a trusted resource for the renewable energy and agriculture sectors. By providing comprehensive, intentional services, we delivered these measurable results:

  • Board formation. We successfully recruited and organized 11 engaged board members who meet monthly.
  • Membership growth. We helped grow the association from launch to a strong and growing base of active members. 
  • System credibility. CM Services established a professional brand voice and consistent positioning across all platforms.
  • Member engagement. We produced engagement-focused communications that deliver clear value to landowners.
  • Scalable operations. CM Services built a robust infrastructure that supports future growth without losing clarity or momentum.

Turn Your Vision Into a Managed Reality

CM Services helps your association reach its full potential through professional management. Submit an RFP, and let our team handle the logistics so you can focus on your mission.