PAYO Rebranding Resources

1. Review your external branding such as your chapter name, website, logo, email domains, etc. Does it include "APA"?
2. Review your internal documents such as your bylaws, articles of incorporation, bank account, etc.
3. Look into your state's Secretary of State rules on updating your name or filing a DBA.
4. Chapter Board should get together and determine what needs to be updated (website, logo, documents, etc.) and whether you will be doing a complete name change or filing to use a Doing Business As (DBA) name.
5. Create a checklist and timeline.

No, the rebrand is not mandatory for our chapters. Though, the approach may differ depending on the chapter's name. If it includes "APA", then we strongly suggest a rebrand or filing a DBA. If the name does not include "APA", we suggest reviewing your branding and decide whether you would like to make any updates.

Start by reviewing your organization's documents to determine what steps you need to take to change your name. Documents include your bylaws and articles of incorporation. You can review your state's rules for changing a business name or adopting/changing a DBA. This is usually found at the state's Secretary of State website.

There is no deadline for updating your chapter documents, website, or materials. Though, since PAYO has rebranded, we suggest aiming to complete these updates as soon as possible so that your current or future members are not confused. PayrollOrg also advises chapters to update their website, emails, logos, and documents, at their own pace, mindful of any associated costs. The transition may take additional time for many chapters.

Review your chapter documents to determine what needs to be updated. Your chapter board may be required to vote on a name change, either under your bylaws or by the state when you file for the name change or DBA. Again, your state rules will determine what you need to file.

For example, we are American Payroll Institute, Inc., doing business as (DBA) PayrollOrg. Prior to May 2, 2023, we were American Payroll Institute, Inc., DBA American Payroll Association. Note: The business name did not change, just the DBA.

This would be each chapter board's decision. If you are already operating under a DBA, it may be easier to change the DBA. If not, you can always adopt one. Or for consistency and paperwork, you may just wish to have the same name on everything, which would require a name change.

For example, we are American Payroll Institute, Inc. doing business as (DBA) PayrollOrg. Prior to May 2, 2023, we were American Payroll Institute, Inc., DBA American Payroll Association. Note: The business name did not change, just the DBA.