Members of the Associated Press Managing Editors have voted unanimously to approve $150 annual dues, the first time APME has decided to collect dues in its 74-year history.

The decision was approved by the roughly 50 editors at the organization's business meeting, held at the end of the annual conference Oct. 3-5 in Washington, D.C. The charge will take effect Jan. 1.

APME leaders said they hope to raise about $40,000 in the first year, $75,000 by 2009 and $120,000 by 2012. The money is needed to create a structure to better serve membership.

Newspapers that do not pay dues still will be APME members. Editors who do pay will be entitled to benefits, including the association's magazine and discounts on conference registration and contest entries.

The organization has about 1,600 member newspapers, but only 250 are expected to pay dues and participate in events in the first year. The association hopes to double its dues-paying membership in a few years.

Board members said the money will help professionalize the organization. Its only full-time employee is on loan from The Associated Press. Goals include hiring a staff for fundraising, budgeting and outreach. "This will help us have a strategic start to our five-year plan," outgoing President Karen Magnuson said.

The decision brings APME in line with the National Association of Black Journalists, the Society of Professional Journalists and the American Society of Newspaper Editors. Each charges at least $72 per year, with the ASNE charging up to $675 for newspapers with a circulation of at least 50,000.

APME board members said they considered a tiered structure that would have charged small-circulation newspapers less but considered implementing it too difficult.