Why Do You Belong To An Industry Association?

Brad Klein

Industry organizations are an important part of a company’s initial growth and continued success. Our membership has given us the opportunity to learn from the best in the industry. Our company can directly attribute its fast paced growth from the association contacts that we have made. The vendors at the trade show have been an invaluable resource and the people that we have met in conferences and committee meetings have never once hesitated to provide any and all information necessary for the benefit of our organization. The one caveat to all of this is that by paying dues to an organization, you don’t benefit. You must become involved. I believe that you get back in many multiples what you give.

John Barrett

Most people join an industry association such as ISSA to further education, certification, networking, advocacy or a host of other reasons. And while these are all legitimate and valid reasons, some people see the opportunity to serve as the most important reason to join and actively participate in an association. By participating in the governance and policy setting that serves to define the industry, board and committee members have the opportunity to honor the traditions of the industry and ensure institutional viability in the future. Most of these positions are unpaid, but that is not to say, your time is uncompensated.

The rewards of serving your industry virtuously, go well beyond the cost or time involved. The formation of friendships from working around a common purpose is more than enough compensation. Not surprisingly, some pretty good business has a way of coming out of it as well. Ours is an industry with a history of giving back; not to mention an industry where the individual can make a huge difference. And it works. In its purest form, contributing members consistently recognize that they are not representing themselves, their firm or a narrow interest. Rather, they are representing the good of the industry as a whole.

Sally Schopmeyer

I belong to building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI) because of the benefits I receive from membership. I have participated in the BSCAI since 1990 and our firm has grown exponentially from our involvement.

It is my opinion that people who are active members of their industry associations are the leaders in their respective industries. The ability to network and learn from these leaders is invaluable to my business. No matter how experienced we are in our businesses there is always more to learn. New ideas, opportunities, professional development and collective thinking are what industry associations offer to active members. In addition to acquiring companies that fit perfectly in our growth plan, I have also made lifelong friends through my participation.