Reaping the Rewards

Are you taking advantage of all that your industry associations have to offer?

The AMBA, SPI, SPE, CAMM, NAM, NACFAM, NIMS, TMA, NTMA are just some of the associations whose missions, values and objectives support the promotion of industry growth, but they also help members achieve business success of their own in today’s global climate—through information, programs, services, advice, advocacy and networking.

There are as many benefits to belonging to an association as there are associations—including being a voice for your industry’s global, legislative, legal and regulatory issues and policy developments; business events and social programs such as conventions, conferences, seminars and local chapter meetings to build communities, exchange ideas, share concerns and identify trends and emerging technologies; sales and marketing assistance and services; Web sites and publications, e-mail news bulletins, online discussion groups and forums, industry market reports and industry benchmarking surveys; promotional brochures; continuing workforce education and training opportunities, educational scholarships, recruitment tools, journeyman certificates and career promotion; membership directories, access to a supplier network of technical and professional expertise; honors, awards and recognition for industry professionals; and, workforce benefits and administrative services, and human resources consulting that includes comprehensive insurance programs, retirement trusts, workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance.

The value of association participation is often underrated and undervalued. Remember, like anything else, you get out of it what you put in.

For example, this past March was the American Mold Builders Association’s annual convention. It was its second largest crowd, and besides the gorgeous locale, the seminar lineup and networking events were first-rate. This type of environment is very conducive to idea exchange and relationship building. Moldmakers in attendance learned about emerging trends based on a Plante & Moran industry survey, workers compensation issues, an analysis of the future of manufacturing, new tax developments for mold builders and a few mold manufacturing strategies to investigate. But more importantly, members had an opportunity to discuss real issues and challenges with each other on a personal level, which is not easily achieved elsewhere.

An event such as this, organized by a trade association for its membership, is only one way they are here to serve you. Associations have the resources, talent and passion to take this industry to the next level, but our support as an industry and your support as a shop and mold builder is needed to help them help you. Go to the links repository at www.moldmakingtechnology.com to see a list of associations and what each has to offer, then get involved.