Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/348131
I DA U N I V E R S A L J u l y -Au g u s t 2 0 1 4 4 EDITOR'S NOTES Nancy Estes, MBA, CAE Executive Director/Editor I recently read an insightful article about the benefi ts of association membership at Americanbusinessmag.com. An excerpt follows: Why Join a Trade Association? Some business owners might say their schedule is demand- ing enough at the moment, and the thought of adding one more activity to their busy calendar is unbearable. So why should they try to cram time into their already-hectic schedules to join an industry association or other professional organization? ere are more than 8,000 associations and professional societies in America representing every industry imaginable. Benefi ts of association membership typically include: opportunities to preside in lead- ership roles within associations; subscriptions to newsletters and magazines; access to seminars, conferences and association events; and access to members- only off ers, among many others, depending on the association and your particular membership within the association. Again, one of the big- gest advantages of association What about YOU? membership is the networking and camaraderie that takes place among members. However, to benefi t from this, you must par- ticipate and be an active member within your association. Paying your annual dues isn't enough to reap the benefi ts of association membership. You must also make an investment of time and eff ort in asso- ciation activi- ties and become involved. Simply put, what you get out of associa- tion member- ship is directly relative to what you put in. Did you know that approxi- mately 85 percent of all business failures occur in fi rms that are not members in their trade asso- ciation? How does this apply to IDA members? Networking and camaraderie. Access to member-only off ers. Industry leadership. ese are benefi ts that can have a dramatic impact on your business. Why do some members choose not to come to convention? Did you know that you can register for the Chicago 2014 convention online (no password required)? Why do few members spread the word and bring new members into IDA? A strong association is crucial to a strong indus- try. When was the last time you reviewed the IDA magazine or the IDA website? You will learn something new. Have you considered serving on the IDA board of directors? With only two meetings per year, why not? IDA is currently seeking candidates for the upcoming board elections. Presently, positions are open for: North American Regular Mem- ber; South or Central American Regular Member; Europe, Africa, Mid East Regular Member; Far East, Indonesia, Australia Regular Member; and Interna- tional Liaison Offi cer Associate Member. e members of IDA, as a group, are chock-full of industry information, business contacts and opportunities that will greatly benefi t any business asso- ciated with the heavy equipment industry. e more you put into this group, the more you multiply the rewards. ink about it. All the best to you and yours, Nancy