IDA Universal

I DA U N I V E R S A L J a n u a r y - Fr b r u a r y 2 0 1 8 4 EDITOR'S NOTES Nancy Estes, MBA, CAE Executive Director/Editor I have been researching the role associations play in our culture today and found some inter- esting material. Reading has shown me that membership associa- tions have thrived in the past, because the Baby Boomer generation was passionate about joining, volunteering and serving associations. Since 2000, however, certain factors – like the recent economic recession, demographic shi s resulting in talent turnover, rapidly changing technology and social media platforms – have made information and networking opportuni- ties more readily available and rendered members less dependent on face to face meetings for knowledge about their industry. How, then, do today's associations succeed? By adapting to the changing environment and better understanding the younger generations from which new members will emerge. e question then becomes: What do Genera- tions X and Y want from a membership association? ey are seeking an organization that will fulfi ll a need or solve a problem by off ering tangible member services. ey want to see a return on their investment (in this case, membership dues). ey have started their careers at a time when job security is scarce, and they are, therefore, looking for ways to advance their professional networking and leadership opportunities. In short, they want personal IDA is Changing "When you're fi nished changing, you're fi nished." Benjamin Franklin benefi ts. Promoting the organization is secondary. Gens X & Y are tough customers. Outcome-based member benefi ts are impor- tant. is generation evalu- ates what benefi ts are worth, compared to the cost of membership. As a member of the Boomer generation, my perspective is that all members want a return on their membership investment, regardless of age. It may look diff erent, but all members want to feel a sense of ownership and of belonging to the association. e largest generational diff erences are in commu- nication and availability of information. Gens X & Y want information and networking opportunities they can access on their own individual schedule. at brings me to IDA. is is my fi h association to manage in my career, and my favorite. Who wouldn't admire down-to-earth people who "shoot straight" and never give up. e bonds formed between some of the IDA members during the ups and downs over the decades are awesome to behold. IDA is working to serve the needs of ALL generations, to give each member a positive customer-driven experience. • One example is the addi- tion of a digital version of e Universal magazine. e print version will also be available. • e weekly newsletter, " e Report," is available to all. Simply send IDA the email addresses of individuals who would like a convenient review of the latest industry news. • IDA is also partnering with DLS to bring a variety of shipping discounts to IDA members. ere is a fl yer attached to this issue of the magazine designed to show you how DLS can save you money, and more information will be forthcoming. Most importantly, by the time you receive this issue, a direct link with DLS will be available on the home page of the IDA website, so give it a try! • IDA members now have rental car discounts with Hertz Rental Company. • Please give us your feedback. IDA's moving forward to give you concrete ROI. • From now on, the conven- tions will have more breakout sessions presented by specialized leaders in the equipment industry. If you have certain topics you wish to learn more about, write IDA at info@idaparts.org. Every convention I have attended generated a positive turnaround in someone's business over the next year if they simply took the opportu- nity to shake hands. I implore you to shake those hands. Too many attendees come and speak to the same individ- uals every year with whom they already have business relationships. 2018…it's a new year! Let's all make some dramatic changes, keep up with the times and grow together. My best to you and yours, Nancy

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