NPCAI Introduces New Membership Benefits Take Advantage of Your Membership!
NPCAI has been hard at work developing new materials for our members. Here are a few of those materials for your use:
Members’ Only Resources
In the website’s members’ only section, you will find a resources section. Here, you’ll see the following:
Resources Link – This page provides names of relevant organizations and links to their websites and documents that are useful for you and your employees.
RFP Terminology – NPCAI has developed a one-page flyer for distribution to individuals who are responsible for writing RFPs for recreation areas and playgrounds. We encourage you to print this document and provide it to your contacts who write RFPs. We also have this same document on the public side of the website and you can refer individuals to it there, as well.
Networking Opportunities – NPCAI is providing two opportunities this year for members to meet virtually and discuss whatever is on your mind. The first is being held on July 17 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern and the second on December 9 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern The latter session will also include a “meet your board members” opportunity. These two networking opportunities will be held via Zoom and the link is in the members’ only section of the website. We will also distribute this information closer to the date of the virtual opportunities as a reminder.
Educational Resources
On the public side of the website, under the Resources tab, you will find the following:
RFP Terminology – The same document that appears in the members’ only section is also available to the general public. Be sure to refer individuals who write RFPs to that page!
6-23 Month Playground Installation Webinar – An order form for you to obtain an electronic copy of the webinar to watch is available for your use or for the use of anyone interested in this topic. Once the order form and payment is received, a link will be sent to your email to access the webinar.
We sincerely hope you will take advantage of these opportunities and hope you find this information helpful and beneficial!
Check out all membership benefits on our WEBSITE
LETTER FROM THE CHAIR
I am pleased to share an exciting development that marks a significant milestone for our profession. As the President of NPCAI, it is with immense pride and enthusiasm that I am able to report we are in the home stretch of successfully advocating for a new ASTM Standard Guide for recreation area installers. (For the specifics about this initiative, see the ASTM Updates on page 6.)
This achievement is not just a testament to our collective dedication and years of hard work, but also a transformative step that will elevate our profession to new heights. The ASTM Standard Guide we have championed is designed to enhance the quality, consistency, and credibility of our services, ensuring that installers have the knowledge they need to follow industry best practices.
Adhering to this Standard Guide underscores our commitment to excellence and professionalism, earning us greater respect and trust from clients, stakeholders, and the broader public. It also promotes consistency across the industry for greater uniformity in how services are delivered.
Our Journey to This Achievement
Reaching this point has been a journey of perseverance and collaboration. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to this effort!
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Our Members:
Your input, feedback, and unwavering support have been invaluable. Together, we have demonstrated the power of a unified voice.
Our Faithful Volunteers and Staff:
Your tireless work in advocating, drafting proposals, and negotiating has been instrumental in this success.
Our Industry Partners and Stakeholders:
Your collaboration and endorsement have helped us build a compelling case for this Standard Guide.
As we move forward, our focus will be on promoting this Standard Guide and our RISC course that already complies with it. It is great to know that we are ahead of the curve and that our RISC certificants already adhere to this Standard Guide. It sets them apart in the marketplace.
Thank you for your commitment to our profession and for your role in this significant achievement and for your continued support of NPCAI.
NPCAI Board Members Dwight Henneberger, Edward Miller, Richard Hawley, and Kenda Daria pause for a photo with NPCAI Executive Director Denise Calabrese, CAE (second from the left) at the May 2024 ASTM Meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
It’s Not Just Temperatures and the Sun That Get Hot
by Edward C. Miller, Jr.
Keep your cool when things get hot. It’s summer – and so far, –it’s been a HOT one!!!!
Take precautions to keep yourself safe when it gets hot. Keep yourself and your crews hydrated and protected from the sun when working outside. Lots of water, large-brimmed hats and even pop-up tents over work areas help keep things cool.
Even vehicles and equipment need extra attention to keep everything running smoothly and cool.
And that’s the perfect segue to the real thought behind my title line.
It’s not just temperatures and the sun that get hot!!!
Sometimes, the projects, clients and personal interactions get a little heated!!! The one thing I’ve learned over almost four decades (it hurts to write that) of business dealings is that you have to remain calm and cool in order to make real accomplishments.
There are always projects that encounter issues, and clients may become confrontational. Sometimes, details are not as they should be, and it may seem like everything is your fault. Clients may refuse to consider any extenuating circumstances.
The best thing you can do for this project, future projects for this client or projects for other clients is to remain cool, communicate the objective and resolve issues. Most times, if you keep your cool, you’ll not only be able to work out a solution for the problem but might even be able to create an opportunity for some additional work.
Stay cool!
Edward C. Miller, Jr.
Spray Parks
by Butch DeFillippo, PlaySafe, LLC, with special guest Nancy White, Ph.D.
What could be more perfect for a child in hot weather than running around while water sprays, splashes, trickles and mists around you? What could be more perfect for the parent of that child than watching your child play in and around water without fear of drowning or severe injuries? Spray parks, also known as splashpads, are a relatively new phenomenon in public parks and recreation. These facilities are popular with industry professionals due to the fact that splashpads are considerably less expensive than pools to build and operate, do not require lifeguards, present a lower level of risk than pools, are accessible to everyone, and appeal to people of all ages.
A spray park is basically an aquatic facility with no standing water. Water shoots through the air or sprinkles down from a series of interesting looking elements. The first guidelines and standards for this type of facility were implemented around 2003, and regulations vary by state and local area.
An area free of slip, trip, and fall hazards is necessary to maintain safety. The surfacing needs to be non-slip, free of obstructions and resistant to chlorine and heavy usage. A continuous, clear deck surrounding the splash zone of four feet wide is a requirement in many local and state standards. The facility should be designed with a gently sloped splash zone so water from the features flows back
into a reservoir. Some facilities are designed to use potable water systems where water flows through the splashpad features and then out either to be repurposed for irrigation or back to sewage. This water is not treated or recirculated back to the spray park.
Due to concerns about water quality and recreational water illnesses, many operators have moved to use of recirculated water which is disinfected, sanitized, and treated before it is reintroduced through the water features. A recirculation pump capable of turning the water over every 30 minutes is a requirement in some local areas. A validated ultraviolet light disinfection system is used by many spray park operators as a second line of defense against the spread of recreational water illnesses like cryptosporidium. Potable water sources need to be used for foggers and features producing fine mist.
Environmental Health Departments in various areas have different requirements for splashpads. It is important for spray park operators to learn the requirements for their local area so steps can be taken to comply with applicable regulations or guidelines. In some areas, emergency shut off switches, showers and toilet facilities with diaper changing stations, and recirculation systems with UV light are required. Anti-entrapment drain covers are also an important consideration.
There are also regulations about ground level spray nozzles, including requirements that the nozzles are clearly visible, flush with the surface, and which restrict the size of the nozzle. These regulations are designed to prevent tripping
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and falling injuries, as well as preventing the possibility of fingers and toes getting stuck in the nozzles. The velocity of the water moving from ground-level elements should be restricted to avoid injuries to users, for instance, a child sticking the nozzle in their ear, nose, or eye.
Signage is also an important part of risk management for a splashpad. Regulations often specify the size of lettering and wording for signs. One common requirement for splashpad signs is a sign stating that the water is recirculated, do not drink. In 2010, after a local lake tested high for bacteria, the City of Dallas Texas created a public awareness program about the possibility of bacteria in their spray parks. Another good sign warns that surfaces may be hot and that the play area should be inspected by parents or guardians prior to use. Signs stating that footwear is recommended, and that children under 12 should be supervised at all times by an adult, are beneficial as well.
Rules for the splashpad should be posted for users. The rules should restrict running, smoking, food/ beverages, and glass around the spray park. Swim diapers may be required for children under three to four years of age. Diapers should not be changed or disposed of in the spray park area. A rule about clearing the area in case of thunder, lightning, or inclement weather should also be posted. Individuals with open sores, who are sick, or have diarrhea should not enter the spray park area. The City of Orangeburg South Carolina posts their rules on their website.
Operators can ensure a safe and sanitary water play area by learning about their local/state regulations or guidelines, and providing splashpads that are welldesigned and regularly maintained. Although these facilities are often not supervised or fenced, they still require consistent regular care and attention from trained personnel. Providing showers and toilets nearby can be also be very helpful in maintaining a sanitary and safe spray park.
Click HERE to review ASTM F2699-08(2018) Standard Guide for Fences for Commercial and Public Outdoor Water Spray/Play Areas.
For even more information, you should also review the National Swimming Pool Foundation WEBSITE and review State and County Codes.
Register for NPCAI’s Upcoming RISC Courses
Take Your Career and Business to the Next Level!
September 23 – 24, 2024
Virtual, 12 – 4 p.m. Eastern each day This course will take place via Zoom over two days (four hours each day) with the exam taken at your convenience.
December 11, 2024
In-person at NPCAI Headquarters at 2207 Forest Hills Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17112. This course is limited to 20 people.
Prove your knowledge and expertise in the recreation installation industry by registering for NPCAI’s RISC course. The RISC curriculum focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary for you to be a leader in the industry.
RISC allows you to network with others who work within our industry. Compare notes, brainstorm ideas, and share concepts with others who understand exactly what you experience on a daily basis.
Topics covered throughout the course include:
• Knowledge of Legal Requirements
• Personnel Identification and Conduct
• Pre-Construction Installation and Resources
• Working With Other Industry Professionals
• Knowledge of Safety Protocols
• Proper Installation Practices
• Quality Control
• Knowledge of Other Organizations and Government Agencies
If you have questions about the RISC program or upcoming courses, please contact Kelly Clark at education@playgroundcontractors.org.
ASTM Updates - Summer 2024
The ASTM F15.29 Subcommittee Meeting was held at the Philadelphia Marriott on May 7 – 8, 2024. One of the discussion points during this meeting was to review and discuss the ASTM ballot and motion items on the agenda. F-15 (24-03) WK 87554, Standard Guide for Certification of Recreation Area Installers, was thoroughly discussed and voted on to find current ballot negatives non-persuasive. There were seven negatives, one withdrawn, and the remaining six negatives were voted on by the Subcommittee to be non-persuasive. This was a major accomplishment for the Task Force to keep moving the Standard Guide forward for completion.
The results of this meeting permitted the Standard Guide to go to the full F15 Committee for further review and acceptance as an ASTM Standard. The Main Committee Ballot went back out for vote on May 8 and closed June 10, 2024. To the right are the results of the voting.
If all goes well within the ASTM administration, the Standard should be approved, numbered and available to the public in August 2024.
Ballots Sent:
Ballots Returned:
Following is a summary of the Standard Guide for Recreation Area installers:
This Standard Guide provides a framework for training related to the installation of recreation areas by imparting standardized information and fundamentals for certifying and hiring recreation area installers.
The Standard Guide clearly shows the different levels of knowledge/responsibilities required by the position, starting with the LABORER, moving upward to LEAD, and finally, a comprehensive description of the FOREMAN classification. It is felt that these are the positions that most greatly influence the outcome of an installation project.
Approval of the Standard Guide will create new opportunities for existing and new contractors to attend training and certification programs that will comply with the Standard Guide and ultimately increase the validity of the profession.
PLEASE NOTE: NPCAI RISC Courses completely comply with this new Standard Guide. Now is the time to enroll for these classes of knowledge and certification. RISC training to the Standard Guide will help create increased confidence with the customer that the latest best practices and safety concerns OF YOUR COMPANY will be followed for their projects.
ENROLL NOW!
Upcoming RISC classes are listed on page 5.
Thank You to Our Premier Member Benefit Program Participants
Membership in your professional trade association provides you and your company with numerous benefits. By participating in the Premier Member Benefit Program, you receive leadership support of the recreation installation industry with enhanced promotional advertising from NPCAI.
Consider joining these Premier Member Benefit Program Participants:
TRIPLE J CONSTRUCTION, INC.
Premier Member Benefit Program
Premier Member Benefit Program Participants are considered the leaders in the recreation installation industry. In addition to their member benefits, Premier Member Benefit Program Participants receive the following:
• An enhanced promotional advertising package from NPCAI via the website, in the newsletter and at NPCAI-sponsored events.
• Inclusion of your company logo and links in NPCAI communication vehicles.
• One free registration to a Recreation Installation Specialist Certification (RISC) course held during the fiscal year in which the benefit program is paid.
For questions about the Premier Member Benefit Program, contact the NPCAI office at 717-724-0594.
NPCAI’s Career Center
Whether you are looking for a new career move or that next great hire, the NPCAI Career Center is your go-to source. Job seekers and employers, to get started today, Click Here!
Employers: Advertise your jobs on NPCAI’s job board and enjoy these great benefits:
• Easily post jobs to gain direct access to job seekers across the country.
• Set-up pre-screen filters to deliver only the best candidates.
• Put your job posting in front of more job seekers with frequent alerts sent to candidates.
• Manage and track all applications directly from the career center.
• Set-up resume alerts and receive automatic emails when an applicant matches your criteria.
• Use the career center as a one-stop shop for all of your hiring needs.
NPCAI Members: Use the access code NPCAI25MEM to receive a discount to post your job listings!
Looking to advance your career or make a change? Take action today by accessing NPCAI’s job board. Search targeted opportunities in the recreation construction industry and start your next professional chapter today!
Sign up and update your job seeker profile to start experiencing these helpful benefits:
• An easy user experience, even on your mobile device
• Personalized job matching
• Upload your resume and track all of your applications in one place
• Advanced candidate search for employers means you can be matched with the perfect job faster and easier than ever
Protecting Yourself From Phishing Attacks
As technology advances, the threats associated with it have also evolved. Phishing attacks have become a significant concern for individuals and organizations.
According to the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG), 963,994 phishing attacks were observed in the first quarter of 2024. This highlights the pervasive and evolving nature of phishing attacks.
Phishing is a cybercrime in which attackers pretend to be trustworthy entities to trick individuals into sharing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, or personal data. Phishing attacks can take various forms, including fraudulent emails, websites, or text messages. They usually aim to exploit individuals or organizations for financial gain or to compromise sensitive data.
Phishing is typically a result of technological vulnerabilities and the potential for significant financial rewards, making it an attractive tactic for cybercriminals.
At NPCAI, we recognize the importance of preventing phishing attacks and encourage all of our members to take proactive measures to safeguard themselves from these malicious attempts to steal sensitive information.
Here are some telltale signs of a phishing attack:
Unusual Sender: Watch out for emails or messages from unfamiliar senders or those with slightly misspelled email addresses similar to legitimate ones, as these could be signs of phishing attempts.
Urgency or Threats: Phishing emails often create a sense of urgency or use threatening language to prompt immediate action, such as claiming that your account will be closed unless you provide certain information or verification.
Requests for Sensitive Information: Be cautious if an email requests sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, or personal data, especially if it prompts you to click on a link and enter the information on a non-secure site.
Suspicious Links: Be wary of links in emails that appear abnormal or lead to unfamiliar websites. These could potentially be phishing attempts to install malware or gather sensitive information.
Poor Grammar and Spelling: Many phishing emails contain grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, or awkward phrasing.
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Recognizing these signs can help you identify and avoid potential phishing attacks. Here are some essential tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks:
Stay Vigilant: We advise all members to remain vigilant when dealing with unsolicited emails, messages, or calls. Be cautious when clicking links or downloading attachments, especially if they are unexpected or from unfamiliar sources.
Verify Requests: When you receive requests for sensitive information, whether from within the organization or external sources, always verify their authenticity. Double-check the sender’s email address or contact the individual or department directly to confirm the request’s legitimacy.
Keep Software Updated: It is crucial to keep all your devices and software updated with the latest security patches and updates. We emphasize the significance of regularly updating antivirus programs, firewalls, and operating systems to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
Educate Yourself: Knowledge is a powerful defense against phishing attacks. We encourage everyone to stay informed about the latest phishing tactics and security best practices. Educating yourself and your colleagues can collectively strengthen the organization’s defenses against phishing attempts.
Use Multi-Factor Authentication: Implementing multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security. We recommend utilizing this feature wherever possible to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive accounts and data.
By following these tips, you and your organization can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to phishing attacks. Remember, proactive prevention is the key to maintaining a secure digital environment.
Stay informed, stay alert, and stay safe.
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern This is a FREE Members-Only Event!
You’re invited to the Hangout, a new FREE virtual networking event hosted by NPCAI. This is your opportunity to connect with a community of like-minded professionals, soundboard new ideas, catch up with friends and make new connections. Discuss business topics, creative ideas, and design theories, or just get to know others in the profession! We’ll offer a bit of structure, such as suggested discussion topics, but the Hangout will be just that… a place and time for NPCAI members to get together, chat, get inspired and connect.
Plan to join us on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern. We encourage all members to participate. There is no need to register! Just jump on Zoom!
If you have any questions about the Hangout, please contact Dawn Losiewicz at membership@playground-contractors.org
A Culture of Confidence
by Jeff Tippett
The best way to sustain accountability at work is to create a culture that encourages it. This culture shift starts by helping new team members buy into accountability. Stand by your work; be proud of accomplishments; applaud significant decisions; and nurture a mindset shift in your office by celebrating success instead of overreacting to failure.
Building a farm team of future leaders fills the future roles that pay off down the line. The best way to do that is through delegation and empowering your team members to accomplish more.
Delegation serves many functions. For one, it lessens the burden of over committing yourself. As we have discussed before, the higher you climb, the more your work moves away from technical skills and toward people management. You must have the bandwidth to lead everyone effectively. Your bandwidth flounders when you are mired in menial tasks.
This commitment to delegation also promotes accountability throughout the team. The best way to keep someone accountable is to consistently give straightforward, discrete tasks and determine whether they completed them satisfactorily. Increasing autonomy is almost always preferable. Coupling autonomy with delegation is a recipe for a successful workforce. This gives people creative space to accomplish their projects their way while maintaining metrics and accountability to ensure that everything is completed.
Empowering others is critical to developing future leaders. People will not be prepared to take on more responsibility in the workplace if they have never been held responsible in the organization. This is a practical way to determine who is the best prepared for future roles and elucidates far more than any interview or written response might yield.
Finally, to empower others through delegation, help people push their comfort level limits. Folks grow by entering uncharted territory. You don’t learn by repeating the same things day in and day out. Delegation allows you to test your team’s limits while keeping them accountable to their expectations. Growth can only come through more freedom and responsibility.
Empathy is our next trait. Psychologists define three significant types of empathy:
• Cognitive empathy is related to putting yourself in someone else’s shoes; it is also referred to as perspective-taking.
• Emotional empathy is a connection with someone who makes you feel close to them, as in an interpersonal relationship. You “feel their pain” because of how close you are.
• Compassionate empathy is the most prevalent. It’s that primary emotion with which you can relate to someone else’s plight.
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For our purposes, empathy in a leader is understanding the way other people think. Not just because you can predict their next move, like a chess player, but because you know how they see the world, informing how you interact with them. Understanding people is one of the most valuable traits a leader can possess.
Empathy is a term that is often tossed around, but we rarely think about how it affects the way we operate. Empathy is essential for leaders because we know that everyone is not the same. Every person has an ownness that makes them who they are. Tapping into that is going to render the optimal results. This level of understanding cannot be done in passing. You have to want to understand what it is like to be in the other person’s shoes. And it’s not about how you would feel in their shoes—it’s about appreciating how they feel in their own shoes.
This concept is also crucial in your decision-making. When you make a final decision, there will likely be someone who feels that their opinion was discredited or went unconsidered. You must practice empathy when turning people down or pursuing different ideas than what they offer. Let people know you value their input and want them to continue offering their thoughts. Although not every idea is a winner, encouraging your team’s creativity will spawn a pipeline of brilliant ideas in the future.
Empathy is a skill you likely use frequently in a successful personal life. You must be empathetic with your family, partner, children–anyone you value and want to keep close. Extend this skill to the workplace! Put yourself in a team member’s place and consider why and how they do what they do. It will improve your work environment.
Putting all of these pieces together, let’s conclude with this: believe in the people around you. See the best in them. There’s a reason these people are on your team. Workplaces have camaraderie; build upon it.
But a good leader buoys the team. Believing that we’re all inherently good people and are trying to do our best goes a long way, and it’s worth reminding yourself now and again.
Encourage people when they succeed and celebrate success. People can go weeks in their job doing good work but never feel acknowledged for it. Maintain a positive work atmosphere so that everyone feels valued. Just because you know that you appreciate everyone doesn’t mean they know it.
You have the tools you need to make a successful workplace. It starts at the top. Remember, the buck stops with you. Ultimately, you’re responsible for ensuring that those around you are confident that you’re trustworthy. But if you do the work, that will never be an issue.
About the Author: Jeff Tippett
Jeff Tippett is the international best-selling author of two books, Pixels Are the New Ink and Unleashing Your Superpower: Why Persuasive Communication is the Only Force You Will Ever Need. Speaking to international
audiences through keynotes and seminars, Jeff helps attendees increase their effectiveness, gives them powerful tools to reach their goals, and empowers attendees to positively impact and grow their organizations or businesses.
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So many of the issues we face are challenges because of a mindset that has us stuck. Sometimes the daily grind makes us lose sight of why we started working in the field we love. We lose sight of those around us. Even on the worst days, practice empathy and see the good in others. Some days, the work will be challenging.
In 2014, Jeff founded Targeted Persuasion, an award-winning public affairs + communications firm. He has worked with renowned brands like Airbnb, The National Restaurant Association, The League of Women Voters, The League of Conservation Voters, plus others. Other industry experts have validated Jeff’s work with numerous awards including the prestigious The American Advertising Award.
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Jeff is the host of Victory by Association with Jeff Tippett, a podcast that shares the victories of association executives with the world, highlighting the great work done across this country every day.
Jefftippett.com
Support Our Partners
Become an NPCAI Partner
NPCAI has created an opportunity for your company to connect with our membership. By participating as an NPCAI Partner, you will receive access to NPCAI’s members and have the ability to promote your products to this specialized group of professionals.
NPCAI members are experienced play recreation installers and contractors. These individuals use plenty of materials and services in their day-to-day work. This program provides you the opportunity to introduce your products and services to these members and receive value-added return on your investment.
Benefits of Partnership
A tiered-program, NPCAI’s Partner Program provides numerous benefits depending on your level of partnership. The Bronze, Silver and Gold levels of membership provide marketing opportunities in a scaled format. In addition to all the benefits of the Gold level, the Platinum Level also provides exclusivity within your particular field. Sign Up Today!
To participate in this exciting program, click here. If you have questions, contact the NPCAI office at 717-724-0594. We look forward to listing YOUR company as an NPCAI Partner!
Articles Wanted
NPCAI is on the lookout for articles for this newsletter. Articles (200-500 words; photos welcome) can be about an industry hot topic, a unique project or news about your company’s community involvement, honor or award. The deadline to submit for the Fall 2024 issue is August 1, 2024.
Email articles to NPCAInewsletter@gmail.com
Our Mission:
A worldwide partnership advancing the recreational construction industry by promoting qualified and dedicated contracting professionals who contribute to the design,installation and maintenance of parks, playgrounds, sports and recreation environments.
The Playground Insider is an e-newsletter for members of the National Playground Contractors Association (NPCAI). It is published three times a year, in the winter, summer and fall.
National Playground Contractors Association
2207 Forest Hills Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17112
Phone: 717-724-0594
Fax: 717-238-9985 Website: www.playground-contractors.org
Office Hours: Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Staff Contacts:
Executive Director: Denise Calabrese, CAE npcai@playground-contractors.org
Director of Communications: Michelle Keyser communications@playgroundcontractors.org
NPCAI’s staff wants you to get the most out of your experience with NPCAI. We are available to serve you, so please do not hesitate to contact staff with any question or concern that you may have. For a full staff listing, please click here
and LinkedIn to get association updates and interact with industry members.