Why Join an Association? By Todd Bingham, President, Utah Manufacturer’s Association
Why Join an Association?
Governmental Affairs & Advocacy
In a word…..VALUE.
GR and advocacy have always been the bedrock of the UMA. Group influence and the power to change an environment are stronger than at the individual level. Associations are the hub where individuals organize their resources, plan their strategies, and assign action items. Some thought social media would gradually replace “brick and mortar” associations, but while platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn make it easier to recognize connections, they haven’t displaced the power of good old-fashioned face-toface meetings to make lasting change happen. We have been actively lobbying the Utah legislature as well as state and federal regulatory agencies since 1905. Our reputation, expertise, and respect are unparalleled within the industry in the state and nationally. We track more than 125 bills each session so you can continue to “make Utah’s economy” by manufacturing products.
So what does that mean? What is value? Well it’s definitely is simple. The regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something. Value, however, means something different to many different people or organizations. Over the years in association management, I’ve come to understand that more completely. Larger companies might have an interest in advocacy, governmental affairs and relations, and being the watchdog for the manufacturing industry. Smaller companies will likely need assistance from affinity-type programs which offer discounts and group opportunities for cost savings etc. Companies want venues to learn from other organizations that might have been through the same types of challenges and opportunities. They also want and need different types of training depending on which stage or size of the manufacturing company they are currently in. Roundtable opportunities are important as well as mentoring other companies and individuals within the industry.
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Training and Resources No one finishes school, an apprenticeship, or other formal education completely prepared to handle every project that will come their way over the course of a career. But going back to school to learn new skills can be expensive. Associations fill that gap between doing nothing and paying thousands for more higher education. Because they’re a hub for
MFGUTAH
