4 minute read
Why Join an Association?
Why Join an Association?
By Todd Bingham, President, Utah Manufacturer’s Association
Why Join an Association?
In a word…..VALUE.
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.
Governmental Affairs & Advocacy
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.
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 brainpower and funds, associations have the ability to produce a variety of educational settings and tools that fit the educational needs of many. Areas like our frontline leader training Academy. Our HR Academy and training series, monthly safety trainings, as well as round table discussions and financial conversations, are critical to assisting companies to advance their knowledge and skills.
Training both for upper management mid-management and frontline workers has become a critical need as well. As companies advance team members into different roles within organizations, the need to provide them with training skills necessary to succeed is an important value stream.
Workforce Development
Better lives and the strengthening of teams, families, and communities begin with successful businesses and strong, competent employees. Our workforce development efforts strive to build a robust, diverse economy by bringing business and the workforce together. We connect workers with the tools they need to learn and upgrade skills and match them with employers’ needs. In today’s economy, the need to focus on talent acquisition and tower retention is critical in advancing the manufacturing industry both locally and across the nation. As Utah continues to be healthy and has an extremely low unemployment rate, 1.8% unemployment simply exacerbates the challenge of identifying, locating, training, hiring, and retaining good talent that advances the manufacturing industry.
Networking
Associations are the original social media network: Meet with like-minded professionals interested in the same issues as you. Gather and share content that enlightens, educates, and entertains. Discover connections within your own manufacturing industry and local governmental community.
Sure, The last couple of years during the pandemic have pushed us towards meeting online and doing more virtually, but the digital connections aren’t always as strong as those we make in person.
Ever notice how meeting face-to-face with a remote-working colleague makes future projects with them run more smoothly? In-person networking is the grease that makes collaboration run better. We are that grease.
Prestige
Because of the purpose of elevating the standards of an industry and those who work in it, the Utah Manufacturers Association has long been the type of organization that attracts motivated, hard-working, successful industry leaders looking to grow their businesses. Association affiliation brings an aura of trust, integrity, and reliability to our members.
The takeaway? Membership in the Utah Manufacturers Association obviously has significant benefits.
We understand your needs and what “VALUE” means to you. We want you to be receptive to the direction and value of YOUR association
