When it comes to the value of trade association membership, the words of Lyndon Johnson sum it up best: "There are no problems we cannot solve together, and very few that we can solve by ourselves."

We in the distribution industry can only grow stronger by working together. This is why trade associations were founded, and why they're so valuable.

No one can effectively and proactively do business by never leaving the office. You can't learn how to grow your business without engaging the rest of the world. I'm talking about getting to know your competitors, your vendors, your peers.

Networking is the key to professional development. It's the best way to learn best practices within your industry, pick up competitive insight and see where the industry is going. We in distribution are fortunate to have so many viable industry forums—the Bearings Specialists Assn., National Assn. of Wholesaler-Distributors, Power Transmission Distributors Assn., Industrial Distribution Assn., Fluid Power Distributors Assn., NIBA–The Belting Assn. to name a few.

Like any industry, ours continues to evolve as it has throughout the last century. How we grow our business next year may not yet be in practice today. Taking an active role in association membership, however, gives each of us a tremendous opportunity—not only to see where we're going, but also to help define and set the course.

Take the Product Price Information Format initiative now being adopted by our suppliers. It wasn't long ago that vendors would provide their price information to distributors in a staggering variety of non-compatible print and electronic formats. It was challenging enough just to sort through the types of information provided, let alone the price data itself.

Through the combined efforts of BSA and PTDA, the PPIF now provides a cost-effective, single format for suppliers to provide their information to all participating distributors. By eliminating both the confusion of multiple formats and the need for manual re-keying of information, PPIF has resulted in a tremendous time savings.

Another program that many associations offer is specialist certification. The Fluid Power Society, for example, has tested and certified more than 7,000 professionals to the Certified Fluid Power Pneumatic Specialist and Certified Fluid Power Hydraulic Specialist designations. The BSA also has developed an intensive bearing specialist certification program, with hundreds of people already earning certified status.

To continue to develop innovative programs and drive the industry to greater success, particularly in challenging economic times, your participation in the appropriate trade association is essential. So don't just join—make a difference.

As another famous American, Will Rogers, once said, "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."