Industrial Distribution

Jack Keough

The role of associations
December 5, 2006

Having just returned from a couple of conventions, I’m impressed that some trade associations are taking the lead in developing programs that will help distributors and manufacturers compete in a global environment and provide their members with outstanding benefits. No wonder some associations are seeing solid growth in membership.

The Power Transmission Distributors Assn. held its annual Industry Summit in Boston in late October and gave an update on its very successful Industrial Careers Pathway initiative, a major workforce development program for the industrial distribution channel that connects job seekers with local employers and educators. This program is a major benefit to our industry, and many associations have joined to support PTDA’s efforts.

In another major development, PTDA announced that it will co-locate its 2009 Industry Summit with the Fluid Power Distributors Assn.’s Fall Meeting. Each event will retain its own name, registration process, separate welcome receptions and other networking events. The two associations will share keynote presentations, breakout sessions and some social activities. PTDA and FPDA deserve credit for taking this important step.

And PTDA is a global organization. Representatives from some 14 countries attended this year’s Summit.

Likewise, representatives from many countries attended The Specialty Tools and Fasteners Distributors Assn.’s 30th Annual Convention last month. The numbers for this meeting were astounding: More than 6,000 people attended, including 933 exhibitors, and the association recorded a 44 percent increase in construction and industrial distributor attendance. This year, STAFDA expanded the trade show hours, and many exhibitors introduced new products specifically for this meeting. And business, according to several exhibitors, was tremendous.

Amazingly, STAFDA has not increased its dues in 30 years. Yet it still offers excellent programs, including keeping a strong list of consultants who meet regularly with STAFDA members.

STAFDA and PTDA clearly show the benefits of trade associations to distributors and manufacturers. Based on the comments we’ve heard, members are getting more than their money’s worth by investing in those associations.

Despite industry consolidation, associations have a tremendous opportunity to expand their membership, providing they give prospective members a reason to join. That sounds simple, but we’ve heard from some small distributors (and manufacturers) that they don’t want to join an association because it’s geared to the bigger players in the industry.

The industrial marketplace is changing. Likewise, associations have to change with the times.

Posted by Jack Keough on December 5, 2006 | Comments (1)