Why You Should Join a Professional Construction Industry Association
Thomas Edison and Henry Ford were two of the greatest innovators of the early 20th century. After meeting at a conference in 1896, they also became life-long friends. The ability to bounce ideas off each other – no matter how far-fetched they appeared to be – undoubtedly inspired both creative geniuses to even greater heights.
That type of informal interaction is just one of the many benefits that can still be found by joining a professional industry association.
In addition to meeting colleagues working in your field, trade associations can provide up-to-date information about your industry, enhance your professional development, offer valuable opportunities to grow your network, and allow you to be part of a collective that speaks on behalf of your industry.
If you still think that a membership in a professional association is a waste of your hard-earned money, you may want to think again.
Here’s why you should join one in 2019:
Build Your Network in the Construction Industry:
Joining a construction trade association makes it easy for you to meet other professionals in your field. Building relationships are crucial to the long-term success of any business, and joining a group will help you connect with your local, national, and sometimes even international colleagues. Even if your membership doesn’t immediately lead to new contracts, business networking events are a great place to share ideas and learn about best practices.
Educational & Professional Development:
Many professional organizations offer courses, seminars, and hands-on-training designed to keep members on top of the latest industry trends and innovations. Enhancing your knowledge about developments in your industry can help you become, and remain, a leader in your field.
Stay on Top of Policy Updates:
As a business owner, it can be challenging to keep up with changing government regulations. Construction industry associations work hard to keep their members informed about policy updates and they can be a great resource if you’ve got questions or concerns about how new regulations may affect your business.
Construction Industry Standards & Certifications:
Some professional organizations offer certifications and licensing programs to their members. Being certified gives potential clients the reassurance that your business follows the best practices in your industry – and gives you an edge over the competition.
Promote your Business:
In addition to building industry connections through business networking opportunities, some professional associations promote their members’ achievements through newsletters, trade publications, social media channels, or award programs – offering you the opportunity to grow your name recognition.
Project Opportunities:
Many construction associations offer members access to a list of industry-specific project opportunities, making it easier for you to find your next job.
Group Purchasing:
There’s power in numbers and being a member of a larger group can give individual companies the opportunity to come together, increase their buying power, and enjoy significant cost-savings.
Political Advocacy:
Construction trade associations often act as the ‘voice’ of their industry. Many make a significant effort to lobby lawmakers or educate the public about industry issues and developments. With the construction industry facing ever-increasing government regulation, political advocacy is more important than ever before.
These are just some of the ways trade association membership can benefit you personally and professionally. Here’s a list of 10 construction associations in Canada for you to consider joining in 2018:
- TCA Connect – Toronto Construction Association (www.tcaconnect.com)
- We Build Ontario – Ontario General Contractors Association (ogca.ca)
- CCA – Canadian Construction Association (www.cca-acc.com)
- COCA – Council of Ontario Construction Associations (www.coca.on.ca)
- OHBA – Ontario Home Builder Association (www.ohba.ca)
- BCA – Barrie Construction Association (www.barrieca.com)
- OCA – Ottawa Construction Association (www.oca.ca)
- WCA – Windsor Construction Association (www.wca.on.ca)
- DCA – Durham Construction Association (www.durhamconstructionassociation.com)
- HCCA – Hamilton & Halton Construction Association (www.hhca.ca)