Are You A Winner?

Membership in a state and national onsite association is a solid investment in yourself, your company and your industry

You’re a busy person. Often it seems there isn’t enough time in the day. Money is tight, and with the economy only recovering slowly, your business may not be where you would like it to be. So why spend money to join an industry association? Here are a few reasons to consider:

Association members are winners. A study by the William E. Smith Institute for Association Research found that people who belong to associations are more successful than those who do not. And — take notice — they earn on average some $10,000 per year more, even with the same education and job type. Members are also 19 percent more likely to say they’re very satisfied with their jobs.

Does this mean joining an onsite organization will automatically make you wealthier and happier? No, but as the old adage goes: “Success breeds success.” With whom would you rather surround yourself — those successfully building their businesses? Or those complaining about how lousy business is and how hard life is?

Membership helps you find business opportunities. Whether through conferences, newsletters, or a network of peers, associations help you grow your business. Members are usually first to learn of new technologies that help them deploy onsite systems where solutions weren’t available before. They are first to learn about new regulations and what they mean for their businesses. By being connected to others “in the know,” they can get a jump on competitors when a new housing development is approved, or on where to find the best O&M opportunities.

Membership helps you improve your skills and credentials. Most states have some type of credentials or licenses, and most state associations are prime sources for the training you need to earn them. Association members usually get discounts on training — often greater than the dues they pay.

Associations help you chart the future of your industry. When new state or national rules are proposed, associations are almost always consulted. And the feedback associations provide to regulators is based on what they hear from you and other members. They serve as the voice of the profession and give you a chance to be heard.

Association membership is not an expense. When you consider the benefits — networking with other successful people, finding new business, increasing your expertise, giving yourself a voice in the regulatory process — your dues are really an investment in yourself, your company and your profession. Find out more about membership in NOWRA and one of its state affiliate associations at www.nowra.org.

Eric Casey is executive director of the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association. He can be reached at 800/ 966-2942 or wecasey@nowra.org.



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