Looks like the Connections Reps are proposing a National Association in the US which would involve folding the existing Regional Associations. Where does that leave the Brit and Aussie Associations if this happens as proposed ?
Overview/Comments from National Trade Association Subcommittee/Roundtable 2/29/08-3/1/08
What is the Trade Association’s Purpose?
1) Political/Government Affairs group
2) Insurance company and carpet mills or related industry liaison
3) Provide advanced education and testing
4) National marketing
5) Group buying benefits available to larger groups
6) Research
Why Now?
• The industry needs a voice – power in numbers.
• IICRC needs distance for the ANSI process.
• It’s going to happen anyway, why not be the leader and be a part of the policy and procedures in the beginning.
• We have the best talent of our industry that wants to get involved.
• We have a funding mechanism in place – Connections conventions and current state regionals and nationals are working together on this.
Who are We Looking at to Join
• Current associations’ members
• Current IICRC certified firms, and the 80% of all companies that don’t belong to an association
• Connections attendees, 80% of all don’t belong to an association
• Distributor manufacturers supporting our industry
Where do We go From Here
1) Schedule (GOTO) meeting with current association representatives and presidents in March. (Larry C.)
2) Schedule a meeting with a sub-committee to review the progress in April. (Larry C/Craig)
3) At IICRC Board Meetings – Announce our group’s intention under new business. (Craig to inform President Travis previous to this announcement)
4) Develop a Mission/Vision statement of new group. (Paul and Cliff G.)
5) Add, as a Connection board agenda item in May for a further discussion action and formal vote to move back to the Associations Boards for a vote.
6) Schedule June/July meeting with committee for progress/brainstorming, update from Associations Board of Directors and count votes of who is in. Develop a benefit brochure. (Larry/Craig)
7) Set up organization in July/August, work with Meetings and Events to set up Association office and put all of the components into place. New agreement for Association management will have to be drafted and approved. A North American work plan will have to be developed and implemented.
8 Make a formal announcement at the Connections Fall Convention for attendees to join for the remainder of 2008-2009.
Questions Unanswered or Comments
1) Current associations’ identity crisis? Name change? Chapters?
2) Screening process? Criteria for joining?
3) Current associations’ money in bank
4) Current associations’ management companies or employees
5) Fee structure for current association members and non-members