From where I sit, it’s easy to see the great value a NASSCO mem-bership has to offer, but I wanted to know if my perceptions were close to reality. In September, I commissioned a survey of NASSCO members to find out what they thought.
The results confirmed my perceptions: NASSCO members truly value their membership for a variety of reasons. Networking, training and education topped the list. Many told us their membership helped them grow their business, build awareness, and position them as leaders. That’s when I started thinking about how NASSCO not only helps the industry as a whole, but helps individual members achieve success.
As this new year begins, we are often reminded to reflect on the previous year and think ahead to all we hope to accomplish. Many of us make New Year’s resolutions for personal reasons, such as losing weight, saving money or exercising more often. But how many of us make resolutions for business?
January is the perfect time to think about your business and what resolutions or goals you would like to accomplish. I believe there are two reasons for this. First, you might find that business resolutions are easier to keep than the personal ones (and the success you encounter may help motivate you to stick with the personal ones as well).
Second, I have an easy solution to help you complete the majority of your business resolutions. Good examples of business resolutions include increasing awareness, reducing expenses, and growing the business. The solution I propose to help you commit to your resolutions is simple: Join NASSCO.
If you’re already a member, become an active member. If you’re already an active member, thank you and keep up the great work. I can’t think of a greater time to be a NASSCO member than right now. We remain the leading voice for the industry through our mission of setting industry standards for the rehabilitation of underground utilities.
We have many great educa-tional programs and networking opportunities in the year ahead. We’ve invested in a strategic marketing communications company to help us increase our awareness and grow our membership. This year we will offer the industry’s first-ever inspector training, additional PACP training and even more networking.
The expanded NASSCO headquarters in Owings Mills, Md., offers members a place to showcase products and processes to customers and potential customers. You’ll also discover opportunities to promote your business via NASSCO Times, the NASSCO directory and web site, and exposure at trade shows and other events.
A membership in NASSCO will do more than help you with your business resolutions. You’ll also meet a lot of interesting people, some who will become lifetime friends. I’ve been in this industry for decades, and I’ve seen it happen. If you’re already a NASSCO member, your renewal fee was due Jan. 1. Please send in your payment to continue appreciating all the great benefits NASSCO offers.
January is a great time to think about your business and think about the year ahead; 2008 will be an exciting year for NASSCO members. I personally invite you to join us. To learn more about NASSCO membership, visit www.nassco.org or call Heather Myers at 410/486-3500. F
Irv Gemora is executive director of NASSCO. He can be reached at director @nassco.org.
