BLOG - TRADE ASSOCIATIONS AND THE RACE TO THE BOTTOM

It’s time for my semi-annual rant about Trade Associations. Not against them, but for them. I am the world’s biggest anti-joiner and I avoid anything political at all costs but I know I can’t complain about the way of the world if I didn’t step forward and vote, so I do. Then I can bitch and moan because at least I tried.

I am not talking about the need of a sense of community. The RoofersCoffeeShop forum fills the need of us having a roofing brotherhood. Our guys help each other with advice and support but our group doesn’t use it’s power for changing the industry. We just help each other. I am talking about changing the industry.

Our roofing world is a little smaller so maybe we could make a difference. Today our industry is getting regulated and not regulated to death. Someone posted on the RoofersCoffeeShop today saying that “it’s a race to the bottom”. So what can we do?

Well, I think we could figure out what the Local and National Trade Associations are doing and if they are helping us, let’s support them. Don’t like meetings? Just pay dues.

I understand that by reaching out to your local industry you may be discussing business practices with your competitors. OK, so sharing marketing tips is not productive. So that may not be the avenue for you. There are state and multi-state organizations out there – check out what they do.

There is no ulterior motive in my views on this. I am not promoting any one Trade Association. I am just saying it’s not always a good ‘ol boys club. It’s not always political. There are actually a few idealistic un-jaded people out there promoting and trying to protect us roofers. We need to find out who they are and support them so they can do the work we are not willing to do. For example, Colorado just passed a big law that their Contractors association worked on. Colorado Roofers, happy about it? Mad about it? I saw the beginnings of some lively discussion on it. Did you help in any way to fight it or pass it? Just saying.

If every roofer belonged to some sort of trade association our trade would become powerful. We need to band together. Let’s end on our race to the bottom, fix ourselves up, dust ourselves off and start climbing again. Look up: National Roofing Contractors Association – The Big Daddy Midwest, Western States & NorthEast Roofing Contractors Associations – Regional Florida, Texas, Colorado, Chicago, etc – Large State organizations On the RoofersCoffeeShop we have listings of trade associations. Click Herehttp://www.rooferscoffeeshop.com/trade-associations.asp

I can't help but wonder the use anymore. For one, NRCA Membership is up. I assume many of the others are doing good w/ membership.

But............... NRCA of course was big on the illegal issue Regulations continue to strangle us. Prices keep getting beat down.

In other words........

I see way too much influenece by the Ins. Industry, the Suppliers, Stormchasers, Exactimate Pricing, Government and the Manufacturers. I am glad that they can join most contractors organizations also. That is REALLY REALLY GREAT.

They can have my seat. Why fight it?........ :angry:

My opinion on trade organizations/associations is that they are most-definitely advantagous for the newcomers to biz...We were typically always members "just because"....Perception is reality; If it feels good; Do it.....Personally, I have little use for them, these days.....Call me ignorant/whatever......All i have to say is; Been there - done that.

Thank you Rockydog. That's what I am talking about - I really believe that if more people were proactive in an association it would build the industry up on so many levels. It sounds like you have a great association. Good for you. A million years ago I used to know the nice man that ran it and was even in their offices once. I think his name was Don.

The Arizona Roofing Contractorsn Assoc. (ARCA) has been a big help to my business as well as the overall industry in Arizona. They are at the forefront of legislation at the local, state and federal levels, pushing for ideas that are good for roofing in general. and opposing ideas that would hurt our industry. Though, I stay away from most of the politcs, the Association puts on 2 golfing, 2 bowling, 2 skeet shooting tournaments as well as our annual convention attended by over 300 companies each year. We sponsor many charitasble orginizations and give away close to a half a million dollars ayear. Our Phoenix area bowling tournament we raise almost 250k for the "Youth at Risk" program. The Association helps buid a great comradarrie of us local roofers. (Chek that spelin)

What No opinions? I know we have covered this before but tell me again!

Trade assoc.'s typically have group WC ins., as well as possibly health ins. groups.

They are typically "good ole boy clubs" though.