ASA is kicking 2019 off strong and is well on its way to reach its eight consecutive year of net membership growth and continues to strengthen its partnerships with industry buying groups, including Omni Corporate Services, which recently merged with Equity Plumbing and IMARK Group.

In early February, Ben Barclay, ASA vice president of operations and Taylor Kenney, ASAEF education program development manager, traveled to the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida, and attended the new IMARK Plumbing’s Spring Expo 2019. Ben and Taylor were proud to share how ASA continues to lead the industry in providing top-notch employee training and education, legislative and regulatory advocacy, business intelligence and peer-to-peer networking. As a whole, IMARK Plumbing members reflect a profile that is true for about half of ASA’s wholesaler members, which is to say that their best competitors are ASA members.

With so many wholesaler distributors and manufacturers in attendance, IMARK Plumbing’s Spring Expo is an excellent opportunity for ASA to present the value, member benefits and resources it offers to the entire industry. One of the key takeaways shared with all IMARK Plumbing members was a quick overview of a number of ASA member benefits specifically designed to address the needs and issues that are currently top of mind for many owners and their employees. These member benefits include, but are certainly not limited to, 200-plus employee training and education courses, timely data and relevant statistics through our excellent business-intelligence offerings, and the many networking opportunities ASA provides throughout the year.

The value and member benefits ASA provides is second to none. This is strongly backed by the 90%-plus member retention rate ASA continues to hold year-over-year. Bottom line, ASA is invaluable for wholesaler distributors throughout our industry because the volunteer leaders and staff understand they want their people to sell more product more profitably and elevate the level of service provided to their customers. ASA is equipped, prepared and proud to support these efforts throughout the industry’s supply chain.

ASA is deeply appreciative and thankful for the continued support from IMARK Plumbing President John Aykroyd and the IMARK Plumbing Board of Directors.