Our association is reaching a milestone this year with the celebration of our 50th year as our industry’s national association.  And as the national association, we have a lot to be proud of. Today, members cite our expanding business data reports that help guide our members decisions, the ever-growing ASA University and our robust networking programs such as the highly successful Women in Industry and Emerging Leaders that draw over 400 industry professionals annually as powerful reasons to belong to ASA.

But as a past president of ASA, I am particularly proud of our expanding value of advocacy. As the industry’s national association, ASA is in a unique position to influence building and product codes, federal and state regulatory issues as well as legislation as it emerges. Through our advocacy programs, ASA has worked hard to educate leaders and policy officials on the issues that our members face. Several year ago, we expanded our advocacy outreach to include providing leadership in codes and standards where we are receiving strong praise for our work to advance reasonable codes. In addition, ASA works to support those elected leaders and candidates for office that see the value of our industry. 

Throughout our history, ASA has been a united and focused voice for our distributor and manufacturer members on important issues vital to our channel. Today, our member-driven advocacy efforts helps to guide our agenda both in Washington and in various state capitals in creating public policy to help our members compete. While one person can have an impact, together, speaking and acting with one voice through our national association, we can be a powerful force for success.