The American Supply Association has achieved a fourth record year of net membership growth, expanding its reach
into every corner of the industry with dominant shares of both the plumbing and industrial markets.

Why is this significant? It gets to the heart of the leadership role of associations, especially ASA.  According to a 2015 marketing benchmarking report conducted by Marketing General Incorporated surveying nearly 900 associations, 49% reported membership growth over a five-year period.  However, looking more closely at short-term numbers, in 2013 63% reported growth, 2014 slowed to 58% and in 2015 44% reported membership increases,

Increased growth is extremely important in key areas such as advocacy where elected leaders are sensitive to ASA members in their districts or states.  More member representation means a greater impact on future policy. Doubt this? Then how do you explain how LIFO hasn’t been repealed yet? Benchmarking is yet another key value proposition where larger participation in members reporting data means the greater ability to predict future trends and future economic troubles.

Another critical service provided by associations is the delivery of training.  In the report “Education to Employment – Creating a System that Works,” McKinsey & Co. states 72% of college professors believe they are adequately preparing students for the workforce, yet only half of students and employers agree. This has become a large void for the ASA Education Foundation to fill the gap between formal university training and training that directly applies to today’s job needs.