The Advantages of a Professional Business Association
Professional business associations are organizations that bring together business owners from a specific area. They range from nationwide associations to those that encompass businesses in individual states, counties, cities or neighborhoods. Whatever its scope, a business association can provide a number of benefits to business owners who elect to pay dues and participate as members.
CAMPS
Our Mission
“Helping Puget Sound manufacturers succeed through innovation, supply chain positioning and business development”
CAMPS is a resource center bringing together manufacturers, supply chain partners, pre-qualified business development specialists, and strategic partners.
CAMPS is a not-for-profit membership organization representing small and mid-sized manufacturing businesses working through strategic partnerships in the region.
Value Proposition
The value of a CAMPS membership lies in the power associated with being part of a network of manufacturers, supply chain partners, business advisors, and strategic partners, all working together. CAMPS provides the connections to establish business relationships among members, share in a culture of innovation, and create supply chain development opportunities in emerging industries, technologies, and processes.
MAPP
Managed by plastic industry leaders, MAPP has a long history of helping plastic processors stay competitive in an ever-changing plastics marketplace.
Established in 1997, The Manufacturer’s Association for Plastics Processors, Inc. (MAPP) is the largest grassroots organization in the United States plastics industry, serving over 280 member companies representing more than 125,000 employees. As a national non-profit Trade Association for plastics manufacturers, MAPP provides its Members with access to the most powerful networking in the industry.
MAPP is driven by a Board of Director’s made up of owners and presidents of leading plastics companies. Having over 2,000 industry professionals involved in the organization provides a variety of channels to expedite solutions and build momentum for continued growth and development in areas that will positively impact the plastics industry.
Economic Alliance of Snohomish County
Mission
As a regional leader, Economic Alliance Snohomish County exists to be a catalyst for economic vitality resulting in stronger communities, increased job creation, expanded educational opportunities, and improved infrastructure.
Vision
Economic Alliance Snohomish County is committed to growing and nurturing a vital regional economy that is globally competitive. We will achieve this by expanding partnerships, developing our key resources and building the infrastructure systems that create local and regional employment centers.
AWB
AWB Mission Statement
The mission of the Association of Washington Business is to advance an economic climate that enables our members, employees and all citizens to prosper.
AWB Vision Statement
AWB is Washington state’s premiere advocate for the business community and is recognized as the state’s chamber of commerce, manufacturing and technology association.
Networking Opportunities
A business association provides its members with opportunities to network and share information and resources. While some businesses that belong to an association are likely to be competitors, they still share certain needs and preferences. In other cases, association members can help one another directly with referrals for services such as accounting, building maintenance, recruiting staff and marketing. Joining a business association provides a new business owner with contact information for other local businesses, speeding up the process of integrating into the community.
Political Participation
Professional business associations allow members to join forces politically. While most associations have no specific party affiliation or political agenda, the political issues that affect business owners are among their concerns. For example, a business association would likely be against a state sales tax increase, since such an increase would directly affect business by forcing customers to pay more. Business associations can contact legislators on behalf of their members and fund political campaigns to push forward legislation that favors commerce.
Social Advantages
For a business owner, the opportunity to participate in a business association can be as much of a personal consideration as a business decision. Associations hold dinners and special events for their members, giving them chances to meet with their peers and enjoy the company of fellow entrepreneurs. Participation in a business association may also serve as a social expectation in a community where small business owners know one another through work as well as outside of it.
Improved Business Climate
The result of participating in a professional business association, whatever immediate benefits it provides, should be an improvement in an area’s business climate. As business owners get to know one another they find ways to share resources, unite on important issues and develop new tools for securing their profitability in the community and creating an atmosphere that encourages competition and attracts customers. With effective leadership and adequate participation, a business association can make it easier for its members to make money and also enjoy the process.