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Steve Hudson

Association involvement -- a good thing!
March 25, 2008

Outside, everything is starting to bloom – a clear sign that it’s baseball season again. Will this be the year that the Braves go all the way to the top?

Being at the top is good if you're a baseball team.

It's good to be at the top if you're a contractor too. It means more work, more profit, better employee retention, and on and on and on. 

Being at the top is also good if you're a construction trade association. Just ask the folks over at the Georgia Branch, Associated General Contractors – a chapter that has just been honored as the AGC of America 2007 Chapter of the Year. The Georgia Branch received the award for, among other reasons, “its emphasis on member communication, improved member retention and growth and leadership on legislative issues,” according to the national organization.

Take a look at some specifics. In 2007, Georgia Branch, AGC recruited 86 new member companies and counted the highest level of member participation in its history.  The organization also launched work force alliance task forces around the state in order to address work force development, which was identified as the most important issue facing Georgia Branch, AGC members.

"We decided to get back to the basics and focus on our customer," said Michael T. Dunham, executive vice president of Georgia Branch, AGC.  "Everything we do is geared toward enhancing the members' experience."

Communication with members is a top priority for Georgia Branch, AGC, which issues a weekly e-newsletter to inform members of legislative issues, and maintains an active voice in legislative activities.  In addition, chapter staff make regular visits to members around the state in order to understand their needs and concerns.

The Georgia Branch is one of 96 AGC chapters nationwide.

"AGC's Chapters are the parts that make up the whole of our organization," said Stephen E. Sandherr, chief executive officer of AGC.  "For that reason, we recognize their contributions each year with this award."

Congratulations to the Georgia Branch, AGC!

Now here's a thought: It may be no accident that many of the contractors who are at the top of their industry are also active in their local construction trade associations.

Are you involved in such an association? Here in the southeast, there are numerous industry associaitons targeting almost every aspect of the construction industry. Contractors who are active in local trade associations tell me time and again that the benefits, and the payback, far outweigh the costs.

If you’re not involved, you might want to think about it. And if you are, I’d like to know how it’s paid off for your business and your employees.

Posted by Steve Hudson on March 25, 2008 | Comments (0)