This year, Portable Sanitation Association International has seen steady membership growth. We’ve also enjoyed meeting folks new to or considering entry into the PRO industry. What we discovered through these conversations is many people still do not know what a trade association is, what purpose it serves and how members benefit. Having celebrated over 50 years as an association, we are here to answer those questions.
What is a trade association?
A trade association is a nonprofit formed to serve common interests and participate in public relations for the industry it serves. Members typically include industry professionals, suppliers, brokers and affiliate stakeholders of the industry. For instance, PSAI is comprised of about 80% portable restroom operator companies of all sizes, and 20% suppliers and brokers of equipment, plastics, software, insurance, branding and more.
What purpose do trade associations serve?
Associations serve a variety of purposes, many benefiting industry professionals even if they aren’t members of that association. Here are just a few:
Transparency
Because trade associations are for and by the industry professionals they serve, they have the industry’s best interests at heart. There is no ulterior motive to the services they provide, so members can count on information from an association to be good at face value. As a nonprofit 501(c)6, trade associations are required to make their bylaws, financial statements and more, publicly available. This adds another layer of accountability, making associations a reliable, trustworthy source of information and services.
Information AND Expertise
Associations are a valuable resource for professionals seeking education, certifications, best practices and industry regulations. Associations do the legwork to curate industry standards and best practices to advance the knowledge and expertise of its members. This helps elevate the image of the industry across the board by promoting high levels of service from knowledgeable professionals.
Industry Advocacy
Trade associations, unlike some nonprofits, are able to lobby the government. They are also able to maintain national and international standards. For example, PSAI maintains two standards for portable sanitation through the American National Standards Institute. These set the bar for best practices ensuring PROs’ clients are requesting adequate equipment and service to meet safety and hygiene standards. Even if you’re not a PSAI member, these standards are the reason for the answer you give when clients ask how many units they need for a specific event or work site.
Community
Companies join for the resources, but they stay for the community. Networking is one of the most powerful benefits of associations. They attract professionals who want to improve their industry, share knowledge and common experiences. In the PRO industry, we face unique challenges. To pick up the phone and connect with a fellow industry professional when you’re in a bind is a powerful thing. In PSAI, it doesn’t take long before new members stop calling it their “network” and start calling it their “family.”
There is an association for almost any industry you can imagine. For those in the portable sanitation industry, we hope you will take advantage of the resources PSAI provides, whether you are a member or not. Be sure you’re using all the resources available to you. Associations are here to make your work the best it can be!
