Shelby King
The Purpose of a Trade Association
One can argue that since the birth of our country to the present day, Americans strive to
live a life based upon the American Dream: A life based upon democracy and the ability to work
hard and reap the benefits. Many Americans have achieved such rewards by opening and
running small businesses in their local communities. There are wide variety of factors that
influence the success of a small business. This research presented throughout will focus on how
membership in a professional, or trade organization plays a direct role in the success of
American businesses. It will also strive to focus directly on The Florida Swimming Pool
Association (FSPA), and how this organization serves Florida communities and businesses
within this industry.
Professional organizations have been a part of American businesses for decades and there
are over 7,800 active professional associations and or societies nationally (Demitropoulos).
There are numerous reasons for establishing professional organizations and it can be argued as to
what their primary purpose really is. One purpose of a professional organization is to influence
public policy towards a goal that will benefit the group as a whole (Hedden). The professional
organization can unite groups in attempt to influence public policy in a direction favorable to the
group’s members (Hedden). The group can seek to influence law makers at the local, state, and
national level to support ideas that favor the work of the members of the association
(Demitropoulos). Together the group can accomplish what would have been next to impossible
for a business to accomplish alone. Another major purpose for establishing a professional
organization is to unite businesses and aid in developing standards and best practices related to
their specific industry (Demitropoulos). This is incredibly important when it comes to setting
generic guidelines that can be followed within the industry which can lead to better production
and increased safety for American workers as well as consumers. Providing education and
professional development within an industry is another purpose of a professional organization.
From the research presented above, it is clear to see how professional organizations are an
integral part of American businesses success, on both a local and national level
There are numerous benefits that an individual or company will reap when joining a
professional organization. One of the most valuable tools for a business to use is networking.
Getting to know other businesses in your industry is a key component to a company’s success.
Members within the organization share ideas, ask for advice, and refer business to one another
(Demitropoulos). Gaining industry knowledge is also a great benefit to becoming a member of
a professional organization. You can learn what industry trends are, as well as gain knowledge
by taking professional development courses that are offered within the organization (Morrison).
This new knowledge can help you grow your business which will contribute to the overall
success of your company. One benefit that may not be recognized is the community feeling that
you will get from being a part of a group that bans together with a common interest. This can
help the local business person stay inspired and motivated about their industry. Being a member
of a professional organization will also project a positive image for the business to the consumer
(Demitropoulos). This is a direct benefit because it shows the population that you are engaged
and current with the advancements in the industry and could result in increased revenue for the
business. Lastly, one of the greatest benefit for belonging to a professional organization is the
organization itself being an advocate for the industry and protecting the industry from threats
proposed by the local, state and federal legislation that could harm the small business or the
industry as a whole (Demitropoulos).
When looking at the FSPA specifically, one can see that both the purpose and the benefits
of professional organizations listed above are apparent within this great association. The FSPA
was established in 1970 and its mission is to promote the swimming pool industry in Florida
(Puniewska). The FSPA is a trade association that has 16 chapters state wide and the main office
is in Sarasota, Florida (Puniewska). Due to the warm climate in Florida, the FSPA is a much
needed organization in our state. The organization serves to educate their members and the
Floridians of any and all information relating to the safety and maintenance of pools and the
pools they serve. The local chapters have meetings and events and also provide continuing
education courses for their members (Puniewska).
Fellow board member for the Central Florida chapter of the FSPA, Shawn King stated he
couldn’t be happier with his decision to join the FSPA in 2012. He originally joined to network
and learn about the industry. He also stated that membership is more than just paying dues.
“Being an active participant within the organization has helped my business, Florida Leak
Locators tremendously”, stated King. He was one of the representatives that went to Tallahassee
last fall to meet with government officials and representatives to educate and either support or
amend proposed legislation that directly affect the pool industry. He spoke very highly of his
experience and appreciated the opportunity to represent Central Florida. When asked what he
felt the most important role of the FSPA is, King stated, “Definitely their support for safety
initiatives within the industry thru lobbying and education as well as the many charitable events
that serve the local and state communities”. Lastly, King believes that being a part of the FSPA
has helped his business in general because thru the association, he is kept abreast of issues and
developments that effect the industry.
When looking at ways to communicate the benefits of being a member of the FSPA to
prospective members, the FSPA could target all new businesses in the industry state wide. They
could target market this group of new business owners and try to gain their involvement in the
organization. They could reach out via email or mail. The invitation should include all the
benefits of membership, as well as an invitation to attend the next chapter meeting or event that
is scheduled in their area. In addition to this, the association could appoint a mentor to reach out
to them to provide support and offer advice as to how to get the most out of their FSPA
membership.
In addition to reaching out to new businesses, FSPA could come up with member benefit
programs which could potentially add value to the businesses joining. Such incentives could
include giving the new member the ability to advertise their new business on the FSPA website
during their first three month of membership. Another incentive would be allowing the new
member a time slot in a local chapter meeting to introduce themselves and give a brief
presentation of the purpose and goals of their new business. Value could be added to members
by coordinating quarterly community events at local parks, community centers, and community
pools. This could be sponsored by different businesses within area chapters and would serve are
both community outreach and marketing for those particular businesses.
In conclusion, becoming a member of a trade or professional organization within your
industry is extremely beneficial for both the individual and business alike. Professional
organizations can be attributed as a key component to a company’s success. In order for the
association to make a difference for the industry, it needs active members within the
organization. For this reason, it is very important to the association to continue to seek new
members and keep existing members excited and energized about what is going on in their
industry. Americans today should continue their entrepreneurial spirit and be able to fulfil
whatever goals they have set for themselves.
Works Cited
Demitropoulos, Betsy. "Why Join A Trade Association?" The TJE American Business Magazine.
N.p., 5 Mar. 2010. Web. 18 June 2016.
Hedden, Heather Behn. "Professional and Trade Organizations." Reference for Business. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 17 June 2016.
King, Shawn. "Interview with FSPA Member Shawn King." Personal interview. 15 June 2016.
Morrison, Laura. "Benefits of Joining a Professional Association or Organization."
GradSchools.com. N.p., Mar. 2014. Web. 17 June 2016.
Puniewska, Maggie. "The Florida Swimming Pool Association: Training, Education and
Professionalism for Pool Administrators." The Cooperator: South Florida. N.p., Oct.
2012. Web. 17 June 2016.