Dear Industry Colleagues,
Serving as ASA president throughout the course of the past several months has been quite a learning experience. In addition to having the unique opportunity of working closely with association leadership and staff, I have also enjoyed the privilege of representing ASA at various industry events during this time. As a result, I have been able to visit with many of you who tirelessly contribute your time and hard work to the PHCP and PVF industry. In addition, during my travels I have been able to report on the recent successes and growth that ASA has experienced, as well as share how member benefits have expanded as that growth continues.
As an association, we have a very well-defined set of values that we deliver to our members. As we continue to drive home in our value proposition, the focus of ASA’s key member benefits is in four target areas: Benchmarking, Networking, Advocacy and Education. During industry events throughout 2012, not only have I been able to provide growth highlights from each of these specific areas, I have incorporated video testimonial highlights directly from ASA members. What better way to learn about the highlights of membership than from the members themselves?
How are we measuring progress? Over the last two years, we have enjoyed membership growth at a near-record rate. Participation in our benchmarking reports - such as our popular Operating Performance Report - is up significantly. Our benchmarking activities have recently expanded to include the successful launch of a forecasting program this year, which I am very proud to report is quickly picking up traction. Our supplier partnership program is thriving. Our educational programs are on target to exceed 2012 goals in the following areas: new companies ordering products, new online ASA University students and, as I touched upon in my June letter, the continued rollout of ASA University’s five colleges.
In the area of networking, ASA offers a series of opportunities that are second to none. At the top of that list is our annual convention,NetworkASA 2012, to be held October 17-20 at the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. To learn more, don’t miss the Forbes, Foreman and Forecasting article in this issue’sASA Newssection. Our strong Advocacy program was highlighted in my May letter, and our man in Washington,Dan Hilton, continues to keep us engaged in daily activities on Capitol Hill.
To ensure our future success, we need to continue to develop our programs, recruit active member volunteers and help ASA remain member-focused. If your company is not currently a member of ASA, you are most certainly missing out. What better time to become a member than during a time of strong growth? Non-members are encouraged to contact ASA today at 630/467-0000 for more details. You may also visit our website atwww.asa.net, which contains up-to-date industry information, a detailed industry events calendar and much more. Stay tuned for more updates!
Scott Weaver
APR Supply Co.
