Importance of Supporting Contractors Associations

I have always been a fan of being involved in industry associations. As a former general contractor, membership in a contractors association that was a good fit for my company brought many benefits and was a part of my overall success.

Today, many companies with ties to the construction industry, including general contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, insurance carriers and agencies, law firms, investment firms, and bankers, are involved in contractors associations. Making connections and networking—whether face to face or virtually—can help us build strong relationships as we share our experiences and help each other in business.

Each association has its own unique flavor, and membership benefits can vary from one to the next. Below are a few benefits companies can receive through membership in a contractors association.

1. Opportunities to network. There are many events to make connections, including construction expos, forums, dinner meetings, award ceremonies, and golf outings. Some of these events, like expos, provide members with opportunities for face-to-face networking with the public. Some of the best subcontractors I worked with through the years were the result of connections I made through contractors associations.
2. Industry news. Relevant federal, state, and local industry information is monitored by contractors associations and relayed to members via electronic newsletters. Communications may also include up-to-date association news and new member listings.
3. Educational opportunities. Industry experts present on a variety of topics that can affect project cost and improve overall profit, including legal, insurance, safety, technology, and management skills. Information is targeted for business owners and employees.
4. Legislative influence. Your voice through contractors associations can affect legislative issues on private and public work projects at state and local levels. Receiving important updates, alerts, and suggestions for action can help protect your business.
5. Advertising opportunities. Associations can provide opportunities to expose your company to the industry and potential clients, such as through their paper or electronic directory or banner ads on the association’s website. Sponsoring events like expos and forums can get your company’s name and logo out through email blasts and other forms of advertising.
6. Demonstrating your expertise. Contractors associations seek out those who are experts in their fields to present their industry knowledge to help others.  Our expert staff at Acuity have been guest speakers at several contractors association events around the country. Whether it is one of our loss control specialists speaking about safety issues, an underwriter presenting on ways to trim insurance premiums, a special investigator about fraud, or a claims manager addressing work comp claims, it shows Acuity’s expertise as an insurance carrier for the construction industry.

At Acuity Insurance, we understand the importance of supporting and being involved in contractors associations and are active in several around the country.