As we ring in the New Year, keep goals in mind. What are you trying to work toward for 2024?

Have you received that yearly reminder that your association’s dues are due, and you aren’t sure if it still benefits you? Have you waited to sign up because you still aren’t quite sure if it’ll be worthwhile? Or did you even know you could be part of an association as an individual or business? Well if you are still on the fence for any of these reasons, I hope to change your mind!

Associations can greatly benefit a company or person. They play a huge part in assisting a large group people toward the same end goal. As part of two boards now, I have found this past year just eye opening. I serve on the board of the Ontario Ground Water Association (OGWA) and as vice-president for the National Drilling Association - Ontario Trillium Chapter. This means the company I work for is part of these associations, and so are all the employees I work with. Most boards meet and discuss the current issues and put collective work into resolving those issues for the industry as a whole. Without the hard work the associations, the companies that invest in them, and the committees and boards of directors who volunteer their time, we would not see progress and development in our industries.

So how can you support these associations? Check out what is available near you and what benefits it may offer for your company, your workers or yourself. If you are interested, pay the onetime/yearly fee. Most offer extra training, material guides, safety guides, events and more! Once you become a member, is there an open position or a committee position that needs filling? You may want to offer your time and knowledge. Many associations also offer group discounts for your business or you as an employee to take advantage of.

One of the biggest things is just attending the events, like the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) Groundwater Week that just passed in December. (If you are a member, you get some great discounts for these.) The events are great for meeting others in the industry, putting a face to the name or further training by industry experts. Inviting or making it possible for the newer workforce to attend these types of events and continue their education is excellent for retention. It may even lead to those employees having a passion to assist on the board or work on a committee.

When you get those incoming emails in the next few weeks to renew or join, don’t just put them through to your junk or spam folder. Take an honest look into what they are trying to achieve. See if you can be part of making a difference for everyone in the industry, including your own knowledge and connections.