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©Tennessee Emu Association
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Why Should I Belong?
A message from former AEA president, Neil Williams
Many times I am asked by members trying to decide if they should renew their
membership in AEA and their state affiliate because they are "trying to feed
their birds" or just can't afford it right now, and there just isn't anything
coming back to them that they can physically touch and see. Or emu producers
that are not members currently, and trying to decide if they should "donate" to
the cause.
Membership in your association is not a donation, it is a business expense. I'd
like to share some thoughts with you that relate to investing in an
association's membership.
Reasons why you need your association
As we enter into the next millennium, the rules of business and communication
will change drastically. You can embrace these changes, by taking advantage of
your association's resources.
1. Interact with real people in the industry. Despite the rise in use of email
and Web technologies for communicating, face to face interaction is not yet
extinct. Associations serve as your primary link to colleagues, allowing you to
put names with faces and keeping you in touch with who's doing what.
2. Sharpen your skills. By attending educational sessions, seminars,
conferences, and visiting exhibits and expositions you'll stay on top of your
game.
3. Collaboration. In the information age, exchange of ideas and information
and the need to work with others will prove easier with the assistance of
associations.
4. Keep up with new laws and regulations. As smaller companies, you can keep
attuned to the legislative and regulatory issues affecting your bottom line.
Your association will continue monitoring these pertinent issues and let you
know when to take action.
5. Get frequent updates on industry changes. As change occurs at a faster
pace, keeping track of the latest industry techniques and trends will difficult.
However, through publications, educational sessions, and Web sites, you'll hear
about the newest innovations and never question whether you're behind the times.
With this information, you can do your job in a more timely and more economical
manner.
6. Certification and standards. With constant changes occurring, standards
will continually need updating, and you'll need to know if you or your
organization is in sound standing. Your association will keep you informed and
assist you in meeting those requirements.
7. Increase your clout. Associations are a great place to build a name for
yourself. Although you may not feel you're moving ahead, getting and remaining
involved in industry and professional activities will bring you to another
level.
8. Save time and money. When seeking ideas and know how for a specific
project, don't reinvent the wheel. Your association has the tools and
information resources to direct you in the right direction, saving you valuable
time and money.
9. Receive quality services. When you need help, whether it's for personal or
professional gain, count on your association to provide one stop guidance so you
can get the job done.
10. Find business partners. As acquisitions and mergers occur at a more
frequent pace and strategic alliances and partnerships become the norm, you'll
most likely find a sound business partner through your association.
11. Anticipate and prepare for your future. Associations envision how the
industry of profession will look in the coming years.
Reasons why we think you should join
As a member of the American Emu Association, you have access to a wealth of
knowledge and experience that could take you to the next level. If you're
pondering whether the American Emu Association membership is worth the
investment, here are a few reasons why we think you should join.
1. Access to the experience of others. Formal education and hands-on
experience are invaluable for advancement. However, once you're in the real
world, you need to constantly get a different perspective. Knowledge gathered
through exchanges beyond your own work place can let you see things in a
different light. Through peer exchange, you get a feel for where you stand in
the industry and where you need to go.
2. Volunteering builds credibility. When you belong to an association, your
peers realize you're serious about your future. Association membership provides
what you need to advance, and others will take note.
As an association volunteer, you show your dedication through action and can
venture into areas of expertise.
3. Learn new practices. Reading the latest magazine, journal, or web update
doesn't always cut it. When you attend your association's education sessions,
you learn firsthand about new practices in the industry that you can bring back
to your own company. Your association's job is to keep abreast of what's new as
well as develop scenarios for future practices.
4. Find mentors. As an association member, you can seek out multiple mentors
who are more than willing to offer advice and tricks of the trade.
5. Membership is an investment in your future. Day to day work experience
advances opportunity currently. Your association advances your industry.
Strength in Numbers
Next time you're tempted to go it alone on a major project, remember this:
Associations foster opportunities for fellowship among people of all
backgrounds - including those who enjoy a track record of individual success.
People are social beings and only achieve their potential by working with
others.
Five Smart Reasons to be a member
1. Resources you can use -- The AEA is equipped to handle your questions and
calls for specialized help and industry information. No matter the challenge,
count on your association to respond quickly and aptly. It can even tap its
members for extra, expert advice.
2. Lifelong learning opportunities -- No one can match the AEA's educational
advantages. Through national, regional, state, and local workshops, seminars,
conventions and conferences; you have a special "pipeline" to new industry
techniques and ideas.
3. Legislative and regulatory data -- The AEA monitors governmental
developments likely to affect the success - perhaps even the survival - of your
industry.
4. Connection to the industry -- When you're faced with challenges unique to
your industry, it's smart to talk and network with colleagues who have lived
your experience. Associations hold the collective wisdom of members of all
sizes and financial resources.
5. Creates the future -- Today there's no room for surprises in business. You
have to be prepared for challenges to come so you can manage them. The AEA is
working on a variety of programs and services - both tangible and intangible -
on your behalf.
Join us for the future! We need each other.
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