Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association
Associations play a valuable role, whether it be professional development, business growth, networking, or creating or changing the standards that impact the industry. Whatever the reason, becoming a member of an industry-specific association offers numerous opportunities that positively impact your professional development and the success of your business. Associations provide a need or answers to questions that can typically be costly or waste time if sought independently. By partnering with an association, the odds of success increase.
As an AFSA member, there are countless possibilities that can positively impact both you and your business’s success. Take a moment to remember why you joined AFSA. Remembering your “why” provides the foundation for determining the value you see in your membership. Your WHY reminds you of the importance of associations and how they are key to the growth of your business. As an AFSA member, you’ve already made the best decision by joining and unlocking your potential for success by accessing invaluable resources.
If your WHY is professional development, as an AFSA member, you gain exclusive access to a wide range of educational materials, live webinars, on-demand webinars, in-person training, and conferences. These resources are specially designed to enhance your knowledge and skills in the fire sprinkler industry, allowing you to stay up to date with the latest trends and advancements.
If your WHY is networking, being an AFSA member gives you the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals who share your passion and interest in the industry. Building relationships with fellow members allows you to tap into a wealth of collective knowledge and experiences, opening doors to new business opportunities and growth. This can happen by engaging with one of the 29 AFSA local chapters.
If your WHY is to impact the industry, AFSA actively engages in advocacy efforts to promote and protect the fire sprinkler industry. Currently, AFSA sits on more than 50 NFPA committees. As a member, you can contribute to shaping industry standards and regulations, ensuring that your voice is heard and your interests are represented. By actively participating in AFSA initiatives, you not only demonstrate your commitment to the industry but also help create a positive impact on its future.
Why is reminding yourself of why you joined important? There is a saying, “You get out what you put into it.” AFSA can provide the benefits, but you, as the member, must take advantage of the opportunities provided. Attending a chapter meeting is a great way to network and transfer knowledge. If you need CEUs, registering to attend one of AFSA’s many webinars is a great way to rack up those credits. If you want to network while gaining CEUs, attend AFSA’s annual convention. Seeking to grow professionally? Enroll in an ITM program, Design School, or Hydraulic Calculations course. These are just a few ways you can see the value of your AFSA membership.
AFSA continuously seeks ways to improve and expand its offerings, including constructing our brand-new hands-on training lab, building strategic partnerships to offer discount pricing on business products, and developing the new Virtual Instruction Program (VIP) for apprentices. As AFSA continues to expand, at the core, our main priority is YOU, our members.
I challenge you to reconnect with your “why.” Remind yourself of what you were seeking or needed when you decided to join. Not sure why you joined; no worries; our membership team is here to assist you in navigating AFSA offerings, whether it’s education, training, or networking. Your success is our goal. AFSA is excited to have you as a member, and we are dedicated to providing you with exceptional service.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Meda Merritt is the Senior Director of Membership & Chapter Development at AFSA. She can be reached at mmerritt@firesprinkler.org.
