Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/873536
8 FEDA News & Views Tracy Mulqueen Chief Executive Offi cer tracy@feda.com Need more information on how FEDA can help you? Contact me by phone at 224-293-6500 or by email. T he general point of forming a busi- ness association is to bring together the members of a specifi c indus- try to interact, collaborate and learn and/or to work together to promote an agreed-upon purpose, similarly to the 14 dealers that banded together in 1933 to preserve their numbers and elevate their brand in the foodservice equip- ment industry. Gradually, those numbers grew and the precursor of FEDA, the Food Service Equipment Industry (FSEI), was formed. Sadly, membership in all types of asso- ciations has steadily declined over the past 20 years, and not just since the recent recession, although that certain- ly has contributed to further decline. Studies indicate that association mem- bers, especially younger ones, now pre- fer to interact, collaborate and learn with the assistance of technology rather than through in-person association experi- ences. This has pushed membership numbers down across most associations throughout the nation. But what still appears to be important to association members today, especially members of business associations, is for their organizations to be effective advo- cates on behalf of their industries and their agreed-upon purpose. If associa- tions can accomplish this—while using the best technology—members will stay involved. The good news is that more than 90 percent of eligible U.S. foodservice equipment dealers and subsidiaries are members of FEDA. Compared to other national business associations, this rep- resents a remarkably high commitment from an organization's potential mem- ber base. Even more striking is that more than 95 percent of dealers have renewed their FEDA membership every year for more than 30 years, which represents one of the highest member retention rates among national business groups. Also impressive is that after the reces- sion struck in 2007, FEDA's membership numbers remained strong. This is likely attributable to our strong family-busi- ness base, which tends to focus on loy- alty and commitment to community, in addition to our members' shared vision to advocate tirelessly on behalf of dealer- based distribution. FSEI founder Sam Anoff would no doubt marvel at how far the Association has come, but to remain relevant in ever-changing times, member participa- tion in FEDA needs to be stronger. In response, FEDA's leaders and staff spent the summer examining the ways that the Association can help members become more informed about, connected with, and truly engaged in meaningful associa- tion activities. Here are some of the new member engagement opportunities that are out- lined on FEDA's new website at feda. com: ➤ Councils, committees and focus groups will begin meeting this year in September, October and November and FEDA is now asking board direc- tors to serve on new board commit- tees related to fi nance, compensation, audit, and investment to strengthen the Association's governance oversight. We also are encouraging members to serve on new councils, committees and focus groups that will guide the Association's work on behalf of dealer advocacy, developing our young industry profes- sionals, and promoting dealer education and training. To fi nd out more about how you can serve, visit feda.com. ➤ Now, FEDA members also can learn about, and provide feedback on, the Association's 2018-2020 strategic plan and goals, as well as participate in continued on page 40 Being a Truly "Engaging" National Business Association Association Highlights