Trade Associations

Global Roofing Group actively participates in several trade associations. We thought we'd talk a bit more about trade associations and how they provide benefits not only to their respective industry, but also to customers receiving services and / or products from businesses that participate in trade associations.

A trade association, also called an industry trade group, business association or sector association, is an organization founded and funded by the businesses that operate in a specific industry — like the roofing industry. Members join together to participate in public relations activities such as networking, sharing information, advertising, education, political donations and lobbying, but the main focus is a collaboration between companies often designed to help standardize their industry and raise the credibility of the trade as a whole.

Trade associations are valuable to the public for many reasons, but mostly because they set the standards for the industry and expect members to adhere to a set of guidelines and rules. For instance, a few of the goals of the Arizona Roofing Contractors Association are:

• To unite those engaged in the roofing industry in Arizona for the purpose of exerting a beneficial influence upon the industry.
• To bring dignity and respect to the roofing industry in Arizona.
• To build consumer confidence and safeguard the public welfare through the adherence to the association’s “Code of Ethics.”

Most organizations are strict about their members adhering to a code of ethics and conduct, which is good for consumers, since these groups police their own groups to maintain credibility and high standards in the industry. The Code of Ethics for ARCA is very impressive and the organization insists its members take the following pledge…

As a member of the Arizona Roofing Contractors Association, in striving for perfection, “I pledge”:

• To promote the adoption and application of higher business and professional standards.
• To treat all people with fair and equal consideration, regardless of race, color or creed.
• To conduct myself and my business to reflect credit upon my profession, my association and my community.
• To willingly share with my industry the lessons of my experience and study.
• To hold the exchange of my goods and service for profit is legitimate and ethical, provided that all parties are benefitted.
• To strive for perfection through quality products and workmanship.
• To abide by all laws and regulations governing my industry.

Many professional roofing companies belong to one or many professional organizations. Global Roofing Group is a member of all of the following organizations:

Arizona Roofing Contractors Association (ARCA) — ARCA is a non-profit trade association that has been serving the roofing industry in Arizona since 1969, with nearly 250 member companies throughout the state.

Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) — The Institute of Real Estate Management is an international community of real estate managers dedicated to ethical business practices, maximizing the value of investment real estate, and promoting superior management through education and information sharing

Building Owners and Managers (BOMA) — The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International is a federation of 93 BOMA U.S. associations, BOMA Canada and its 11 regional associations and 13 BOMA international affiliates. Its mission is to advance the interests of the entire commercial real estate industry through advocacy, education, research, standards and information.

Arizona Multihousing Association (AMA) — Represents ethical rental housing providers in legislative, legal and regulatory matters. It also provides services, products, educational programs and networking opportunities that enhance the general welfare and economic health of its members.

Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM) — The Arizona Association of Community Managers (AACM) is a professional organization dedicated to promoting a positive understanding of community associations and the contribution of professional management services in the development, establishment and maintenance of high-quality, well-managed neighborhoods.

International Facility Management Association (IFMA) — Founded in 1980, IFMA is the world's largest and most widely recognized international association for facility management professionals, supporting more than 23,000 members in 85 countries. IFMA empowers facility professionals to bring a heightened level of excellence to the management of their facilities, teams and workplace projects.

Valley Hotel and Resort Association (VH&RA) — The Valley's only membership organization focusing on the education and advocacy needs specific to the hotel and resort industry. More than 160 members strong, VH&RA provides a unified voice on issues that impact businesses and employees.

Community Associations Institute (CAI) — The Community Associations Institute-Central Arizona Chapter (CAI-CAC), based in Phoenix, is the primary organization that advocates for homeowner associations (HOAs) in Arizona. CAI-CAC is dedicated to helping community associations meet the expectations of their residents and encourages community harmony. CAI-CAC promotes laws and regulatory policies that support responsible self-governance and effective management of HOAs. CAI-CAC offers a number of educational courses to provide the tools and resources for board members, managers, and homeowners to better run their associations.