Have you ever wondered what drives progress, innovation and success in the wall and ceiling industry? It’s not a single company or person, but a collective force—trade associations like AWCI.
At its core, a trade association is a dynamic, member-driven organization. Think of it as a powerful hub where businesses unite to achieve more together than they ever could alone. AWCI, a non-profit 501(c)(6) organization, is a prime example. While it doesn’t operate for profit, it works to reinvest its revenue directly into its core mission—to serve and empower its members. This structure ensures that every dollar goes toward building a stronger, more vibrant industry for everyone involved.
The Impact of AWCI
So, what makes a trade association so essential? It’s the powerful synergy of its core functions:
Advocacy: AWCI acts as a unified voice for the industry, championing its interests and ensuring the wall and ceiling community is heard on a national stage.
Innovation and Standards: The association drives the development of new industry standards and promotes best practices, pushing the entire field forward.
Networking and Collaboration: AWCI creates a community where members can connect, share ideas and forge valuable partnerships that fuel growth.
Education and Training: From cutting-edge training to essential credentials, AWCI provides the resources members need to stay ahead of the curve.
Information Sharing: Members gain access to crucial market data and insights, helping them make smarter business decisions.
AWCI’s mission and values are the bedrock of its success. Its unwavering commitment to connecting people, fostering innovation and creating a community of success is what makes it a powerhouse. AWCI leads by delivering the critical information, resources and expertise needed to advance the industry and its members
Driven by Passion
A trade association is nothing without its members. For more than 107 years, AWCI has thrived thanks to the passion and dedication of its volunteer leaders and talented staff. These are the individuals who drive the association’s mission and make a tangible, positive impact on the companies and professionals who are literally building our nation.
The late association leader, John H. Graham IV, said it best: “Associations serve as important refuges and communities for people who want to come together for a common purpose and achieve results that are positive for our nation and the world.” “They are a place where different voices are heard, diverse approaches are valued, and together, an industry becomes stronger.”
Ready to see the power of AWCI for yourself? Get involved and discover what it can do for you, your business, and the wall and ceiling industry!
Publisher’s Note
In the July/August issue of this magazine, we highlighted our 2025–2026 Board of Directors. However, we inadvertently omitted one of the Board members…Shawn Burnum with Performance Contracting Group, Inc. in Lenexa, Kansas. That mistake is on me…I just missed it. Shawn, I owe you dinner.
Shawn serves as a past president representative on the Board, having led AWCI as president in 2021–2022. In addition to his past service on the Executive Committee and continuing service on the Board, Shawn is still very active in the industry and AWCI, including serving as chair of AWCI’s Union Contractor Council.
Mike Stark, CAE, is the chief executive officer of the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry.
