Here at OCP Contractors, our membership in AWCI is defined as “contractor at-large.” That is because Ohio does not have a local chapter, as many regions do, nor does the state have a chapter executive.
From my experience on the AWCI board of directors and executive committee, member companies that join AWCI through a local chapter receive additional benefits. Some chapters provide education and resources for members, and they, through their local board members and chapter executives, are able to leverage further AWCI activities. Members get the most benefits when there is a strong, mutually supportive relationship between AWCI and the chapter.
By comparison, contractors at large benefit gain the most when they directly to stay in tune with AWCI activities and access its resources, such as the many online education courses, technical information, events and other AWCI initiatives.
Across the country, contractor membership continues to grow in AWCI—clearly indicating the value contractors see in AWCI. In my experience, both at-large and chapter member contractors who make an effort to participate in AWCI see a return on the investment of their time. I encourage you and your businesses to consider pursuing the benefits of a contractor-at-large or the additional benefits of membership in a local chapter. Either one will be helpful to your business.
I see membership as an important part of the industry’s growth. We need a strong voice. As a former president for AGC of Ohio, a chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America, I can tell you that a successful business model works when we are united.
One other thing: When I began writing this message, I thought about listing the benefits of belonging to the AWCI. Fitting all the benefits into this space simply isn’t possible. Go to www.awci.org to get a full appreciation of what AWCI is doing for the industry and please join.
In addition to being 2017–2018 president of the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry, Ed Sellers is president of OCP Contractors, which has offices in Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo, Ohio.
