Trade Associations

[speedyprowsr]

I'm just looking for feedback from other forum members on their feelings and experiences with trade associations like the NGA and NWRA. I was considering rejoining the NWRA (I haven't been a member since 2007) but I would like to know if rejoining would be beneficial or a waste of money that could be used more effectively elsewhere.

Thanks in advance,

Karl

[Frank EU]

Glad somebody picked this up -finally.
Loud and clear... THEY BOTH SUCK.
I am not sure why that is, it could be a beautifull and real good thing, but right now, it appears to be pretty much dead to me.

With that being said: we are a NWRA member. Unhappy with what is happening (or not!), that's for sure.
There are so many things going on and there is not a lot that they've done for the betterment of our industry recently.
At least: not that I noticed. What is going on?
This is a very quick reply, read my other posts re this subject because things are not black-white.
Maybe SuperglassDave can tell us more since Mike Boyle is banned.

[Ricersux]

While the concept of these associations is good, the excution is the point of failure. I want to support the associations but they are not helping to improve the industry. I do not have all the answers but I do have some ideas on how to advance the entire auto glass industry.

These apply to the replacement side of things:

First RAISE pricing at the distributor level and that will trickle down to increased retail pricing.

Second is to institute a licensing legislation at the state level. To retain licensing you must every X amount of years go to training to gain continued curriculum hours. This would eliminate a lot of bottom feeders and also raise the prices.

Third severely fine distributors, tpas, businesses and technicians who don't have the proper creditentials to sell and install auto glass.

I could go on and on with other ideas but that would take all day.

Question, how is it that a barber must have license to simply cut hair yet auto glass professionals don't and peoples lives are potentially at stake?!

[GlassStarz]

In Theory they make sense but the options available to us are a waste some revel in having something to put next to thier name "Bozo certified" But what use does it serve? if you appear professional and act professional is what a customer is looking for