Trade Associations
A Good Investment

Some cynics look on their business or trade associations as an unnecessary expense. True, some do a much better job than others of promoting their industry, providing members with valuable benefits, and supplying guidelines for production and business practices. But membership may still offer a big return on your investment.

Recently an egg producer in Mt. Joy, PA was charged with 35 counts of cruelty by an animal rights group. The company is not a member of the United Egg Producers (UEP), an association that represents more than 90% of all U.S. egg producers, and does not participate in the association's hen welfare program: UEP Certified.

The implication is that this producer doesn't care about the welfare of the hens that are crucial to his success. That's nonsense, but that's the way it will seem to those who don't understand agricultural production.

Whatever his reasons for not supporting his trade association, the image projected is not good. When it comes to weighing the charges, how much will perception affect reality?

JR