Communities are vital to the growth of any industry, and in this regard, the construction industry is no different.
Contractors and construction companies need support from their peers and colleagues. And since no one is an island of knowledge, several construction professional associations and organizations help members interact and pool resources together.
Associations and professional organizations play a vital role in any contractor's business, from learning new trends, sharing best practices, and keeping up-to-date with the latest technology and representation.
This article highlights the importance of construction organizations. We also list some of the best associations and organizations to join.
Why You Should Consider Joining Construction Associations? 4 Compelling Reasons
Joining a construction association will help you in more ways than one. Besides promoting your interest, other benefits include:
1. Stay Connected With Other Professionals
Construction associations promote networking among their members by organizing seminars, conferences, and conventions where you can meet other contractors and business owners. As a result, you get to exchange ideas and even collaborate on projects with them.
Whenever you face problems in your business, you can always rely on your relationship with other professionals for help and support.
2. Access Exclusive Member Benefits
Construction associations grant you access to various exclusive benefits, including discounts on products and services ranging from construction materials to office equipment.
These discounts are an excellent way to reduce costs and save money in your construction business.
3. Stay Up-To-Date On Industry News And Trends
Construction associations inform you of the latest construction machines, equipment, techniques, and methods.
This information helps you make the right decisions for your construction business and projects. It will also present new opportunities for your firm.
4. Boost Your Professionalism
Being a member of a professional construction organization is a critical feature that clients and employers look at when perusing your resume. In addition, this is a great way to attract potential employers if you are new to the industry.
Association memberships boost the image of your construction business and, consequently, your chances at new opportunities.
In some cases, customers (primarily commercial and industrial) see your association membership as a sign of validation that your company is legitimate and here to stay in the community.
How to Choose Which Construction Group to Join?
There are many construction associations to choose from. And we will list and discuss them here in this article. However, it can often get confusing which organization to pursue. How do you know which one is right for you?
Construction groups are often tailored to specific roles in the construction industry.
For instance, the Construction Marketing Association offers resources and services to marketing professionals in the construction industry.
It would help if you found a construction organization that caters to your needs as a contractor or in other positions in the industry.
Also, consider what you want to get from joining an association.
- Do you want to network with other professionals?
- Attend educational seminars? Get discounts on supplies and equipment?
Once you recognize your goals, you can start narrowing down your options.
Finally, look at the membership requirements for each association. For example, some associations are open to anyone in the construction industry.
In contrast, others are invite-only or have specific requirements for membership. Make sure you choose an association that you're eligible to join.
15 Best Construction Professionals Associations You Should Consider
Here, we will list and expand on the best construction industry associations and groups you should consider for your contracting business.
1. Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC)
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national trade association that advances and defends the principles of the merit shop in the United States and Canada.
Founded in 1950, ABC today represents more than 21,000 members—70 percent of which are small businesses—in over 200 chapters across the country.
ABC's membership represents all sectors of the construction industry. So whether you are a general contractor, specialty contractor, service provider, building material supplier, or manufacturer, you have a place in ABC.
As an ABC member, you are committed to the highest quality, safety, and ethical business practices.
Membership perks include an exclusive ABC Contractor Referral Program to connect general contractors and subcontractors.
The organization provides learning programs such as legal seminars and blueprint reading courses. Also, you can save money through discounts from ABC's business partners.
Your annual revenue in the previous year determines your membership fees. Check their website for more details.
2. Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)
The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) is the leading trade association for the construction industry. With over 26,000 members, AGC represents the interests of contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers nationwide.
AGC's mission is to promote its members' skills, integrity, and responsibility and enhance the quality of construction for the benefit of the public.
There is a wide range of services and programs AGC offers you. You can access news and other relevant information through the ABC connection app. AGC also discounts building materials, fuel, tires, shipping, and more.
Alongside your membership application, you will pay an $1150 initiation fee.
3. American Institute of Constructors (AIC)
The American Institute of Constructors (AIC) is a professional organization that promotes construction's ethical and professional practice.
The AIC was founded in 1971 and now has over 4,000 members. It has its headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia.
The AIC represents your interest as a professional constructor. In addition, the association provides certification programs such as AC and CPC through which you can advance in your career.
In addition, members of AIC enjoy discounts on Hertz car rentals, motel and hotel accommodations, and training programs from RedVector and ClickSafety.
Depending on the membership category of your choice, yearly dues can cost between $25 to $500.
4. American Subcontractors Association (ASA)
The American Subcontractors Association (ASA) is a national trade association representing professional construction subcontractors' interests.
Founded in 1966, ASA is committed to promoting professional subcontractors, advancing subcontractor rights, and improving the quality of the construction industry. Its goal is to level the playing field for subcontractors so they can compete and win fairly and equally.
You'll find general contractors, specialty trade contractors, suppliers, and other professionals working with subcontractors in the ASA.
ASA offers a variety of resources and services to help you and other members succeed. These include educational programs, networking opportunities, and advocacy at the state and federal levels.
The association also offers discounts on insurance, office supplies, bidding, and many more. You can find all these deals and discounts in the AS Advantage guide. ASA also publishes a monthly magazine informing you of the subcontracting industry trends.
At the end of every fiscal year, you are to pay $945.
5. Construction Management Association of America (CMAA)
The CMAA is a professional organization founded in 1971 with more than 18,000 members.
The Construction Management Association of America is a valuable resource for you and other construction managers. The organization advocates for the construction management profession and provides support and resources to help you tackle career challenges.
Membership fees range from $130 to $490. Once you become a member, you can expect the following;
- Complimentary registration to a bi-monthly webinar series.
- Unlimited access to an entire library of on-demand webinars.
- Discounts on CCM application and exam fees.
- Discounts on registration fees for CMAA's national events.
6. National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS)
The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) is a non-profit organization that promotes the health, safety, and welfare of the public through the advancement of building science.
NIBS was established in 1974 by the U.S. Congress to serve as a forum for the building industry to address issues of common interest.
NIBS admits members from the major segments of the building industry, including architects, engineers, builders, code officials, facility managers, lenders, insurers, product manufacturers and suppliers, and government representatives.
NIBS provides educational resources to its members through the Whole Building Design Guide. It also offers discounts on products such as Dell technologies. In addition, NIBS gives you a platform to speak on member projects that affect the places people live, learn and work. There's also a lot to gain from the exchange of ideas and information among its diverse members.
Membership fees are between $40 to $225.
7. National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)
NAWIC is a professional organization that aims to support women in the construction industry. NAWIC does this by providing women with professional and leadership development opportunities.
The National Association of Women in Construction allows you to connect and learn from other women in the industry through its numerous mentorship programs. Members also enjoy exclusive scholarships and awards.
The association gives members access to educational programs on various topics, including construction management, safety, and business development. NAWIC also hosts networking events and advocates for the inclusion of women in the construction industry.
Individual membership fees are $90, while students and apprentices pay $45.
8. Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA)
The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) is a professional organization that promotes the use of design-build delivery. This delivery method has been gaining popularity in recent years. It offers several advantages over the more traditional design-bid-build process.
The organization provides resources and support to those involved in design-build projects, including owners, designers, and contractors. Their membership only costs between 100 to $379 annually.
If you want to learn about design-build, DBIA's website offers a wealth of resources to help you. Some of these resources are pipeline and legislative reports.
The site includes an overview of the design-build delivery method and a directory of design-build firms and projects. There is also a section devoted to education and training. You can take various courses and seminars on design-build.
9. National Association of Home Builders - NAHB
NAHB is a trade association representing the home building industry in the United States. The National Association of Home Builders is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has over 140,000 members.
NAHB's goal is "to enhance the climate for housing and the building industry." the association achieves this by advocating for public policies that support the housing industry, providing educational resources for members, and conducting research on housing issues.
It'll cost you &695 every year to be a member. However, it offers educational programs, works, and seminars to help you improve your skill. In addition, members receive access to professional advice on financial, legal, economic, and regulatory issues. You can also enjoy numerous discounts from top companies like Dell and Lowes.
10. Construction Industry Roundtable, Inc.
The Construction Industry Roundtable (CIRT) is a trade association representing the construction industry's interests. Member companies span the construction industry, from homebuilders and contractors to manufacturers and suppliers.
CIRT lobbies for pro-business policies at all government levels. It also works to promote the industry through public relations and education initiatives.
As a member of CIRT, you'll enjoy several benefits. First, you'll have access to exclusive online resources. These resources include a library of research materials and an online community forum. The organization allows its members to take advantage of discounts on conferences and events.
Additionally, as a member of CIRT, you'll be able to network with other researchers and professionals in the field. This is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest research and developments and to find collaborators for future projects.
Membership yearly dues are between $3000 to $8000.
11. Construction Management Assoc. of America
The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) is a professional organization for construction managers. It was founded in 1971 and currently has more than 14,000 members.
If a career in construction management interests you, the CMAA is a great resource. The organization promotes skill development so its members can deliver projects successfully.
The CMAA's educational resources include online courses, webinars, and publications. Members can also get discounts on software, books, and conferences.
The organization offers professional development opportunities, networking events, and publications for construction managers.
Members pay yearly dues ranging from $55 to $490
12. Construction Marketing Association
The Construction Marketing Association (CMA) provides resources and networking opportunities for marketing and business development professionals in the construction industry.
It was founded in 2001 by marketing and business development professionals. The CMA has over 1,000 members across the United States and Canada.
CMA offers you the following:
- Marketing resources and services.
- Networking opportunities through listing in the Resource directory, access to the CMA career centers, and access to other members.
- Discounts on award entries, training programs, and professional certification.
Corporate members (5 or more) enjoy discounts on membership dues. So while individual members pay $169, corporate members pay $150 annually.
13. Construction Owners Assoc. of America
Construction Owners Association of America (COAA) is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the interests of owners and those who support the delivery of construction projects. Its members are involved in all facets of the building process, including design, construction, engineering, and facility management.
COAA's mission is to promote best practices and improve project delivery within the construction industry. In pursuit of this mission, COAA offers educational opportunities, hosts an annual conference, and provides resources and networking opportunities for its members.
COAA's educational offerings include webinars, educational seminars, and an annual conference. These educational opportunities allow you to learn from industry experts and network with other construction professionals.
As a member, you must pay between $185 to $1050, depending on your membership category.
14. National Association of Minority Contractors
NAMC is a professional organization that represents the interests of minority contractors in the United States. The organization was founded in 1969 to help minority contractors get a fair share of government contracts.
NAMC has been successful in increasing the participation of minority contractors in government contracting.
In 2015, the organization helped to secure $23 billion in government contracts for its members. This represented a significant increase from the $16 billion contracts NAMC members secured in 2014.
NAMC is dedicated to promoting the economic development of minority contractors and to increasing the participation of minorities in the construction industry.
For a membership price range of $250 to $1000, you can enjoy perks such as:
- Invitations to bid for minority-owned businesses.
- Free professional consultation on legal, financial, and marketing issues.
- Discounts on goods and services from other members
- Mentorship programs with experienced professionals
15. National Subcontractors Alliance
The National Subcontractors Alliance (NSA) is a trade association representing the interests of subcontractors in the United States. It gives support to legislative and regulatory issues affecting the subcontracting industry.
The NSA was founded in response to the growing trend of large contractors using their size and buying power to squeeze smaller subcontractors on price. The NSA advocates for a level playing field in the construction industry so that small and medium-sized subcontractors can compete fairly.
The NSA is valuable if you are a subcontractor or do business with subcontractors. It provides access to an extensive network of subcontractor professionals. There are also opportunities to connect with subcontractors and prime contractors through NSA's online community. More so, members get discounts on NSA educational events and resources.
Members pay a membership fee between $1750 to $2500.
Final Thoughts
Construction associations can help you advance your career, grow your contracting business, and enhance the professional image of your company. With the numerous benefits from these organizations, you will surely get your money's worth.
There are no rules against joining multiple associations. So if you need to join two or more associations, you can assign members of your company to different construction associations that interest you. For example, you may find that your needs span a large area. In that case, you can opt to join multiple associations.
