What is an association and why should I join one?

Are you curious about what a member association is and why being part of one is beneficial?
When I first started working at NGINA, I discovered that there are associations for just about everything, including an association for associations, of which we are a member. Some lesser-known associations I came across include:

• The Dead Plant Society: A community that caters to gardening enthusiasts who focus on reviving neglected or abandoned plants. Members share tips, advice, and success stories on bringing "dead" plants back to life.
• The International Dark-Sky Association: This association advocates for the preservation and protection of dark skies to reduce light pollution. It brings together astronomers, environmentalists, and enthusiasts who appreciate the beauty and importance of dark, star-filled nights.
• The Order of the Golden Toaster: A light-hearted association that celebrates the toaster as a culinary icon. Members embrace the art of toasting bread, share recipes, and discuss their favorite toasting techniques.

While associations can be traced back to ancient times, the modern association as we know it today emerged during the industrial revolution. Joining an association like NGINA can bring several benefits for businesses, especially in the green life industry where things are always evolving rapidly. Here are some reasons why a business in the green life industry should consider becoming an NGINA member:

• Networking and Collaboration
• Industry Advocacy and Representation
• Access to Resources and Expertise
• Professional Development and Training
• Credibility and Trust
• Marketing and Promotion
• Collaboration on Sustainability Initiatives

The Nursery & Garden Industry offers countless benefits to those who choose to become members and take advantage of our initiatives. Check out this graph for all the different ways we can help your business or you can listen to a podcast here of our Member Services Manager, Tara and I discussing all this in more detail.

At NGINA, we are dedicated to the successful growth of the nursery and garden industry and the profitability and professionalism of our members through promotion, representation, education, and communication. We want to help you succeed, so click here to find out more about our membership categories and how you can join us.

As the NGINA Marketing Manager, I am excited to work with you and help promote your business through our connections.

Together, we can grow!

Leisha Jordan
NGINA Communications and Marketing Manager