Nearly 8 million people are employed within the Construction sector of the United States. A great way to access that network of people is through professional associations. Not only can members create lasting connections, but they can also expand their industry knowledge, advance their career, and give back to the community. This article highlights just a few of the many organizations that are available to join.
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)
ABC is a national trade association that was founded on the principles of the merit shop; it is member driven and focuses on the safe, ethical, and profitable betterment of the communities it serves. It represents more than 22,000 members in 68 chapters across the country and into Canada. Professionals from all sectors of the construction industry have memberships, so it’s a great way for people to expand the breadth of their network. ABC helps by getting involved in governmental regulations, legal advocacy, continuing education, and much more.
American Subcontractors Association (ASA)
ASA is a national trade association that represents subcontractor’s rights and improving the quality of the construction industry. It is popular with general contractors, specialty trade contractors, suppliers, and other professionals working with subcontractors. ASA’s vision is “Better Construction Through Fair Construction” and their goal is to advocate for ethical and equitable business practices, safety in the work environment, and best industry practices.
Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA)
CFMA is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to construction financial professionals. With over 9,000 members in 99 chapters, CFMA offers educational and networking opportunities to its members nationwide and in Canada. Membership with CFMA gives access to exclusive savings on educational seminars and special financial products and services. The organization’s passion is to Learn, Lead, and Achieve.
Heavy Construction Contractors Association (HCCA)
HCCA is a nonprofit trade association that works to improve the construction industry, economy, and quality of life in Northern Virginia. HCCA’s 200 member companies are comprised of site development contractors, transportation and utility infrastructure construction contractors, and the many companies that provide goods and services to the civil construction industry. The organization was created to combat restrictive regulations aimed at construction contractors. To this day, HCCA still advocates for its members on a state, regional and local level, promoting fair market legislation and balanced regulations.
To encourage business growth amongst its membership, HCCA hosts a variety educational and networking opportunities and engages the local community through several annual charitable events. HCCA is also Virginia’s premier provider for safety training in the construction industry, offering all VDOT and OSHA related courses in English and Spanish, in-person and online.
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Northern Virginia Building Industry Association (NVBIA)
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., NAHB is one of the largest trade associations in the United States with over 140,000 members nationwide. NAHB not only works towards professional success for its members, but it also works to protect housing opportunities for all Americans by ensuring people have access to safe and affordable housing. One way it gives back, through a nonprofit called HomeAid, is by building houses for those in need and offering technical training and employment opportunities to members and nonmembers alike. NAHB offers members a wide variety of perks, including discounts from top companies and multiple educational opportunities. One of these benefits is attending the International Builders’ Show, which is the largest gathering of construction professionals in the nation. Through the NAHB local chapter, Northern Virginia Building Industry Association (NVBIA), membership includes membership in the following: National level (NAHB), State level – Home Builders Association of Virginia (HBAV), and local – (NVBIA).
Joining any one of these associations is a great way to jumpstart a career, broaden an established career, and find like-minded people; the events hosted by these groups are a great way to network yourself to fellow professionals. Talk to members of your organization to see which associations are available to you.
Andrea Johnson
Andrea Johnson is a tax senior at Thompson Greenspon, focusing on the tax preparation of both individual and business returns. Prior to joining the firm, Andrea has two years of corporate accounting experience in the construction industry. Andrea has a BS in Accounting from the University of Akron.