An Annual Look at What Membership Offers

A new year brings with it an opportunity to take stock. At the Association, the time seems right to review for members the highlights of the value of membership.

In the last several months, your membership has helped the Association:

• Fight state legislation that limits shortline manufacturers’ capacity to negotiate dealer contracts.
   
• Advocate on behalf of shortline manufacturers in a national conversation about proposed—and potentially costly—braking standards for farm equipment transported on public roads.
   
• Consult with the best-in-the-industry legal counsel and insurers to offer the gold standard in advice on protecting your business, creating safe work environments, and manufacturing safe equipment.

And, these are things you often do not know we do. The more obvious benefits include:

• Hosting industry meetings that connect manufacturers to suppliers each spring and distributors each fall.
   
• Providing industry news through this publication and Ag Innovator magazine.
   
• Offering savings through partnerships in freight and insurance.

Providing free, 60-minute consultations with attorneys specializing in dealer contracts and labor-and-employement issues.

We continually search for new ways to bring value to membership and strength to the industry. What we have learned, however, is that there is no greater value for many of you than simply belonging. If you are not among members who have attended meetings and formed relationships with your colleagues, you are missing an unparalled opportunity to meet the people who shape the shortline industry.