Sharing the Power of Associations in 2015 The Benefits for You and Your Organization in Helping Tell Our Industry’s Powerful Story

ASAE’s The Power of A The Power of A (Associations) is the platform for the association industry to tell our story to external audiences, including Capitol Hill, the media and other stakeholders. The Power of A was created to bring to life the many ways that associations help create a better America and world. – How we enrich lives through volunteerism, fuel the economy through global commerce, impact our future through research and development, and keep the virtually every sector competitive through education and job training.

Telling Our Powerful Story ASAE collects and shares your association work – Online at ThePowerOfA.org – Through social media – During American Association Days on Capitol Hill – Through the Power of A Awards and at the Summit Awards Dinner in Washington – In media such as Politico and CQ Roll Call – At association industry events ASAE conducts Power of Associations research – New data further illustrates the positive impact we have on the world

Power of Associations Research Latest Data reflects the economic and social impact associations make as a collective industry. – Per the IRS, in 2013 there were 66,985 trade and professional associations and 1,052,495 charitable and philanthropic groups in the U.S. – During the 2013 fiscal year, there were 1, 524 new applications for 501(c)(6) status and 45,289 for 501(c)(3) status filed with the IRS. The vast majority were approved.

Power of Associations Research Employment and Wages – Trade and professional associations employed more than 1.3 million people in 2013, with total annual wages of nearly $51 billion. – States with the highest membership employment were California, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Florida. – If Washington, DC, was a state, the metropolitan area would rank third with more than 89,000 employees.

Power of Associations Research Revenue and Assets – Trade and professional associations generated $142 billion in revenue in 2013, up 13.8 percent over the last five years. – Associations hold an estimated $306 billion in assets.

Power of Associations Research Other Benefits – Nearly 63 million Americans volunteered through a membership organization in 2013, totaling 7.7 billion hours of service with a value of nearly $173 billion. – Associations represent a major piece of the meetings and convention industry in the U.S., supporting 1.8 million jobs and $280 in direct spending by attendees. – 57 million adults take formal work-related courses or training each year, and more than 69 percent receive their training from a private business or professional association.

Power Of A Messaging

Examples of Our Sharing

Ways You Can Take Action Today Share our videos at ThePowerOfA.org Place a Power of A ad linking to the website on your website (ThePowerOfA.org/share) Use the Associations Matter research data Share your story by entering the 2015 Power of A Awards – Application process open now through April Participate in the ASAE fly-in (March 18-19)