Some Things Never Change   
10 Myths About GACS Membership

  by Rob Patterson and Jim Tudor
Twenty years ago the following article appeared in the Fall issue of GACS Today. We ran across it recently, and found that it’s just as true and relevant today as when it was written, and decided to reprise these myths for today’s readers.
T he next time you think about why you aren’t involved in your state association, consider the following myths:

#1. It takes too much time. Leaders in our industry say that if you spend five percent of your work time engaged in professional development, you’ll be well on the way toward long term success. For most people, five percent means 100-125 hours a year. And guess what? Heavy association involvement – including a convention, a few events or committee meetings, and some behind-the-scenes telephone work – will probably consume much less than that.  But in the end you decide how much time you want to commit, whether it’s two hours a year or 50. You decide.

#2. Membership costs too much.  Membership costs much less than the cost of a regulation violation because you did not receive the information that the association sends out to members.  Changes to the recent floor tax proposal initiated by the association (or substitute one of many pieces of legislation supported by GACS since this article was originally written) paid the dues for many companies for many years to come. Or what about the educational programs? An idea gleaned from your participation in GACS events can be worth thousands – or tens of thousands – dollars.  Membership is an investment in the future of our company’s business success.

#3. I already know the people in my industry. Do you? You don’t know the people who will join next week. Or next month. Or next year. And you don’t have exposure to the ideas, knowledge and enthusiasm these newcomers bring to the table or to the experience of the existing members if you are a non-member. And, guess what? Anytime you participate in a GACS event, you can always get to know someone a little better – and learn something new.

#4.  I’m just one person.  I don’t really make a difference.  Are you kidding? All it takes is one person to help with their local legislator. All it takes is one person to organize a committee or study group dealing with new industry issues. All it takes is one person to energize your peer group with new ideas and enthusiasm. Yes, one person can be lost in the crowd. But one person can also be the impetus for exciting new initiatives.

#5. I’ve already learned what I need to know in my business. There is no finer resource than the association for keeping yourself abreast of news and trends.  And just as important, if you’re brimming over with knowledge, it’s even more vital that you share what you know with your peers. The more knowledge your peers possess, the stronger your industry. GACS events are sharing events – be prepared to give and take.

#6. Association issues don’t concern me. Just about everything GACS does concerns you in some way.  The tax dispute raging in another community today might affect you tomorrow. Many bills introduced in the Georgia General Assembly impact either your business or the products you sell. Who is watching those bills? GACS membership alerts you to what’s going on around the state, the nation and the world.

#7.  Members have to attend too many meetings. Sure, associations such as GACS schedule meetings – an annual convention, committee meetings, and special events such as our trade show. But ultimately, you decide which ones you’re going to attend – and how deeply you’ll participate. And when you’re not able to attend, you an still learn about meetings highlights through GACS Updates, the GACS Today magazine, or your industry colleagues. And whenever you can’t attend a meeting, you can rest secure in the knowledge that much work is still being done on your behalf.

#8.  The association just helps my competition. Long ago, even back in the time of the medieval guilds, competitors recognized that they had common interests. These included certification, product standards, industry-wide promotion, training and education, legislative advocacy and more.  Only by working together could individuals pursue those interests and aggressively insure the health and future of their industries. The same is true today.  More than 30 years ago (actually more than 51 years ago now), GACS was formed by a group of “competitors” to deal with issues that impacted the entire industry. They were working on your behalf then and continue to do so now. Why not support their efforts?

#9. The association’s not really interested in me. GACS is first and foremost a membership organization. You select the officers and board members. On your behalf, they set the industry agenda, select the staff that serves you, and establish the programs that help you become better at what you do. Your questions are welcome and are hopefully answered in a timely way.

#10. It’s just all too tiring. Associations such as GACS are one of the greatest energy builders of our age. Just sit in a lively seminar or committee meeting for an hour. Or walk the trade show hall or the tabletop exhibits at the convention. You’ll feel the air thick with energy, excitement and ideas – always enough to recharge your batteries for weeks or months to come!

GACS Membership Matters. (Remember that slogan?). on behalf of the board of directors and GACS staff, we hope you will help refute many of the above myths by becoming and remaining an active member.  Together we are truly stronger.
Rob Patterson was president of Mini-Foods, Inc. in Macon, GA and served as vice chairman of membership of GACS in 2004.  Jim Tudor served as president from 1990 until retiring in 2016.
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