Do you guys think there is any real benefit to me joining the electrical contractors association in my area?

The only one I've looked into at all is IEC (independent elect. contractors). They seemed okay. Offered training etc. and price wasn't too bad if I remember correctly. The one thing that really bothered me was their activism against unions. Even as a small EC (one man show) I can not support union busting so I didn't join. I realize this is a bit of a contradiction but I really feel that we owe our standard to the union movement.

Oops, that should say "standard of living"

Anything that promotes opportunity for the "Davids" against the "Goliaths" is seen by me as a benefit to all.

A level playing field, free from intimidation has enormous benefits for everyone.
So my vote is yes.


Dnk....

RC,

I take your question to mean an association not necessarily affiliated with any national organizations, otherwise it would be outside the scope of this Forum.

With that said, joining an Association made up of local Contractors can be extremely beneficial to you. It's likely that local Inspectors, Suppliers and Manufacturer's reps are also members. This can be great for getting answers. My association offers a number of educational seminars each year as well at little or no cost. You may be able to save on insurance by being part of a group - this could easily cover the yearly membership fee.

Bill

I know of two area contractors who say "I used to belong, but the only thing they were good for was cashing my dues check." Another says "never again...the teachers in the apprentice program stole my best guys."

Which brings up one major advantage of such an association: the training program. To me, it is the height of short-sightedness to expect people to come to you, fully qualified, without your contributing to training.

Also, as Bill said, such groups often have insurance pools for various benefits. These benefits- be they health, retirement, tool rental, whatever- are often out of the reach of the small shop.

It goes both ways. When I was going through the selection process for the IBEW apprenticeship program, there was plenty of bad mouthing of non-union entities going on in the union hall.

Peter D.