Why Care?
A trade organization or association is typically founded and funded by businesses that operate in a specific industry.
They can be a powerful resource for building and expanding your networking and career opportunities.
Associations can help keep you up-to-date on trends and changes in your business of interest.
Benefits to membership can include access to conferences, charitable events, classes and other educational venues, internships, mentoring, job boards, and more.
Students are often offered lower membership rates.
State Business & Trade Organizations
State & Regional Business Associations--from WisBusiness.com
In Business Association Directory--from IBMadison.com
- Directory of AssociationsLocate associations of all types by type and by location.
Finding an Association for your Industry
Panama Business 2 by thinkpanama under a CC BY-NC 2.0 license
- Business Insights: Essentials (Gale) This link opens in a new windowWhen looking at an industries page, there will be an 'associations' option link in a box labeled "Industry Information" where you can view associations related to that industry. Business Insights: Essentials gives you online access to the International, US National, and Regional, State & Local volumes of the Encyclopedia of Associations.
- Madison College Association LibguideUse this guide for help with finding a professional organization. Joining a professional organization is a great way to boost your resume and network with professionals in your field.