Reorganization Of ATA Reflects National Change

The move toward restructuring trade associations mirrors changes that have been occurring regularly in corporate America over the last two decades, according to association experts.

A 1997 survey of 1,000 trade associations by the American Society of Association Executives found that most changes were spurred by members’ complaints and their subsequent departure. A study by Washington Resource Consulting Group last year for a large association found similar results.

“In the associations we surveyed, we found members who had streamlined their companies, downsized and become more productive,” said Miriam Meister, senior consultant with the Bethesda, Md., firm, which offers advice to associations involved in organizational changes. “The members were saying, ‘We are leaner and meaner, and we don’t want our association to be anything less.’ ”

Generally, associations take two to five years to restructure completely, Meister said.

For the full story, see the Oct. 25 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.