Benefits of Being Affiliated with an Organization/Association

[firediver125]

I was wonder what benefits there are to be had, when joining/ becoming a member of some of the many associations/organizations (ie. the TCIA, ISA). I would like to hear what everyone thinks about them, and which ones are worth the $$$? Let us hear it!

 

[sgreanbeans]

There are many bennies that come along, to much to list all. Being a CA has helped me tremendously, not doing anything different than I was before (was initially trained by a CA from Davey) but that cert has opened doors. TCIA is a great org, their mission, IMO, is to rid the world of tree bubba's. They both have helped me become more desirable to the customers that I want. Its a little pricey, but money well spent. The main thing they both do, is add to your credibility as a professional Arborist/Tree Service.
Many guys don't like the, in their words, good ol boy clubs. I don't understand this. If your in business to make money, then anything that helps you become more legitimate, to me, cant be a bad thing. When ya get the box from TCIA, it is like Christmas mourning, could not believe the amount of stuff they sent!

 

[firediver125]

More questions

What are some of the other reputable Associations? BTW, We are planning on attending the first 2 parts of the Arbormaster course in November, but it is my unserstanding that you do not get any actual certification there. Where must you go to become a "certified arborist"?

 

[ATH]

As was mentioned, they do give a little 'legitimacy' to your profesionalism ... but that disappears pretty quickly if you don't act like a professional. Besides the marketing benefits, both of these organizations offer great learning resources and opportunities, and to me that is where the real value lies. Of course, you can usually get those resources without being a member, but it only makes sense to support an organization that I rely on.

Which is worth it? I think both ISA and TCIA are. I do think that the value of ISA is partially dependent on the strength of the state/regional chapter. If that is weak, I am not sure it would be worth while. Ohio's chapter has a great Tree Care Conference every year which makes the regular ISA membership make sense.

You asked where to go for Certified Arborist: here is the ISA page you need to visit.

Finally, you asked which other organizations are worthwhile...that will depend on what you are doing. For example, if you do a lot of consulting work, the American Society of Consulting Arborists is probably worth looking into. However, if you do not, that would not make a lot of sense to pursure membership there.