Published in InfoAlert.

The sheer number of trade associations with websites is staggering. No matter what type of business you're in, you can find associations to guide and support you.

For a comprehensive listing of trade associations on the Web, try Yahoo!'s listing of Trade Associations.

The Marketing Resource Center's Associations Database provides a directory of business-related associations around the world. Search by category, city, state, title, area code, or zip code.

The Computer and Communications Pages feature a comprehensive listing of over 300 organizations and associations connected with the computer or digital technology industry.

An organization for the global cooperation and coordination for the Internet and its technologies is the Internet Society. Its principal purpose is to maintain and extend the development and availability of the Internet and its associated technologies and applications.

The Federation of International Trade Associations (FITA) fosters international trade by strengthening the role of associations through America that have an international mission. Access FITA publications, search for training seminars, or search member associations.

An international trade group for the construction industry is CIMAnet, the Construction Industry Manufacturers Association. You'll find a listing of services offered by the association such as governmental issues, technical services, and safety products, as well as a listing of member sites.

For anyone planning to do business in Japan or researching Japanese markets, the Japanese External Trade Association (JETRO) provides statistics, how-to information, contacts, and links to companies and individuals.

Financial professionals can find information on finance-related trade associations at Global Markets, the Web center for futures and options traders. This extensive site also lists regulatory agencies, trading courses, and a market forum.

The National Retail Federation provides information on membership, government lobbying, state associations, industry contacts, and resources on current issues in retailing.

Lawyers and legal professionals will want to access the American Bar Association's website. The association's goal is to develop rules and guidelines for the profession, and the site contains articles from the ABA Journal, links to law-related sites, and a public service page with information about legal aid.

CEMACITY is sponsored by the Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association, which represents consumer electronics industries in audio, multimedia, video, and related fields. Their web site offers current news on industry events, trade shows, government policy watch, and a mall featuring the latest technologies.

The American Hotel and Motel Association provides services in communication, governmental affairs, marketing, hospitality operations, educational, conventions, and much more for hotels, motels, and lodging facilities throughout the world. The site features industry suppliers, traveler resources, and an information center.

If you're in a direct marketing industry, The Direct Marketing Association can provide you with statistical information, the latest industry and regulatory news, upcoming conferences, and information about the association itself.

The American Society of Association Executives provides a listing of over 1700 associations currently operating on the Web. The site contains a government affairs section, an ASAE-ASSIST program that allows you to search a database on a variety of association management topics, and conference information.

The Health Insurance Association of America is a trade association for insurers and managed care companies. The site also features insurance guides for consumers and an insurance education program that offers courses on a variety of insurance topics.

Established to promote the role and benefits of advertising, theInternational Advertising Association is a partnership of advertisers, agencies, the media, and related services.

The World Network of Chambers of Commerce and Industry features a global index of Chambers of Commerce, Chambers for International Business Development, and a global business promotion program.

Robin Nobles is a freelance writer who can be reached at robinnobles@robinsnest.com.

Back to Main Articles Page