Trade and professional associations are sometimes the only source of information for a business researcher. Associations are especially valuable for statistical surveys of specific market segments. They also offer educational opportunities, networking, trade related literature, job resources, media contacts, and trade shows. Surveys and statistical analyses done by associations are often available only to association members so membership in organizations related to one's field is beneficial. The following websites represent just a select number of business-related associations.

On the Web:

American Association of Advertising Agencies  Information regarding the operation of advertising agencies, encompassing management, media, print and broadcast production, secondary research on advertising and marketing, international advertising and more. Represents the advertising agency business in the U.S.

American Bankers Association  Exists to enhance the role of commercial bankers and to serve as a spokesperson for the banking industry; conducts educational and training programs for bank employees and officers.

American Financial Services Association  This association deals primarily with companies whose business is direct credit lending to consumers. Encourages the business of financing individuals and families; promotes consumer understanding of basic money management principles and consumer credit.

American Franchisee Association  Promotes growth of members' businesses; provides support and legal assistance to members; assists in the formation of independent franchisee associations.

American Marketing Association  Publications, directories, marketing resources, and more. The AMA is one of the largest professional associations for marketers.

American Small Businesses Association  Support for small business owners. Supports legislation favorable to small businesses; organizes business education programs.

Association for International Business  Networking forum for the international business community. Members share information, resources, and help with problem solving.

Association of National Advertisers  Information resource center, conferences, training, region meetings. Focus is on marketing and brand building.

California Small Business Association  Information resources, business to business directory. Main mission is to "provide small business with a meaningful voice in state and federal government."

Chamber of Commerce International Directory  Chambers of Commerce for Cities-States-Provinces around the world.

Direct Marketing Association  Job bank, bookstore, conferences, bookstore, links.

Employers of America  Offers advice and tips on subjects like writing employee handbooks, motivating employees, cutting costs, and maximizing profits.  Provides recent court rulings on workplace problems like sexual harassment.

Home Based Business Suite  Success tips, zoning information, resources for getting started, and more. Part of the Jim Blasingame Small Business Advocate network.

National Business Association  Dedicated to the self-employed and small business community. Check out the "Useful Resources," where you can find links to organizations which aid small business.

Use your favorite Web Search engine to search for the association you need. Search the full name of the association if you have it, e.g. "American Electronics Association" (using quotation marks around the name of the association and capitalize the initial letters can provide more accurate retrieval). If you don't know the name of the association, use prominent key words, e.g. +electronics +association (using the + sign before a term indicates that the term must be in documents retrieved).

In the Library:

• Business Organizations, Agencies, and Publications 
  Entries contain organizations' full name, address, telephone, fax, and contact information.
   
• Encyclopedia of Associations (International, Regional, State, and Local)  
  This multi-volume set is the most comprehensive association directory. It is available at the Library in either print or electronic format.  Keyword indexing allows users to easily identify all associations related to their field. Full information on each association includes address, telephone, fax, email, contact; founding date and number of members; publications; meetings, conventions, trade shows; member services; etc.
   
• National Trade and Professional Associations of the U.S. 
  Over 7500 trade associations, professional societies, labor unions, and similar national groups are listed here. Associations are indexed by alphabet, subject, geography, executive name, and acronym.
   
• National Directory of Nonprofit Organizations  
  Contact and basic factual information for the largest nonprofits in the United States. Also provides information such as the IRS 501(c) filing status, employer ID number, charitable deduction eligibility, and the charity's annual income.
   
• Trade Shows Worldwide 
  Covers trade shows and exhibitions, their sponsors and organizers, convention facilities, service providers, and sources of industry information. Subject, geographical and chronological indexes are included.

Go to the Library catalog  

On the Library network:

• Associations Unlimited 
  The electronic version of Encyclopedia of Associations, this database makes it even easier to locate associations. Search by association name, association acronym, free text, and other methods.
   
• Reference USA
  This database can be used to locate businesses and some associations. Search by name, geography, SIC, and other criteria.

Go to the Library's databases