I'm privileged to attend a variety of industry events.  This year I have been to gatherings of every conceivable size and shape -- from national events to suppliers events, and even a few intimate conferences and focus groups that involve 20 or fewer people.

But no matter where or how what size, I am thrilled at the positive feedback I hear about the Accredited Snow Contractor’s Association, our approach to effecting change and encouragement to remain focused on our mission. 

It occurred to me, though, there are a number of questions I routinely field from people at almost every event I attend.  I want to address those:

1. Why did ASCA elect to go to 3rd party auditing system through ISO? The initial reason to go that route is that we have identified with the insurance world, they do not take this industry seriously.  They are scared of it.  We needed to step up the industry and put a system in place that legitimized the industry in their eyes. 
2. How are the Government Affairs initiatives coming along? They are progressing.  At the federal level, Congress has been focused on Health Care, Immigration reform and number of larger issues we all know about.  Any progress at the level will begin later in the year are early next year, depending of course on the outcome of the upcoming election. At the state level, we needed to get our ISO certification process in place prior to begin our work at the level.  We have nearly done that, so we anticipate heading in the direction soon.
3. How long do think it will take to impact the laws? I hope that in 3 to 5 years we have made significant impact at the state level.  It is a long and slow process.  The certification program through ISO was built with the intent to protect contractors today as well as with positive changes in legislation.
4. What are the chances of success in changing the laws? I hate to give a number on that.  I know we have partnered with the right people that have success every day in positively impacting legislation.  Like everything, we will have success, and there will some frustrations along the way.  We are committed to seeing this through. 
5. How is membership coming along? It is growing nicely.  There are certainly surges, but we are gaining a members each week and we hope to be at 500 members by year’s end.