Unlock Your Firm’s Potential Partner with Your Local Staffing Org

By Terri Roeslmeier

June 9, 2014

The American Staffing Association in Alexandria, VA helps advance the interests of staffing organizations throughout the United States. ASA promotes legal, ethical and professional practices for the staffing industry.

 ASA has affiliated chapters which are independent state or location trade associations. These chapters offer many benefits to staffing industry members. At a local level, the chapters provide training and education, state trend updates, networking and leadership opportunities, a voice against adverse legislation, business promotion and other exclusive partnership opportunities. According to ASA there are 35 chapters in 26 States and the District of Columbia.

Staffing companies can benefit greatly by being a member of a local chapter, and/or by participating in a leadership role. The local chapters can provide a wealth of information and networking opportunities to help strengthen staffing organizations. At the local level there many ways that members can interface in order to address local issues and take advantage of business opportunities. Education is a huge part of the local organization, often offering webinars and on-site events to educate members on legal, marketing and trending topics.

Patty Casey, President of Arlington Resources in Rolling Meadows, IL had this to say, “My experience with being associated with the Illinois Search and Staffing Association has kept me well connected within the Staffing Industry in Illinois. We share best practices, which helps to improve my organization’s effectiveness to our clients. Keeping abreast of legislative issues and legal updates, as well as learning new sales and recruiting techniques, helps us to be best in staffing!  As a sole owner, working with other owners and managers to share ideas and advice has been one of the most rewarding things I have done recently to help grow my business, Arlington Resources. I am grateful for the advice and help over the years, and look forward to continuing to work with and be on the Board for our local staffing organization, The Illinois Search and Staffing Association. Getting involved helps our industry grow stronger and, as we learn from each other, we all become better in the process!” Patty’s organization is a member of ISSA and Patty has held a leadership role as President as well as a current board member position.

The Illinois Association also works closely with the Wisconsin Association of Staffing Services. Both offer reciprocal member rates for events and webinars. In addition, both organizations work together to offer a Midwest Conference Event that features highly regarded speakers and networking. The event is held in Illinois in the Spring. This event is extremely popular and spaces fill up fast. Recently, ISSA held an ACA Reporting Event that drew a large interested group of members.

Cory Lynch, President of Team Personnel Services, Inc. in St. Paul, Minnesota speaks of his involvement with the Minnesota Recruiting & Staffing Association (MNRSA). “Getting involved with the Minnesota Recruiting & Staffing Association (MNRSA) has been very beneficial for Team Personnel Services, Inc. Our MNRSA members have been kept up-to-date on key state legislative issues that could impact our staffing businesses. We have an annual day at the capitol that is well attended by our industry leaders. During this day; we have a Q & A session with politicians to discuss the effects of proposed and existing legislation. In 2013, a well-organized response from numerous MNRSA members helped politicians vote against adding a sales tax on our industry which would have adversely affected jobs in our state.”

Cory Lynch goes on to say, “MNRSA holds events periodically where guest speakers help educate, inspire and train our staffs on the rapidly changing business climate and how we can capitalize on it. We have industry vendors showcase the latest and greatest in technology and products. Our involvement in MNRSA events helps keep us on the cutting edge of industry trends.”

“Another enlightening seminar I attended was Sam Richter’s business development event titled ‘Take the Cold out of Cold Calling’,” Lynch recalls.

Lynch recaps, “Having a leadership role in a local organization helps expand the network of a staffing professional within the industry as well as increasing credibility with clients and employees that utilize our services. Your business will benefit from active involvement in your local chapter.”

The New York Staffing Association is one of the largest affiliated chapters of the American Staffing Association. The Texas Association of Staffing (TAS) offers an annual meeting and many other events throughout the year which are very popular. As a matter of fact, almost every local organization sponsors an annual event and multiple smaller events and/or webinars.

Check out the American Staffing Association website to find a chapter nearest to you. The ASA’s Chapter Directory contains links to affiliated chapter websites. Being a part of a local staffing organization can provide credibility as well as an opportunity to work with other local industry professionals to make the staffing industry the best that it can be.

Vendors can participate too. Some local chapters welcome vendor members to share in board positions. This offers a two-way communication that can benefit both groups in servicing and supporting the needs of the industry and the local organization. Local organizations require resources in order to support events. Vendors can help by providing expertise, volunteer time and sponsorships to help give back to the staffing industry.

The local organization can be a strong partner and help unlock your firm’s potential for business success.

If you would like to know more about Ultra-Staff click the link below.checklist_1

Terri Roeslmeier is President of Automated Business Designs, Inc., software developer of Ultra-Staff staffing software for the staffing and direct hire industry. Ultra-Staff is a full-featured business solution with components for front office, back office, mobile and web portal. For more information on Ultra-Staff go to www.abd.net.