Focus

"It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories instead of theories to suit facts."
—Arthur Conan Doyle

During the past two years, NRCA has been introducing several new member benefits, such as two new free apps, free electronic access to NRCA publications and free monthly webinars to name just a few.

The offerings have been well-received, but NRCA also is seeking feedback about what else the organization can do to increase its value proposition to members. For instance, is NRCA providing the right topics for webinars and educational programs? Do members still prefer hard copies of publications and reports? What additional tools and resources can NRCA provide to help members more effectively manage their businesses?

In addition, NRCA wants to know whether the dues members pay are in line with what members believe is reasonable for the benefits they receive. And what can NRCA do to better attract nonmembers and former members to NRCA?

To help NRCA determine this information and better serve its members, it has developed a needs assessment survey and encourages all current members to provide feedback. In addition, a random sample of nonmembers and former members will be receiving a slightly different version of the survey. The member survey can be completed and mailed to NRCA or completed online through an interactive PDF at www.nrca.net/files/pdf/0415-member-needs-assessment.pdf.

I encourage you to complete the survey (members who complete the survey will be entered into a drawing to win a Visa gift card). Your participation is crucial for helping define the NRCA member experience and providing NRCA with valuable information to help it better align its offerings with members' needs.

If you have any questions about the survey, please contact Alison LaValley, NRCA's associate executive director of member services, at (800) 323-9545, ext. 7573 or alavalley@nrca.net.

Ambika Puniani Bailey is editory of Professional Roofing and NRCA's associate executive director of communications and production.