Information from trade and industry associations

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Many industries are blessed with an active trade association that serves as a vital source of industry specific information. Such associations regularly publish directories for their members, and the better ones publish statistical information that track industry sales, profits, ratios, economic trends, and other valuable data. If you don't know which trade associations apply to your industry, find out. Look for Associations on the Internet:

Yahoo.com's list of trade associations is an amazing list of hundreds of trade and industry associations.
The Encyclopaedia of Associations published by The Gale Group is probably the most established, respected source on associations. These cost several hundred dollars each and are normally available at reference libraries. This organization also offers the more updated Associations Unlimited online database of more than 400,000 organizations.
The Internet Public Library has a large list of associations on the Web
The Training Forum has an association’s database on the Web listing more than 10,000 associations.
“Action without Borders” initiative lists thousands of not-for-profit organizations.

The ultimate goal is information. Most of these associations have industry statistics, market statistics, guides, annual references, directories of industry participants, and other industry-specific information. Many provide business ratios by region or by comparable business size. Contact possible associations, visit their websites to see what information is available. When in doubt, call or email the industry association offices and communicate with the managers.

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Though one cannot deny that these sources are very good sources of information , they provide you with in depth info . Trade associations are often valuable sources of industry information. Use these resources to identify associations related to an industry. For best results, search by a key words that describe the industry. Directory entries will usually include address, phone and e-mail information. Increasingly, web site addresses are also included for industry associations.