The strength of a trade association lies in the allegiance of its members. This connection depends exclusively upon the value of an association's range of member benefits. Delivering benefits often times requires association funds: an activity that adds pressure on member dues. Maintaining a competitive dues structure plays an important role in association membership growth and retention.

A key advantage to sponsorship of a workers' compensation trust is that there is no expense to the association or its members. In fact, trust sponsors enjoy the benefit of a low-maintenance revenue stream while their members reduce their workers' compensation costs. It's no secret that the combination of stable dues and increased member benefits results in a win-win situation for associations and their memberships.

Trust sponsorship holds great promise for associations looking to grow. The Trust's marketing and sales team acts as your association's representative. Prospective members become aware of the relationship between your association and the trust and see the immediate benefit to join as a result. With the cost of adding members as high as it is today, this benefit alone is reason enough to seriously consider sponsorship.

Here is a summary of some of the major benefits that come from trust sponsorship:

• No-cost membership retention and recruitment marketing assistance
  
• A lucrative sponsorship royalty arrangement to help fund membership and technical assistance initiatives
  
• Increased visibility with prospective members and an expanded presence with current members
  
• A voice with Oregon regulators to protect your members' best interests on matters concerning workers' compensation
  
• Immediate credibility with your members, prospective members and members of the Northwest's trade association community