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A great but untapped export and import resource for small companies is business and industry associations. There seems to be an association for almost every kind of industry grouping.
Some are very large like the National Association of Manufacturers. If you make something, you're eligible. Pig products? You're covered. Wine-maker? The headquarters are in California. International Trombone Association? They're tuning up now. Left-handed urologists? Wouldn't be surprised.
Then there's an association for every business. It's called the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, based in Washington, D.C., the seat of national political power and home to hundreds of business associations, as lobbying government is one if their main and in some cases their only purpose. Alexis de Tocqueville pointed out in his superb treatise Democracy in America that citizens here are great joiners of organizations be they clubs, societies, guilds, religions (well, used to), groups, troops, unions, movements, cults, and other forms of self-governance.
In addition to the national Chamber of Commerce there are local chambers, which are good places to network and to learn about trade-related activities in your area. If there aren't any, you can use your membership to get some started.
Associations are part of your entrepreneurial ecosystem, a cluster of organizations and people that serve as sources of information, contacts, best practices and financing that can help your business grow.
Association themselves are becoming more international, sometimes organizing trade missions to other countries or hosting visiting buyer delegations. Sister City programs have been doing the same thing for years, even if their stated purpose is “cultural exchange and friendship,” in many cities they’ve become Sister Cities for Commerce. Nothing wrong with that.
Their lobbying function is also important to individual businesses as well as the industry or sector as a whole. Many are and will continue to be involved in issues such as Trade Promotion Authority, raising de Minimus levels, and streaming customs and trade documentation requirements--all topics tackled in WPG blogs. Their publications and digital communications can also include content about international opportunities found nowhere else.
Of course you should evaluate trade association membership before you join, perhaps using this checklist.
*Do they have an international mission?
*Do they take positions on trade related policy issues? Are the positions compatible with yours?
*Do they maintain international expertise or have access to it?
*What percentage of the membership is comprised of active exporters or importers?
*Do they have relationships with government trade promotion agencies?
*Are there formal opportunities for networking?
*Do their publications include content of use to members interested in international trade?
*What do you get in exchange for your dues?
*Is the mission focused on the needs of the small and midsize enterprise?
Whether or not you are a consistent joiner, it's worth considering associations as part of your international business plan.
| Product Model | Inside Diameter | Outside Diameter | Thickness |
| NUKR170XH/3AS bearing | 60 | 170 | 70 |
| NUKR160XH/3AS NTN | 56 | 160 | 67 |