The IAGC is a combined voice that can be louder and more influential than the individuality of certain geophysical companies. Its reasons for existence are many:
Through one voice, the association provides anonymity for membership;
Members can pool resources and work on things that are not practical individually;
The association can work with local, state, and federal government agencies to address sensitive issues; and
It can fight those factions that oppose what it does. This concept embodies all trade associations and certainly is not limited to the geophysical industry. The sheer volume of issues the IAGC is taking on as an association is amazing. These issues need immediate attention and have tremendous impact on the ability of the members to do their jobs. The challenges have to be attacked with minimal staff, so efforts need to be focused, effective, and well-coordinated to maximize the value to the members. Because the staff resources are so limited, the organization relies heavily on the participation of its members through work groups, committees, and targeted workshops . This participation is where IAGC finds the strength to be more effective. And it has provided that degree of anonymity to each individual member yet carried the weight of all.
Too often trade association membership is faced with unexpected hurdles that can cripple the entire industry (the Macondo well explosion in the Gulf of Mexico is a prime example). Associations then put the wheels in motion to react, respond, and direct their resources to overcome these obstacles and put their industry back on the right track. But it is not easy. There are many environmental groups, grassroots organizations, and key constituencies that are more sophisticated, have higher public visibility, and are well-funded to bespeak these endeavors. Additionally, government responds with tighter restrictions to appease these opponents, and the industry is left with unavoidable hindrances that beg for reparation.
But it doesn’t take a catastrophic event to take action within associations. Why wait for calamity?
There is enough know-how within these organizations to take a proactive approach to industry matters. IAGC’s current structure has attacked issues that, although not presently problematic, could evolve into game-changing obstacles. An example is the recent explosion in seismic acquisition activity in the northeast US. This increased activity in an area relatively unfamiliar with seismic surveying has caused a serious problem with local and state agencies that have neither the staff nor the experience to handle the many issues exploration activity can generate. The take-charge plan of attack by the IAGC helped some agencies to cope better with the overload and improve procedures to provide more efficient ways of doing business.
It is obvious that trade associations are extremely helpful and effective and offer industries a “voice.” IAGC members realize and appreciate the value that the IAGC brings to the industry, but more participation is always needed.
Do not wait for someone else to throw their hat into the ring – get involved, be proactive, and support your industry. The future of your business and the health of your company rely on your contributions.