Trade association

<p>A trade association, also known as an industry trade group, business association, sector association or industry body, is an organization founded and funded by businesses that operate in a specific <a href="/facts/Industry_(economics)/nlB2hvkF">industry</a>. Through collaboration between companies within a <a href="/facts/Business_sector/UVySRfXc">sector</a>, a trade association coordinates <a href="/facts/Public_relations/mQJUIuWQ">public relations</a> activities such as <a href="/facts/Advertising/Hgz271hW">advertising</a>, education, publishing and, especially, <a href="/facts/Lobbying/lzdxSAUj">lobbying</a> and <a href="/facts/Political_action/7FR24vLd">political action</a>. Associations may offer other services, such as producing conferences, setting industry standards, holding networking or charitable events, or offering classes or educational materials. Many associations are <a href="/facts/Non-profit_organizations/AmXu2c85">non-profit organizations</a> governed by <a href="/facts/Bylaws/Aq9366FM">bylaws</a> and directed by officers who are also members. (FEC: Solicitable Class of Trade Association, <a href="/facts/Library_of_Congress/TfB6dEN5">Library of Congress</a>).
</p><p>In countries with a <a href="/facts/Social_market_economy/9zHvc3YR">social market economy</a>, the role of trade associations is often taken by <a href="/facts/Employers%27_organizations/y9fWLLde">employers' organizations</a>, which also take a role in <a href="/facts/Social_dialogue/pBIwDp7y">social dialogue</a>.
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Trade association open-in-new

Trade association