The most vital aspect remains the long-term growth achieved through member-to-member relationships and early access to key snow industry insights 

A number of years ago, I had the opportunity to attend an outdoor landscaping, equipment, and snow and ice trade show in Calgary, Alberta, and I found it a wonderful city. If you have never been, I encourage you to visit if given the chance. As a former host of the Winter Olympics, remnants of the Games are still visible throughout the city, and it is located near Banff and other beautiful national parks.

SIMA hosted a booth at this trade show, and I was the sole staff member present for those few days. As with any exhibition, constant conversation was interspersed with quiet lulls. During one of those quiet moments, a gentleman walked up to the booth and shared that he had never heard of the Snow and Ice Management Association before. He explained that he performs commercial snow and ice work and intended to join, emphasizing his belief that professionals should belong to the industry association that represents and unites their field.

My immediate reaction was to give him a hug. Though he was a stranger in a foreign country—despite Canada's renowned friendliness—I thanked him profusely instead of hugging him. We discussed the member benefits for a few minutes before he went on his way. That brief encounter stayed with me and highlighted the fundamental concept of community, a theme I have reflected on repeatedly throughout my time with SIMA.

What does community truly mean? A community offers benefits that extend beyond a specific dollar value. Unlike a standard retail transaction where money is exchanged for a commodity like a loaf of bread, joining a community—whether for personal growth, experiences, or professional advancement—represents a transformational relationship rather than a merely transactional one.

Describing membership in a professional association as transformational might sound slightly excessive or self-serving, but consider the communities and organizations you have joined over time. The real value lies in the connections you make, the reciprocal exchange of information, discussions of shared successes, and collaborative problem-solving through common challenges. As you engage, you learn from fellow members and find mutual support for long-term growth.

Naturally, SIMA provides tangible advantages: educational discounts, members-only resources, and a member search directory, amongst other benefits. However, the most vital aspect remains the long-term growth achieved through member-to-member relationships and early access to key industry insights.

Returning to that same trade show a year later, I had the good fortune of running into the same gentleman, who was accompanied by a colleague. He told his colleague that he had joined SIMA and felt the organization was doing a fantastic job. That interaction served as powerful positive reinforcement. Although our conversation was brief, his appreciation for being part of the SIMA community was clear.

Although that privately managed trade show is no longer held, I will always remember connecting with a new member who was initially unfamiliar with SIMA.

Winter is upon us. There has been snowfall in the mountains and northern regions of North America. Now is a great time to join SIMA and become part of our community. Our best outreach to new members is word of mouth. If you know others managing snow and ice, send them our way and encourage them to join. We will continue to improve as our community grows.

Martin Tirado, CAE, is CEO and executive director for SIMA. Contact him at Martin@sima.org.