The Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA) is thrilled to announce the launch of our dynamic and forward-thinking 3-year strategic plan. This comprehensive roadmap will guide our association and the industry toward even greater heights, building upon our strong foundation and embracing new opportunities.
This strategic plan is the result of extensive collaboration, thoughtful consideration of industry trends, and invaluable input from our dedicated members, volunteer leaders, and staff. It outlines clear goals and actionable strategies designed to enhance the value we provide to our members, elevate professional standards within the snow and ice management sector, and champion the importance of our industry.
The key pillars of the SIMA 3-Year Strategic Plan are:
Localizing member connections: We are committed to growing our community of members and connections with local and regional networks. An association is a community after all and enabling local connections to support business and personal growth is essential to SIMA’s reason for existence. We will be a leader in more networking opportunities to foster connections and knowledge sharing with local and regional gatherings of members and interested stakeholders.
Advancing industry standards: Raising the bar for professionalism occurs through new and improved standards and best management practices. As part of the plan, we will begin a feasibility analysis for a national snow and ice services contract standard. A national contract should create a more equal playing field with shared responsibilities with customers and accountability for service. We will continue to develop and improve our current industry standards, which support our work as professionals in safety and transportation for individuals and companies.
Legislative impact through state and provincial representatives: We will amplify our voice to advocate for the interests of the snow and ice management industry on legislative and regulatory fronts. This includes educating policymakers about the essential role our members play in public safety and commerce, advocating for fair and equitable regulations, and promoting the adoption of responsible environmental practices. We will increase our engagement through our grassroots network of members, providing a more localized network of advocates to ensure our industry's perspective is heard. Sign up to get involved with legislative initiatives today.
Company accreditation with a focus on salt application and safety: We recognize the importance of our CSP and ASM credentials in personal achievement. The next step is to obtain company accreditation to show adherence and practice in areas of safety and sustainability. The reasons are not simply to create another layer of acronyms. Instead, this will add value to insurance partnerships and proactive practice of best practices in salt applications, where regulations are under discussion in several states and provinces.
This 3-year strategic plan represents an exciting new chapter for SIMA and its members. We are confident that by working together, we can achieve these ambitious goals and further solidify the snow and ice management industry as a vital and respected profession.
Stay tuned for more updates on implementing our strategic plan and opportunities to get involved. We are enthusiastic about the future and the positive impact we will make together!
Martin Tirado, CAE, is executive director and CEO of SIMA. Contact him at martin@sima.org.