NAID runs on commitment and input

With the 2015 Nominating Committee now hard at work, I am reminded how often members forget they are actually in charge of NAID. One look at the board of directors, which ultimately makes all decisions, reminds us that these professionals accurately represent the average NAID member. Most board members’ companies serve a limited region or a single market. The board includes mobile service providers, plant-based service providers, electronic data destruction service providers and a few who do it all. The vast majority of the board represents small businesses.

It may be natural to think of the association as a large institution over which the single member has little representation, but nothing could be further from the truth. NAID board members face the same issues every member faces. Whether it’s approving new certification criteria, submitting comments to Congress, approving an ethical sanction or introducing a new program fee, board members are affected by those decisions too.

But NAID’s strength actually goes much deeper than simply having a board that mirrors the companies it serves. Last I checked, close to 100 member representatives currently serve on one or another of the association’s committees. When you look over the 20 years of NAID’s existence, that number grows to more than 500. Keep in mind these committees have a direct pipeline to the board; the board relies on them to vet new initiatives and make recommendations.

It’s understood that not everyone has the luxury of volunteering their time to NAID involvement. The demands of running a business often are overwhelming. For those who can get involved, I strongly urge you to do so. Anyone who has quickly learns that the association is truly member driven and member focused. They also learn that they are heard and that they can have a great influence on issues affecting our industry.

I do not mean to say that committee or board involvement is the only way to be heard. The association owes a significant debt to many industry professionals over the years who have voiced their concerns to the board, even addressing the board directly during their monthly calls.

My only wish for NAID is that all those volunteers, commenters and even dissenters will continue to contribute their time and their opinions because that is the ultimate source of the association’s strength.

Bob Johnson is CEO of the National Association for Information Destruction. He can be reached at rjohnson@naidonline.org.