AWFS® conducted its annual member survey last month – thank you to all who completed the survey! Here are some highlights:
— Most survey respondents indicated that they joined AWFS® to receive a booth discount at the AWFS®Fair (85%), however nearly half also joined for networking (46%) and to support the industry (41%).
— 84% of respondents indicated that they “agree” or “strongly agree” that AWFS® is a strong voice for advocacy in the industry. Learn what AWFS® is doing for industry education and public policy.
— More than half of respondents (56%) rated AWFS® benefits as “good” or “very good”. You can learn more about AWFS benefits here.
— Overall, 74% of respondents indicated that they are “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their AWFS® membership. Further, 92% said they are “likely” or “very likely” to renew their membership, and 85% shared that they are “likely” or “very likely” to recommend joining AWFS® to someone else.
— Respondents shared that they would like to see more marketing/advertising resources, more access to industry data, insurance-related discount programs, and opportunities to create community among AWFS® members and the industry.
The survey respondents represented approximately 10% of AWFS® membership and came from a mix of manufacturers and distributors of supplies/components and machinery. Respondents were primarily in C-level, manager, or director level positions in marketing or sales, with the majority (73%) having been in the industry for 10 or more years. Company size ranged between small (25% at 0-10 employees) to large (37% at 100 or more employees).
AWFS® also conducted facilitated focus groups in October with a diverse cross-section of member companies and representatives. The focus group discuss identified that members are struggling with: supply chain disruptions (including price increases), the workforce shortage, increases in product demand, and continuing advancement of automation and digitization. Focus group participants shared that they would love to hear from other members and connect with them through plant tours, networking events, and articles/ “case studies”. There is a strong interest in fostering community, strengthening the workforce, and having access to more industry data.
AWFS® will use the survey and focus group feedback to assess and enhance the products and services that we offer – stay tuned for more info!
CONGRATULATIONS to the following five AWFS® members whose names were drawn in the survey raffle and received a $50 Amazon gift card:
Rick Bush, Festool USA LLC
Katlyn Dykoff, Kern Laser Systems
Jamie Goodwin, Kessebohmer
Sam Shieh, Capella Hardware Company
Rick Rybkowski, Edgebanding Services, Inc.
If you have any questions or feedback for AWFS, please contact Adria Salvatore adria@awfs.org