“This new study for the first time quantifies the power of associations to boost America's economy and generate opportunity through good jobs with competitive pay, events that support local businesses and substantial tax payments to all levels of government,” said ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE. “Associations also strengthen our country by advancing job skills and advocating for American businesses, professions and workers in every industry, in every state, every day.”

ASAE partnered with Oxford Economics, the world's foremost independent economic advisory firm, in a study of 20,000 associations to capture the economic impact of the sector. The analysis shows:

• Associations are a vital component of America’s job market, directly supporting 1 million jobs and providing $71.4 billion in wages throughout all 50 states.
  
  
• Association events inject significant revenue into state and local economies, creating a ripple effect that benefits a diverse range of businesses. More than 272,000 events attract nearly 52 million participants, directly support 342,000 jobs, and generate $42 billion in spending in communities nationwide every year.
  
  
• Associations and their events generate critical tax revenue for every level of government, helping to fund infrastructure, education, and public safety. Each year, associations pay almost $28 billion in federal, state, and local taxes – and events generate an additional $7.5 billion in taxes to state and local governments.

“ASAE is the authoritative voice on association research, providing reliable data and insights that policymakers, business leaders and the public trust,” Mason added. “This study underscores our commitment to advancing understanding of the incredible contributions associations make to our country.”

For more details about the study and to see an interactive map with state-specific association economic impact data, please visit: Resources – The Power of Associations.