A Business Sense Article from PST

02-20-2020
Image for State and Regional Associations - Why You Should Join!

As the process serving profession has grown over the past several decades, many states and regions have founded associations dedicated to the preservation and health of the industry. There is a popular misconception that these associations cater to large business owners only, but the truth is that they represent and provide benefit to every process server in the profession. Whether you are a big company or a sole proprietor handling all your serves or an individual server working for another company, let’s talk about why you should join your state association and the benefits you’ll get from being a member.


The Reasons to Join:

  • Keeping the Industry Alive! Unlike pure marketing or listing services, associations do the hard job of lobbying. They push for the laws that protects the jobs of process servers and they fight against the bills that could potentially harm the industry. As technology keeps advancing and we move towards everything being electronic, state associations are making sure that process servers are not being taken out of the equation. 
  • Power in Numbers! State Associations need member support in order to have substantial arguments against or for legislation. Lobbying on behalf of 3,000 people carries more weight than 300. 
  • Networking! Being a member of an association gives you the opportunity to network and meet other people in the industry. Why not meet with other likeminded people that you could potentially learn from. Remember that “Your Network is Your Net Worth” – Tim Sanders.
  • Having a Voice. If you want to have your thoughts and concerns heard with regards to your daily work and things that might threaten your livelihood, a state association will give you that opportunity.


The Benefits of Joining:

Aside from all the reasons to join, there are some benefits of becoming a state association member. 

  • Discount Programs. Many state associations have negotiated discount rates for dental and vision plans, car rentals, office supplies, and even fun things like cruises!
  • Business Growth. Networking at state association meetings and events can lead to new contacts and new business. Also, the state associations will list your business on its website and clients will often turn to these association sites to find a process server.
  • Education. The state associations provide educational courses that fulfill many jurisdictions’ requirements for licensing, and they are taught by experienced servers who can provide real world advice on how to serve. Additionally, at association events and through association newsletters, you can learn about new and important issues in the profession.
  • Formal Grievance and Arbitration. Association members have recourse in situations where another association member has not behaved professionally, based on the association’s established code of ethics. Association members often prefer to provide work only to other association members because of this ethics “safety net.”


No matter if you are a business owner or individual server, it pays to be proactive and join the associations where you do business. Here is a list of all the active state associations and their websites for you to join.


If your state doesn’t have an association yet, think about:

  • Joining a nearby state/regional association 
  • Contacting the National Association of Professional Process Servers (NAPPS) about the potential for starting an association in your area. NAPPS may be able to point you towards others who are interested in starting an association and help get you started. (HTTP://WWW.NAPPS.ORG)