The associations are very helpful and beneficial for those who see the positives within. Its all in how it is used. They can also mark failure if you misuse it, too. An organization can only be as strong and successful as its members will allow. For instance, maybe Im not going to learn stuff at the same rate as say, a new taxidermist would in my state org...but look at the networking I still can gain, or just to get away and make it social. But, when CWD hit our state, I could grab my membership list and immediately have a bunch of taxidermists ready to help me get us through some tough legislation. To me, a state organization is priceless.