An invaluable opportunity for growing in a profession is to join local and national organizations and associations related to the industry. Today we will focus on a few self-storage associations and show the benefits of involvement.
Like many industries, self-storage has strong organizations or associations to join. The first point to consider is local organizations that encourage involvement. Regional associations are beneficial because they offer connections with people in real life that might be seen on a daily or weekly basis. With national associations, gatherings may be possible only once a year. Local activities may take place monthly or even more frequently.
National associations are also important. The information presented at an annual conference is invaluable. Additionally, a national conference brings together the best minds in the business where learning from the most successful people in the industry is readily available.
It is important to engage in both local and national associations to learn the most about the industry for success going forward. The associations that Coastal Storage knows and trusts are the Florida Self-Storage Association, Georgia Self-Storage Association, Self-STorage Association, and Inside Self-Storage. These groups are the most beneficial for our organization to be involved in where we can learn, grow, and share the most.
- Florida Self-Storage Association
- Georgia Self-Storage Association
- Self-Storage Association
- Inside Self-Storage
Florida Self-Storage Association is a state-wide, non-profit, trade organization celebrating 25 years of strengthening the self-storage industry in Florida. They host an annual conference in the spring. According to the website, FSSA’s mission is “to promote the concept of self-storage and the businesses of our members, while monitoring legislation and acting as the industry’s voice.” This organization is beneficial because members pay attention to any state legislation that is industry-relevant and works on behalf of members to protect and support the industry.
Their website provides resources, articles, and other information. Networking opportunities abound at the annual conference. There are conferences held in both the fall and spring for owners and operators along with webinars throughout the year.
Georgia Self-Storage Association is a state-wide, non-profit, trade association “serving the needs of GA Self Storage Facilities, vendors, and professionals. GASSA is committed to providing a forum for education, networking, legislative advocacy, and growth for the self-storage industry in Georgia and throughout the southeast.” The GASSA provides learning opportunities and resources to new and experienced owners/operators.
For the new owner/operators, GASSA offers a certified lease agreement, addendums, forms, and the auction timeline for Georgia. The forms and agreements can be customized to a particular business. The website offers over 30 hours of educational content for new owners.
With monthly learning events covering self-storage topics, a wealth of information is available to members. A fall conference takes place every October.
Self-Storage Association is a national organization representing the industry as a registered lobbying entity before Congress. The website states, “SSA is your one-stop source for self-storage-specific learning opportunities on key topics.” Membership allows access to many online resources, networking opportunities, online directories, healthcare information, and publications.
SSA offers a winter ski workshop and a spring conference annually which provides excellent learning and mentorship sessions. SSA encourages members to attend and participate in the Inside Self Storage World Expo. Let’s dive into these resources quickly.
Inside Self-Storage is an industry-wide organization that supports owners and operators as “the leading critical information source for self-storage owners, managers, investors, and developers.” The website contains articles and information on every topic related to self-storage. There are directories, articles, blog posts, and more resources than one can ever read through. ISS also hosts the annual World Expo in the spring. This event is a great resource for new and experienced owners.
The Self-Storage Talk Forum is hosted by the ISS website and provides a way to connect with other self-storage owners and operators nationwide. The forum is a great way to post questions and answers related to self-storage and receive expert advice from industry leaders.
Joining associations and organizations might seem nerve-wracking at first. Starting with a local organization might put your mind at ease before jumping into a national event. You can even be a host to other owners and operators within your community for a monthly lunch meeting or breakfast. This enables business owners to meet others in the field and build a community of peers.
Associations and organizations provide a necessary opportunity for learning and growth. Being part of a learning network increases chances for success. Learning opportunities offer new information that might be helpful to you on this journey.
Coastal Storage is the trusted Argus Network Affiliate for Florida, excluding the Panhandle. We partner with owners and operators to find the best solutions for your current and next locations. Call us today to find your next investment at 904-591-0140.