WHY JOIN IMPCA?

This is an obvious question that prospective members will immediately ask, and the Association must be able to answer it directly. In simple form the question is "What will I get out of it?". The reassurance of existing members also depends on a satisfactory reply.

We are convinced that membership provides a cost effective means of participation in a methanol industry association that is easy to access and that can react to any methanol issue that concerns or interests the industry as a whole that it represents.

IMPCA wants to point out two existing types of benefit to members:
a) Individual company short/medium term benefits;
b) Longer term company and industry benefits.

a) Individual company

IMPCA offers a broad range of immediate and ongoing benefits to members:

i. Networking opportunities through Conferences, meetings, membership lists etc.
ii. Information on general matters where appropriate such as duties, official requirements (in the future REACH), etc;
iii. Study reports, technical sub-group publications especially the methanol reference specifications;
iv. General interest information through the in-house Website;
v. Benefits to be derived from closer liaison with Universities via the Bursary Scheme;
vi. Opportunity to join IMPCA Committees.

b) Longer term benefits

IMPCA is composed of all sections of the methanol industry and cannot therefore represent any one section of it exclusively. Can and does IMPCA speak with one view? Depending on their situation, members basically seek:
- Increased sales opportunities or
- Increased purchasing opportunities or
- Increased shipping, pipeline, storage, inspection, consulting opportunities etc.

At the interest group level itself these options are to a large extent mutually exclusive - but the purpose of IMPCA is not at this level. The objective of IMPCA lies in the creation of opportunity for the overall expansion of the industry through secure, environmentally friendly applications. This expansion objective also embraces the principles of sustainable production and consumption (sustainable growth), and of social responsibility.

IMPCA therefore represents the higher common factors of members' interests.

The start point for the achievement of this objective lies in bringing the beneficial properties of methanol to the attention and favorable understanding of University departments. This is necessary for the advantageous outcome of their interaction with official decision making groups or panels. University input here can have a major effect on Government thinking since it is relied on to provide impartial technical and environmental opinion and information. For example, the fuel cell debate is currently strongly centered in this area of discussion. Industry recognition, acceptance and expansion is therefore closely linked to how well the benefits of gas and therefore methanol are understood by civil servants and politicians. If successful it would lead to more direct contact with Government departments and so maintain the impetus. Student bursary schemes are therefore an essential link in kick-starting this process.

The stronger the Association becomes the more weight it will carry for deeper penetration and co-operation.

Joining IMPCA at this time of potential rapid industry expansion means active participation in bringing about a prosperous future both for companies individually and for the industry generally.