How Associations Can Use Economic Impact Analysis to Strengthen Advocacy and Demonstrate Value

In an increasingly competitive landscape, industry associations must continuously prove their value—to policymakers, the public, and even their own members. Whether advocating for funding, shaping regulations, or increasing public awareness, associations need compelling data to tell their story effectively.

That’s where economic impact analysis comes in.

IMPLAN’s latest white paper, IMPLAN for Associations: Demonstrating Economic Impact to Key Stakeholders, explores how associations can use economic impact data to support policy initiatives, showcase industry contributions, and strengthen engagement with stakeholders. If your organization is looking to improve advocacy efforts and elevate its influence, this white paper is a must-read.

Here’s a preview of what you’ll learn.

1. Why Economic Impact Analysis Matters for Associations

Economic impact analysis provides a data-driven way for associations to quantify and communicate their industry’s contributions. By measuring key indicators such as employment, tax revenue, and GDP contributions, associations can demonstrate the ripple effects of their industry’s activities on local, regional, and national economies.

For example, the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association (PMA) leverages economic impact analysis to advocate for pro-business policies. By using IMPLAN’s data, they can quantify the number of jobs supported by the manufacturing sector in Pennsylvania and highlight how legislative changes might affect industry growth. Armed with this data, PMA presents compelling evidence to policymakers, making their case stronger and more difficult to ignore.

The white paper details how organizations like PMA and others have successfully used economic impact analysis to influence legislation, secure funding, and enhance their industry’s reputation.

2. How to Use IMPLAN for Policy Advocacy

Advocating for policy changes requires more than just a persuasive argument—it requires hard data. Policymakers rely on economic insights to make informed decisions about regulations, taxes, and funding allocations. Without credible economic data, associations risk being overlooked in the policy-making process.

IMPLAN’s white paper outlines best practices for using economic impact analysis in policy advocacy, including:

• Presenting localized data – Showing policymakers how an industry impacts their specific district or state increases the relevance of your argument. IMPLAN makes it easy to analyze impacts at different geographic levels, from a single county to the entire U.S.
• Demonstrating job creation and tax revenue – Lawmakers are more likely to support initiatives that create jobs and generate tax revenue. IMPLAN allows associations to quantify these effects and present them in a clear, digestible format.
• Using multi-regional input-output (MRIO) analysis – Some policies affect multiple regions, and IMPLAN enables associations to model these cross-regional impacts. If your industry’s supply chain extends beyond a single state, MRIO analysis helps illustrate those broader economic connections.

In the white paper, you’ll find real-world examples of associations that have successfully influenced policy using economic data. Whether you’re advocating for tax incentives, infrastructure investments, or industry regulations, IMPLAN can help strengthen your case.

3. Strengthening Member Engagement with Data-Driven Insights

Association members want to know that their dues are being put to good use. One of the most effective ways to demonstrate value to your members is by showing them the industry’s overall impact and the association’s role in protecting and growing that industry.

With IMPLAN, associations can create detailed economic impact reports that highlight:

• Total employment supported by the industry – Members want to see how their contributions translate into job creation and economic growth.
• Regional breakdowns – Whether members operate locally or nationally, IMPLAN can provide insights into how their businesses are affected at different geographic levels.
• Trends over time – Economic impact analysis can track changes over the years, helping associations communicate industry progress and emerging challenges.

For example, a national trade association representing the hospitality industry might use IMPLAN to show how many jobs their industry supports in key tourism regions. By presenting this data in annual reports or conferences, the association can reinforce its value and maintain strong member engagement.

4. Leveraging Economic Impact Data for Media Outreach and Public Relations

A well-crafted economic impact report can serve as the foundation for powerful media stories. Journalists and the public respond to compelling statistics, and associations that provide strong economic data can position themselves as industry thought leaders.

Imagine an association representing the renewable energy sector. By using IMPLAN, they can show how investment in solar and wind energy has created thousands of jobs, reduced dependence on fossil fuels, and generated billions in economic activity. This data can be used in press releases, op-eds, and interviews to shape public perception and gain support for renewable energy initiatives.

The white paper provides tips on how associations can translate economic impact findings into effective media campaigns, including:

• Creating visually engaging reports – Infographics and data visualizations make economic impact findings more digestible for journalists and the public.
• Aligning data with current events – Economic impact reports are most effective when they tie into relevant news cycles, such as legislative debates or economic downturns.
• Positioning association leaders as experts – When media outlets need an authoritative voice on industry trends, associations armed with strong economic data can step into that role.

5. Ensuring Credibility and Accuracy in Economic Impact Analysis

One of the biggest challenges associations face when conducting economic impact analysis is ensuring that their findings are credible and defensible. A poorly executed study can damage an association’s reputation and weaken its advocacy efforts.

The white paper covers best practices for ensuring accuracy in economic impact analysis, such as:

• Using transparent methodologies – IMPLAN’s input-output modeling approach is widely accepted in economic research and ensures reliable results.
• Avoiding overestimation – Inflating numbers can backfire if policymakers or journalists question the validity of the findings. IMPLAN provides realistic, data-backed estimates that hold up under scrutiny.
• Customizing impact studies to fit the audience – Different stakeholders require different levels of detail. Policymakers may need high-level summaries, while industry analysts may require in-depth breakdowns. IMPLAN makes it easy to generate reports tailored to various audiences.

By following these best practices, associations can maximize the credibility and impact of their economic studies, ensuring they remain valuable tools for advocacy, member engagement, and public outreach.

Download the White Paper to Learn More

Economic impact analysis is a powerful tool for associations looking to strengthen their influence, demonstrate value, and engage stakeholders more effectively. Whether you’re advocating for policy changes, proving your industry’s contributions, or securing media coverage, having credible economic data at your fingertips is essential.

IMPLAN’s white paper, IMPLAN for Associations: Demonstrating Economic Impact to Key Stakeholders, provides a step-by-step guide to leveraging economic impact analysis for advocacy, member engagement, media relations, and more.

Download the white paper now!