[EVENTS] Why Trade Associations Matter: Inside VMA26 with Will Fediw

Host: Lalo Solorzano & Cindy AllenGuest(s): Will Fediw, Virginia Maritime AssociationPublished: September 2, 2026Length: Approx. 29 minutesPresented by: Global Training Center Summary Trade associations can be much more than networking groups—they can become an extension of your team, a source of industry intelligence, and a powerful collective voice when policy decisions affect your business. In this episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano and Cindy Allen sit down with Will Fediw of the Virginia Maritime Association (VMA) to explore the real business value of getting involved in an industry association. Will shares examples of how companies of all sizes have used association membership to uncover funding and incentive opportunities, make valuable business connections, strengthen advocacy efforts, and gain access to expertise they may not have internally. The conversation also highlights the close relationship between international trade and the maritime industry. From tariffs and regulatory changes to ports, trucking, rail, warehousing, importers, and exporters, the entire supply chain is interconnected. Finally, the group previews VMA26: International Trade Symposium, taking place October 13–15, 2026, in Norfolk, Virginia, where maritime, logistics, supply chain, and trade professionals will come together for education, strategic conversations, and networking. Simply Trade listeners can use promo code VMA26Trade for $100 off registration. Main Topic / Discussion This episode explores why active participation in trade and industry associations can create measurable value for businesses. Will explains how the Virginia Maritime Association connects companies across the maritime supply chain—from ocean carriers and terminals to trucking, rail, warehousing, manufacturers, importers, exporters, and professional service providers. The conversation focuses on three major benefits of association involvement: access to information and resources, business-to-business connections, and collective advocacy. Will also explains why advocacy is especially valuable for small and midsize companies that may not have dedicated government affairs teams or in-house resources. At the same time, even major corporations can benefit from having an established association represent broader industry interests before policymakers. Lalo, Cindy, and Will also discuss the importance of educating elected officials about how trade and maritime policy affects businesses, jobs, cargo movement, and communities throughout the supply chain. The episode concludes with a preview of VMA26: International Trade Symposium, October 13–15, 2026, in Norfolk, Virginia. Simply Trade Listener Offer: Use promo code VMA26Trade for $100 off registration. Key Takeaways • Trade associations can provide expertise, connections, education, and resources that companies may not have available internally. • Association membership can create real business opportunities by connecting members with potential customers, partners, programs, grants, and industry resources. • Collective advocacy gives businesses—especially smaller companies—a stronger voice with legislators and government agencies without requiring their own full-time government affairs operation. • Maritime transportation and international trade are inseparable. Changes involving tariffs, regulation, cargo flows, ports, carriers, and supply chains ultimately affect businesses across the entire trade ecosystem. • Effective advocacy requires more than access to policymakers. Industry professionals can serve as subject matter experts who help elected officials understand the real-world consequences of proposed policies. • VMA26 brings maritime, shipping, logistics, supply chain, government, and trade professionals together for education, peer-to-peer discussion, and networking. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Virginia Maritime Association • VMA26: International Trade Symposium • VMA26 Simpl