The Internet Association (IA, https://internetassociation.org/) was founded in 2012 as a trade association devoted to Internet-based companies. Founding companies included Google, Amazon, eBay, and Facebook. These Internet-based companies founded this new trade group because they did not have a voice in Washington, DC, with respect to potential regulations and laws. The IA has synergy—more influence as a group than each company would have individually.

A. What prompted the formation of the IA?

B. Was it for marketing purposes?

C. Management support?

D. Industry advancement?

E. Regulatory influence?

F. What are some secondary purposes for the IA?

G. How might the original purpose of the organization shift as the industry matures?

H. Will small companies enjoy the same benefits of the larger founding organization?

I. Any new venture involves substantial risks and costs. How might a new Internet startup benefit from joining the IA?

J. How else do the large corporations benefit besides having a say in the political discussion in Washington, DC?

K. What time commitment should a new business make before expecting any positive return on investing time and money in a trade association?

L. If joining the IA requires a membership fee, what determinants should you use to place a value on the amount spent for dues?

M. What benefits of a trade association may be not easily linked to membership expenses?