Definitions for "Trade association"
a not-for-profit voluntary membership organization that represents a group of companies having a business or trade in common. Companies work together to accomplish goals that no single firm could reach by itself. Activities include promoting business for the industry, encouraging ethical practices in the industry, setting of industry standards, conducting research, cooperating with other organizations, and holding conventions.
Organizations that represent groups with a common interest or objective; the representation is most prominent in legislative and regulatory arenas. In the dairy industry, the most notable trade associations represent producers or processors. In California, the leading producer trade organizations are Western United Dairymen, the Alliance of Western Milk Producers, Milk Producers Council and California Dairy Campaign. The leading processor trade organization is the Dairy Institute of California.
Individuals and companies in a specific business or industry organized to promote common interests.
group of individuals or companies with a defined set of interests