More than forty years
ago, home appliance manufacturers perceived the
value in organizing a trade association to
serve their common needs and purposes.
This strategic alliance brought together
manufacturers of a number of different home
appliances, whose industry efforts were
fragmented in a number of trade
organizations. The consensus in 1967, and
reaffirmed several times thereafter, was that
the common challenges of multi-product and
single product home appliance manufacturers
could best be served through a singularly
focused trade organization. That focus
was, and remains today – to serve the shared
interests of these manufacturers and their
customers. The association’s mission is
serving the home appliance industry while
delivering value to consumers through
leadership,education and advocacy.
It is a testament to these companies, and particularly their leaders, that the organization continues to provide value despite the highly competitive nature of the industry. Since the 1960’s AHAM has encountered numerous challenges that have tested and made stronger the organization’s foundation. These challenges include technical issues, the need for accurate market data, the consumer movement, governmental focus on energy and environment, the need to understand a larger market, and of course technological challenges and opportunities.
In these instances and others, AHAM members have accepted the challenges and delivered results benefiting the industry and its customers. The AHAM mission has been responsive to external developments but remains proactive in promoting the industry’s values. AHAM’s strategic plan for the 21st century builds on the solid foundation and relies on a culture of consensus to achieve its common strategic vision. Its format is intended to communicate this vision to the membership and the public and to align AHAM services to serve the good of the membership its constituencies.
The value story of home appliances continues to reach more and more consumers worldwide. Through a combination of enhanced product performance and global growth, the immeasurable improvements in quality of life, convenience, safety, and environmental quality will continue and expand. Home appliance manufacturers are committed to further improvements and enhancements in these products.