I fully agree with networking. If you are under the age of 40, you could also think about joining the Jaycees (Junior Chamber of Commerce). Their dues are significantly less (around $50-$75 per year). I am actually in the process of joining the International Order of the Oddfellows. I will be the youngest member by about 20 years, but it will be a great way to make some connections and network.

Mod..."This is why I support the new strict rules for scrappers." This will inevitably do more bad than good for our industry. It will essentially create a "grey market" where the tweakers are still stealing scrap, just selling it to smaller, more seedy yards. Get tough on the thieves and the yards that knowingly buy stolen goods. Have stronger penalties for the bad guys and create a task force in larger cities to combat the problem. Don't punish everyone in the industry because a few bad seeds need their drug fix.