STRONGER TOGETHER: WHY MEMBER ENGAGEMENT IS THE ENGINE BEHIND NAPEO’S IMPACT

As we head into summer, I’ve been thinking a lot about what powers our industry forward. And while each of us may be focused on different aspects of running our businesses—profitability, product innovation, client service—the common denominator in our progress is connection.

The strength of NAPEO lies in its members. Always has. Our collective voice is the reason we’ve made real legislative progress. It’s how we show up as a trusted industry. And it’s what makes the work we do not just impactful, but representative of the full diversity of PEOs across the country. We are a unique ecosystem—large and small firms, innovators and operators, specialists and generalists—and that diversity strengthens our ability to anticipate what’s next and respond with clarity.

With the board nomination process underway, now is the time to take stock of how we engage—and how we can do more. There are countless ways to get involved with NAPEO beyond simply being a member. Our committees—whether focused on membership, education, HR & benefits, or marketing—are open invitations to shape the tools, guidance, and standards we rely on as an industry. Our legislative councils are where we amplify our advocacy and ensure policymakers hear from people with real skin in the game. These efforts are especially critical as we continue working toward state-level recognition of the co-employment model and fighting for parity in access to benefits and programs.

NAPEO’s conferences, especially the Annual Conference & Marketplace, remain some of the most energizing environments I’ve experienced. They’re a reminder of the power of face-to-face connection—and a place to hear what’s keeping your peers up at night and what’s working in their organizations. They’re also where many of our best ideas take root.

When we talk about participation, it’s easy to reduce it to a box-checking exercise. But this work isn’t just good for the association—it’s good for our small business clients. Engaging with NAPEO helps you sharpen your leadership voice, expand your network, and contribute to the future of the PEO model. It’s also a meaningful way to mentor and uplift the next generation of leaders in our space—something we’ll need more of as our industry continues to grow and evolve.

Our success as PEOs doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s influenced by the broader environment we operate in—by regulation, reputation, and resilience. That’s why our shared advocacy matters. That’s why our collective action matters. And that’s why now, more than ever, we need members to step forward, speak up, and help lead. Every voice adds weight. Every effort helps shape our momentum.

If you’ve never joined a committee, volunteered for a panel, or considered board service—this is the year to start. The future of this industry belongs to those willing to help shape it. And at NAPEO, there’s always a seat at the table for those ready to raise their hand.