Membership

Packaged Ice Quality Control Standards (PIQCS) regulates:

Networking is your chance to share and learn. The IPIA is a unified group of ice manufacturers and suppliers committed to product quality and safety, growth and profitability through the ongoing development and management of standards that enhance the image of the industry to consumers and trade partners. Networking with other ice professionals at the annual convention will translate into a stronger industry with stronger members and greater benefits for your company. The annual convention is an excellent source for industry information and exposition of equipment and services.

Since 2000, the IPIA has championed a national promotion of IPIA and the packaged ice industry. The marketing committee continues to develop annual ad campaigns targeted at buyers of packaged ice. Using several convenience store and supermarket publications, the IPIA is focusing on the assurance of quality, reliability and higher profits available to them by purchasing packaged ice through an IPIA member. The association also promotes to food sanitarians, government agencies and consumers the quality standards that all of its members must meet.

The IPIA provides a wealth of resources and a constant flow of current information including marketing materials, videos and publications that help you operate with a better understanding of the packaged ice marketplace. Some of the available member information includes:

The IPIA keeps you informed through many varied media. One of the most important is our weekly email communication to all members. It keeps members up to date on all important news as it occurs. Through this mechanism we notify our members of any declared disasters that activate or Emergency E-ICE system. Another very important way we keep members informed is through our web site, www.packagedice.org. Our site provides membership information, a list of current Directors and Committee Chairs, Suppliers, Events, Industry Trends, PIQCS, a section for members only and links to the regional associations and association partners. The “Members Only” area offers a sample P&L, profit building tips, a for sale section, a live chat room, a way to find other members and many other useful best business practices.

The IPIA reports on all legislation directly and indirectly impacting the ice industry. Members are kept abreast of  legislative issues including packaging, labeling, sanitation and sales taxes. Knowing about legislation before it is enacted allows you to be proactive to proposals that affect your business. The association also joins with other associations on proposed legislation that affect more than the packaged ice industry alone, giving  added weight to our voice.

The IPIA has developed a system for knowing the amount of ice that is available anywhere in North America, The Electronic Emergency Ice System, E-ICE. E-ICE allows the IPIA to know the loads ice members have available immediately (how much, who has it, where and whether trucking is available and how fast you can get it loaded. Then, with the click of a mouse, IPIA can communicate that information to FEMA, their subcontractors, disaster relief agencies, State and local government procurement agencies, power companies, relief and debris removal companies, and others who need our product.