National Business Associations, United States, 2003

The aim of this study was to create a comprehensive dataset of contemporary, national American business associations. The dataset was collected and coded by reviewing public directories of associations in the United States. The study generated 4,465 cases. A case was defined as a mutual-benefit, nonprofit association (IRS 501c.3 organization) composed of members primarily engaged in for-profit activity drawn from more than one locality or state who share a common orientation to some sector of trade, business, or commercial activities. The dataset encompasses the universe of national American business associations as of 2002-2003, including information on basic organizational features, activities and goals, and industry sector.