I really like that phrase. The first time I heard it was from my good friend Jeff Lovell, who is executive director of ASA-Washington. At the time, I said to myself, "What a powerful statement. It is not saying that you should buy from ASA vendors, and it is not making you feel guilty if you do not buy. It is simply saying that you should give the ASA member benefit provider a call before you buy a product or service."

One of the best ways to find out which companies provide ASA member benefits is by using ASA OnDemand. Along with many other features, it possesses a search feature. If you use this software, you will soon learn that your association has a huge number of benefit providers ready to serve you.

One of the many reasons that I give an ASA benefit provider a try first is because I know that the company has already been investigated by some of the best shop owners around - my fellow ASA members - and deemed to be a reputable company. I also know that whenever possible, prices and conditions have also been negotiated. Eventually, I also found that as an ASA member I get preferential treatment. They are not looking at me as one small account; they are looking at me as part of a very large account. There is truly strength in numbers.

I can tell you that our company uses many ASA benefit providers. Not because it is required, but because they provide the best value for our dollar for that particular product or service.

In closing, I would like to mention our latest addition. ASA has just added AutoNetTV to its list of benefit providers. I believed in it so much that I immediately signed on and have already received my CD. I love it and urge you to take a close look at this product along with all the other benefits that your association has to offer. To learn more, please see page 15.

Editor's Note: Two convenient ways to learn more about your ASA benefits package are at your fingertips. ASA OnDemand is a user-friendly software program that delivers association information directly to members' computer desktops. Information is accessed from the user's computer in an offline setting, and updated information is continually added when connected to the Internet, ensuring the most up-to-date information is available to members. Simply by clicking on an ASA icon installed on your desktop, ASA OnDemand features an ASA membership directory and a comprehensive benefits portfolio. Members may also learn more about ASA's money-saving benefits by visiting www.ASAshop.org and clicking on the Member Benefits button from the top menu.

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