I. Policy
It is the policy of the National Limousine Association (NLA) to offer affinity products and services to its members as a benefit in addition to serving as a source of non-dues revenue.
Affinity products and services are defined as those programs extended to members of the NLA that could provide a benefit professionally or personally. The NLA is able to offer these products to its members, usually with preferred pricing, because of the utilization of the “group buying power” concept, i.e. the strength of the combined purchasing power of its members.
No dues dollars are used in the development and maintenance of any of the NLA affinity programs; they are all self-supporting programs that are voluntarily purchased or utilized by NLA members.
NLA’s Affinity & Discount Program is not an endorsement of an Affinity partner’s product, services, or terms or conditions, and thus NLA members are responsible to examine all suitable options in the marketplace and engage vendors in a manner that serves the member’s own best interests.
II. Purpose
The objectives of the affinity products and services are to offer voluntary programs of economic benefit designed to serve the needs of NLA members by providing high quality products or services at a value. Participation in NLA affinity products and services is voluntary, and the NLA has made its best efforts to review these products and services but members should make their own determination prior to utilizing said products or services.
Affinity products and services should generate non-dues revenue to the Association when possible.
III. Practice/Procedure
A. PRODUCT/SERVICE SUPPLIERS
NLA affinity product and service vendors must meet the approval process described in the following criteria.
Program Criteria and Guidelines:
- Should have a broad-based appeal to Association members.
- Should contribute to the Association’s ability to attract and/or retain members.
- Should fulfill the professional needs of Association members.
- Must be a product or service of high quality and value, and at a competitive price.
- Vendor must be a current NLA member if vendor’s primary market or audience is NLA members or within the limousine industry.
- Must agree to make all programs available to all eligible Association members/constituents regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, race, national origin, color, religion, or marital status.
- Must provide an account manager or primary contact to work on a day-to-day basis with the Association and Association members.
- Program should meet at least one of the following member benefits:
- The program offers members an exclusive savings as compared to the general price available to that member through that vendor or other like competitors.
- The program offers members unique access to a benefit, product, or service through that vendor that would not be available otherwise.
- The program offers NLA a royalty or rebate based on agreed upon terms.
B. Benefits to Affinity Member
- Exposure on NLA website, on exclusive Affinity & Discount Program page that includes company logo, a description of the benefits, and contact information.
- Promotion on NLA social media outlets
- Featured in the rotation of “NLA Benefit of the Month” (includes dedicated email and eNewsletter article at minimum)
- Promotion in NLA New Member Kits
- Ability to market themselves as an NLA Affinity Member
C. APPROVAL PROCESS
In order for a potential NLA affinity product and service vendor to be considered for the NLA Affinity & Discount Program, the vendor must complete an application that includes
- Contact information
- Description of the company’s product(s) and/or service(s)
- Description of the benefit to NLA members
- Description of how NLA would receive royalty or rebate (if applicable). To include how the royalty or rebate is calculated, frequency of royalty or rebate payment, and description or sample of back up reporting.
- Indication of regular pricing vs member pricing (if program offered is a discount on services or products).
- Description of how members would access the benefit (e.g. phone number, website, special code, etc.)
All applications must be submitted directly and only to the NLA Executive Director using the form provided. The application will be reviewed and considered by the NLA Membership Committee. If approved, the Committee will forward its recommendation to the NLA Board of Directors for approval.
If approved, vendor will be notified and forwarded the NLA Affinity Agreement for review and signature.