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FAQ about Joining AIV ·
We are not manufacturers. Do we belong in AIV? ·
We sell goods or services to other
businesses. Are there advantages
for us in joining AIV? ·
Does AIV represent big business or small business?
·
Is AIV a partisan organization? ·
We don't agree with some positions taken by
AIV. Why should we join?
·
We have to prioritize expenses. Can we afford to join AIV? ·
Are AIV dues tax-deductible? ·
We have a lobbyist. Why should we join AIV? ·
We already belong to another association. Why should we join AIV? Absolutely.
Although AIV is primarily a manufacturing association, since 1920 we
have grown to include members from virtually every sector of the
economy. AIV's core membership runs the full range of the
manufacturing, mining, and forestry sectors, with companies of every size and
from every part of the state. But AIV members are also contractors, staffing agencies,
banks, engineering firms, insurance companies, law firms, farming operations,
retailers, and many other kinds of businesses and organizations. These members often depend on a
thriving manufacturing sector as an important part of their customer base. One thing that unites all members is the understanding
that the work and services of AIV benefit all Yes. There
are many ways membership can help you sell your goods or services to other
members. Marketing opportunities
through our newsletter and web site, sponsorship opportunities, and many
face-to-face networking opportunities are of substantial benefit to many of
our members. In fact, there is a
good chance your business is missing out on important opportunities by not
being a member of AIV. Email info@aivt.org to find out more about
opportunities for advertising, sponsorships, and networking. Our members are of every size and
configuration. The fact is that
most We often reach out to non-members with mailings and
invitations to seminars and workshops, as well as some task force
meetings. This not only exposes
these companies to the value of AIV membership, but also helps further our
mission of helping Nevertheless, AIV products and
services are generally for members only.
We are always glad to talk with non-members who need help, but there
are limits as to what we can do for them unless they join. Absolutely.
We understand that not every business leader wants to testify before a
legislative committee or otherwise engage in policy struggles in public. Member involvement at any level is
entirely voluntary. Moreover, it is our general policy not to release our
membership directory. Members who do not want to engage
in public or potentially public activities still appreciate the work we do on
their behalf and the benefits we provide, and they remain valued by AIV. AIV is not a partisan
organization. AIV seeks and finds
support from members of all parties depending on the issue at hand. Our activities and our relationships
with legislators and other government officials are always based on
substance. It is difficult to find unanimity in any large
association on every issue. Some
members might not care about a given issue, and sometimes different members
might have interests that conflict. But by far, most of AIV's agenda is based on fundamental
principles that benefit all members.
Where there are substantive differences of interest, we work hard to
promote the broadest good. Our members understand and
appreciate this approach. They
know that even in the unlikely case they might not agree with a specific position
taken by AIV, the benefit our agenda provides their company makes membership
well worth it. Our members drive our agenda. Our annual and event-driven member
surveys and our policy task forces help shape our policy positions and
activities. In fact, AIV takes a number of
steps to ensure that we truly speak for our members as a whole. We even cap our dues schedule at a
comparatively low amount so that members don't feel that their payroll
affects their voice. We understand the pressures on members to control
expenses. AIV works hard to limit
our own expenses and maximize value for the dues our members pay. We also recognize that members go
through good times and bad, and always try to work with members who are going
through a rough patch. In deciding whether it is worth joining AIV, however,
you should keep these things in mind: ·
Your
membership helps AIV fight to keep your taxes and regulatory costs lower. ·
Your
membership gives you access to lower cost services like health insurance and
shipping options. ·
90%
of your dues is tax deductible as a business expense (see below). How much is that worth to your
business? For federal income tax purposes,
almost all of your AIV membership dues are deductible as a business
expense. This amount can vary
from year to year depending on our lobbying activities, but is never expected
to be less than 90%. The amount
is specified on invoices each year. Several of our members have their own lobbyist, either
as an employee or through contract, and they can play a valuable role. Indeed, AIV works in coordination with
these lobbyists to the benefit of our members. Nevertheless, AIV provides member benefits and services
that such lobbyists cannot. Another consideration is strength in numbers. Causes can often suffer in In fact, many lobbyists actually encourage their clients
to join AIV because of the reinforcing support AIV membership provides. There are a number of fine
business associations in For members of local chambers or other local associations,
AIV membership brings better connections to state and national developments
impacting their business, broader networking and marketing opportunities, and
a stronger voice before state government. Similarly, members of more narrowly focused trade associations
benefit from the broader range and stronger voice of AIV. Indeed, several trade associations have
joined AIV as a group. Of particular importance to manufacturers and their supporting
businesses, AIV is the only state-wide association that puts manufacturing
front and center. Although travel and tourism are important parts of If you are interested in joining
AIV or just finding out more information, including our dues schedule and any
current new member discounts and other incentives, you can email info@aivt.org or call (802) 223-3441 and ask for AIV President Sandra
Dragon or Vice President William Driscoll. We will be happy to discuss any
questions you have, and to arrange a visit or other meeting with our staff or
other members if you would be interested in talking in person. We also encourage you to review the
links below. More Information on Joining AIV ·
The AIV
Difference: Leadership,
Information, Involvement, and Benefits |
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Copyright © 2010 Associated Industries of Vermont |
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