ERA: A Year of Growth and Networking

By Robin Greenspan and Karla Kelly

What do wine making, lifting and separating and health insurance all have in common? They are all industries from which ERA has attracted brand-new members who recognize how influential we can be in gaining momentum in the direct response industry. After a complete year of dues revision, we had a record number of retailers join, 55 to be exact, along with 54 suppliers--giving ERA a total of 109 new members. Our retention rate also increased from 73 percent to 89 percent. We are closing in on an ERA record of 450 members worldwide.

ERA revamped its Platinum Membership program with fantastic results: four of our current members joined the elite Platinum Membership status. They are SF Video, Moulton Logistics Management, Telebrands and Mercury Media. ERA's Platinum Membership includes a 20-percent discount on exhibit space, free attendee floor passes and access to the ever-popular Platinum Lounge area in Las Vegas, just to name a few. For more details, visit www.retailing.org to see how your company can benefit from this marquis-level membership program.

Additionally, we launched new member services including a monthly webinar program--which is seeing double-digit growth--and the new member mentor program, which allows new members to become in­stantly engaged with the Association. We thank West Corporation for their sponsorship of the webinar program and to all our member volunteers who are making the mentor program a success. For information on becoming a member mentor, moderator or to offer a topic for a webinar, contact Robin Greenspan via e-mail at rgreenspan@retailing.org.

Due to popular demand, we are continuing to offer additional networking opportunities for members. Our "networking by the sea" reception held in Santa Monica, Calif., on July 16 drew over 150 attendees. Additional receptions are planned quarterly throughout the next fiscal year, including October in Las Vegas, January in Santa Monica, March in Chicago and New York City in June. These receptions are free to ERA members and offer a great way to connect with your peers, ERA leadership and staff. Watch for details on our new website and plan to attend the next one in your area.

Robin Greenspan is ERA's vice president of membership. She can be reached at (703) 908-1026, or via e-mail at rgreenspan@retailing.org. Karla Kelly is vice president of meetings and conventions. She can be reached at (703) 908-1026, or via e-mail at kkelly@retailing.org.