Electronic Retailing Association

The Electronic Retailing Association - The Proven Industry Leader

What is the Electronic Retailing Association (ERA)?
ERA is THE global trade association for companies that use the power of direct response marketing to sell goods and services directly to the public on television, online and on radio. ERA serves as the authoritative voice for multichannel marketers while promoting government affairs initiatives and regulations designed to protect our members'
bottom line.

ERA is a member driven organization that has grown steadily since its inception 17 years ago and now represents nearly 400 direct response companies and electronic retailers worldwide. ERA's core members are international e-retailers and direct response marketers who advertise on TV, online and on radio. Our vast array of suppliers consists of national and international media, broadcast, satellite, cable, support services, online and emerging technology companies.

What Does ERA Offer Its Members?
ERA members receive numerous benefits and services designed to increase their company's profitability. Through pertinent industry research, valuable networking events and huge savings on advertising and meeting fees, your ERA membership will prove its value to you again and again.

ERA is the Future of RETAIL...

	RELATIONSHIPS - ERA hosts valuable networking events to help you gain new clients.
	ERSP - ERA's Electronic Retailing Self-Regulation Program (ERSP) increases industry clout and levels the marketplace's playing field.
	TRAINING & EDUCATION - Industry seminars provide important industry information to help you stay ahead of your competitors.
	ANNUAL CONFERENCES - Network with thousands of industry professionals at multiple conferences throughout the year.
	INTELLIGENCE - Receive complimentary industry analysis and pertinent research.
	LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS - ERA serves as the industry's primary advocate to protect the future of your business.

Government Affairs - Protecting the Future of Direct Response

ERA is the premier industry advocate protecting the future of direct response marketers. From Congress to the Federal Trade Commission, ERA advocates on your behalf at the federal level, while also keeping you abreast of legislative activity in all 50 states. Additionally, ERA works closely with other industry associations and consumer groups to minimize government intrusion into your business, thus allowing you to do what you do best - grow your company. Virtually every day, legislation or regulations arise that threaten to alter this industry's landscape. ERA is at the forefront, fighting for positive outcomes for the betterment of the industry. Without ERA, your company's ability to do business could be adversely affected in the blink of an eye.
Why are Legislative Affairs Important to You?

Allows you to create a unified voice with fellow industry professionals to protect your business interests in Washington.
ERA monitors hundreds of legislative and regulatory proposals and provides early member updates whenever potential challenges arise so that you stay informed.
ERA coordinates meetings between industry leaders and government officials, allowing you to air your business concerns to those making the decisions.

ERA's Councils & Committees - Change the Course of an Industry!

ERA offers its members a seat on multiple committees, councils and task forces which contribute to the association's programs and activities, as well as to the industry as a whole. Interested in education, government affairs or international iniatitives? No matter what your area of interest, ERA has a council, committee or task force for you.

Program Committees

Asia Committee
Oversees the recruitment of regional members, identifies government affairs issues, research, industry data and communications tools relevant to the region, identifies conference speakers, topics for education and event attendee growth, and develops other policies to promote growth in the region.

Education Committee
Reviews speaker proposals and recommends hot topics and vital industry trends, as well as potential speakers for educational sessions at ERA's annual conferences.

Government Affairs Committee
Assists and advises on legislative and regulatory matters pertaining to the electronic retailing industry. Oversees ERA's E-Retail PAC, and is responsible for working with staff on fundraising and authorizing contributions to federal candidates.

Latin America Committee
Oversees the recruitment of regional members, identifies government affairs issues, research, industry data and communications tools relevant to the region, identifies conference speakers, topics for education and event attendee growth, and develops other policies to promote growth in the region.

Marketing/Communications Committee (MarCom)
Determines ERA's annual research study and coordinates speaking engagements at industry conferences. Assists with drafting marketing materials, brochures and overall communication activities.

Meetings & Conventions Committee
Oversees the structure and content of ERA's three major conferences, ERA's Annual Convention, the Mid-Winter Conference & Trade EXPO, and the European Conference & Trade EXPO.

Membership Committee
Implements activities to enhance and promote the value of membership, actively engages in recruitment and retention, introduces new members to ERA members, evaluates current member benefits and identifies new ones.

Standing Committees

Ethics Committee*
Ensures that ERA members, directors and staff maintain the highest level ethical conduct and responsibility in their relationships within the industry, with other members and toward the association.

Executive Committee*
Acts in place of the board of directors between meetings on all matters except those specifically reserved to the board by the bylaws or by the laws of the District of Columbia.

Finance Committee*
Reviews the association's annual budget, especially as it relates to the association's strategic plan and financial accountability and recommends fiscal policies and procedures.

Nominating Committee*
Recruits new board members and ensures that each board member is equipped with the proper tools and motivation to carry out his or her responsibilities.

Policy & Bylaw Review Committee*
Oversees the development and implementation of board-related policies that address specific board issues, such as election of officers, conflict of interest and term limits.

Strategic Planning Committee*
Develops, formulates and presents the board chair-elect's vision and the association's strategic objectives for the coming year.

*These committees are board-specific, and are closed to the
general membership.

Councils

Live Shopping Council
Serves the interests of the live shopping industry and works to outline relevant marketing practices for live shopping channels.

Radio Council
Represents the issues regarding radio broadcasting as it relates to direct response advertising and acts accordingly.

Technology Council
Provides a forum to determine the most applicable online and emerging technologies in the industry and helps select topics for educational sessions.

Television Council
Refines basic practices of purchasing media and strengthens relationships among those involved in the buying and selling of television media.

U.S. Hispanic Council
Acts as the voice of U.S. Hispanic direct response advertising and all of its elements such as creative, research, promotion, education, finance, administration, media, international, ethics and regulations. The council provides for a networking body for interaction and idea exchange and offers opportunities for professional growth and development.

Task Forces

Awards Task Force
Creates award categories and criteria that are appropriate for direct response marketing, while providing a forum whereby companies may submit entries for judgment by industry professionals.

Exhibits Task Force
Advises exhibitors on all matters concerning the exhibit process, including rules, marketing campaigns, pricing and trade show pavilions, while also identifying relevant attendee audiences.

Invention Showcase Task Force
Educates inventors on how to bring their products successfully to market. Determines the scope and criteria for ERA's Invention Showcase and evaluates potential participants.

Research Task Force
Helps determine the criteria for ERA's annual research projects as it relates to the direct response industry. The task force helps determine the size, scope and content of the study, as well as assists with outlining the parameters of the results.

Join Today and Let ERA Increase Your Sales!

Developing a profitable company requires strategy and the opportunity to network with the right people. From traditional marketers and general agencies to broadcast networks, emerging technology companies, customer care and back-end distributors, ERA's membership provides the right stability and leadership. Our members' multi-channel effectiveness, through television, radio and the Internet, is extensive and invaluable. ERA offers its members the right environment to grow their business while engaging the best in the industry!

What's the Future Look Like for the Industry?
Almost no other industry has enjoyed the level of sustained growth that direct response has experienced over the past few years. In 2004, direct response sales on television, the radio and the Internet were estimated to have grossed $296 billion, almost double digit growth over the prior year! There isn't an end in sight to this industry's potential, as more and more consumers continue to embrace the power of direct response.

2004 Total Estimated E-Retailing Sales

(TV and radio numbers attributed to the Direct Marketing Association's 2004 DMA Statistical Fact Book. Internet sales attributed to Internet Retailer magazine, December 2004.)

Levels of Membership
Levels of ERA's membership are determined by your capacity and discipline within the targeted industry. The annual dues chart will allow you to track your discipline and capacity relative to membership within the ERA.

Annual Dues Rate Based on Company's Annual Revenue

	U.S. Members	Non U.S.
$0-$5 million	$3,400	$3,000
$5 million+ - $10 million	$5,500	$5,000
$10 million+ - $20 million	$7,500	$7,000
$20 million+ - $30 million	$9,800	$9,000
$30 million+ - $40 million	$11,800	$11,000
$40 million+ - $50 million	$14,250	$13,000
$50 million+ - $60 million	$16,250	$15,000
$60 million+ - $70 million	$18,250	$17,000
$70 million+ - $80 million	$20,500	$19,000
$80 million+ - $90 million	$22,500	$21,000
$90 million+ - $100 million	$24,750	$23,000
$100 million+	$26,750	$25,000

For more information on ERA's membership program and services, visit www.retailing.org or call ERA at 704.841.1751 and press 3 for the Membership Department.