Annual Business Retreat
Each Fall, IBA members gather for the Annual Business Conference to share best business practices, discuss industry ideas, and to network. Annual Conference 2008 is scheduled for September 18-20, at the Embassy Suites Minneapolis - Airport, in Bloomington, MN. Click here for complete details and registration.
“As this industry continues to evolve, the more exposure to business education you can acquire, the better prepared you will be for the future. The IBA offers these opportunities and we should all take advantage. I look forward to seeing my old friends at next year’s Conference, as well as making some new friends.”
Joe Siefried, Distributor, Mayflower Distributing West, Signal Hill, CA
Additional Education
As needed, meetings are scheduled to inform members about immediate issues affecting the industry ’s future.
Newsletter: “What’s Up?”
The What's Up? newsletter is sent peridically to keep you informed of industry issues and networking opportunities.
Members Want You to Know
This format allows members to share issues and newsworthy items about their company’s activities. Although this service is available to the entire industry, only IBA members are permitted to contribute. click here to view what members have to say.
The Balloon Council
The Balloon Council (TBC) is the industry’s legal and legislative ears and voice at local and national levels. Reports from TBC are presented at each annual retreat, and updates are featured on this web site. Recognizing the need to protect the balloon industry, the IBA wholeheartedly supports TBC. Click here to view the latest TBC updates.
Networking
For many, the most valuable benefit of IBA membership is the opportunity to share ideas with industry peers. Business relationships flourish with purposeful interaction.
“As a small company, I find the networking I get through attending the Annual Conference to be the biggest benefit of membership in IBA. By networking with other distributors around the country I can co-op on product lines which saves me money, while expanding my product offering to my customer. All distributors would benefit from membership in the IBA.”
Paige Alexander, Distributor, Balloon World, Inc., Andover, KS
Home Based Business Insurance - Bomba Insurance Agency
If you run a home based business you may not realize your standard Homeowners insurance may not protect you against losses stemming from your business.
Bomba Insurance specializes in comprehensive and affordable insurance policies for home based Decorators and Entertainers. IBA members who choose to insure with Bomba Insurance will receive a $25 discount off the initial broker fee.
For a free no obligation quote, call 760-724-8816 or visit www.bombainsurance.com.
AVIS Rent A Car
The International Balloon Association has formed an alliance
with AVIS Rent A Car to provide members with AVIS Association Program discounts. As an IBA member you will receive an exclusive AVIS Worldwide Discount (AWD) Number which will entitle you to benefits such as: 10% off Super Value daily and weekly rates in the contiguous USA and 5% off Promotional rates in the USA. Click here to view a complete list of AVIS benefits.
Free Subscription to Popular Industry Magazines
www.partypaper.com WWW.BALLOONSANDPARTIES.COM
Savings on Credit Card Processing
QOS Merchant Solutions, Inc. has partnered with IBA to provide members with a pricing program that is sure to reduce costs on credit card processing. The following are the credit card processing rates that QOS is currently offering IBA Members:
1.70% .20 per transaction (swipe rate)*
2.08% .20 per transaction (key entering)*
*Rates subject to change
In addition, QOS offers a wide range of services that fall into the area of electronic transaction processing. Click here to see the many products and services that are available for use by IBA Members.
If you have any questions or are interested in making the change to take advantage of these low rates, please contact Marion Dunn at 866-217-6767, ext 14 or visit http://www.qosms.com.
"I switched over to QOS and I can't believe how much money I have saved...and the customer service is excellent. This Valentine's Day season I saved over 50% of my fees from last year! There are several members of the SoCal QBN Chapter that have switched over and are boasting of the the large savings and great customer service too."
Judy Bradt, CBA, A Special Event, Pico Rivera, CA
Website Development and Hosting
Please contact Matthew Lee at NetStrategies and Management (866-638-7261) for a customized quote on your web system needs. Since 1996, NetStrategies and Management has designed and implemented over 500+ web systems and is the company that redesigned our website.
FedEx Kinko's Mobile Professional Program
FedEx Kinko's Offices and Print Services, Inc. in partnering with IBA, provides IBA Members with a 15% Mobile Professional Discount. This program is available to all IBA members and their employees and provides for a 15% discount on all standard printing services at any regular Kinko's outlet. Kinko's Discount cards are issued for each member and their mobile employees by contacting Marty Fish at Marty@ibaonline.net.
Staples Business Advantage Program
Staples Office Supply has partnered with IBA to provide Members the Staples Business Advantage program. IBA Members who choose to enroll in the Staples Business Advantage program will have the opportunity to order office supplies via the internet with free next-day delivery, opt for open net 30 invoicing, and save an average of 15 – 20% on general office supplies.
Once registered, IBA/Staples Business Advantage members can use the StaplesLink.com ordering system for on-line ordering. StaplesLink.com is for Contract customers only and features special pricing and real-time inventory. Staples Business Advantage program enrollees will also receive a Staples catalog reflecting Contract customer pricing.
To register for the Staples Business Advantage please contact Marty Fish at Marty@ibaonline.net who will provide the StaplesLink Access Form needed to register for this money-saving member program.
Health and Benefits Programs
IBA is pleased to announce its new Health and Benefits Programs for its Association members, staffs, and affiliates to help combat the rising cost of healthcare nationwide! The programs include health insurance, life insurance, and long-term care insurance, disability income, dental, financial, retirement, and estate planning, and more! IBA has teamed with Health Benefits Professionals and Association Health Programs (HBP-AHP) of Overland Park, KS, a nationally well-known company, to administer the program. For a free evaluation of your current benefits, please call the HBP-AHP office at (888)450-3040 or (913)341-2868 or visit www.associationpros.com where you will find an online application. SAVE UP TO 30%
Office Depot
IBA has teamed with Office Depot to bring your business another office supply solution! Some of the benefits you can count on are 10% to 80% on 176 frequently purchased items and discounts of 20% to 55% at all Copy and Print centers. Please contact Marty Fish at 866-413-7358 or Marty@ibaonline.net
to sign up for your Office Depot discount.
Bezonline.com Discount
IBA has formed an alliance with Bezonline.com, an online educational support for the balloon and party industry, offering IBA Members a 10% discount. Bezonline.com is a valuable resource for decorators looking for sales and marketing advice, design recipes, and royalty free photos and clipart. Go to Bezonline.com
Are There Different Categories of Membership?
Regular Members - shall consist of:
- Distributors/Wholesalers of balloons and party goods who buy direct from at least two manufacturers and sell to any retail outlets, decorators, twisters, or event planners.
- Balloon, Balloon Accessories or Party Goods Manufacturers
- Support Services or Corporations, organizations, or individuals who provide services to the balloon and/or party industries.
Regular Members shall have the privileges of serving on committees, hold office as Board Members, and have one vote per Member Company. Regular Members will also receive a directory listing on the IBA Web site with links to their site, and receive mailings and e-mail newsletters that pertain to their particular areas of interest. Regular Members will be able to submit news about their company on the IBA Web site and will be eligible to receive all other Benefits of Membership as listed above.
2008 Annual Dues (Jan-Dec):
Distributors: $450
Balloon Manufacturers: $1500
Accessories Manufacturers: $700
Support Services: $700
Associate Members - shall consist of:
- Retail Balloon or Party Stores
- Balloon Decorators Professionals
- Balloon Twisters/Entertainers
- Key Individuals in good standing from related industries that has been asked to serve on a committee or on the IBA Advisory Council.
Associate Members shall have the privilege of serving on committees and on the Board of Directors. Associate Members will receive a directory listing on the IBA Web site with links to their site, and receive mailings and e-mail newsletters that pertain to their particular areas of interest. Associate Members will be able to submit news about their company on the IBA Web site and will be eligible to receive all other Benefits of Membership listed above.
2008 Annual Dues (Jan-Dec): $149
Associate Corporate Members - shall consist of:
- Sales Representatives or Full-Time staff members of active Member Companies who are not the primary contact but wish to have their own directory listing, and serve on committees.
2008 Annual Dues: $69
Alumni Members - shall consist of:
- Individuals who have retired from the balloon and party goods industry or are Historical icons in the balloon industry. Alumni Members shall receive their own directory listing, and mailings and email newsletters.
2008 Annual Dues: $69
Honorary Members - shall consist of:
- Members of the balloon and party goods industry who are deceased. Honorary Members will be listed on the IBA Web site honoring their memory and contributions to industry. Nomination and election to this category will be made each year at General Conference. Honorary Members do not have to be former members of the IBA.
How Do I Join?
To view a printable IBA Associate Membership application, click here. To view a Regular Membership Application, click here. Or for more information, please contact Executive Director, Marty Fish at:
866-413-7358
Marty@IBAonline.net