AHFA Launches Online 'University'

AHFA has launched a new online continuing education center, called AHFA University. Members can reach the educational website by going to http://university.ahfa.us or by clicking on the AHFA University logo on the www.ahfa.us home page. In addition to housing a variety of archived seminars, the site will offer virtual programs that enable companies to educate groups of people in one place at one time while eliminating travel expenses and reducing time spent out of the office. The first webinars have featured a variety of topics, from immigration laws and issues to healthcare plans and ergonomics AHFA will continue to hold events like the annual Marketing Meeting and Public Relations Workshop, the Financial Management Seminar, the Global Supply Chain Management Conference and others. “The benefits of the traditional meeting format are still unparalleled,” explains Andy Counts, AHFA’s CEO. “A webinar cannot duplicate the value of face-to-face networking. It cannot generate the excitement of an expert speaker in front of a dynamic audience. It cannot provide the rejuvenation and fresh perspective gained by a little out-of-office time.” Conversely, attempting to meet all of the education needs of a diverse and geographically dispersed membership with day-long workshops and weekend conferences is impractical – and unnecessary. “Technology has equipped us with the tools we need to ramp up our educational offerings while dramatically reducing the expense to our members. Everyone wins,” Counts concludes.

Fall is Ideal Time to Evaluate
Membership Involvement

The last quarter of the year is an opportune time for AHFA Supplier Division members to assess their involvement in the alliance and determine whether they are taking full advantage of the programs and services at their disposal.

“The resources AHFA offers its Supplier Division members have expanded in recent years,” explains Brent Burton, executive director. “If you haven’t reviewed the opportunities, you may be missing out on cost-saving services.” Programs available include:

Federal Express Discounts
AHFA offers members significant cost savings on both inbound and outbound package shipments using FedEx. The program includes both domestic and international pricing discounts. Through the second quarter of 2006, member companies enrolled in the program – including 27 Supplier Division members – saved an average of $312 on Express shipments, $2,201 on Ground shipments, and $639 on International shipments. Members can download the sign-up form from the Members Services section of www.ahfa.us.

Fuel Card Savings
Members using AHFA’s fuel card program are saving thousands of dollars on fuel expenses. AHFA fuel network partners include Wilco/Hess, Love’s Travel Stops, SAPP Brothers and Truckstop Direct locations nationwide. Participating companies enjoy discounted fuel purchased at cost plus 2-3 cents per gallon with no transaction fees.

PC Connection & Staples
PC Connection, a national provider of information technology solutions, offers AHFA members discounts on computing products, including desktop systems, laptops, handhelds, printers, software and more. Members can place orders directly from the PC Connection website at www.it.pconnection.com/AHFA. AHFA members also can save money on office supplies with the AHFA/Staples Business Advantage program. More than 4,000 items are available at an average 60% discount.

Suppliers on Demand Newsletter
If you are reading this newsletter but haven’t taken advantage of the opportunity to promote your company’s products or services through the New Products section, you are missing out! Suppliers on Demand is a cost-effective way to get your company’s name and product or service information in front of the nation’s leading home furnishings manufacturers and marketers. Deadline for the next update is December 15. Don’t miss out!

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