Maximize Your Vendor Membership

11 Ways for Vendor Members to Maximize Their GLGA Membership

GLGA offers a full range of products, services and benefits that help you and your company succeed. The Association encourages you to review the list and share it with your staff. One size does not fit all, though. For some, the majority of the list applies, for others, only a few. However, of all the items listed below can help almost any vendor member.

1. Share a press release with the members. We run Member News in our twice-monthly e-newsletter, Currents. We recommend that, when possible, you post your press release on your website or blog so we can link to it and drive traffic to your site.

2. Contribute educational articles to our monthly print magazine, Graphics Journal. If you can provide good advice, insights and useful information on a subject, we’d be happy to run that article along with your byline, bio and headshot. Contact our Communications Manager, Sharon Flick, to discuss story ideas.

3. Edit your listing in PrintAccess. PrintAccess is a national online searchable database of printers and industry suppliers, and is a free service to our members. Your listing in PrintAccess also is the basis of your complimentary listing in our Print Buyers Guide and Membership Directory and in our Vendor and Postpress Services Directory (if applicable). Our IT Specialist, Doris Saywright, can help if you have questions.

4. Use paid advertising opportunities. In your new member welcome packet is information about advertising in our publications. Contact our Membership Development and Engagement Manager, Debra Warner, for assistance with your ad buys.

5. Sponsor an event. We provide our sponsors with plenty of ink and pixels to say thank you and to get your name in front of the members: for example, signage at the event, mentions in our monthly publications, logos on our website. Every summer, we have three state golf outings that need everything from golf cart sponsors to raffle prize donations. And, our association’s biggest program, the annual Graphics Excellence Awards Celebration, is a prime opportunity.

6. Offer a Group Buying Power Program. These are special discounts and programs that have been approved by our Board of Directors, and these participants have the added benefit of being able to say that they have partnered with us to offer these. We are always looking for new buying power partners to provide value to our members. We promote these programs with a special page on our website, mentions in the monthly publications, and a marketing flier.

7. Attend events. You will be receiving our weekly Calendar email every Monday, and the calendar also is online. Nothing like a little networking time to get you known.

8. Do a direct mail campaign. As a member of GLGA, you are entitled to a list of the current members, which includes each member’s primary contact person (or persons) name, address, and phone. Contact us any time you need the most up-to-date Excel file.

9. Host an educational program at your place of business or present/sponsor a webinar. If you enjoy public speaking or if your company has an educational outreach, our members would appreciate the learning opportunity. Contact our president, Joe Lyman, or our state directors, Brent Eckhart (Indiana) and Bill Gibson (Illinois), to discuss plans for your session.

10. Send a welcome note to new members. Every new GLGA member is introduced in Graphics Journal, a listing that includes their primary contact person’s name, address, phone and email. Taking a moment to welcome them and introduce yourself is a memorable gesture.

11. Use our classified ads board on our website. Post your equipment for sale, products, services, and other announcements for free.