IPFA Corner

Has your business started to pick-up yet? It seems like we are slowly returning to normal, albeit a new definition of normal. The economy seems to have bottomed out and manufacturers have begun to replenish depleted inventories. Ultimately that means work for fabricators.

But how can you grow your business in a highly competitive environment? One way is by tapping the resources that are available to you. The International Plastics Fabricators Association (IPFA) is one of those resources. We have reduced our membership rates and enhanced our mix of benefits in order to help you navigate these choppy economic waters. Our 2002 membership rates are only $195 for Regular members and $295 for Associate members. IPFA members receive special discounts on machinery and tooling, freight, dental/health insurance, professional services (legal and accounting), wireless communications and merchant credit card rates to name a few. Members will also get a special rate if they require the services of Small Business Services (see story this page).

In addition, members will enjoy special discounts on IPFA programs and on-line Webinar's. These interactive Internet based presentations are viewed on your computer so you never have to leave your shop. The first Webinar will address marketing your business in today's competitive economy. Contact the IPFA at 630-980-4740 or see our website at www.fabricators.org to learn more.

Member companies are included in the Find a Fabricator database on our website and receive a password and User ID which enables them to visit the on-line Request for Proposal section in the Members Only area of our site.

This year will continue to be a challenge for business owners and managers. In order to prosper, we need to look for new markets, focus on the customer, keep it simple and tap the resources that are available to help us succeed. That is what the International Plastics Fabricators Association was founded to do - help you succeed.

How can you take advantage of all these opportunities? Join the IPFA today! Our primary goals include; promoting our industry, marketing you to potential customers and helping you manage your business better. By joining together as an industry, we can leverage our common interests and reduce our costs - helping each of us to be more profitable. We can all use help running our businesses better, purchasing products and services at competitive rates, and keeping current on the latest techniques in fabrication and developments in machinery and tooling. Add to that the ability of the Association to help you win more business, and the mix cannot be beat. But to benefit, you have to join. Call the IPFA today to learn more about what we have to offer you.

For more information, call the IPFA today at 630-980-4740, try their new Fax on Demand service at 630-980-4010, or visit our web site at www.fabricators.org to learn more about what the IPFA has to offer you.