Providing you value.

There's a lot that goes into running a business or practice--everything from company credit cards to insurance to employee background checks, all of which can come at a high cost. Enter CalCPA's Affinity Partner Program, which allows CalCPA to provide programs and services to members who, without the benefit of CalCPA's group purchasing power, might be unable to obtain the service.

BECOMING AN AFFINITY PARTNER

Not just any product or service can be included in the program, though. CalCPA affinity partners must offer prices, products or services that members would be unable to obtain elsewhere in the marketplace; appeal to a large segment of CalCPA's membership; or benefit a small segment of CalCPA's membership who otherwise would be unable to obtain the product or service.

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In most cases, affinity partners pay a royalty to CalCPA for using CalCPA's name, staff time spent on the program and access to CalCPA's membership list. Additionally, affinity partners pay CalCPA an upfront fee, considered an advance against royalties earned and is not in addition to regular royalties.

Affinity partners actively market their products or services to CalCPA members. Although CalCPA does not absorb the cost of its affinity partners' marketing efforts, it will provide free access to CalCPA's membership list; an introductory feature article regarding the program in CPA Focus; articles in other CalCPA publications (if possible); a listing in the Guide to Member Benefits; opportunities to place informative material in CalCPA's new member packets; and a listing on CalCPA.org's members-only benefits directory.

For an affinity program to be considered for approval, the vendor submits a written proposal to the Member Insurance and Benefits Committee at [e-mail] that describes the product or service; the benefit to CalCPA members (discount price, unique service, etc.); the benefit to CalCPA (royalty or other advantage); a brief history of the company and its principals; references; and marketing plan.

AFFINITY PARTNERS

CalCPA's affinity partners include:

MBNA-CalCPA credit card: The CalCPA MasterCard includes the CalCPA logo, no annual fee, optional travel rewards program and 24-hour MasterAssist emergency network referral assistance. Personal and business cards are available. For more information, call [phone] and mention priority code NET7.

UPS: Discounted prices on UPS Next Day Air Letters, Air Paks and Air Packages. Additional discounts are available on Worldwide Express letters, documents and packages. For more information, call [phone]. Reference CalCPA's access number C-700045.

Citibank: CalCPA members and their referred clients can receive preferred pricing on business lending and deposit accounts. For more details, call (800) 328-CITI ext. 272.

GEICO: CalCPA members can receive car insurance with complete 24-hour sales, policy and claims service and also may qualify for a CalCPA member discount of up to 23 percent. Call [phone].

HR Powerhouse: Learn how to motivate your employees, exceed your company's goals and achieve success with best-practices human resources information. It's free from Administaff. Visit www.hrpowerhouse.com.

InfoLink Screening Services-Employee Background Checks: InfoLink is a provider of employment background checks, drug testing and pre-placement physicals. CalCPA members receive a 10 percent discount. Call [phone] or visit www.infolinkscreening.com.

I.C. System Inc.: Provides account collection services. For more information, call [phone] or visit www.icsystem.com

ADP: CalCPA members can receive help choosing staff and managing, paying and retaining their employees, all at a discount. Call [phone] and mention you're a CalCPA member or visit www.sbs.adp.com.

Insurance plans include:

CAMICO Professional Liability Insurance: For more information, call [phone] or visit www.camico.com.

California CPA Protect Plus: Provides cost-effective group health and welfare programs to the owners and employees of CalCPA member firms. For more information, visit www.cpaprotectplus.com.

Marsh Group Services: Members have three additional offerings to choose from--a personal umbrella policy underwritten by Continental/CNA, and available exclusively to CalCPA members, that extends to your homeowners, renters and automobile coverage up to $5 million; workers' compensation policy, underwritten by The Hartford, which provides you with attractive rates and low minimum premiums; and Business Office Package, underwritten by The Hartford, which protects your business assets.

So, whatever your need, there's a good chance CalCPA's Affinity Partner Program can help. For more information, visit www.calcpa.org/members/benefits/affinity.

John F. Angelo is CalCPA's division director of member relations. You can reach him at [e-mail].