ALEXANDRIA, Va. -

If you were to put a group of international nameplate dealers on the spot and ask why they maintain their membership in AIADA, you would get a variety of answers covering everything from global trade to overreaching regulatory agencies. Some would point to AIADA’s spring Auto Summit in D.C., while others would identify its publications, or dealer visit program, as their primary reason for belonging to the association.

On the other hand, many of you aren’t members for one specific event or policy-based reason. Instead you look at the big picture, treating your member dues as a simple and effective way to maintain an active presence in Washington, D.C.

One answer you won’t hear very often is, “I joined for AIADA’s member benefits program.”

The truth is many of AIADA’s members aren’t aware that our member benefits program even exists. And that’s a shame. Because the companies that AIADA has chosen to partner with all represent exceptional value and opportunity to AIADA’s members.

Remember those American Express commercials from the 1980s? Where we all learned that membership has its privileges? Well, they were right on the money. For AIADA’s dealers, membership has tremendous privileges.

The carefully curated group of Affinity Partners who participate in the Member Benefits program — numbering just 10 at the moment — were all selected based on the exclusive deals and discounts they could offer directly to AIADA’s members. You can see the full list here.

AIADA works with these companies to reach dealers through our events and publications, and in turn they offer members savings on nearly every product or service dealers need to run their businesses day-to-day. Look at it this way: We have to buy it, so why not save on it?

As an AIADA member, you can enjoy personalized concierge-level of service by contacting our partners directly through the links on this page. Personally, I’ve seen my stores benefit greatly through my affiliation with AIADA’s member benefits program. And it’s not just good for your business — by supporting the Member Benefits program, you also help support AIADA’s mission in Washington, D.C.

As an AIADA member, you have earned access to these companies. So take advantage of it. One call or e-mail might just change your bottom line.

Larry Kull is the current chairman of the American International Automobile Dealers Association.