The 27,100-member bar currently offers nearly a dozen products, including a credit card, car rental, office supplies and Lexis. Although Bertrand declined to provide actual dollar income, she says these services provide about 43 percent of the bar's operating budget. The offers are evaluated by the Membership Benefits and Services Committee, which meets about four times a year, with additional meetings via conference calls. It reviews product proposals that fit into the bar's profile and needs, following guidelines that were established about 10 years ago. Investing time and energy in the process is useful, but Bertrand finds that dealing with company representatives can be frustrating.
Some salesmen can get a little pushy.
The New York State Bar Association's Membership Committee reviews vendor proposals. Instead of a formal policy, the committee relies on a guideline for selecting vendors that match the association's mission. The bar's 56,000 members can choose among credit card, car rentals, insurance, telephone discounts and overnight package delivery.