Member Benefits
- The Leadership Institute -
The Leadership Institute (TLI) is a structured, comprehensive, cost effective sales and leadership training program designed specifically for AFCP members and the free paper industry. Industry experts from across the country have pooled their experience and resources to create the best sales training for free paper advertising personnel available anywhere. As a member, you have free access to these training resources. TLI sessions are presented at AFCP Annual Conferences and local association meetings. Archives with training materials for free paper advertising staff that were prepared as part of previous TLI sessions are available on the TLI website.
- Professional Certification for Sales Associates -
Through attendance at TLI sessions, completing minimum experienc requirements and passing a comprehensive exam, sales associates may now earn professional certification. Professional certificate demonstrates to the world that you are a professional in advertising. This certification provides the ability to use the professional designations as part of your letterhead and business cards. Certification is available in three levels: Associate Advertising Executive, Certified Advertising Executive and Master Advertising Executive.
- Educational Conferences -
AFCP coordinates educational conferences to provide a forum for exchanging information on critical freepaper issues, emerging technologies and professional development. Participants meet informally and exchange ideas with sales and marketing experts, industry leading motivational educators and colleagues. NANI participants can attend this conference without charge. This includes all meals and entertainment as well as all sessions and speakers.
- Awards Competition -
AFCP's annual awards competition provides national recognition for excellence in freepaper publishing. The annual competition, open only to AFCP members, recognizes members for outstanding achievements, innovative ideas and dazzling promotions. The competition's 40+ categories recognize the best work by freepaper professionals. Winners are recognized at AFCP's annual meeting each spring.
- Operations Survey -
AFCP members may participate in this comprehensive operations survey free-of-charge and receive the complete results of the survey free-of-charge. The operations survey includes information on revenues, expenses, circulation, production methods, salary levels, employee benefits and interactive media allowing publishers to benchmark their operations against industry averages. Reports are confidential and results are segregated by circulation group allowing comparisons with similar-sized operations. Copies of previous surveys are available to non-participants at a fee of $1,000.
- Co-op Advertising -
Providing co-op advertising services to your customers is easy with MultiAd's adbuilder co-op advertising service. AFCP members enjoy free access to co-op advertising services on the adbuilder website (www.adbuilder.com).
- Networking -
Networking is easy. AFCP's web-based directory provides information on a diverse membership base making access to "expert" assistance available at your fingertips.
- Forums -
The AFCP Forums provide an easy way to network with industry professionals and associates. The open dialogue about current industry issues and challenges provides on-going education on a 24/7 basis year-round.
- Free Paper INK Magazine -
Knowing the latest news, programs and features about the association, fellow members and the industry is important. Free Paper INK is the publication where answers are found. AFCP's monthly magazine has up-to-date information, association business and industry events, as well as timely articles on member's successes, educational opportunities, new programs and more.
- Legal Assistance Hotline -
AFCP retains Seyfarth Shaw, a nationally recognized and respected legal firm based in Chicago, IL, free-of-charge to members, to clarify legal issues and offer general counsel on topics affecting the industry as a whole.
- Credit Card Processing Services-
Member Service Group has been the credit card processing provider for AFCP since 2000. Click here to download and print a free analysis form. Fax it along with two monthly statements to Paul Huntley at (515) 334-7461 or contact Paul at (888) 697-8831 or paulhuntley@membergroup.com.
Applied Merchant Systems (AMS) will design a customized program for all members. Visit their website at www.appliedmerchant.com or contact Joe Benedett at 800-617-7785 or jbenedett@appliedmerchant.com.
- National Classified Advertising -
National Advertising Network, Inc. (NANI) is the largest classified advertising network in the North America, offering national classified advertising sales opportunities to AFCP members. See the NANI website for details on the program.
