AFPD is a good organization, I’ve been with them for 8 years.  They have a lot of programs for many businesses, and we’re able to use the coupon program and get discounts from various vendors.  Most people who take advantage of the programs end up coming back and using them for different things.

AFPD is a good organization, very community focused,”  “The biggest benefit is the government relations interface. They lobby for all of us and work for our rights on issues like federal and state taxes,” “AFPD was behind the initiative to spread food stamps out across the month, which has been very helpful, and they are working hard on the bottle recycling issue, which is painful and expensive for retailers to maintain. We couldn’t do it alone.

It’s unbelievable what AFPD has been able to do.  They’ve done a lot for us but just the CATax alone is the difference between making money and losing money.  And now, with what they’re trying to do for us with the cigarette and tobacco tax is another battle we’re fighting to try to keep it down  where things are semi-affordable for the normal wiring Joe!

It is important to give back to our great industry by doing everything possible to improve the overall well-being of AFPD members.”

“There is strength in numbers. In 2011, the retail environment will change very quickly, and it is critical that AFPD grows stronger in every aspect of our businesses.

I believe in the effectiveness and spirit of the staff and members of this organization. I recommend that all members read the AFPD mission statement to get a sense of how important it is for everyone to promote membership.

I like what AFPD is doing,” “They are very strong in helping the community and working on retailers’ issues.

AFPD is constantly fighting for retailer rights.  They have a voice in Lansing and are there for any questions or peoblems retailers might have.

I feel that the AFPD organization is a great way to bring together people in the industry for exchanges of ideas and concepts, and it’s a great way to meet people through AFPD’s various functions and events.

AFPD is a great association; if you need health insurance you can get it from them.  They also do a lot of networking and I have found business that I can deal with through them.  I suggest that every small business join them.  They help more that other associations; joining definitely wouldn’t hurt.

AFPD is very instrumental in trying to partner with vendors in trying to get better protection on pricing in as many ways as they can.

I don’t think people take enough advantage of the new programs AFPD offers.  The organization is all about the people now, which is different than it was many years ago.

AFPD truly represents its members well.  Auday does a magnificent job in following through with all the needs of retailers and having created a highly respected organization, and one of the most active.  They are working hard and they involve their members.

Quite honestly, AFPD does such a fine job meeting our needs. What I love the most is that when we have a question, they are always ready to answer it or get back to us very quickly.

There are a lot of cynics out there that say AFPD doesn’t do much for the average member, and I’m here to tell them that they do.  I am on the inside, I know what they do.  People don’t realize what goes on behind the scenes, so I tell a lot of people about the work AFPD is doing and what a fantastic job Auday Arabo is doing as President & CEO.

I volunteer because the association helps shape the direction of the industry and also benefits my business.”

“We should continue to educate our members on the benefits of membership so that they take advantage of our programs. We are all small business owners with common goals and we all compete against the bigger businesses. Binding together in AFPD makes us more competitive against them.

As AFPD gains more members, we become stronger, and this results in more legislators listening to our voice regarding issues that affect our businesses.

As a member, we receive better prices on wholesale pricing.  AFPD allows me to buy more and sell more product every quarter.  I also receive a rebate check from AFPD each quarter.

It’s rewarding to be part of an organization that is trying to pool resources to compete with the chain stores, such as the programs that have been endorsed by our committees. They help bring in savings with companies that otherwise would never have been presented.” “With more voices comes more success, because the stronger in numbers and participation in our organization, the more viable we become with politicians in our states to bring about positive legislation for our industry, as well as having more leverage in the vendor community to help make us more competitive and profitable.

We always call AFPD with whatever problems we may have and they always solve it.  They work very hard.  They always call me and let me know what’s going on and what changes are coming, so it’s very helpful.