Commonwealth Bank comes to aid of BIA of NSW members
by Bob Wonders on 25 Aug 2011
Darren Vaux, President of the BIA of NSW and Elizabeth Bennett, Executive Manager, Commonwealth Bank Alliance Program jointly sign the agreement on behalf of members. Paul Ruston
The Boating Industry Association (BIA) of NSW is constantly striving to offer sustainable advantages to its members and during the Sydney International Boat Show reached agreement with Australia’s largest bank to join its Alliance Partner Program.
Specifically developed for trade associations, the Alliance Partner Program involves the banking giant providing a range of financial services to BIA members.
The BIA and the bank have signed a three year agreement to the program.
Financial members of the Association can now take advantage of a score of benefits arranged by the Association, ranging from industry-specific stationery, the NSW Marine Directory, car rental programs, various industry seminars, business travel and accommodation deals and foreign exchange services.
Aaron McKenna, the association’s Membership Support and Development Officer, said the agreement with the Commonwealth Bank continued the BIA’s on-going selections for membership benefits.
'We believe this agreement with the Commonwealth Bank will be an absolute win for our members,' he said.
'Essentially, it gives all our members access to financial services and specialist advice from Australia’s largest banking organisation, you can’t get any better than that,' he added.
In its drive for members, the BIA sadly has often encountered the feeling from small businesses that membership of the BIA is only advantageous for big companies, those employing 50 or even a 100-plus staff.
'Nothing could be further from the truth,' Aaron declared.
'Whether a company is a genuine industry heavyweight or a one-person operation, membership of the Boating Industry Association of NSW can prove both valuable and beneficial.
'We run numerous programs solely aimed at assisting our members, whether it involves floor-plans, education and training, assistance with advertising or favourable insurance rates through BIA Marine Insurance.
'Additionally, members have access to the seven in-house divisions which concentrate solely on issues and matters related to specific industry groups,' he added.
For detailed information concerning membership, contact Mr McKenna at BIA headquarters, Crows Nest, NSW, telephone (02)9438-2077.
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