Building on High-Value Membership Services
While dealing with legal issues is not something most of us enjoy, getting sound legal advice when a problem surfaces may not only save you dollars, it may also bring you peace of mind. The problems for many of us are knowing whom to call and feeling unsure about whether we can solve a problem on our own or need to spend the money to consult an attorney.
For many years, the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association has helped members address both of the above hurdles to obtaining legal advice on distribution and human resource issues. Today we are doubling that service as we continue to look for ways to add value to your membership.
In talking recently with our labor-and-personnel attorneys Joe Schmitt and David James, I learned that often our members have issues that require more than the 30 minutes we provide at no cost. In particular, sometimes the members are looking for assistance drafting or revising policies or agreements.
While our attorneys are definitely willing to help with those types of requests, they often run up against the 30-minute limit.As a result, we are expanding this no-cost member service to 60 minutes.
Joe and David also made it clear that members should feel free to reach out to them for assistance drafting, revising or reviewing policies, agreements or related materials.
In addition to the no-cost calls, Joe and David are outstanding contributors to the Association. They are regular contributors to our Ag Innovator magazine, speak on HR issues at our annual meetings, and write occasional articles for the Shortliner.
Why Stop with HR?
In talking with Trent Johnson, our attorney who works with dealer contracts, ever-changing state statutes, court decisions, and other distribution issues, it is clear that we need to also expand the time allowed for this service, so we have done just that. Sixty-minute phone conversations with Trent are now also offered at no cost as an expanded membership benefit.
In addition to responding to members, Trent has been very active working to file an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of the Association, asking justices to overturn a decision by the New Hampshire Supreme Court that allows the state’s legislature to retroactively extend the reach of the state’s automobile-dealer law to the equipment industry, thereby upending settled contractual rights and obligations.
As with our other legal counsel, Trent regular provides material for our publications and participates in many of our annual meetings.
In the months to come, we will add an indexed archive of legal advice to the Association website, as well as an FAQ section.
I’m so grateful that our strong financial position has allowed our Association to provide these and other planned additional services while freezing our 2017 dues at current levels and increasing the amount of discounts allow for early dues payment.
Vernon Schmidt, Exec. VP – Farm Equipment Manufactuers Association
Vernon@FarmEquip.org