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PPFA Renewal Dues due?

I got the email yesterday. It comes with a PDF of the forms for renewal and in it is an opportunity to get a subscription to PFM for half price. There is nowhere in the form for the discount, so I added a line and deducted the $20.00 from the total before mailing it in.
 
The snail mail will be processed in batches using the same methods PFM uses, with zip code sorting, etc. I expect all of them to be out this week. Please use the source code on the email/snail mail if you have it, but any of them will work. We can be pretty sure that anyone paying now is renewing, but the source code on the mailing defines it clearly.

We are hoping that by using an application for renewals we will catch all of the contact information changes like Jim's. And in the future, you should be able to change your information online. It appears that there was no one consistently keeping up with changes that were reported to PMA.

John, I just checked, and your correct email address is on the member list, so unless your email program filtered it out, you should have received it.

You can download the application from ppfa.com. If paying by cc, it is safest to snail mail the completed form.

David, you should be on the supplier list and will be receiving a different form. Let me know if this isn't resolved in the next couple of weeks.

No one will be considered lapsed until all of these changes (and their resulting bugs) are worked out and we are sure we have successfully communicated that it is time for renewal.

Some things are working well now, some others will be up and running this week. But realistically, I think we are looking at another 6 weeks before everything is running smoothly.

The philosophy is to give every member the benefit of the doubt in the meantime. But we have to provide the same indulgence. There are going to be mistakes. PM me if you experience any problems.
 
John Ranes II said:
That's a tough one! :shocked: I remember actually having a membership ID card at one time with my member number on it. Where is it? You've got me. Fortunately, I have it written down in a folder now for future reference.

You might want to check with your Chapter officers who might have some database lists with your number on it. If nothing else works.

John
Click to expand...

John, I've been on the CTPPFA board for at least 8 years, ruling as President at one time, I don't ever remember seeing member #'s listed in the excel sheet!

BTW, my number is filed away....somewhere
 
Yes. Currently you will need to print it and fax it in. Go to www.ppfa.com and there is a link which says Click here to join today. We are working on the online registration but it is not currently active. Memberships are now being processed so everyone that has sent in an application or turned one in at an event will soon be getting the confirmation information.

Thanks!
 
Robin Gentry said:
The renewal notices will be sent in the next couple of weeks from headquarters. You can also go to the ppfa.com website as Cliff stated.
Click to expand...

Could someone please confirm how we are supposed to renew membership and where an how to issue payment.

We have not received any notice - invoice by mail or email.
I am also not sure how to find my membership number as this seems required to renew.

On the site there is a landing page with a form - However I could not find a secure way to pay on line - if there is one, perhaps that could be posted or link added.
http://www.ppfa.com/pdfs/PPFAMembershipApplication.pdf

I presume this is the current form - and the new mailing address to snail mail a check - would appreciate confirmation

We presume the Meadowbrook program is continuing/

per earlier post:
You can also note coupon code FC88 for $20 off $195, which applies to Retail Business Membership - Deluxe. This code should be noted in the SOURCE CODE field.
 
Go to www.ppfadirectory.com Select Membership at the top of the page. This will take you to the membership levels and you can renew from there. Hope this helps
 
Robin Gentry said:
Go to www.ppfadirectory.com Select Membership at the top of the page. This will take you to the membership levels and you can renew from there. Hope this helps
Click to expand...

Robin, we are confused by the UI/GUI on this page - we would like to get this off our plate...

It appears to be a sign up for advertising a listing for our business at the $195 annual rate - I suspect that this is also membership renewal but that is not clear in how it is worded

[h=2]LISTING RETAIL BUSINESS US - $195.00 PER YEAR[/h]

Do we have to fill out the PDF form from scratch as a renewing member? And/Or, just print out and start over and snail mail in? - it is unclear on that to my partner what to do.

Perhaps someone could provide a FAQ / 411 'step by step'?
my partner is also concerned this will muff up Meadowbrook?

the "transition" remains confusing; and perhaps to others as well; I think with the new system/partner/??/post PMA, that it would be terrific to issue/promote/provide a new positioning and charter for the organization.

Especially true with the run up to Vegas in January

thank you
 
My renewal application and dues have been sent in. Are we going to be notified that the application and dues have been received? Will we be getting new door stickers showing 2016? I just sent it in last week so I haven't expected notification yet but was wondering how it will be handled this year. Thanks Joe
 
Joe,

The applications are being processed. There will be confirmations sent after the applications are processed. As to the door stickers they will come but they will take a bit longer, sorry! There are many, many items to be addressed and we have pretty much had to start from scratch with many of them. This is Very, Very Frustrating for us as well as members. If you ever have concerns you are welcome to email or pm me.


Bennett,

There are for Framers there are 2 levels of membership.
First is a $95 Individual Affiliate membership. This membership is for framers who do not own their own businesses, are employed by someone else, sales representatives, etc... This will give the member the opportunity to belong to a chapter, participate in Competitions, be on the chapter rosters, get emails from International, and provide a basic listing (name and contact) on the consumer website.
Second is the level most framers will use. It is a Retail Business Membership $195/$150 (different cost for US and International Members based on available benefits). This level will cover 2 people in the shop, the owner and one other person in the shop. If there are more than 2 people in the shop each additional framer may be added under this membership level at an additional $50 per person. This level will provide the member with a listing on the consumer website which will allow them to list more information to advertise their business to the consumer. This is what you are seeing and thinking it is purchasing advertising. It is a listing for your shop to help promote you to potential customers. I would suggest clicking on listings to check out some of the shops which have already filled out this information. It will act like a "landing Page" for you website or if you do not have a website it will function as your website. You will have access to this page to change information as often as you like, you can add video, photos, links, and information.

Now for the registration process. Which ever level you choose you will need to fill out the application with all of your information. This is the information our membership list is being built from. This is a necessary process because we did not receive accurate information from our previous management. We received several different (3 that I am aware of) lists with conflicting information. So it is necessary to start from scratch.

Meadowbrook will not be affected by the change. They are a member benefit. A new contract was signed with them a few weeks ago to provide the continued benefit to our membership as was provided in the past. Also the Fed Ex benefit has been renewed. Other benefits are being researched and will be added as they are confirmed.

If you have any questions please email or pm me.


I hope this helps.

Robin
 
Robin - Thank you for your detail replay. Allow me to thread for clarity and in hopes this may help clarifying what is happening with the nuances of PPFA for others. We are also curious what is happening in Northern CA as well as far as a local chapter. We are also interested in collaboration as related to two other areas of interest namely 1) contract-framing/wholesale vs retail segment, and 2) Framers who are integrated publishers/large format printing/signage and/or digital labs who then provide clients with a "full solution" design through installation.

We plan to be in Vegas so all this can continue there - hopefully attendance is good.

cheers
Bennett
..................
Bennett,
www.eco-framing.com • www.businessimagegroup.com

There are for Framers there are 2 levels of membership.

we have been a member for two years, I am not sure why we would change status or resign up unless you are redoing the database; that was part of the confusion after PMA/(?) separated to become something new that we still do not understand, the other was the GUI on the listing/membership page​

RG: first is a $95 Individual Affiliate membership. This membership is for framers who do not own their own businesses, are employed by someone else, sales representatives, etc... This will give the member the opportunity to belong to a chapter, participate in Competitions, be on the chapter rosters, get emails from International, and provide a basic listing (name and contact) on the consumer website.
Second is the level most framers will use. It is a Retail Business Membership $195/$150 (different cost for US and International Members based on available benefits). This level will cover 2 people in the shop, the owner and one other person in the shop. If there are more than 2 people in the shop each additional framer may be added under this membership level at an additional $50 per person.

I presume you are not now saying there is a $50/employee add on charge​

re: PPPFA Website:
RG: This level will provide the member with a listing on the consumer website which will allow them to list more information to advertise their business to the consumer. This is what you are seeing and thinking it is purchasing advertising. It is a listing for your shop to help promote you to potential customers. I would suggest clicking on listings to check out some of the shops which have already filled out this information. It will act like a "landing Page" for you website or if you do not have a website it will function as your website. You will have access to this page to change information as often as you like, you can add video, photos, links, and information.

That sounds like a great development - did not know PPFA was doing this -- Per above then I gather this is something new.

My earlier comment was related to the user experience of looking at the landing page with the intent of simply renewing our membership and pay $, if possible, and in error thinking there was an "Add on" cost for something involving advertising. As we are not conventional retail that is not of great value, unless a contract section was established. If I understand you correctly, then that landing page was in fact the "RENEWAL PAGE" though it did not say that int he verbiage​

RG: Now for the registration process. Which ever level you choose you will need to fill out the application with all of your information. This is the information our membership list is being built from. This is a necessary process because we did not receive accurate information from our previous management. We received several different (3 that I am aware of) lists with conflicting information. So it is necessary to start from scratch.

This confirms what was confusing - I gather due to the termination with PMA or (?) that PPFA is starting over with membership and we are essentially building a new database of membership e.g.., shifting to Filemaker 10 from an old MySql DB or something else and you are working to sort out conflicts and duplication.​

RG: Meadowbrook will not be affected by the change. They are a member benefit. A new contract was signed with them a few weeks ago to provide the continued benefit to our membership as was provided in the past. Also the Fed Ex benefit has been renewed. Other benefits are being researched and will be added as they are confirmed.

I did not know about the Fed X benefit - we do everything we can to never ship -thanks to Amazon convincing everything that shipping is "Free" we dread whenever this is requested...​

If you have any questions please email or pm me.


I hope this helps.

Robin[/QUOTE]
 
My answers in Blue

There are for Framers there are 2 levels of membership.

we have been a member for two years, I am not sure why we would change status or resign up unless you are redoing the database; that was part of the confusion after PMA/(?) separated to become something new that we still do not understand, the other was the GUI on the listing/membership page

W need to verify information on all members. The lists we received in some cases were not current. So we are asking everyone to take a couple of minutes and fill in New Applications. You do not have to change your membership level. As I stated Frame Shops are listed under the Retail Business Membership. The change has occurred because in the past membership dues were based on income levels of the shops. This is none of PPFA's business. If you make $1 or $1 million why do we need to know that? So the memberships now come with a set number of people included at one price and each additional person is an add on cost for the Retail Business Membership level.
​

RG: first is a $95 Individual Affiliate membership. This membership is for framers who do not own their own businesses, are employed by someone else, sales representatives, etc... This will give the member the opportunity to belong to a chapter, participate in Competitions, be on the chapter rosters, get emails from International, and provide a basic listing (name and contact) on the consumer website.
Second is the level most framers will use. It is a Retail Business Membership $195/$150 (different cost for US and International Members based on available benefits). This level will cover 2 people in the shop, the owner and one other person in the shop. If there are more than 2 people in the shop each additional framer may be added under this membership level at an additional $50 per person.

I presume you are not now saying there is a $50/employee add on charge

If you have more than the owner and one employee that you would like to have access to PPFA Educational Discounts and Competition Entry then yes there is a $50 add on charge per additional person. This can be paid by the employer or the employer can ask the employee to pay this or they can split the cost. This will be a business decision and each business owner needs to decide this. The $50 add on is a discount from the $95 Individual Affiliate Membership level. Each member will be issued a Membership number. ​

re: PPPFA Website:
RG: This level will provide the member with a listing on the consumer website which will allow them to list more information to advertise their business to the consumer. This is what you are seeing and thinking it is purchasing advertising. It is a listing for your shop to help promote you to potential customers. I would suggest clicking on listings to check out some of the shops which have already filled out this information. It will act like a "landing Page" for you website or if you do not have a website it will function as your website. You will have access to this page to change information as often as you like, you can add video, photos, links, and information.

That sounds like a great development - did not know PPFA was doing this -- Per above then I gather this is something new.

Yes this is new.

My earlier comment was related to the user experience of looking at the landing page with the intent of simply renewing our membership and pay $, if possible, and in error thinking there was an "Add on" cost for something involving advertising. As we are not conventional retail that is not of great value, unless a contract section was established. If I understand you correctly, then that landing page was in fact the "RENEWAL PAGE" though it did not say that int he verbiage

Yes that is the signup/renewal page. Sorry it confused you. If you look at the home page of www.ppfadirectory.com you will see a block in the middle listing Browse Categories. This is a listing of categories business can select when filling in the business listing. You can select all or just a few depending on what you specialize in. There is a category for Commercial Framing which I believe will apply to your business. I signed up someone today who is a restoration expert so her selections would differ from mine and by adding the categories it will help the consumer narrow down their search for framers with certain specialties.​

RG: Now for the registration process. Which ever level you choose you will need to fill out the application with all of your information. This is the information our membership list is being built from. This is a necessary process because we did not receive accurate information from our previous management. We received several different (3 that I am aware of) lists with conflicting information. So it is necessary to start from scratch.

This confirms what was confusing - I gather due to the termination with PMA or (?) that PPFA is starting over with membership and we are essentially building a new database of membership e.g.., shifting to Filemaker 10 from an old MySql DB or something else and you are working to sort out conflicts and duplication.​
Yes. The database is being rebuilt with current information, hence asking everyone to fill out a new membership application even if you are renewing. All members will be assigned new member numbers and every member will have a member number, unlike the past system.


RG: Meadowbrook will not be affected by the change. They are a member benefit. A new contract was signed with them a few weeks ago to provide the continued benefit to our membership as was provided in the past. Also the Fed Ex benefit has been renewed. Other benefits are being researched and will be added as they are confirmed.

I did not know about the Fed X benefit - we do everything we can to never ship -thanks to Amazon convincing everything that shipping is "Free" we dread whenever this is requested...
Fed Ex may not be something you can use but it is there if you need it in the future. I know several people do ship and have found it beneficial. There will be other benefits and as we get the details these will be listed. I just found out tonight there is a deal with Staples. I do not yet know the details but as soon as we get them they will be posted.


I hope this helps.


Renewals are being processed currently. They are arriving by snail mail and fax, as well as online. There was an issue after the system was up and running which has delayed processing but that is now fixed and the last few days memberships have been processed. You should be receiving information in the next couple of weeks if not sooner. Please let me know if you do not and I will check to see what is happening. We will be discussing membership at our next Board meeting which is next Tuesday.

Thanks Robin​
 
not yet finalized. It will be published as soon as it is finalized.
 
David Waldmann said:
I still haven't seen anything about Supplier membership - I presume that will be part of the discussion? Or is it already finalized and just not published yet?
Click to expand...

Actually - David brings up another question - what if we are a supplier (in our case a content publisher) and a custom framing firm?
 
Robin Gentry said:
not yet finalized. It will be published as soon as it is finalized.
Click to expand...

OK........................ but, is there just a simple way I can tell accounting to send a check to ____? at address ________ to handle the dues, and concurrently fill out the form and add the company information on that web landing page?
 
Have you been a supplier member in the past or a Retail Frame member? That would be for you to determine. I can not tell you which you should do.

You can send a check just print off the application and then send it in. When it is received you will then be able to fill in the online information after you receive the confirmation of membership.
 
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