Member Services

Accounting Services: The association offers a complete accounting service which includes a monthly in-store visit by an association accountant. The accounting staff is headed by Don Harsh, who has his Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA) and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). The accounting staff prepares complete monthly financial statements for members, as well as all audit and other accounting matters. The accounting service is operated on a not-for-profit basis by the association. No income is derived from the accounting service.

Bookkeeping Service: The association provides a bookkeeping service which is custom-tailored to each dealer's specific needs. For smaller dealers, this service often consists of a quarterly visit by the accountant and quarterly financial statements.

Freight Discount Program: This member program offers freight discounts on FedEx Express, FedEx ground, FedEx Home Delivery and Yellow Transportation. Savings can range from 19% to 62% based on the services used. This program is available to those firms that are members of MAERA and NAEDA. (www.mypartnership.com)

Holdworks: This valuable service allows members to customize commercial messages for potential customers to hear while "on hold" when calling your business. The system is easy to use, maintenance-free, and has the latest in digital quality sound. Also, there is a no-questions-asked warranty with customer service just an 800 number call away. Holdworks On-Hold Information Systems - it's simple - it works.

Permit Referral Service: The association continues to assist dealers in the transportation and movement of equipment.

Store Fixtures: The association has available various lines of store fixtures for your retail operation, including magazine racks, gondolas, shelving, peg hooks, and a wide variety of other fixtures for your use. The association has access to several manufacturers with an unlimited number of fixture products.

TOP

Business Management Software

Business Management Systems - Charter Software Inc.: Charter Software is a MAERA-endorsed provider of Windows-based Business Management Software. Software is continuously developing electronic interfaces with the equipment industry's leading suppliers and manufacturers. Regularly updated EPC/e-commerce interfaces create streamlined integration with the industry's leading suppliers saving dealers hours by alleviating the need to re-key or duplicate their efforts. To find out more, contact Charter Software or the Association office.

TOP

Annual Convention and National Farm Machinery Show: Held in conjunction with the premier farm machinery show in the country, the association's Annual Convention offers members the opportunity of fellowship with other dealer members in a setting with key industry representatives which no other convention or meeting can equal. Manufacturer/ supplier contacts, seminars, and speakers are but a few of the benefits for those who attend. In addition, the National Farm Machinery Show has one of the largest varieties of agricultural products to be found anywhere. If it's not at this show.. . it probably doesn't exist. (www.farmmachineryshow.org)

Area Dealer Meetings: Programs of dealer meetings throughout the region are organized. Programs vary, with some produced by the association staff, and consist of general discussions of current legislative matters, various association services, industry problems and solutions, and other informal discussions concerning issues most important to members. Other meetings consist of more formalized programs such as those presented by our attorney on specific problems confronting members in their day-to-day operations.

Dealer/Supplier Relations: The association is an active supporter of industry relations. Our staff also takes an active part in helping members solve individual problems with suppliers.

Iron Solutions: This is your source for trade-in guides, website design and hosting, Internet equipment search, ag appraiser software, real-time guides and much more. Iron Solutions is the e-commerce solution for equipment retailers. Iron Solutions will bring you IRONWEB, IRONSEARCH, and affordable webpage design and hosting. (www.ironsolutions.com)

IronWeb: This site has polls, news and information about the equipment industry. This site will direct you to IronSearch, the used equipment locator for agricultural, industrial and outdoor power equipment. A part of this portal is IronDealer, for dealer-to-dealer information, wholesale search and "shop talk" dealer chat forums. There is an IronChat section for dealers and customers for discussion about equipment industry related issues.

IronSearch: This is devoted to marketing used equipment and has fast become the key Internet service to bring customers and dealers together in the electronic marketplace. This is truly a global site, allowing the user to view the purchase price in their own currency, view pictures and details, as well as calculate the payments with a built-in finance calculator. "MachineWatch" allows the user to be notified by email if the machine they are interested in becomes available.

Home Page Web Packages: With these webpage packages, we can help you keep down the high costs many companies have paid for webpage design and maintenance. We offer Bronze, Silver and Gold packages that allow you to choose the size package that is right for you. We can also custom design a site if the packages do not fit your needs. We also provide hosting on our service if you would like to design your own home page, or we can link the Iron Search engine into your existing home page.

Association Scholarship Program: Kentucky association members look with confidence to the future of our industry in their strong support of the association's scholarship program. Scores of young men and women have received assistance with financial aid and summer or part-time employment in member dealerships. Kentucky schools participating in the program are University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University, Murray State University, and Western Kentucky University.

Foundation Scholarship Program: The Indiana Implement Dealers Foundation was formed to provide funds for student scholarships for mechanics training and for other dealer education purposes. Funding for these scholarships comes from voluntary contributions from association members and other individual donors interested in the enhancement of our industry. Download the scholarship application.

Bookkeeping Forms: The association markets and supplies various business forms required in the operation of your business.

Bookkeeping Supplies: The association provides a variety of custom-tailored bookkeeping supplies. These include salesman's daily activity reports, speed memos, workman's daily time records, purchase orders, daily sales and receipt summary forms, and inventory cards, to name a few.

Business Forms: The association has a complete line of business forms necessary for your store. We have a wide variety of sales tickets, repair orders, equipment consignment forms, and rental and lease forms available for your operation.

Business Supplies: Inventory tags, customized labels or decals and plastic parts bags are just a few of the business supplies available from your association. We have access to hundreds of items you use in your business daily. Call the association office for the items and prices you need.

Computer Forms: The association continues to make available various computer forms at the lowest possible prices. We have forms available for HBS, DIS, Challenger, JDIS, and many other computer systems. Some forms can be customized to your specific needs. Call the association for a price quote.

Computer Supplies: The association's extensive utilization of computer supplies makes group-buying an effective way to keep costs to a minimum. A wide variety of computer supplies are available at substantially discounted prices.

Industry Trends - Monitoring: The association compiles statistical information and monitors industry trends and conditions. The association is a source of information on the future of our industry.

Information Service: The association maintains substantial resource material on industry statistics and other information. This information service is available to members on a no charge basis.

Public Relations: On a regular basis the association sends news releases concerning our industry to your local publications.

Reference Service: As a member you are encouraged to contact the association concerning any problem or question you might have. Oftentimes, other dealers have experienced the same problem or have had the same questions. If we don't have the answer, we will assist you in resolving the problem or getting the answer to a particular question.

Disability Insurance Programs: Both short-term and long-term disability insurance programs are offered to the association members. (Federated Insurance – Indiana) (Weilage Benefit Specialists – Kentucky)

In Kentucky, we work with Weilage Benefit Specialists and CHA to offer Kentucky members the latest group health coverage options. (www.maxyourbenefits.com)

Insurance Survey Service: Our insurance underwriter provides a complete "security survey" for members on a no charge basis. (www.federatedinsurance.com)

Property/Liability Insurance Programs: The association administers a Property and Liability Pool Program. Our excellent loss ratios in this program have allowed dealers to receive the very best of coverage at the lowest possible rates. (www.federatedinsurance.com)

Pension, Profit Sharing & 401(k) Plans: Tax Favored Benefits (TFB) is a full service employee benefits firm specializing in pension, profit sharing, 401(k) and deferred compensation plans. TFB provides qualified and non-qualified plan design, complete administration, plan investment options, participant education and ongoing communication and investment strategy to member firms and their employees. (www.taxfavoredbenefits.com)

Voluntary Employee Benefits: A full line of Voluntary Employee Benefits are available to the MAERA members and their employees. Allow your employees to choose the benefits they personally need from these availalbe plans, and purchase discounted, portable insurance programs through payroll deduction. MAERA has worked hard to establish relationships with insurers for top-notch employee benefit plans that provide each employer group an opportunity to offer insurance lans that are normally only available to large corporations." Find out more, go to www.agencyassoc.com/business/benefits.aspx.

Worker's Compensation Insurance Programs: The association administers the Worker's Compensation Pool Program. This pool has allowed members to receive the lowest possible insurance rates. (www.federatedinsurance.com)

Drug/Alcohol Screening Program: This association program was designed to help dealers meet the state and federal testing requirements for truck drivers. Simplicity is the key to this program. This program meets all current state and federal regulations and assures those dealers enrolled in the program are in compliance. The program includes: sample collection at the dealer's location; all proper recordkeeping forms necessary; enrollment in a random selection program; medical review officer; and help with setting up a firm's written policy plus much more.

Employment Services: Through contacts and support of state schools, the association promotes and assists in the development and operation of courses and other curriculum helpful to you. In addition, the association often assists members in locating prospective employees.

Salary & Compensation Information Service: The association performs annual wage and salary surveys among members. This information is compiled in such a way as to be invaluable to dealer managers in determining compensation schedules.

Special Management Seminars: The association produces management seminars throughout the region on topics of current interest to members.

Toolchex: Toolchex can help you save up to $1,000 a year for every employee who uses his or her own tools on the job. It also puts more money in your employee’s pocket. Toolchex is a third party administrator of a working condition fringe benefit under an accountable plan. This plan helps an employee that is required to have tools and equipment as a condition of employment, and who incurs related expenses in the performance of services for his employer. (www.toolchex.com)

Recovery One: Time is money and one of the least favorite jobs of every dealer is collection of past due accounts. RECOVERY ONE treats each case under its own specialized needs. RECOVERY ONE's unique Accounts Management Code system allows you to maintain control of placed accounts and control the manner and tone of the collection activities. They also add collection costs and attorney's fees to the balance of each account, per your company policies, thus reducing your collection agency related costs. Visit the RECOVERY ONE website at www.recoveryonellc.com for more information on this Association recommended service.

Credit Card Program: Members now have available the convenience of MasterCard and Visa processing at low discount rates, 24-hour toll-free support, quick customer service, and fast funds availability. Now you can improve your customer payment system and enhance customer service at a reasonable cost.

Data Processing: Through our accounting department, dealers may elect to compile their own financial data for mailing into our data processing center in the association. Within 48 hours we will formulate complete financial statements and mail them back to the dealer. Other types of data processing that dealers may desire can also be done by the association.

Fail-Safe Product Protection: This fully insured extended warranty program provides members with a program that adds profit to their bottom line and gives customers a comprehensive, bulletproof program that picks up where the manufacturers warranty leaves off. (www.fspp.com)

Retail Financing: NAEDA Financial LTD (NFL) provides retail financing to MAERA members. This NO recourse, No reserves financing provides 100% of the amount financed with no contingent liabilities. Members are provided increased profit margins, low competitive interest rates, user-friendly programs, simple documentation and quick dealer settlements as just a few of the benefits of NFL. (www.NAEDAfinancial.com)

Wholesale Financing: Textron Financial is your wholesale financing partner. This company provides wholesale financing to equipment retailers. The process is efficient and easy. Just call a Textron Credit Analyst to get started with the program. Textron does all the work so you can focus on your customers and your sales volume.

2005 Cost of Doing Business Study: The Cost of Doing Business Study presents the annual financial and operational profile of independent, retail equipment dealerships. Download the Cost of Doing Business Study Order Form

Flat Rate Guides: Your Association has two valuable guides available to help you provide estimates for customer work, develop flat rate billing fees, facilitate multiple line service, estimate repair costs on trade-in units and analyze productivity of technicians. We have one guide for combines and agricultural tractors over 40 HP and a guide for outdoor power equipment. Both are available in either book or CD format with special pricing for the combined purchase of a book and CD.

Trade-In Guides: We are your source for equipment valuation guides. We have several guides and options available.

Official Guide for Tractors and Farm Equipment: Published quarterly, with values determined by actual sales reports from dealers and auction houses, these guides are used by all major manufacturers and financial lending institutions. They are a valuable resource for determining the proper ages of equipment through the use of serial numbers and manufacturing years. Equipment contained in the Guides 2000 are tractors, combines, balers, forage harvesters, mower conditioners, skid steer loaders, and windrowers.

Specifications & Data Guide: Published annually, this guide lists the average resale values for farm equipment 20 to 50 years old. This guide also contains serial numbers and locations plus Nebraska Tractor Test Data.

Ag Appraiser: This software provides instant access to the Guides 2000 values to enhance the efficiency and professionalism of your sales team. You can compare trade guide values with factored values based on your used market conditions. Plus, customize appraisals by adjusting for machine hours, factory options, reconditioning costs and delivery costs. It also automatically includes your desired gross margin in the appraised value. Floor plan values show instantly and can easily be programmed to match your financing company.

Real-Time Trade-In Guides: Get up-to-the-minute values on your used equipment trades via the Internet with realtime trade-in guides. Values are adjusted daily based on dealer and auction house sales reports. Real-time guides also offer you the opportunity to customize the information for what you want to see. For instance, if you just want to see reports from dealers in Indiana or Case dealers in Kentucky, you can customize it. It's your call.

Management Aids: The association publishes management aids for members on current subjects of interest. For example, the association recently distributed management aids on manufacturer contracts and trucking regulations.

Membership Directory: The association publishes and distributes a membership directory.

Outdoor Power Equipment Trade-in Guide: This trade-in guide is made available to you at special member pricing. This contains valuable information on lawn tractors, garden tractors, commercial walk behind mowers, zero turn riding mowers, front deck riding mowers, compact tractors, utility tractors, and skid-steer loaders. Along with valuable used equipment information, there is a special section for serial numbers provided by cooperating manufacturers.

THE PINION: THE PINION magazine published by the association is recognized as one of the finest dealer publications in the country. Published for all regular and associate members, THE PINION emphasizes industry events, dealership operations and dealership management.

Video/Audio Library: The association maintains a library of video and audio cassettes available to members on a rental basis. Video and audio cassettes on regulations, training and industry information are available. New cassettes are added regularly.

Legal Referral Program: Increasingly, members' problems involve complex legal issues. The association maintains contact with various legal experts in specific fields. Specific dealer problems are referred to attorneys with substantial experience in those particular areas.

Legislative Initiation: As required, the association maintains the necessary legislative liaisons and contacts to facilitate legislative initiation. A prime example of your association's efforts and success in this area was the passage of the BUY-BACK legislation.

Legislative Monitoring Service: The association subscribes to various legislative services which provide complete outlines of all proposed legislation. All legislation affecting dealer operations is evaluated and appropriate action is taken.

Tax Audit Service: Through the accounting department, the association assumes total responsibility for all tax audits for dealers utilizing the accounting service. In addition, consultation is available to other dealers undergoing various audits.

Tax Service: The association accountants are experienced in all aspects of dealer taxation. Whereas a typical outside accounting firm may have one or two dealers as clients, we service dealers exclusively.