Why Join ARA?

“ARA creates camaraderie between its retailer member competitors, allowing them to learn from each other’s successful business practices.”
 — Tim Ruffner, Brogan’s Awards and Sportswear, Inc., Gurnee, IL

“We had great attendance at our booth. I felt like attendees were more serious this year than ever about learning and growing their business and less people acted like they were just vacationing in Vegas. Thanks!
— Jennifer Foy, Unisub/Universal Woods, Louisville, KY

“Through its trade shows and meetings, ARA has enabled me to meet many people outside of my huge territory, all of whom convinced me that that I made the right choice to work in the awards and recognition industry.“
— Tom Boivin, Tropar Mfg., Florham Park, NJ

“I read it [Recognition Review] from cover to cover. I always find something that I can use/implement in every issue.”
— Toni McCarty, Award Makers, Fairbanks, Alaska

“ARA is like a team: its members will help anyone. They’ve helped us become a better Continental Awards & Trophies, and it gets better every year.”
— Regina “Gena” Russell, Continental Awards & Trophies, Bartlett, TN.

“We enjoy the articles in Recognition Review and the ARA web site.   Don't stop the International show in Las Vegas.  We enjoy it every year.”
— Lisa Buck, Metro Electric Co Inc, Charleston, SC

“ARA has given us a platform to present ourselves to our customers and an opportunity to interact and meet with them in person. As a former board member and through being active in the organization, ARA has provided us a tremendous opportunity to meet and get to know great people in our industry.”
 — Tom Johnson, Johnson Plastics, Minneapolis

“I appreciate the assistance.  I can always count on ARA to help me out!”
 — Suzanne Owen-Wright, CRM, Sign Master, Inc., Seviere, TN 

“I have been in business for 9 years; Recognition Review has been my educational magazine ever since I started.”
— John Barnes, Coast to Coast Laser, Murrieta, CA

“Exhibiting at the annual ARA International Awards Market gives us the face-to-face customer contact that helps our buyers appreciate the quality of our product.”
— Sandy Kasdorf, Kasdorf Manufacturing Inc., Albuquerque, NM.

“ARA keeps us in touch with everything going on in the industry—new products, new people, new equipment, and opportunities for continuing education. We’ve participated in ARA seminars on everything from CorelDRAW to marketing strategies and laser engraving. ARA has also made it possible for members from almost anywhere to attain professional certification.”
— Bill Townsend, CRM, Dakota Awards, Bismarck, ND

“ARA is one of the best organizations an awards retailer can be involved with. We have made wonderful friendships over the years, shared ideas with other owners, and learned so much through education and networking.”
—Don Gustin, CRM, Joan’s Trophy & Plaque Co., Peoria, IL

“Joining ARA helped us tremendously. Without their shows and support we wouldn’t be in business or we’d be back in that 1,500-sq.-ft. shop.”
— Bob Merrill, JBob’s Designs Inc., Euless, TX

“ARA serves as great meeting and clearing house for information in the industry, and its magazine, Recognition Review, is a great forum. ARA’s annual show in Las Vegas show is our industry’s best and the show’s education seminars provide a lot of information that helps us improve our business.”
— Scott Sletten, JDS Industries, Inc., Sioux Falls, SD.

“We had the best show ever this year. We gained more orders this year than we have in the past six years (out of seven) combined.”
— M. David Matney, Principle, NetSoft Studi