WHAT DOES THE ASSOCIATION OFFER ITS MEMBERS The NBVA acts as the central voice and watch-dog for the Bulk Vending Industry: We sponsor an Annual Convention each spring at which the leading manufacturers and suppliers of bulk vending machines and products display their merchandise. We conduct seminars and workshops to discuss current industry problems and interchange ideas. We employ informed and experienced Counsel who are available to advise our members on industry problems and who regularly prepare bulletins of current interest. We annually furnish a Membership Mailing List to all members in good standing. Prospective members interested in the bulk vending industry are furnished with our “Introduction To Bulk Vending” which furnishes helpful figures based on industry statistics. We provide the individual company with a uniform national voice and cohesive force on a local level. We represent our members in collective dealings with the Congress on matters of national interest and we consult and advise with regard to State and local laws, regulations, taxes and licensing. Members receive bulletins from Association counsel throughout the year informing them of the constantly changing laws and regulations affecting them. The bulletins frequently deal with local licensing and state taxation. At the national level, we supported passage of the $1 Coin Act, we reinstated tariff relief our industry enjoyed since 1982 and we monitored the adoption of final Regulations under the new Child Safety Protection Act that mandates warning labels on each machine. These bulletins provide the only source of this type of information available in the country. Any member who cares about his business and wants to operate according to the law must keep advised through Association bulletins. NBVA TAX KIT Immediately upon joining, each member receives a membership plaque, the NBVA Tax Video and the NBVA Legislative and Tax Kit. The Tax Kit contains a detailed analysis of licensing and taxation of bulk vending machines from a business and legal viewpoint, along with instructions on how to combat local attempts at licensing. Sample form letters to legislators are provided. The kit also includes a detailed Special Bulletin explaining the Child Protection Safety Act and the Final Regulations dealing with mandatory labeling. EMPLOYMENT LAW MANUAL Upon joining, we will also furnish you an extensive Employment Law Manual entitled "Hot Button Employment Law Issues: Adapting to the 21st Century." In addition to recent significant developments in employment law, the guidebook covers areas such as: developments in the area of sexual harassment the Americans with Disabilities Act age discrimination the Family and Medical Leave Act how employers can avoid liability under the wage and hour laws, with particular emphasis on common errors employers make than can lead to major overtime liability employee privacy rights new techniques to reduce payroll overhead, such as use of employee leasing, temporary employees and independent contractors how to conduct reductions in the work force how to handle government agency investigations Finally, a variety of sample forms are attached at the end of the guidebook. These forms are extremely useful.