EDITIORIAL

Save one, lose two.

aF\UTTING expenses is always popular with Ymanagers, but never more so than in a recession when it becomes more of an imperative than an option. Yet some expenditures that are slashed smack more of penny wise and pound foolish than true economy. Association membership is a perfect example.

Monthly association dues, like advertising expenditures, are an easy target for the economizer. Yet their elimination can often be a costly mistake. In tough times membership in your association is more important than ever. The work done on your behalf as well as the results realized by members working together exceed the small savings gained by dropping out of your association.

While it is true that it is usually impossible to justify each and every dollar spent on an immediate basis, the overall benefits, both tangible and intangible, more than make it a dollars and sense proposition to belong and participate in your association.

DAVID CUTLER ed tor- publ isher

We're not advocating supporting your association as you would a charity. Far from it. Association membership, like advertising, doesn't cost, it pays. It will pay you and your people to fully utilize the wide ranging benefits and activities membership provides. In tough times, the new techniques, skills and industry knowledge gained more than make up for the dollars spent.

The associations have a positive track record of achievements for their members that span a broad range of activities. To our eyes they have more than proven their worth. No question, they're pulling their oar in the boat.

Your meaningful participation makes more sense now than cutting your company and its people off from the programs, benefits, information and contacts that association membership provides.

Find another way to save some money.

When dealers compare computer systems their overwhelming choice is Dataline.

The underlying reason is that Dataline understands the complexities of your business. We speak your language. Direct, results-oriented dealer language.

Unique among computer companies, Dataline has specialized for over eleven years in designing only programs to meet the special needs of building supply and home center customers. We start by helping you ask the right questions, by exploring the various aspects of your business, by identifying problems and opportunities. Only then do we begin applying the flexibility of a Dataline system.

And we don't stop there. Working with your staff, we make sure that every Program is runni n g srnoothlg, efficientlA, profitablg.