Getting the most out of our
Business Practices Interchanges

By Donald Croysdale

We generally conduct a "Business Practices Interchange Session" right before dinner at each regular ASA chapter meeting. In member surveys, the BPI ranks high as a valuable member benefit. Our membership has grown, and more and more new representatives and guests are attending ASA meetings. Accordingly, this information sheet is provided to help you get the most out of the BPI sessions.

What is the Business Practices Interchange?

The BPI is a forum for ASA members and invited guests to exchange factual information about the payment and other business practices of companies with whom we do business. The BPI is conducted prior to dinner at regular chapter meetings and is chaired by a member of the BPI committee.

How does the BPI work and who may participate?

The BPI chair calls the session to order (usually at 6 p.m.) and reads a summary of the BPI policy statement. All members and invited guests agree to abide by this policy and are encouraged to participate both in submitting information request cards and in sharing factual information.

Information request cards are provided for collecting questions. A participating member or guest may submit as many cards as they want. The BPI chair reads each information request and invites all members and guests present to share factual information responsive to the request. The more responses the better. While the most frequent requests tend to be for payment practice information, other questions about business practices include retainage, back charges, change orders, subcontract terms and job site management.

The use of the information provided in BPI sessions is strictly determined by individuals in accord with their own judgment. The more you participate, the more valuable the session is both for you and for others.

Summary BPI policy statement

• The ASA of Greater Milwaukee Inc. is providing a forum for the exchange of information among members, and as such, does not imply that this association or its members are making any recommendations that credit should be extended or denied.
  
  
• The information to be presented shall be accurate.
  
  
• It is confidential and is to be used for credit purposes only.
  
  
• Under no circumstances should this information be used to embarrass fellow contractors.
  
  
• The extension of credit is a question to be determined by the individual sellers in accordance with their own judgment.
  
  
• No member or guest shall request, discuss or exchange information at this meeting relating to another member of this association.

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