ERA Southern California

Territory - Officers - Committees - Chapter Info

Territory

Southern California, bounded on the north by the Counties of San Luis Obispo, Kings, Tulare and Inyo, inclusive (postal ZIP codes 900-935), Southern Nevada, bounded on the north by the Counties of Esmeralda, Nye and Lincoln, inclusive (postal ZIP codes 889-893), and the State of Baja California Norte, Mexico. Here is the EIA UTP Territory Description: www.erascal.org/Territory_Definition_UTP002.pdf

Officers

         2008 Chapter Board of Directors

            President
            Bill Herold, Conquest Technical Sales
            805-241-5118

            Chairman of the Board
            Gary Smith, G. L. Smith Associates
            714-701-1800

            Vice President
            Ed Reese, Motion Components
            714-255-1080

            Treasurer
            Jay Walters, Signal Enterprises
            951-317-6144

            National Delegate
            Gary Smith, G.L. Smith Associates
            714-701-1800

            Government Affairs Committee Chairman
            Mark Thompson, Interconex Solutions
            714-870-1937

            Membership Committee Chairman
            Steve Tennessen, Astron Electronics
            714-427-5883

            Distributor Chairman
            Rick Balentine, Prime Electro Products
            310-379-3642

            Shows Chairman
            Tim Wolfe, PMC Technical Sales
            714-579-1400

            Executive Director
            Dennis McGillis
            949-551-5200

            Office Manager
            Frances McGillis
            949-551-5200

Committees

2008 Chapter Committees
Committee are the heart of ERA, and are involved in every aspect of chapter operations.
Chapter business is conducted by the Chapter Board, Chapter Committees and the Chapter Office.
Committee activities and recommendations make things happen.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dan Parks, Chairman
Bob O'Brien, Vice Chairman
Harrison Frank, Treasurer
Bob Baxter, Secretary

BYLAWS
Tom Felts
Ed Reese

FINANCE
Jay Walters, Chairman
Bill Herold
Gary Smith
Ed Reese

PROGRAM PLANNING
Ed Reese, Motion Components, Chairman
Jim Harper, Harper & Two
Steve Tennessen, Astron Electronics
Curtis Kaiser, Kaiser & Associates
Larry Courter, Pace Group
Frances McGillis, ERA SoCal

MEMBERSHIP
Steve Tennessen, Astron Electronics, Chairman
Dave Burgener, PUI
Rich Unruh, SMD

OWNER’S FORUM PLANNING
Harrison Frank, Chairman
Ed Reese
Larry Courter
Tony Bruno
Jim Harper
George Gibbons

SHOWS
Tim Wolfe, PMC Technical Sales, Chairman
Dave Snyder
Bill Herold

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Mark Thompson, Interconex Solutions, Chairman

BOARD ADVISORS
Tom Felts, Techrep Components
Steve Geldman, Image Associates
Bob O’Brien, Signal Enterprises
George Gibbons, O'Donnell South

CHAPTER WEBSITE
Gary Smith, Board Chairman
Bill Herold, Chapter President
Ed Reese, Vice President
Dennis McGillis, Editor
Bill Perry, Webmaster

Association and Chapter Information

About ERA

In 1935 The Representatives of Radio Parts Manufacturers was founded in New York City. By 1936 membership had grown to 78 and plans were initiated to establish "chapters" or "sections" in leading cities throughout the country. During these early days the association established its bylaws and initial objective -- "To create a spirit of mutual respect, esteem and cooperation among its members and the radio and allied industries" -- paving the way for the future.

During the latter half of the 1940s the office operation of the association was moved from New York to Chicago. Staff members were hired to help the Industry Relations Committee publish directories and send mailings to industry members. In 1948 the first Representor newsletter was published.

In the 1950s the first, full-time executive director was hired to manage the affairs of the national operation. In 1958, the association changed its name to the Electronics Representatives Association.

***

About Southern California ERA

In 1945 the Los Angeles chapter of “The Representatives” evolved from the Radio Boosters Club organized in 1933.

In 1951 we incorporated as a non-profit: The Los Angeles Chapter of Representatives, Inc.

In 1961 our name was amended to: Southern California Chapter Of The Electronic Representatives Association.

Today we remain the Southern California Chapter of the Electronics Representatives Association. Our separate, member owned, 501(c)(6) California Corporation predates (1945) our affiliation with ERA (1961). ERA National is a part owner of EDS, we are not. ERA National has manufacturer members, we do not. ERA National does not have distributor members, we do.

Our Chapter

Associations have the power to transform society for the better.

Southern California ERA produces dozens of educational, trade show and social experiences each year, publishes ERA Today Newsletter and a weekly email newsletter, provide hundreds of web-based tools and resources, and helps members connect via meetings, forums, breakfasts and other activities.

ERA members are independent business people selling electronic products for more than one manufacturer to customers in a given geographic territory.

Southern California ERA helps members be knowledgeable, professional sales and business people via education, training, publications, trade shows and opportunities to meet with other reps, distributors and manufacturers for mutual benefit and problem solving .

We are the largest chapter in the ERA and our territory stretches from Central California through Orange County and the desert counties into Southern Nevada. Many members also have significant business in San Diego and Mexico.

Our members provide high value services to manufacturers and their customers. They are experts who know the territory and are skilled in identifying new opportunities. They develop new customers, serve existing customers and manage strategic accounts ranging from tiny to the largest names in the industry.

ERA rep firms sell products in virtually all market groups:

Communications: mobile communications systems, telecommunications, two-way radio, wireless systems
Components: active and passive components, interconnect, power sources and other OEM products
Computer: office/home computer systems, LAN, multi-media, graphics, data communications
Consumer Electronics: audio/video, personal entertainment and communications, and personal computers.
Instrumentation: test and measurement, data acquisition, control systems, quality control
Materials, Assembly & Production: printed circuit fabrication, inspection equipment, ESD/EOS materials
RF/Microwave: RF components, sub-assemblies, transmission lines, specialized instrumentation
Sound, Audio-Visual, Electronic Security: professional sound, audio/video and security products

The ERA Southern California Chapter offers many activities and resources such as professional seminars, business and sales training, regional trade shows, a weekly email newsletter, the ERA Today newsletter, and much more. For more information, call 949-551-5200 or e-mail the Chapter office.

The ERA is a partnership - National and Chapter - with the sum greater than its parts.

ENHANCE PROFESSIONALISM AMONG MEMBER FIRMS
The office of ERA Southern California Chapter:

                    15186 Normandie Ave.
                    Irvine, CA 92604-2933
                    949 551 5200 phone
                    949 551 1162 fax

Chapter Meetings - Dinner meetings feature experts in technology, business, finance and government, discussing topics of interest to everyone in member firms.

Joint Meetings - The Chapter co-hosts seminars and meetings with other industry groups active in engineering, purchasing, distribution and management.

Business and Financial Planning - Advice on yearend tax planning and financial controls, legal guidance and business organization are features of specialized seminars.

Educational Programs - Training and technical seminars aimed at upgrading computer skills, product knowledge and selling techniques of field and inside salespeople.

Owners' Forums - Rep firm owners meet in a casual atmosphere over lunch to exchange ideas on a specific subject. Each attendee comes prepared to contribute. A moderator keeps the conversation flowing. An outside expert is sometimes on hand to answer technical questions and provide advice.

Product Directory - The guide is published on-line by the Southern California Chapter and lists all members, with individual pages for participating representatives showcasing their specific manufacturers and products, services, facilities and capabilities. There is a cross reference product index and a directory of manufacturers. Companies seeking representation in Southern California invariably look to the ERA Directory first - a definite edge for ERA members in obtaining new lines.

Electronics Industry Locator - This nationally distributed Electronics Representatives Directory is published by the ERA. It includes a listing of ERA member firms indexed by chapter and provides information on each member firm including ownership, facilities and services, territory, product specialties, number of employees and branch offices. It also contains a telephone directory of thousands of electronics industry manufacturers' representatives identifying major areas of product interest, and the Electronics Industry Calendar of Trade Shows and Events.

Electro-tech Shows - Components, systems and technical products are featured at these tabletop trade shows that take place in engineering and purchasing centers throughout Southern California. ERA reps and Distributors participate in these "invitation-only" one-day events that display new and popular products.

Orange County Electronics Show - This annual trade show and technical forum is presented by two members of ERA SoCal as a means of reaching the Southern California OEM electronics market. The show features 100 exhibit booths plus tutorials and technical sessions, it attracts more than 1,000 electronics industry professionals. www.oceshow.com

ERA SoCal members also have a special interest in two other trade shows:

ERA members belong to a Chapter - Southern California - and many belong to the National organization. ERA National provides a variety of services to members, including:

Lines Available - A monthly list is sent to all members of manufacturers seeking representation, by geography, product category and customer base. Computerized Lines Available listings are a feature for members-only at ERA booths at leading trade shows. A Hot Lines service allows a manufacturer to target a single listing to member firms in selected market groups or territories.

The Representor - This magazine reports on industry, economic and government influences on the representative system of selling, along with business advice and case studies.

Contract Guidelines - Sample contracts establish guidelines for legal relationships between representatives and manufacturers and representatives and employees.

Management Conferences - Multi-day national and regional programs involve workshops, seminars and panel discussions to develop management, operating and selling techniques.

Certification Programs - ERA is a charter participant in the Certified Professional Manufacturers' Representative (CPMR) program, an accredited curriculum designed for representatives seeking the highest levels of skill and knowledge. The three-year CPMR accreditation course is offered at Arizona State University.

Associate (Manufacturer) Members - Manufacturers working with ERA members may join ERA and participate in national conferences and other activities.

                    ERA National
                    300 W. Adams St., Suite 617
                    Chicago, IL 60606
                    312 527-3050 phone
                    312 527-3783 fax

              Or mail it . . .
              Southern California ERA
              15186 Normandie Ave.
              Irvine, CA 92604-2933

Joining ERA

Any manufacturers' representative handling two or more electronic product lines is encouraged to join ERA. All members may belong to National ERA and at least one Chapter. Members may join additional Chapters or Divisions without an increase in National dues.

ERA National dues are shown below, with basic membership for one person plus an adder for each additional employee up to 14. Dues are calculated on the number of full-time employees listed on your application and include participation in one division and a one-year subscription to Representor magazine. National initiation fee (one-time) $100

ERA Southern California Chapter dues are $360 for basic membership plus $50 for each additional employee up to 4. Included is a $35 Chapter Meeting, a $30 Owner’s Forum and $50 credit toward a chapter tabletop show.

ERA National begins its year November 1, Southern California Chapter starts its year January 1.

Annual Dues Payment
National Annual Dues
SoCal Annual Dues	360	410	460	510	560	560	560	560	560	560	560	560	560	560
Total Annual Dues