On June 28, cloud computing company Oracle NetSuite introduced the NetSuite Associations and Buying Groups Program. The program will provide associations and buying groups access to an engaged and growing number of businesses and valuable benefits through educational events, networking opportunities and exclusive group discounts.

NetSuite stated that program members will benefit from:

• An exclusive discount: Members can take advantage of pre-negotiated pricing for NetSuite and related services. 
• Educational resources: Members will have access to ongoing opportunities to learn best practices for business growth at annual industry meetings. 
• Industry networking: Members can connect with a broad network of businesses, including NetSuite’s expansive partner network, that are available to discuss opportunities and industry challenges.
• Streamlined communication and support: Members will have a central point of contact for questions and escalations.

NetSuite said that its Associations and Buying Groups Program has a broad group of participating organizations, including a handful in the distribution sector. Participants include:

• Nationwide Marketing Group
• Independent Laboratory Distributors Association (ILDA)
• National Association of Wholesale Distributors (NAW)
• Industry Supply Association (ISA)
• Independent Suppliers Group (ISG)
• Heating Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI)
• National Scholarship Providers Association (NSPA)
• Independent College Bookstores Association (ICBA)

“NetSuite and their team bring an enormous amount of knowledge and experience to the table,” said Aaron Bundschuh, chief digital and technology officer for Nationwide Marketing Group, in a NetSuite news release. “Their renowned and innovative system is designed to be both simple and flexible for our retailers. In order for our members to thrive on their own terms, they need access to the right tools that help them run their businesses more efficiently and effectively. Our partnership with NetSuite provides them with just that.”