Membership Benefits & Structure
Membership to the ABC Stores of SC
Together, we can tackle anything! When you join the ABC Stores of SC Association, you’re not just a member—you gain a partner. We’re here to help you grow your business while protecting our industry side by side.
We’re all in this together!
MEMBER BENEFITS
Advocacy and Representation
The association serves as a strong advocate for retailers at both the state and local levels, ensuring that your interests are represented in legislative and regulatory matters. This can be crucial for staying ahead of policy changes that could impact your business.
Networking Opportunities
Membership provides access to a network of fellow retailers, industry professionals, and suppliers. This can lead to valuable partnerships, knowledge sharing, and business growth opportunities.
Educational Resources
The association offers a range of resources that help retailers stay informed about the latest industry trends, best practices, and regulatory changes. This can enhance your business operations and customer service.
Exclusive Discounts and Services
Members often receive exclusive discounts on products, services, and events that are not available to non-members. These cost-saving opportunities can improve your bottom line. Example: Insurance Member Only Program– saved $4k in current coverage on a member’s insurance policy, which pays for your membership plus some.
Compliance Support
Navigating the complexities of alcohol regulations can be challenging. The association provides resources and guidance to help ensure that your business remains compliant with all state and local laws.
Community Engagement
By joining the association, you become part of a community committed to promoting responsible retailing practices and supporting the local economy. This can enhance your business’s reputation and customer loyalty. Example: Community forum to ask your questions among your peers.
Access to Information
Members receive timely updates on legal and industry changes that affect the retail landscape. This helps you stay informed and prepared for any shifts in the market.
ABC Stores of SC Membership Types
The ABC Stores of SC membership year currently runs January 1 – December 31 annually. Click the membership application button to join our community today.
Basic Membership | $250/year
Target Audience: For small retailers or new businesses, this membership is designed to support your first year of growth. It includes participation for one company representative and is ideal for those just starting out. After your first year, the membership transitions to our $500 Standard Membership plan.
Basic Membership Benefits:
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- Meet colleagues, develop partnerships and grow business relationships for mutual support and assistance.
- Access to monthly newsletters with industry updates.
- Participation in one annual event at a discounted rate.
- Basic advocacy and legislative updates.
- Access to member-only online resources.
- Access to community forums.
- Inclusion in the member directory.
Standard Membership | $500/year
Target Audience: The Standard Membership is perfect for established retailers seeking greater engagement. This plan allows up to three company representatives to participate, providing more opportunities for involvement and networking within the industry.
Standard Membership Benefits:
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- All Basic Membership benefits.
- Free entry to all association events.
- Eligibility for special promotions and discounts with partner vendors.
- Weekly advocacy and legislative updates – stay informed with regular updates on key legislative actions, including all bills related to alcohol.
- Exclusive Invitation to a Private Dinner: Join the board members and our lobbyist for a personal in-depth discussion on political matters that impact your business. (Standard & Premium Members only).
Premium Membership | $750/year
Target Audience: The Premium Membership is tailored for retailers who want to maximize their influence and engagement within the industry. This membership includes all Class B operations, offering expanded opportunities to shape industry decisions and enhance your business’s visibility.
Preminum Membership Benefits:
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- All Basic & Standard Membership benefits.
- Access to educational resources, example: Best Practices for Liquor Stores
- Direct access to the association mentorship program for advocacy and business support.
- Legal Referral Directory
- Invitation to participate in State House hearings as Association Representative.
- Logo placement at the bottom of all emails.
- Opportunity to speak at association events.
- Recognition on all Social Media Platforms
Associate Membership | $1,250/year
Target Audience: Designed for vendors, suppliers, and service providers, this membership is ideal for those looking to build strong connections with retailers. It’s a great opportunity to showcase your products and services while forging valuable relationships within the retail industry.
Associate Membership Benefits:
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- Membership is unlimited number of individuals with the company.
- Access to retailer members through networking events.
- Opportunities to sponsor events and educational sessions.
- Access to the membership directory.
- Full page color advertisements (1 ad per quarter) in all monthly newsletters for full year with web link.
- Opportunity to have an exhibit table at Annual Membership Meeting (reservation required)
- Company logo and weblink listed in “Red Dot Newsletter” issues.
- Spotlight on all Social Media Platforms
- Ability to send one email per year to members
- Contribute up to 5 pages of content for the ABC Stores Association Associate Resource Guide
“We joined as a gesture of solidarity with the state, believing that the more members we have, the stronger we can become. What I appreciate most about the meetings is staying informed about what’s happening in the state, especially regarding legislation. It’s also reassuring to hear the stories, challenges, and experiences shared by fellow store owners, reminding me that I’m not alone in facing the ups and downs of the business.”
“I joined the ABC Association back when it was known as the Class B Association, during a challenging time as we navigated the changes in distribution rights and the 50ml laws. Along with others, I recognized that Total entering the state would soon put our laws to the test. I did my best to contribute throughout our political efforts, and I feel that we’ve managed to achieve as much as we could have hoped for. Without our efforts, the ABC landscape in our state would likely look very different today. Our last meeting was refreshing—it’s great to hear different perspectives from other stores and learn how they’re working to improve. Being able to share ideas and strategies with others in the industry is incredibly valuable for both myself and my business.”
At our annual membership meeting, it was valuable to talk with other owners, share insights on common challenges, and discuss potential solutions that could benefit my business. Hearing from lobbyist and the lobbying firm was particularly helpful, as it provided clarity on proposed laws and highlighted what we need to advocate for or against. Now, I have a much better grasp of what’s happening in the legislature and the key issues we need to focus on.”
“We joined the association to connect with others in the local industry, learn how to better manage and grow our businesses, and stay informed about issues, laws, and regulations that impact us.
The Annual Fall Membership Meeting was incredibly informative. The legislative update, liability insurance insights from Lindsay, and discussions on credit card processing issues were all invaluable and extremely helpful. I really enjoyed meeting new people in the industry.
I also love the idea of regional meetings. It would be fantastic to meet with others in our area more frequently.”
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MEMBERSHIP?
Contact Hannah Lorance, Executive Director at (803) 339-1682
Contact Us
Contact us today if you have questions about memberships or benefits.
ABC Stores of South Carolina
P.O. Box 2836
Summerville, SC 29484
Office Phone: (803) 339-1682
Email: ABCstoresofsc@gmail.com
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