Sales and Services

▸ Agencies

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), (Labor Dept.), Prices and Living Conditions, 2 Massachusetts Ave. N.E., #3120 20212-0001; (202) 691-6960. Fax, (202) 691-7080. Michael W. Horrigan, Associate Commissioner.

Web, http://www.bls.gov

[Page 72]Collects, processes, analyzes, and disseminates data relating to prices and consumer expenditures; maintains the Consumer Price Index.

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Census Bureau (Commerce Dept.), Service Sector Statistics Division, 4700 Silver Hill Rd., #8K154, Suitland, MD 20746-2401; (301) 763-5170. Fax, (301) 457-1343. Mark E. Wallace, Chief.

Web, http://www.census.gov

Provides data of five-year census programs on retail, wholesale, and service industries. Conducts periodic monthly or annual surveys for specific items within these industries.

▸ Nongovernmental

American Wholesale Marketers Assn., 2750 Prosperity Ave., #530, Fairfax, VA 22031; (703) 208-3358. Fax, (703) 573-5738. Scott Ramminger, President.

General e-mail, info@awmanet.org

Web, http://www.awmanet.org

Membership: wholesalers, manufacturers, retailers, and brokers who sell or distribute convenience products. Conducts educational programs. Monitors legislation and regulations.

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Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Assn., 1101 17th St. N.W., #300 20036-4702; (202) 331-1770. Fax, (202) 331-1969. Mark Pollack, President (Acting).

Web, http://www.ctfa.org

Membership: manufacturers and distributors of finished personal care products. Represents the industry at the local, state, and national levels. Interests include scientific research, legal issues, international trade, legislation, and regulatory policy.

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Council of Better Business Bureaus, 4200 Wilson Blvd., #800, Arlington, VA 22203-1838; (703) 276-0100. Fax, (703) 525-8277 Steven J. Cole, President.

Web, http://www.bbb.org

Membership: businesses and Better Business Bureaus in the United States and Canada. Promotes ethical business practices and truth in national advertising; mediates disputes between consumers and businesses.

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Equipment Leasingand Finance Assn., 1825 K St. N.W., #900 20006; (202) 238-3400. Fax, (202) 238-3401. Kenneth Bentsen Jr., President.

General e-mail, dfenig@elfaonline.org

Web, http://www.elfaonline.org

Membership: independent leasing companies, banks, financial service companies, and independent brokers and suppliers to the leasing industry. Promotes the interests of the equipment leasing and finance industry; assists in the resolution of industry problems; encourages standards. Monitors legislation and regulations. (Formerly the Equipment Leasing Assn. of America.)

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Grocery Manufacturers Assn. (GMA), 1350 Eye St. N.W., #300 20005-3377; (202) 639-5900. Fax, (202) 639-5932. Pamela Bailey, President. Press, (202) 295-3938.

General e-mail, info@gmaonline.org

Web, http://www.gmaonline.org

Membership: sales and marketing agents and retail merchandisers of food and consumer products worldwide. Sponsors research, training, and educational programs for members and their trading partners. Monitors legislation and regulations. (Merger of the Grocery Manufacturers Assn. and the Food Products Assn.)

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International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Assn., 107 Carpenter Dr., #100, Sterling, VA 20164; (703) 391-8400. Fax, (703) 391-8416. Robert Fells, External Chief Operating Officer. Information, (800) 645-7700.

General e-mail, rfells@iccfa.com

Web, http://www.iccfa.com

Membership: owners and operators of cemeteries, crematories, funeral homes, mausoleums, and columbariums. Promotes the building and proper maintenance of modern interment places; promotes high ethical standards in the industry; encourages pre-arrangement of funerals.

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International Council of Shopping Centers, Government Relations, Washington Office, 1399 New York Ave. N.W., #720 20005; (202) 626-1400. Fax, (202) 626-1418. Betsy Laird, Senior Vice President.

General e-mail, govrel@icsc.org

Web, http://www.icsc.org

Membership: shopping center owners, developers, managers, retailers, contractors, and others in the industry worldwide. Provides information, including research data. Monitors legislation and regulations. (Headquarters in New York.)

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International Franchise Assn., 1501 K St. N.W., #35020005; (202) 628-8000. Fax, (202) 628-0812. Matthew R. Shay, President.

General e-mail, ifa@franchise.org

Web, http://www.franchise.org

Membership: national and international franchisers. Sponsors seminars, workshops, trade shows, and conferences. Monitors legislation and regulations.

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