Friedman Corporation User Group

Purpose
The Friedman Corporation User Group was founded in 1989 to provide a support network for system users, and to generate a cooperative environment with Friedman Corporation for the continued development and enhancement of Friedman software applications and services. The Friedman Corporation User Group aims to create an ongoing forum for education, discussion and problem solving through its meetings, publications, and services.

Member Qualifications
Membership in the User Group is open to any company that is licensed to use Friedman Corporation software. A special category of Associate Members includes organizations or individuals who support Friedman software and have been approved by the Board of Directors.

If you are currently a Friedman software user and are not a memeber of the User Group, please complete the Company Membership Form (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader) and fax to 847.948.9425. Membership dues are collected annually.

Annual Conference
The Friedman Corporation User Group holds an annual conference in the spring of each year. This three-day meeting includes educational sessions, product demonstrations, group discussions, social activities and networking opportunities tailored to the needs of Friedman system users.

Each year, the conference features an extensive schedule of both technical and management-related sessions led by Friedman Corporation personnel, industry experts, system users, and independent vendors. Session topics are selected by the board to best reflect the interests of user group members. The conference also allows special interest groups to meet and exchange ideas and information.

Newsletter
The Friedman Corporation User Group publishes a newsletter that is distributed to members to keep them informed of group activities and provide updates on user group requirements. The newsletter is also a forum for members to exchange tips and suggestions about using the Friedman system. Please consult your latest copy of the 2006 Newsletter, that was distributed to all clients in December of 2005.

Requirements
Each year the Friedman Corporation User Group compiles and submits to Friedman its list of requirements detailing user-requested changes and additions to the system. These requirements are given priority attention by Friedman Corporation, and progress on their resolution is monitored and reported to the membership.

Board of Directors
The Friedman Corporation User Group Board of Directors is elected by the membership at the annual conference. The board consists of a chairman, elected for a one-year term, and four directors, each elected for a two-year term. Two directors are elected each year on a rotating basis. In addition, the board includes the previous chairman for a period of two years, a liaison from Friedman Corporation and a group administrator, appointed by the chairman.

Bylaws
The Friedman Corporation User Group has established bylaws that detail group objectives, membership requirements, election policies, meeting and committee procedures, and a code of ethics. A copy of the current bylaws is available here.

Membership Directory
Members can choose to be listed in the Friedman Corporation User Group directory. The directory details company demographics, nature of business operations and Friedman system applications used. The directory helps to encourage networking, sharing of ideas, discussion of requirements and formation of special interest groups among Friedman system users.

Benefits of Membership
The Friedman Corporation User Group gives its members a strong voice in the direction and enhancement of Friedman system software and services. It also provides a wide range of business and personal benefits, including: