Requirements

Membership Requirements

TNNA is a trade association open only to verifiable businesses providing services and/or products for the needlearts industry.

TNNA offers three types of membership. New applicants must provide proper business identification.

Wholesale Members are companies that exhibit (or intend to exhibit) at TNNA's trade shows. These companies may be wholesalers, manufacturers, designers, publishers, etc., and most often focus on "business to business" sales. Dues are based on a percentage of yearly gross sales (between $225 and $850/year).

Retail Members are businesses that primarily focus on "business to consumer" sales. They are often retail stores, but may also be internet stores, mail order companies or finished product manufacturers. These companies do not exhibit at TNNA shows. Dues are $60/year for all Retail Members.

Affiliate Members are other companies that provide services or materials in support of the needlearts industry. They may be designers, manufacturers' representatives, manufacturing/supply-sourcing, organizations, publishers or teachers. Affiliate Members may focus on "business to business or consumer." Dues are $60/year for all Affiliate Members.

Business Identification Requirements

WHOLESALE MEMBERSHIP
• Wholesale tax number or corporate seal
• Description of company product line and brand names
• Product literature including labels, price sheets, catalogues, etc.
• Names, addresses and phone numbers of a minimum of 3 retail accounts your company currently serves
• Support Services applications must also include 3 letters of introduction from Wholesale Members

RETAIL MEMBERSHIP
Retailer (company with a traditional store front)
Retailers must present a copy of most recent sales tax return* and two of the following criteria:
• Copy of three current dated invoices from three TNNA/industry suppliers for $200 or more
• Copy of Yellow Pages or White Pages listing with current date
• Copy of ad
• Copy of cancelled check from a TNNA supplier
• Copy of store lease
• Copy of company business check
• Copy of payroll check stub
• Copy of utility invoice in company name with current date

*For new business, if no sales tax has been filed yet, a copy of the sales tax certificate or seller's permit is required.

For traditional retail stores not yet open – two letters of introduction from TNNA Wholesale Members are also required.

A home based retail business must have a fully established display area and customer access. In addition to the retail member criteria, the home based business must provide:
• Photograph of store interior/exterior with signage
• Copy of most recent sales tax return

Mail Order
• A copy of a current catalog
• In addition, three of the retailer requirements must be submitted – one must be most recent sales tax return.

Internet Stores
• Printout of Web site home page
• Provide internet address with proof of ownership of domain name
• In addition, three of the retailer requirements must be submitted – one must be a recent sales tax return and must include three invoices from three TNNA/industry suppliers for $200 or more

Finished Product Manufacturers
Companies that are boutique manufacturers selling finished product at retail or through direct markets must provide three of the retail requirements plus:
• A catalog/brochure of their finished product

AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP
Finisher
• A letter of introduction from a current TNNA Retail Member
• A copy of catalog if available (if not available, a second letter of introduction from a current TNNA Retail Member)
• Description of areas of specialty finishing

Designer
Individuals who design for industry wholesale and retail companies or magazines must provide:
• Three letters of introduction from current TNNA Wholesale Members representing their product segment
• Published work (i.e., printed pattern published within the last 2 years, full copy) OR published article (published within the last 2 years, full copy) OR a letter from a current TNNA Wholesale Member stating that you are actively designing for them

Teacher
• Resume or biography
• Published work (i.e. magazine, show or conference)
• Outline of class projects they have taught
• A letter of introduction from a current TNNA Wholesale or Retail Member

Manufacturer’s Rep
• A copy of a current commission statement from a recognized industry wholesaler
• A letter of introduction from a current TNNA Wholesale Member

Manufacturer/Supply/Sourcing
Must provide three of the following:
• A letter of introduction from a current TNNA Wholesale Member
• Corporate seal
• Company brochure
• Copy of ad
• Copy of a company check
• Current lease in company name
• Copy of a utility invoice in company name

Publisher
• Copy of published material
• Company business card
• Copy of payroll check stub

Organization
• Printed material with definition of organization (i.e. membership brochure)
• Copy of Articles of Incorporation
• Copy of company business check