TEI and RIA extend affinity contract: member benefits expanded with discounts now available on online programs offered by MicroMash.

• Position: Recent Activities

Tax Executives Institute and RIA have agreed to extend their affinity contract through 2008, yielding significant benefits for both parties as well as for the members of TEI. RIA is a part of The Thomson Corporation and is the premier provider of technology and information solutions to tax professionals. RIA includes such resources as Checkpoint[R] and the treatises and newsletters of Warren, Gorham & Lamont. The affinity agreement guarantees TEI members significant discounts on both new and renewal subscriptions. In addition, the new agreement includes online courses developed by MicroMash, an RIA business, within the scope of the discounts, enabling TEI members to earn CPE credit from their desks. The contract also continues the discounts long available in respect of Carswell, another Thomson business and Canada's leader in tax information. Finally, under the affinity agreement, TEI has the opportunity to assist RIA in the development and assessment of tax information solutions by maintaining an Editorial Advisory Board of TEI members.

"We are excited to continue our longstanding relationship with TEI and its members in support of their mission to enhance and improve the tax system," said Steve Zelman, Senior Vice President, Content Operations. "RIA continues to provide products and solutions, such as Checkpoint, to help tax professionals, including TEI members, work most efficiently."

"RIA has been TEI's exclusive affinity partner for tax research for almost a decade, having previously worked with the Institute to provide significant discounts to TEI members. The relationship has been mutually beneficial," according to TEI President Michael P. Boyle. "Our members have greatly benefited from the high quality of the products, as well as the discounts offered. We are pleased to extend the contract and continue offering timely, accurate, authoritative, and cost-effective services to TEI members and their staffs."

Mr. Boyle explained that TEI's relationship with RIA benefits the organization in at least three ways. "First, RIA affords TEI members a significant discount on the full range of RIA products, including the web-based Checkpoint tax research tool and the unparalleled Warren, Gorham & Lamont tax treatises and journals. We are pleased to be able to add the Micro-Mash products to this list," he said.

"Secondly, the relationship affords TEI members the opportunity to provide RIA with input on evolving corporate tax needs and how RIA can...