What is the Executives Association of Rhode Island (EARI)?
The Executives Association of Rhode Island (EARI) is an elite business networking organization founded to share confidential business leads and information among its member firms. Since 1939, EARI has been a reliable source for leads, business, and contacts in Rhode Island, throughout New England, and around the world.

The Executives Association of Rhode Island is part of the International Executives Association which represents nearly 4,000 member firms around the world.

Who can join the Executives Assocation of Rhode Island (EARI)?
Membership is exclusive. Only one established company from each industry classification is allowed.

Since many types of businesses have yet to be represented in EARI, there is plenty of opportunity to secure your classification before the competition does.

A business may designate alternate EARI members, but the primary member must attend the weekly meetings and meet other membership requirements. With few exceptions, the primary member will be the owner or chief executive officer of the business.

However, the EARI Board may make exceptions to this rule for extenuating circumstances.

Why join the Executives Association of Rhode Island (EARI)?

• To promote your business to those who can recommend your company to others.
• To create new opportunities by doing business with fellow member companies.
• To establish a network of dependable suppliers of top quality products and services.
• To build relationships with influential people in all fields of business and industry.
• To discover information about changing trends in the marketplace before the competition.
• To learn management and marketing techniques that have helped other businesses succeed.
• To gain leadership experience through involvement in the management and activities of EARI.
• To enjoy the camaraderie of other successful professionals who want your business to succeed.

Can members of EARI join any other leads group or similar organization?
No. This is against the Association's policies. Joining any other organization with the same or similar purpose is cause for dismissal from EARI.

However, it may sometimes be the case that an employee of the EARI member's company belongs to another leads group. This is not considered a violation of the Association's policies, as long as the EARI member keeps EARI leads confidential.

What is an EARI membership classification?
A membership classification is an officially designated business activity category. Each EARI member must qualify under one unique category.

Among current EARI members, there are law firms, accountants, communications companies and computer networking experts, architects, financial advisors, insurance specialists, commercial and residential realtors, musical enterprises, printing companies, advertising and media specialists, graphic artists, web site developers, construction management specialists, photographers, and many others.

EARI wants to broaden the types of organizations represented and is interested in considering prospective new members. If you would like to learn more about applying for membership, please contact us.

What types of leads are acceptable for EARI members?
In conducting business, you often hear of opportunities well in advance of public knowledge. EARI members gain an edge on the competition by sharing this information.

Direct leads provide information of value or interest to a particular member.

Indirect leads provide general information that may be of value or interest to more than one member.

Direct referrals occur when one member introduces another member to a potential customer outside the association, either by a card, phone call or in person.
A good lead comes with as many details as possible -- contact name, address, phone number, time frame, and anything else that would help members to evaluate it.

A lead giver may indicate that his or her name can be used or should not be used. Either is acceptable.

What are the attendance requirements for EARI meetings?
Members are required to attend seven Tuesday meetings in any given quarter.

Those failing to meet this requirement are given a warning for the first offense, and then they are required to report to the Board if noncompliance continues. Upon written request, the Board may waive this requirement for extenuating circumstances.

Other RI Execs meetings are voluntary, but members are encouraged to attend as many as possible.

What happens at the weekly EARI luncheon meetings?
The Association's weekly meetings provide an important vehicle for members to network with one another and to enjoy informative discussions and presentations.

At the beginning of the meeting, each member stands, makes a self-introduction, and describes any leads for that week. Where possible, details regarding the lead are given.

Members may also thank other members for business, leads, or favors.

At most meetings, a table topic is designated and discussed over lunch.

After lunch, either a member will give a craft talk or an outside guest speaker will make a presentation on a subject of interest to EARI members.
At some meetings, board business or voting will take place.

Are there any other events held by EARI?
In addition to weekly luncheon meetings, a number of social events are scheduled throughout the year.

Examples include open houses at member businesses, after hours events at various entertainment spots, an annual Pawsox barbecue, an annual golf tournament, and the annual banquet for the installation of newly-elected officers.

Social events may be held in addition to or in place of a weekly meeting.

When an event is held in place of a regular Tuesday meeting, leads may or may not be required, and attendance may or may not be officially counted, as determined by the Board.

What is an EARI craft talk?
A craft talk is a presentation by a member business regarding that business and the services which it provides.