CEO's Message

IT PAYS TO BELONG
The holiday season is upon us again and with many of us feeling a bit of a financial crunch this year, Santa’s not the only one making lists. These days, people are thinking more carefully about their purchases and spending habits, separating the luxuries from the necessities.

Over the course of our 80-year history, we’ve seen our share of economic downturns, and we’re proud that our members have continued to put AAA membership into that “necessities” category. AAA’s guiding principle is to look out for our members in times of need, whether it’s on the roadway or by saving you money on the things you need and on those you desire.

We offer member discounts on insurance (definitely a necessity) and travel; our famous maps, TourBooks® and TripTiks® are always free; and you can get some great deals on luggage, attraction and movie tickets, and travel gear in our office travel stores. Your membership can easily pay for itself when you take advantage of all it has to offer.

And this year more than ever, we’ve been committed to helping you save by adding new and diverse partners to our Show Your Card & Save® discount program. Last year alone, AAA Arizona members saved millions of dollars just by showing their AAA card at our participating partner locations and online. And many are places where you already dine, shop, play or visit for those other necessities like car repair and home improvement.

Lots of our nearly 200 partners are large national and online retailers like Target.com, Circuit City and Barnes and Noble.com, but nearly three times as many are owned by your friends and neighbors. In just the past six months, we’ve partnered with more than 50 local businesses that are as varied as your shopping lists. Bridal shops and car repair facilities, restaurants and theater venues, florists and recreation venues — we’ve got them all, and more.

So this year, when you’re making that list and checking it twice, make sure you think of our discount partners when deciding where to shop. You’ll more than pay for your membership — and you may save enough on your “needs” to be able to splurge on some of those “wants.”

To find all of the places you can save, visit AAA.com/discounts, stop by one of our offices for a savings guide, or see page 9 of this issue for a pull-out shopping guide.