HIGH POINT — As part of its mission to help independent contractors who design and sell products for its members, the International Textile Market Assn. is offering a new representative level of membership made possible by a partnership with the International Home Furnishings Representatives Assn.

ITMA fabric reps will constitute a new chapter of IHFRA and will be listed in IHFRA's online directory and as IHFRA chapter members in the ITMA Rep Directory, which is printed semiannually as well as updated daily online at www.itmashowtime.com. In addition, ITMA will now allow non-ITMA member companies to be listed under fabric reps' contact information.

The package features group insurance opportunities including group/individual life, disability, major medical, professional property and liability, long term care, dental, auto and home.

In addition, discounts are available with Office Depot, Staples, Jos. A. Banks, UPS, FedEx/Kinko's and Furniture/Today.

Travel discounts also are available at five rental car companies and seven hotel groups. Other services include discounts with four wireless carriers, Lyons Credit Service, Hewlett Packard and Best Buy, along with free legal advice and access to the String and Splinter Club in High Point.

Bob Patton, president of ITMA and a sales rep for fabric supplier P/Kaufmann, is encouraging textile reps to take advantage of the new membership level. The cost is $99.

"With one small annual investment, individuals can save more than $1,000 per year on products and services they already use," Patton said. "As an IHFRA member, I have found the Membership Lapel Pin invaluable as it gives access to the High Point and Las Vegas markets, as well as automatic pre-registration for both."